Nicaragua What to Expect

Set aside at least 6 hours to visit this city, it is chock full of sites to see. Not many locals speak English, and if you look like a tourist, you're bound to get hounded by kids trying to sell things.

If you are interested in interact with local youth - go to Hacienda Merida at the Maderas-side of the island and chat with kids of the local bilingual school!

Don't miss making a cayak trip to Rio Istian!!

Take aboat over to Ometepe... definitely worth a visit and a climb to the waterfall... (second volcano)

a great place for chilling and planning some surfing around the corner.

beautiful caribic island ;)

Coming of the main road going straight to the beach, when facing the ocean, walk to your right for about 5-10 minutes and you will find a nice pizzeria, accesible from the beach.

Bring some type of towel when staying in a Hostel. Half the time they dont have any.

Take aboat over to Ometepe... definitely worth a visit and a climb to the waterfall... (second volcano)

a great place for chilling and planning some surfing around the corner.

beautiful caribic island ;)

Coming of the main road going straight to the beach, when facing the ocean, walk to your right for about 5-10 minutes and you will find a nice pizzeria, accesible from the beach.

Bring some type of towel when staying in a Hostel. Half the time they dont have any.

When you are visiting the volcano, definitely make sure to bring water and good hiking shoes. There are a lot of hiking opportunities around to get to the good views, both moderate and easy. From the parking lot beside the volcano, there are some steps that are a fairly easy climb if you're in any kind of shape, from which there is a great view. There is also a hiking path leading up to some other views, but this is a more strenuous ascent and in the hot climate, water is a must. Also make sure to bring sun screen and avoid visiting between 11AM-2PM, when the sun is unrelenting.