Travel Diaries: One Week in Nicaragua
WHERE WE STAYED
Gran Pacifica Resort in Villa El Carmen
Gran Pacifica is a development/resort way off the beaten path on the west coast of Nicaragua. It has a sweet clubhouse with an infinity pool overlooking the Pacific ocean that is amazing! Also, it’s sort of a secret surfer spot, so I sorry to some for sharing, but it is a beautiful and secluded area. BEWARE: There are crocs and painful rocks in this water.
Rosita’s in San Juan Del Sur
Practical, cute, and low-key place to stay that is close to the bay, markets, bars, shopping, and so much more… There’s a courtyard community kitchen with fresh coffee 24/7, WiFi, cats, and bunk beds for all!
WHAT WE DID
This was mainly surf trip, so a lot of time was spent at the beach, although I’m very novice, it was still a ton of fun! Playa Yankee, close to San Juan, was my fav. It had clear water, sea turtles, and involved a walk through a goat farm.
Playa Maderas was another incredible spot. It has mountain views, smaller waves, and boho bars right on the beach. There’s beautiful hillside homes and views; it’s pretty pricey but seems worth it to stay.
Visit the town of Catarina
Catarina was one of my favorite places in Nicaragua. It’s a town right outside of Granada that’s super eclectic with winding streets through neighborhoods full of art and other quirky pieces out front of nearly every home. There’s an amazing lagoon with seating and vendors selling food, art, and jewelry all around.
See Volcan Masaya
We started with the educational museum tour, then rode up the mountain for about ten minutes through bright green grass to Volcan Masaya. That day we got in for around $10 – $20 (locals get a better rate). The volcano is incredible to see, but made me feel very uneasy. BEWARE: Don’t stick around for too long, breathing around the volcano for long periods isn’t advised.
Off-Road through the forest in San Juan Del Sur
Parque de Aventura is an awesome place right outside of the center of San Juan Del Sur. The off-roading was scary, but so fun! Usually there are monkeys hanging out in the trees, but they were shy on this day. They also have zip-lining and a bar with mountain views and canopy swing chairs.
Poolside Drinks at a Resort
The resorts here all look amazing, but the one we ended up stopping at was Villas de Palermo right near the center of San Juan Del Sur. We had rum drinks with starfruit garnishes and swam in the heated pool.
Take a ferry to Ometepe Island
Take a day ferry to Ometepe Island for about $20-$30. I don’t usually get boat sick, but this one made me feel quite queasy. We waited for our car to get rolled off the ferry, then drove to Ojo de Agua, an amazing natural swimming hole complete with a rope swing and diving platforms.
WHERE WE ATE
Breakfast at the Mercado in San Juan Del Sur
The breakfasts here are cheap, huge, and delish. All served with rice, beans, just make sure to get a refreshing juice with those cling wrap fly blockers.
Lunch at Simon Says in San Juan Del Sur
This place is very hip with vegetarian options. Costs a little more than a local spot with about $8 for a meal.
Dinner at Posada Ecolologica La Abuela in Masaya
Treehouse deck dining with breathtaking views over a lagoon. The actual Abuela was there and her food was amazing!
Pali Grocery Stores
The first place we stayed was pretty secluded so we stopped at a Pail on the way to stock up. Pali and Max Pali are WalMart owned stores all over South America with groceries and some toiletries. We also drove through neighborhoods selling produce and gasoline from their homes- open late!
We had such an amazing time in Nicaragua and I’ll cherish the memories forever! <3
