Just back: Charlie’s Research Trip to Nicaragua
Published 24th Sep. 2026
Written by Charlie Reid
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Charlie, one of our Latin America specialists, spent six weeks exploring the top spots and lesser-trodden treasures of Nicaragua. He spent four weeks travelling around the mainland before venturing to the Corn Islands – an under-the-radar gem. From hiking around the volcanoes near Leon to kayaking through the mangroves of Las Isleta’s, it was a trip packed with highlights. Intrigued? Read on to find out more about Charlie’s adventure in Nicaragua...
- Where did you visit?
- What did you get up to?
- What made your trip special?
- Did you learn about any secret spots?
- What’s your favourite thing you ate?
- What new things did you learn?
- What was something you’d never done before?
- What’s one thing that can’t be missed?
- Did anything surprise you about the destination?
- What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
Where did you visit?
I spent six weeks travelling around Nicaragua. I started with four weeks exploring the mainland, before I headed to the Corn Islands, which are easily one of the country’s – and the Caribbean’s – best kept secrets.
First up on my Nicaragua hit list was the historic city of Leon, steeped in culture and flanked by a chain of volcanoes, which made for some pretty special views from the city! I followed this with visits to Granada, Isla de Ometepe, Popoyo, Managua and San Juan del Sur and lastly, the Corn Islands. Each of these destinations brings something different to the table and is well worth exploring.
What did you get up to?
I was never short of things to do in Nicaragua. Nicknamed the ‘Land of Lakes and Volcanoes’, I spent a lot of time hiking around the volcanoes near Leon. I also wandered the cobbled streets of Leon and Granada on walking tours, kayaked through the mangroves of Las Isleta’s and Ometepe, surfed at sunrise in Popoyo and dived in the Corn Islands. It was incredible.
There’s a real mix of experiences across the country. If you’re into adventure, the hiking, surfing and diving are next level. Or if you prefer a gentler approach, I’d recommend diving into the country’s fascinating history in Leon and Granada, before taking in the biodiversity of Lake Nicaragua and the marine life around the Corn Islands.
Image by waldorf27 / stock.adobe.com
What made your trip special?
Nicaragua lurks in the towering shadow of its popular neighbour, Costa Rica, which means it’s still relatively under the radar on the Central American tourist trail. Think: the same levels of biodiversity as Costa Rica, but without the crowds. It’s that quieter, less-visited feel that made my trip so special.
Some of the highlights were a sunrise surf in an empty line-up in Popoyo and seeing my favourite shark for the first time – the majestic great hammerhead – while diving in the Caribbean. Real bucket-list experiences.
Did you learn about any secret spots?
Yes! There were a few secret spots. The serene surf town of Popoyo is still a hidden gem on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast. Despite its growing popularity in recent years, it’s kept its laid-back surf town energy, which continues to draw in visitors.
Little Corn Island is probably my best-kept secret to date. 60 miles off the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua, it’s only accessible via a propeller plane from Managua, and then a small panga boat takes you to the island. The journey and remoteness are what make it so special. Only about a mile and a half long, there are no cars, no roads, no big shops and only a handful of small bars and restaurants line the shores. It feels like a step back to what the Caribbean was 50 years ago, and thanks to its location, the surrounding reef is still very healthy.
Image by Charlie Reid
What’s your favourite thing you ate?
It has to be the chocolate cheesecake I had on Ometepe Island. I visited a cacao farm and restaurant, where the team grow and produces their own vegan chocolate treats, and where you can also learn about the art of artisanal cacao production – a growing export of Nicaragua.
I’m not normally a cheesecake fan, but after hearing whispers of this famed cheesecake across Nicaragua, I had to try it. I can safely say I’ve never had a dessert so rich and delicious.
What new things did you learn?
I learned that Granada, the pastel-washed city nestled on the edge of Lake Nicaragua, is actually the oldest colonial city in Central America. Named after Granada in Spain, European colonialists settled on the shores of the lake because it gave them quick access to the Caribbean coast.
Image by Charlie Reid
What was something you’d never done before?
Telica and Cerro Negro are two distinctive volcanoes worth visiting. Hiking up Telica volcano allows visitors to witness eruptions up close, while Cerro Negro boasts the world’s only ‘volcano-boarding’ experience, where guests can don a neon jumpsuit and hurtle down the side of the volcano, sitting on a toboggan-style wooden plank. You can see why Nicaragua stands out to budding visitors!
What’s one thing that can’t be missed?
A trip up one of Nicaragua’s many volcanoes is a must. Even if you’re not an avid hiker, some volcanoes can be reached by 4x4, so they’re surprisingly accessible. If you’re staying in Leon, lots of the volcanoes can easily be visited on a day trip. Who doesn’t want to enjoy a drink atop a volcano, watching the sun dip behind the Pacific Ocean?
Image by Charlie Reid
Did anything surprise you about the destination?
Ometepe was my biggest surprise in Nicaragua. The island is much bigger than I expected, taking around one to two hours to venture from one side to the other. The fact that it also sits in a lake makes you realise just how grand Lake Nicaragua really is. I also wasn’t expecting the level of wildlife spotting in Ometepe. A true birdwatcher's paradise, this island offers so much in terms of biodiversity.
What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
In cities such as Leon and Granada, I’d recommend spending some time in the central plazas and parks. Some of my favourite memories of Nicaragua were slow afternoons spent people-watching in Plaza Mayor de Granada and Plaza Parque Central de Leon. You can really gauge the sense of place just by watching street vendors and locals interacting and going about their daily activities.
Image by Charlie Reid
Header image by MarcOlivier - stock.adobe.com
Why visit Nicaragua with Original Travel ?
Beautiful Nicaragua boasts postcard-worthy beaches, lush jungles, thriving culture and historic cities, with the added benefit of seeing far fewer tourists than its neighbouring nations. We can organise a range of activities based on your interests, be it surf lessons on the Pacific coast, sandboarding (or ziplining) down a volcano or wildlife watching in the Indio-Maiz Reserve. Granada, one of the oldest cities in the Americas, is sprinkled with Spanish colonial-era gems and is perfect for exploring on a guided walking tour. Our fantastic local guides will help you gain an insider’s insight into an authentic Nicaragua.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Nicaragua
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
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