Solo Travel in Nicaragua – Tips For Women

I just spent three weeks travelling Nicaragua solo as part of a three-month Central America trip. Nicaragua was one of my favourite countries (although not my absolute favourite – Guatemala wins!) with plenty of stunning destinations and unique experiences. How often do you stay on a volcanic island in a lake?

In this guide, I’ll discuss where and how to travel alone in Nicaragua covering the pros and cons, plus handy travel tips that I garnered first hand.

Visiting Latin America? See my solo travel guides:

• Solo female travel in Belize
• Is Guatemala safe for solo travel?
• Travelling alone in El Salvador as a solo woman
• Solo female travel in Mexico
• Brazil solo travel – safety & tips
• Things to know about travelling alone in Argentina
• Chile solo female travel guide
• Travelling solo in Patagonia

Is Nicaragua good for solo travel?

Yes, it’s a suitable and straightforward destination for those travelling alone including solo women travellers. I wouldn’t say it’s the absolute best place in the world, or even the best place in Central America, mainly because of street harassment from local men.

Aside from this obvious annoyance, I had a great time in Nicaragua. There are plenty of good hostels and the tourist infrastructure is well developed, for example there are always tourist shuttles so you don’t need to navigate the hectic ‘chicken buses’ if you don’t want to.

I met plenty of other solo travellers in Nicaragua including other women. The one thing I’d mention is there’s a bit of a party focus, with weekly nights out held in different destinations. Some travellers plan their itineraries around them. If you’re a slightly older backpacker like myself (30s) or simply not fussed about partying, of course you don’t HAVE to go, but it can be harder to bond when people are talking about what happened at Sunday Funday…

I wouldn’t absolutely recommend Nicaragua for first time solo travellers although it can be done.

To be honest, I think very few people come here for their first solo trip simply because it’s hard to reach without at least transiting a couple of other countries first. Most people visit before or after other Central American countries.

I think Guatemala in the north and Panama in the south are easier destinations so, regardless of which direction you’re travelling in, you can get your practise by starting in these places and be ready for Nicaragua. 

Good things about solo travel in Nicaragua

• Good infrastructure with plenty of hostels, guided activities, weekly events and shared tourist shuttles where you can easily get chatting to others
• Relatively affordable if you do want a private room or need to take a taxi.

Bad things about solo travel in Nicaragua

• Men can be creepy – particularly in Granada, groups of loitering men would cat-call or make comments when I’d walk by. Very irritating, but I never felt like they would do more.
• Socialising is often centred around partying – which could be considered a good or bad thing depending on your preference. In my 30s, it isn’t my number one focus anymore, and I felt the younger travellers bonded quickly over events I’d missed.

How to get around Nicaragua solo

You have two options and, as you can probably expect, the more convenient one is the more expensive!

Tourist shuttles – these connect most places you’ll want to go such as Leon, Granada, Lake Apoyo, San Juan del Sur and Rivas (the port connecting Isla Ometepe). They cost $12-35 depending on the distance, a cost that adds up if you move every few days. The aircon alone is often worth paying for! Plus, they take you door-to-door.

Local buses – more often than not, these are ‘chicken buses’ AKA refurbished American school buses gifted to Central American countries by the US. They’re often hot, packed and take much longer than the shuttles (and of course, you need to get to the bus station as they won’t pick you up). They’re often 10x cheaper than the shuttles but not as relaxing for solo travellers in Nicaragua.

Taxi apps – one handy thing to know is that Uber doesn’t work in Nicaragua. Instead, you can download Ray App which is similar. Another option InDrive where you input a bid price and drivers can choose to accept the amount. These apps were handy in Managua when going to the airport and bus station.

I took shuttles between Leon, Lake Apoyo and Granada but rode a local bus between Rivas and Managua (before flying to the Corn Islands) because it was $2 rather than a $30 shuttle. I’d suggest picking and choosing where it’s worth it.

• Sunday Funday in San Juan del Sur – one of the biggest parties in Central America held at Pachamama Hostel with tickets for $37. Apparently even Margot Robbie has been.
• Wet Wednesdays at Raindance Hostel on Ometepe Island (pool party, DJs, bbq etc)
• Friday Treehouse Party in Granada – this DJ event is a 20-minute drive from Granada and can be visited by shuttles that depart and return hourly until 3am.

Best places for solo female travel in Nicaragua

Here’s where I visited and can personally vouch for…

Leon

Where to stay in Leon: I liked Poco a Poco Hostel with beds from $12 a night. There’s free breakfast and coffee, a kitchen, small pool (ideal for cooling off) and free activities like salsa classes. They can help book all your activities and shuttles.

Where to eat and drink: for a plant-based eatery with delicious food and refreshing drinks and swimming pool access, try Coco Calala. For the best coffee in town, try Mañana Mañana. For budget sunset drinks and the best view around, grab a beer at El Mirador.

Granada

Granada was my favourite city during my solo trip to Nicaragua because it had slightly more to do than Leon from kayaking to volcano hikes. There are also nice cafes and pretty sunsets from the church towers. It’s an easy place to wile away a few days.

Sadly, the main thing I wanted to do, seeing the fiery crater of Volcano Masaya, has been closed for over a year as of 2025 due to safety issues.

Instead, I hiked Mombacho Volcano with a guided tour (it can be done solo but was easier with a tour as it’s hard to reach by public transport). Unfortunately, the weather was awful and we couldn’t see much. After perfect weather for Acatenango in Guatemala and Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador, I couldn’t be too disappointed, however.

My highlight from visiting Granada was kayaking at sunset on the nearby islets of which there are 365. I booked this through my hostel for around $25 and it included transport, kayak hire and a fresh coconut to drink at sunset. Any tourism agency in Granada will offer the same.

Where to eat in Granada:

• Comedor Doña Tulita for authentic, local food. It’s more like a local home than a restaurant; I paid $4 for chicken, rice and salad
• Garden Cafe for a treat (brunch, nutritious bowls, cakes and coffee). It’s a beautiful cafe and social enterprise shop
• Banana Burger in the local market is a must visit. Meat or veg patties are sandwiched between fried plantain. Even Ewan McGregor has been, according to a sign on the wall!

Where to stay in Granada: I stayed at Hostel de Boca en Boca which is a great base with beds from $11. It includes free breakfast (eggs and beans or banana pancakes depending on the day) and coffee, an equipped kitchen with blender etc (I got hooked on making my own smoothies) and yoga mats you can use for free on the rooftop.

Laguna Apoyo

I spent my birthday beside this pristine lake in Nicaragua sipping smoothies and kayaking on the gentle waters. Admittedly it can’t compare to Lake Atitlan (a favourite from my solo travels in Guatemala) but I think it’s still worth a visit if you have time.

I liked staying at Hostel Paradiso, somewhere between a hostel and hotel with a mix of dorms and private rooms catering to backpackers, families, locals and tourists. My 4-bed dorm was comprised of me and three other solo travellers.

With dorm beds from $15 a night (including breakfast), it’s good value when you consider that a day pass to the resort costs $7.

The shuttle is $3 from Granada and around $20 from Leon (you need to take a taxi for the last five minutes but this was included in the price, booked through Poco a Poco Hostel in Leon).

The venue gets a little busy when day trippers arrive on the 11am shuttle so I suggest maximising the loungers and shallow waters in the early morning and late afternoon.

The food at the onsite restaurant is tasty but a little pricey, however there’s a local restaurant called Comedor Angelito almost next-door where I tried the local dish of jalapeño chicken for a couple of dollars. A few minutes walk down the road, I discovered a freediving centre that’s also a coffee shop with tasty cakes.

I’d had this volcanic lake island on my radar for about a decade so I was thrilled to finally visit Ometepe. Not only is there plenty to do (most of it involving wonderful nature), but I loved the slow, chilled vibe.

There are no chain restaurants or brands you’ll recognise, just mom and pop restaurants run by friendly locals who speak little English and have lived their whole lives on this beautifully captivating island. The pace is slow which may be exactly what you need during your busy backpacking adventures.

• Visit viewpoints like Mirador de los Volcanoes
• Swim at Ojo de Agua, a natural swimming hole in nature. Although nice, it’s a little touristic and entry is pricey at $10 (including a $5 voucher for the cafe)
• Eat and drink chocolate goodies at El Pital – this is a beautiful cafe with lake views and incredible drinks; I can vouch for the iced cacao. If you’re interested, take the 11am chocolate workshop for $20
• Relax at Playa Mangos – this small beach with loungers and refreshments is a good place to swim in the lake and watch sunset
• Walk at Charco Verde – a nature reserve where you can spot monkeys and agouti
• Climb Volcano Conception – I didn’t do this because I heard it’s very hard without a good chance of views because of the clouds, but plenty of other travellers rose to the challenge
• Hike to San Ramón Waterfall for a (much) easier option – give yourself around 3 hours for the round-trip and ideally go in the morning as I hear it’s sometimes closed in the afternoons
• Sunset at Puesta del Sol – this family-run spot has hammocks and a little lakeside beach you can use in exchange for buying drinks from $1.

Although not things to do on Ometepe exactly, a couple of other favourite finds of mine were Nany’s Coffee Shop (the best speciality coffee on the island!) and the swimming pool at Campestre Bella Vista Hotel that non-hotel guests can use for just $3.

Getting to Ometepe – take the $1 ferry from Rivas port. From Granada to Rivas, take a $15 shuttle or a $3 bus then $1 taxi from Rivas bus station.

Where to stay in Ometepe – I stayed at Nomadas (just a few minutes walk from the ferry port) which is a clean, comfortable and affordable hostel with beautiful fireflies in the garden. However, it wasn’t very sociable so you might prefer one of the better known hostels around the island like Urraca Loca or Raindance (known for the Wednesday pool party). Catch a taxi from the port.

Browse all hostels on Isla Ometepe.

San Juan del Sur

These chilled islands off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua are well worth visiting IF you have the time. I’d suggest including them in a 3 week Nicaragua itinerary but not a 2 week one. Getting there requires substantial time or money so it’s worth staying at least 5 days.

Culturally, they’re completely different to mainland Nicaragua mainly because of the history: they were once British and populated by slaves of African descent. Unhappy with their rules, the islanders petitioned to become part of their nearest mainland, Nicaragua.

Although some folk from the mainland have since moved to the islands, the vibe is much more Caribbean than Central American. Get ready for chilled island vibes, rum and reggae!

You’ll arrive on Big Corn Island but it’s Little Corn Island (a 30-minute boat ride away) that attracts backpackers thanks to its relaxed vibe and secluded beaches. There are no roads or cars on Little Corn. It’s a breath of fresh air!

I’m not sure it’s the BEST place for solo travel in Nicaragua because there aren’t great hostels which is how you usually meet people travelling alone. However, the island is so small you’re bound to make friends and keep bumping them. I also recommend Kelly’s yoga classes and diving/snorkelling to meet people.

What to do on Little Corn

• Diving – the main companies are Oliver’s and Dolphin Dive both with great reviews and comparable prices
• Snorkelling – boat trips can easily be organised for $20-25pp including snorkel equipment
• Walk to Otto Beach at the north tip of the island – it’s a muddy trek through the jungle but worth it for the lovely beach
• Find other beaches – I liked the ones on the west coast with gentle waves making it easy for swimming. Sunset here was beautiful, too. Note that the east coast (windy side) beaches aren’t suitable for swimming due to the big waves
• Hang out at Tranquilo Cafe – the place to be for live music and quiz nights in the evenings. In the day, it’s a relaxed beach bar and one of the few places on the island with power and Wi-Fi throughout the day. I loved the veggie burgers, plus it’s the best place for coffee
• Eat seafood – my favourite restaurant was El Bosque ($7 for fish and sides or $12 for lobster, plus free dessert!). Melissa‘s is the best place for Caribbean fish curry. Don’t expect any frills at either, just fresh, quality food
• Do yoga at the Little Corner – Kelly is a legend and the venue is so peaceful! Classes are donation based; drop her a message on +50557414296 to confirm your attendance.

Getting to the Corn Islands: I recommend flying if your budget allows. Return flights from La Costeña Airlines cost around $200 including bags. The other option is a day bus from Managua to Bluefields then a day boat to Big Corn that departs twice weekly. I hear it’s very bumpy (although very cheap) and often cancelled due to bad weather meaning you have to wait several days in Bluefields which is a bit sketchy.

Where to stay on Little Corn: there’s only one hostel, Three Brothers, with fairly poor reviews so I went for a private room at Grace’s Place on the windy side for just $11 a night. It did the job but was very basic. For my last two nights, I changed to Sea View for $20 which was much more comfortable (with an ensuite), right beside the port which was convenient when catching the morning ferry.

Tips for Little Corn:

• Be aware of the ‘windy side’ of the island – I stayed here initially and, on the plus side, it’s cool at night with no mosquitos. But it’s very VERY windy! Also, walking back from dinner or drinks through the pitch-black jungle path feels a little scary (although the island is very safe) so you may be more comfortable staying on the other, more populated side
• There are no ATMs – so bring enough cash. There’s one ATM on Big Corn but I recommend bringing what you need from the mainland in case it’s out of cash. If you get stuck, Tranquilo Cafe offers cash back for a fee
• If you’re staying far from the port and want a hand with your luggage, email your accommodation in advance. They’ll send someone to carry it for a small tip.
• There’s no power from 6am-1pm – so charge your devices accordingly. Remember, this means no Wi-Fi, either.

Where not to travel solo in Nicaragua

Here are the places you shouldn’t go out of your way to visit…

Managua

The capital of Nicaragua doesn’t have a great safety reputation or much to do. The main reason to visit is for transit, when flying in and out of the country or internally to the Corn Islands.

I stayed overnight here before and after my Corn Islands flight and I didn’t find much to like about the capital. However, if you need to stay, the best hostel is La Bicicleta with a kitchen and pretty garden with hammocks. It was a bit pricey at $20 a night for a shared dorm without aircon (it gets hot) but undeniably the best option in the city.

Near the hostel you’ll find decent coffee shops, restaurants and supermarkets. It’s safe to walk around in the day. For longer distances and at night, I recommend downloading the Ray App (the local equivalent of Uber) or InDrive (used in several Latin American countries) to get around.

Bluefields (aside from in transit to the Corn Islands)

Initially, I planned to take the bus and boat to the Corn Islands but, after learning that the bi-weekly ferry is often cancelled due to the weather leaving you stuck in Bluefields for 3-4 days, I decided to fly instead. Bluefields doesn’t have the best safety reputation and I heard from other solo female travellers in Nicaragua that they didn’t feel super safe.

Unless you’re on a tight budget and need to visit the Corn Islands without flying, I would avoid Bluefields if possible. Remember that what you spend in 4 days if delayed may equal the flight anyway!

Nicaragua solo itinerary

I arrived in Leon overland from El Salvador but if you’re flying into Managua, take a shuttle or bus.

Days 1-2: Leon: take a free walking tour on your first day. I liked this one on Guru Walk including free food in the local market. At sunset, be sure to visit the rooftop of the cathedral for sunset.

For day two, daredevils will want to go volcano boarding down Cerro Negro.

Days 3-4: Lake Apoyo. Relax, kayak and drink smoothies/cocktails overlooking the lake.

Days 5-6: Granada. I spent one day hiking Mombacho Volcano, arriving back in town for lunch at Banana Burger, and another day sunset kayaking from 4pm. Technically, you could combine the days but it would be rushed (however, you can save time by kayaking the afternoon of the day you arrive). I enjoyed sightseeing in the city, seeing sunset from the church towers and visiting the cafes.

Days 7-10: Isla Ometepe. How much time you spend here depends how much you have because it would be easy to wile away a week especially if you drive a scooter.

Days: 11-14: let your hair down in San Juan del Sur beach town (or Popoyo for a more tranquil vibe) to finish your trip. Go surfing, enjoy the party scene or simply relax with a good book.

For a three-week itinerary…

Days 15-21: The Corn Islands. I spent a whole week on Little Corn. There isn’t lots to do but it’s the perfect place to relax (especially if you’re in the middle of a big backpacking trip like me) or get stuck into diving and gain a qualification.

Staying connected – SIM card options

I found that Claro was the best option all around Central America for SIM cards. Sorry to be a bad blogger but I’ve forgotten exactly how much I paid, but I recall it was affordable, I think around $10 for two week’s data.

Once you’ve got a SIM card, it’s easy to top up whenever and wherever; most convenience stores will do the top up when you give them your number. I did this at a random shack on the beach on the Corn Islands and it worked perfectly.

Another option if you don’t want the hassle of inserting a physical SIM, is getting an e-SIM before you apply. Another benefit is being able to use it as soon as you arrive. I recommend Airalo for Nicaragua e-SIMs.

Do you need travel insurance?

Of course! This is the one thing I never travel without.

I use True Traveller; for around $40 a month (based on getting a year’s plan), it covers you for pre-existing health conditions AND if you’re already travelling and/or don’t yet have your flight home booked. The claim process is easy; I’ve done it twice. Click to get a quote.

True Traveller is just for European residents (including the UK) so, for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing.

Read my blog on solo female travel safety for everything to know on this topic!

Final thoughts about solo travel in Nicaragua

I had a blast in this small but captivating country. Although the cat-calling was annoying, I generally felt safe and I loved the range of destinations from small, characterful cities to islands, lakes and volcanos. The Corn Islands have a totally different vibe and I’m glad I included them, too.

To be honest, I preferred Guatemala but I’d say Nicaragua was a close second. These two countries are comparable in terms of their prices and tourist infrastructure (ideal for budget backpackers who like their home comforts from time to time), unlike pricey Costa Rica and Panama and cheaper/less developed El Salvador and Honduras.

Thanks for reading!

Planning visit other destinations? See my solo travel archives; I have you covered from Mexico to Malaysia!