I am 27 yo travelling to nicaragua with my girlfriend for christmas, where should we go?

Question

we like extreme things, not in the sense of parachute but in the sense of memorable experience, new original ones. We hate museum and everything that includes to hold attention more than 5 minutes

Answer 1

It depends on what type of things you want to do. If you stay here in Managua and you're into nature and things of that sort try the Chiltepe peninsula here in Managua. It is located in Lake Managua, Central America's 2nd largest lake. You can do a canopy tour and do a zip line and see the old Managua downtown. Also, you can visit the waterfalls that are located in the Chocoyero Natural Reserve. The water is cold, which is good considering how hot it is here in Managua. The Natural Reserve is one of 78 here, if you're into bird watching you can find many birds whom we call "chocoyeros", they are beautiful and sing. You can also take one of 5 or 6 different trails (i forget how many) and they are all different lengths and difficulty.

If you're into sightseeing, definitely head to one of our Art Galleries here, or museums. You can also head to our old downtown which contains many structures and building which survived the earthquake in 72 that destroyed 90% of this city. They are all within blocks of each others. Also there is the Plaza de la Revolucion (Plaza of the Revolution) where there is a park (just in front of the old Cathedral and National Palace) where there are many monuments. I was just there on Sunday with my cousin who is visiting. There is a huge fair going on right now. You can also head to the colonial cities of Granada and Leon, they are the oldest colonial cities in mainland Americas, both founded in the early 1500s. Other nice finds would be the house of our most beloved poet, and one of the Spanish Languages' greatest writers, Ruben Dario. The house is very interesting and you can also visit the church in which he is buried in Leon, it is the largest church in Central America. Also, a World Heritage Site (by UNESCO) is in Leon, it is called "Ruinas de Leon Viejo" Runins of Old Leon, it is a wonderful site that i was surprised not many tourists knew about (i work with many tourist-related businesses here in Managua).

If you like just to relax, i suggest you head out to the Corn Islands. They are two islands on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. A plane ride is only about an hour away and $100. Everything there is cheap and the water is a beautiful clear white with dark blue spots. Coral reefs, amazingly beautiful and colorful fish, scuba diving, great Caribbean/Chinese/African influenced food and white soft sand beaches. It is nothing like other Caribbean islands which are infested with 60 story skyscrapers, it is honestly one of the last Caribbean islands with its charm... Hawaii may be beautiful but it is overrun with tourists who don't appreciate its people and culture a they do the beaches and cheap food.

Other places you should visit are the islets of granada, Ometepe island, Lake Cocibolca aka Lake Nicaragua, volcan mombacho, the city of Bluefields and Esteli.

If you want adventurous type things head to the city of Leon. There you will find, what i think, is the only active volcano in which you can ski down. I have been there plenty of times, its an adrenaline rush! The gear and everything only costs about $5 and you have to hike to the top and they provide a board and suit for you to slide down... its an absolute must. Also adventurous are the volcanoes on ometepe island, you can hike up them to get a spectacular view. Ometepe island is located in lake nicaragua where you can also partake in many water-relate activities. White water rafting is also available but is hard to find good spots.

I have heard tourist say over and over that the friendliness of this country's people is what keeps them coming back. I work with many tourist operations and provide city tours and it amazes me how people use to think of Nicaragua before they got here. They think there is still a war gong on.. the war has been over for decades. They also think that Central America is dangerous, while that may true, Nicaragua has been rated the safest country in Central America and statistics put it as th second Safest in Latin America, after Uruguay. Homicide rate in 2007 (as of late November) stood at only 12 per 100,000 compared to 58 per 100,000 in El Salvador

Answer 2

go to guatemala instead, to a little town called antigua

Answer 3

many of the people your age head down to the little coastal town of San Juan del Sur.   The south west corner of Nicaragua near the Costa Rica border.  There are plenty of things happening at this time of year.  San Juan is one of the major destinations for the young Managuans.  

For activities - surfing (you have 4 good beaches close by), scuba diving, canopy tours, you can go Playa la Flor and see the Turtles nesting and hatching, there is horse back riding, you can rent dune buggies, motor bikes.  You will have an adventure just getting there as the roads are an experience.  If you like a little more adventure take the chicken bus from Managua.  Assuming you are flying in.    

There are 8 beaches within 7 miles of the town going north and south.  They have some great party places going to the wee hours of the morning...  4-5.  Plus you will have absolutely no trouble meeting people as they are all extremely friendly and enjoy life.  

But beware as this is high tourist season.  The pick pockets are out.  Do not flash a lot of jewelery or your money late in the evening as you are liable to lose it.  

If you have never been to this part of the world you will have to stay to enjoy New Year's  

There are parties on every street corner and in between.  You will see more fire crackers and fire works then you can shack a stick at.

It is not uncommon to be walking down the street, yes you can still walk down the middle of the street there, and someone will light off a string of fire crackers that will go the block long.  

They burn little old men at mid-night to get rid of everything bad that happened last year and celebrate like crazy welcoming in the new year.  The little old men are stuffed manikins filled with fire crackers as well.  Then you end up with an absolutely fabulous fireworks display over the bay.

Ometepe is another great place to visit as well as the volcan Mombacho...  

Go... you will have an absolute great time!

But you better start checking out for accommodations right now, as a number of places will be filling up now this time of year.

Answer 4

you should go to managua because thats the capital and thats where you should start. but you can also go to the beaches, or the volcanoes and take pictures on the very top, theres waterfalls and mountains. its pretty cool over there if you know the place around everytime i go i never want to leave..well good luck and have fun oh and dont  just stay in one city go to other cities and exploree!!!

Answer 5

I have traveled throughout all of the Latin America and Nicaragua still has my heart.   You could go simply for the people but I highly recommend Isla Ometepe in the middle of the lake and the magical Corn Islands.  Go Rambo style and take the overland bus...