Things to Do
Managua
HISTORICAL THINGS TO DO
The following are located 10-20 mins from the InterContinental Hotel. A lot of these require a small entry fee; best to bring cash. PLAZA DE LA REVOLUCIÓN Historic square to see the damaged yet standing Old Cathedral of Managua and a marble monument to poet Rubén Darío. PALACIO DE LA CULTURA Neoclassical building constructed in the 1930s, once home to the National Congress and now housing Nicaragua’s national museum and art gallery. LOMA DE TISCAPA Volcanic crater lake in the heart of the city, offering panoramic views and the iconic silhouette of Augusto C. Sandino. The site was once home to the presidential palace, destroyed in the 1972 earthquake. PUERTO SALVADOR ALLENDE Scenic, lakefront thoroughfare ending at the namesake dock, with restaurants & bars along the way. Each car will most likely need to pay to enter. PASEO XOLOTLAN A three-kilometer boardwalk featuring models of old Managua buildings from before the 1972 earthquake.
Managua
RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCES
FLOR DE CAÑA EXPERIENCIA Basic Tour: $16 | Travel Time: 10-15 mins Immersive rum showroom and boutique offering interactive tours, tastings, and blending workshops centered on the history and craft of Nicaragua’s famous volcanic rum. Insta: flordecanarum https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaCK_8GOqcV/ VOLCAN MASAYA Fee: $2-5; tour for $20 | Travel Time: 30-50 mins Drive to the crater rim of an active volcano to see its glowing lava lake. Visit during the day for hiking and views, or at dusk for the best lava viewing. LAGUNA DE APOYO Fee: $6-9 | Travel Time: 45-60 mins Swim and kayak in the crystal-clear waters of this volcanic crater lake. Day passes include beach access, kayaks, tubes, and other amenities—plan to spend most of the day relaxing here. • Casa Marimba: https://www.casamarimba.com/ • The Laguna Beach Club: https://www.thelagunabeachclub.com/ • Paradiso: paradisonicaragua.com | Insta:paradisonicaragua
Breakfast & Lunch
MANAGUA EATS
ZACATE LIMON Healthy breakfast/lunch options, smoothies, sandwiches, salads - Nicaraguan + American Insta: @zacatelimonrest Travel time: 15 mins BARRIO CAFE Cute breakfast and lunch spot Nicaraguan and American food Insta: barriocafe_nic Travel time: 12 mins MOLINO COFFEE SHOP Multiple Locations Coffee, bakery, breakfast, lunch Nicaraguan + American Insta: elmolinocafe Travel time: Varies CAFE LAS FLORES Multiple Locations Coffee, bakery, breakfast, and lunch Nicaraguan + American Insta: cafelasflores Travel time: Varies LA CASA DEL CAFE Multiple Locations Coffee, bakery, breakfast, and lunch Nicaraguan + American Insta: casadelcafeni Travel time: Varies SKANDINAVO BAKERY CAFE Highly rated Norwegian-owned coffee and bakery Small establishment Insta: skandinavobakery Travel time: 8 mins LA COCINA DE DONA HAYDEE Authentic Nicaraguan Food Breakfast or Lunch Travel time: 5 mins
Steakhouses
You can get a nice steak for $20-$25 :)
We recommend trying out the Nicaraguan-style churrasco with chimichurri EL TISCAPA “Best Churrasco in Town” Nicaraguan Style Steakhouse + Seafood Nice establishment Order the Churrasco steak + Casuela de Frijoles (refried beans with plantain chips and fried cheese) Insta: losranchosnic Travel time: 5-10 mins FUEGO Fine cuts, local flavors, and upscale grill Insta: fuego_nic Travel Time: 10-15 mins PORTERHOUSE Steaks + other meats, burgers, seafood Nice establishment. All the plates are so good. Insta: portershousenic Travel time: 15-20 mins DON CANDIDO Upscale Steakhouse with the biggest selection of meats and cuts + fresh seafood. Their meats are out of this world. Insta: doncandidoresta Travel time: around the corner EL CHURRASCO - AT GALERIAS MALL Nicaraguan-style steaks and fresh seafood Insta: elchurrasconi Travel time: 15 mins
Other Eats
Local Favorites
PH BURGERS “The Best Burger in Town” Fried Chicken Sandwich & Chicken Chunks Insta: ph_burgers Travel Time: 2 Locations 10-15 mins MESÓN ESPAÑOL - AT GALERÍAS MALL Authentic Spanish Cuisine - Paella Insta: mesonespanolnicaragua Travel Time: 15 mins PRIMITIVO EXPERIENCE Bouggie trendy place - more of a dinner place International food, a little pricey Insta: primitivoni Travel time: 13 mins RESTAURANTE EL ESKIMO - AT GALERÍAS MALL Lunch/Dinner International - a little bit of everything Travel Time: 15 mins ÍTALO TRATTORIA MODERNA Italian Food Insta: italomanagua Travel Time: 15-20 mins RESTAURANTE MUNDO International Fusion Food - Small place Insta: rest_mundo Travel time: 15-20 mins PANE E VINO Brick Oven Pizza Place Insta: paneevino_nic Travel time: Multiple Locations
Bars + Going Out
Drinks
CONDESA Upscale club bar lounge Insta: condesa.nicaragua | Travel Time: 10-15 mins THE REEF Casual Bar / Club Insta: thereefni | Travel Time: 5-10 mins Same location as Canta Bar + Primitivo Restaurant CANTA BAR Bougie Karaoke Bar Lounge/Club Reserve a table at 8446 5467 Insta: cantabar_ni | Travel Time: 5-10 mins Same location as The Reef + Primitivo Restaurant BOCA CHICA COCTEL BAR Cocktail Bar - Open 4pm - 3am Lively open-air hotspot, known for its vibrant mixology Insta: bocachicani | Travel Time: 10-15 mins
Padel
Fast-paced racket sport blending tennis and squash
The following are premium padel court facilities. They are all outside with a roof covering, no AC. You will need to download the facilities app or the PlaybyPoint app to reserve a court. PADEL CLUB LAS COLINAS Courts, pickleball courts, gym, lounge area, and food Insta: padelclubnic | Travel time: 15-20 mins RAQUETEO PADEL CLUB Courts, lounge area, and food Insta: raqueteoclub | Travel time: 10-15 mins ZONA PADEL Courts, lounge area, and food Insta: zonapadelni | Travel time: 10-15 mins
Gyms
Note: Some Gyms Do Not Have AC
TRY FITNESS Insta: tryfitnessnicaragua | Travel Time: 5-10 mins FITNESS FACTORY Insta: fitnessfactorygym1 | Travel Time: 10-15 mins BE FIT - AT GALERIAS MALL Travel Time: 15 mins
GRANADA
~1 hour from Managua | Day trip or 1-night stay
Founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, it is one of the oldest European-settled cities in the Americas. LAS ISLETAS 365 volcanic islands on Lake Nicaragua. You’ll experience these at our Island Welcome Party on April 23, so skip this! CALLE LA CALZADA Colorful pedestrian street with restaurants, bars, cafés & live music. Best at night! Be prepared to be sold 1,000 things. CATEDRAL DE GRANADA Iconic yellow cathedral with a bell tower offering beautiful city views. ~$1–2. IGLESIA LA MERCED Climb the bell tower for panoramic views. ~$1–2. CHOCOMUSEO Learn how Nicaraguan chocolate is made and make your own bean-to-bar chocolate. ANTIGUA ESTACIÓN DE TREN Historic train station with vintage railcars. CONVENTO DE SAN FRANCISCO Historic 1525 convent and museum showcasing Nicaraguan history. PARQUE CENTRAL The heart of Granada—great for local food, people-watching & colonial architecture. Best in the evening. PLAZA LA INDEPENDENCIA Historic plaza beside Parque Central where Granada was founded in 1524. DONA ELBA CIGARS Watch cigars being handmade and even roll your own. ~20 Minutes Outside of Granada~ VOLCAN MOMBACHO Explore Mombacho’s cloud forest with hiking trails, wildlife, scenic views, coffee tours, and ziplining. Tip: A 4x4 is required if driving up the volcano. TREEHOUSE NICARAGUA A jungle hostel & club tucked into the Mombacho Volcano canopy, known for beautiful surroundings and its famous Friday Night Jungle Rave.
GRANADA CONTINUED
EATS & STAYS
EATS • Boca Baco (Insta: bocabacogranada) • El Zaguan (Insta: elzaguan_granada) • Bistro Estrada (Insta: bistroestradagr) • Bocadillos Tapas Kitchen & Bar • Restaurante El Tranvía • El Arcangel • The Garden Cafe (Insta: gardencafegranada) • Cafe Xalteva (Insta: cafexalteva) STAYS • La Gran Francia • Hotel Dario • Hotel Plaza Colón • Voco Lake Nicaragua – Granada by IHG • Tribal Hotel More Affordable Options: • Casa Bubu Guesthouse • Secret Garden Hotel
LEON
~2 Hours from Managua | Day Trip or 1 Night
A vibrant city known for its colonial architecture, revolutionary history, street art, and volcanoes. León is less polished than Granada but full of culture and energy. Tip: It’s one of Nicaragua’s hottest cities—dress accordingly! CATHEDRAL OF LEON Central America’s largest cathedral & a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk its famous white rooftop for incredible city and volcano views. STREET MURALS + MUSEUM OF THE REVOLUTION Explore León’s revolutionary history through colorful political murals and a museum led by local veterans. RUBEN DARIO MUSEUM The former home of Nicaragua’s most celebrated poet is filled with personal artifacts and literary history. ORTIZ-GURDIAN COLLECTION Beautiful colonial mansions showcasing Nicaraguan and international art. ~20 Minutes Outside of Leon~ PACIFIC BEACH TOWNS Las Peñitas (lively surfing village lined with oceanfront hotels and cafes) or Poneloya (a quieter, more traditional beach town), two beautiful dark-sand beaches famous for surfing, seafood, and dramatic sunsets. ~1 Hour Outside of Leon~ VOLCAN CERRO NEGRO Hike 1–1.5 hours up an active volcano, then sandboard down at speeds up to 60 mph! You’ll carry your own board up and receive a jumpsuit and goggles for the ride down. Wear shoes you don’t mind ruining—your feet are the brakes! Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4bMltLfO5I&t=13s LEÓN EATS • El Sesteo • Casa Vieja • El Bodegón • Sua León Cocina Mediterranea LEÓN STAYS • Hotel El Convento • Hotel La Perla 1858
SAN JUAN DEL SUR
~3 Hours from Managua | 2+ Nights
San Juan del Sur is the most popular Pacific beach and surf town, known for its lively atmosphere, beachfront restaurants, nightlife, and beautiful surrounding beaches. The main bay is great for sunset walks and dining, while the best beaches are just outside town and easily reached by 4x4 or ATV. BEACHES • Playa Maderas One of the best surfing beaches, with a trendy bohemian vibe and beachfront taco spots. • Playa Hermosa Large, beautiful white-sand beach with hammocks, a restaurant, and great longboard waves. ~$3 entry. • Playa Remanso Gentler waves and one of the best spots for beginner surf lessons. • Playa Marsella Quiet, calm beach ideal for swimming and relaxing. THINGS TO DO • Cristo de la Misericordia Massive Christ statue overlooking the bay with incredible panoramic and sunset views. Hike or take a taxi up; ~$2–$3 entry. • Sunday Funday Pool Crawl San Juan del Sur’s famous Sunday party, moving between hostel pools and bars throughout town. • Catamaran Sunset Cruise Half-day Pacific cruise with wildlife spotting, swimming at a secluded beach, drinks, and sunset views.
SAN JUAN DEL SUR CONTINUED
EATS & STAYS
BARS • Iguana • Arribas EATS • El Pescador, Rancho La Cubana • Restaurante Vivian • Restaurante El Timón • Pizzeria La Terraza • Dockside • Tuani’s Resto Bar • Social Pool & Patio Healthy Options • Irie Cafe • Olha • Ding Repair Cafe • Dale Pues • Ikal STAYS MAIN BAY BEACHFRONT/IN-TOWN STAYS • La Santa Maria Boutique Hotel & Residences • Hotel Alcazar • Hotel Victoriano • Pelican Eyes Piedras & Olas Resort - not beachfront but the nicest one HIGH-END, IMMERSIVE COASTAL JUNGLE RETREATS These are not located in the main town/bay area, but are close enough to it. We recommend staying here 2+ nights. • Tree Casa Hotel & Resort Premium eco-luxury resort built beautifully into the canopy of a tropical forest. It is celebrated for its spectacular bamboo architecture and treehouse-inspired cabins. It includes a farm-to-table restaurant, a relaxing spa, a yoga platform, and free breakfast. • Morgan’s Rock Reserve and Ecolodge Premier jungle eco-lodge in the country, sitting on a massive private nature reserve with exclusive access to a wild Pacific beach. Stunning clifftop wooden bungalows with private plunge pools, suspension bridges, an open-air restaurant, a sea turtle hatchery, and regular wildlife guided treks.
ISLA OMETEPE
~2.5 Hour Drive + 1 Hour Ferry Ride | 2+ Nights
A stunning volcanic island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, formed by two majestic volcanoes. Ometepe is a peaceful natural oasis known for its lush landscapes, beautiful views, and abundance of outdoor adventures. THINGS TO DO • Swim at Ojo de Agua, natural volcanic springs • Kayaking in Rio Istian • Playa Charco Verde • Sunset at Jesus Maria • Sunset Yoga at Totoco Eco Lodge • Iconic Swing at Playa Mangos • Cascada San Ramon Waterfall • Rent ATVs
Beach Resorts
We recommend staying 2+ Nights
~2.5 Hours from Managua~ TOLA • Mukul Resort Widely regarded as a premier luxury destination, offering private villas, a spa, surf, and a golf course. • Rancho Santana A renowned 2,700-acre estate featuring multiple beaches, surfing, and high-end residential-style lodging. https://ranchosantana.com/ • Aqua Oceanfront Resort & Residences Peaceful, eco-conscious boutique resort on Redonda Bay, featuring hillside treehouses and villas surrounded by tropical forest with ocean and Pie de Gigante views. Ideal for nature and wellness getaways. • Magnific Rock - Surf Resort & Yoga Retreat A dramatic clifftop resort overlooking the famous waves of Playa Popoyo. It is perfect if you want an active, social, and budget-friendly surf getaway. ~3 Hours from Managua~ SAN JUAN DEL SUR • Tree Casa Hotel & Resort Eco-luxury jungle resort featuring striking bamboo architecture, treehouse-inspired cabins, farm-to-table dining, a spa, yoga, and complimentary breakfast. • Morgan’s Rock Reserve and Ecolodge Luxury jungle eco-lodge on a private nature reserve with a secluded Pacific beach, clifftop bungalows with plunge pools, wildlife treks, a sea turtle hatchery, and open-air dining.
Intercontinental Hotel Eats
The following are located within the hotel:
• Artisan Pasta (Italian) • Factory Steak and Lobster (Steakhouse $$) • NAU Lounge (Japanese $$) • The Market (International Food) • BLU Bar (Cocktail Bar)
