I had one week to spare in between Panama and Mexico. One week, and I decided to fly over to Nicaragua to explore this part of the world a little more. Let me tell you – I could have stayed here forever and one week does not do any justice to this incredible beautiful country. From all of the countries I went to during this tip – Nicaragua blew my mind and I can’t wait to come back and stay longer (or forever? Haha). Because a week is short, I decided on only three locations in order to make the most of it: San Juan del Sur, Ometepe and Granada. So, for now, let me tell you what I did in a week of exploring Nicaragua.

San Juan del Sur (Sunday until Wednesday)

I learned about San Juan del Sur because of a hostel that I followed on instagram for a longer time already : the Naked Tiger and it’s ultimate Sunday Funday, Central America’s most epic Sunday pool crawl. So, I decided to make it my first stop to join in on one of the craziest parties and to enjoy some beach time. I arrived on Sunday afternoon around 1 and was already greeted by loud music, crazy onesies and lots and lots of glitter. Let’s just say, this party does not disappoint. I had a lot of fun, dancing and meeting new people, so definitely worth it. But San Juan del Sur has more to offer than just Sunday Funday. You can take shuttles to beautiful beaches, surf, party on catamarans, visit the Jesus statue on top of a little mountain, check out their cute bars, cafes and surf shops (my favorite was for sure Auric Surf) or try some amazing sea food on one of the many restaurant on the beach (little overpriced but really good).

Staying at the Naked Tiger was mainly a fun experience, their food is amazing and their parties are great. I just felt like it was a little difficult as a solo traveler to meet new people outside of Sunday funday that were open to hang out and do something with people outside their own group. Maybe it was just a wrong crowd at the time, but that was a little disappointing. But in general definitely a good one, and their view over San Juan is just unbeatable. They only have a limited amount of beds available on hostelworld but it’s a walk in hostel so just go there and see if they can check you in. I stayed there days, including Sunday Funday, which was a good amount of time if you are limited. I would, however recommend to stay over the weekend, as they have good parties on Fridays and Saturdays as well and you might get in touch with more people that way.

Ometepe (Wednesday until Saturday)

Oh, Ometepe, beautiful island between two volcanos – you completely charmed me with your beauty, jungle vibes and great people. I think this place is one of my favorite places on earth right now. I took a chicken bus (a must do when in Nicaragua – an experience, but so cheap) from San Juan del Sur up to Rivas and then a boat from San Jorge to the island. DO NOT take the small boats, I repeat, just don’t do it. The sea can be rough and being sick is not the best way to start your journey. Take the ferry and you and your stomach will be fine. On my way to the island, I met an amazing bunch of people and because we all got along, I decide to follow them to their hostel, which was Zopilote in the Santa Cruz/ Balgüe area. They were already booked out, but still had places for some of us in Elsewhere, which is located on the same hostel grounds. I just loved it there. The walk up to Elsewhere was always an adventure, because you had to follow a small pathway and cross fields and jungle, but it was just great. Outside showers, outside bathroom – the real experience. They offer yoga two times a day, evening activities on some days and the food was amazing, best bread I’ve had on my travels so far. Originally, I wanted to stay at little Morgan’s, as it was also recommended by the Naked Tiger staff, but it’s super close and you can join in on their crazy glitter parties any time and still get a good night sleep at Zopilote.

As I said, Ometepe is just a stunner with loads of things to do. You can climb both volcanos, either the active one Concepcion or Maderas, which will either way take around 8 hours. Besides that, you can also go for a swim, rent kayaks and enjoy the view from the water or drive around monkey island, climb up to the waterfall, go to the hot springs or rent a scooter to explore the rest of the island (careful though as the roads are sometimes very, very difficult). The list is very long and I am sure you will find something to do there, for sure. I stayed three days, but could have stayed for months, because the vibe of this island is just great. And no matter if you want to stay in a fancy hotel or enjoy some hippie vibes, it’s all there, waiting for you. A must do!

Granada (Saturday and Sunday)

Andrea and I took a chicken bus on Saturday morning to get to the ferry (took forever) and then on another chicken bus in order to go to Granada. It was definitely an experience as they fill up the bus until there is really no space left. It was super overcrowded, but we were lucky enough to get seats for this two hour drive. We stayed in De Boca en Boca, which is a really nice and chill hostel close to the center of Granada and right next to the old church. It has a big yard with hammocks and benches, where you can sit together and they were very helpful in organizing my transport to Managua airport early Monday morning,

After we arrived at the hostel, we met up with Filip, who we already met in Ometepe and together we went on the Masada Volcano night tour where you pay 20$ in order to see lava. Don’t do it. I’ve climbed volcanos and I’ve seen lava, this tour was absolutely nonsense and way too touristy. I mean, yes, you do get to see a crater with lava but that’s about it. The bus drives you there, brings you to a tiny museum with no further explanations, drops you off at the volcano crater and after 15 minutes it’s done. Such a waste of our time. At least we had a delicious dinner afterwards and went out to Reilly’s Tavern, which is a fun bar/club in the center of Granada.

The next day, Andrea and I took a tour to Apoyo Lagoon and Nature Reserve, where we were able to chill at the private beach of a hotel, kayak, swim and just enjoy the day. It’s an ok tour but the weather was a bit mixed, so it wasn’t really the beach day we both hoped for. After the trip, we all explored the Granada a little more (really cute city), climbed up the church and enjoyed the last couple of hours together before I had to catch my early morning flight to Mexico.

I am actually really happy that i decided to stick with Granada and did not spend my Sunday in Managua as originally planned. I wish I also could have gone to Leon, as i heard it’s amazing, but there is always room for the next time. So, as a conclusion of this week, i can only say that I loved my time in Nicaragua and you can (and should) easily spend 2-3 weeks there at least when you travel to this amazing country. Nicaragua, I’ll be back, you are awesome. I love you already! See you soon. Ok bye.