Nicaragua - Land of Lakes and Volcanoes

My first full day in Nicaragua after making a beeline to Leon via shared minivan from the airport. I booked a tour with Volcano Day and met the group at a local hostel for breakfast before departure. We climbed into the back of a huge transport truck and meandered through the countryside, passing farmland and lush vegetation. The landscape quickly morphed into rocky, jet-black gravel around the volcano’s base. An alien world compared to the outskirts of Leon, we arrived at our destination!

As an avid hiker, the ascent up the rugged slopes of Cerro Negro wasn’t an excruciating challenge. But the heat was intense! Hydration is definitely recommended before setting off on the climb. Tropical lowlands fading into volcanic terrain came into full view. Distant volcanoes filled the horizon, and we all made it to the top in under two hours.

After a brief instruction on how to navigate our boards and donning our orange jumpsuits, bandanas, and goggles, we were ready! The ride down is exhilarating and something I’ll never forget. Just be careful not to crash and roll down the slope at high speed. Before riding back to Leon, our tour guide greeted us with some fresh watermelon.

My day wasn’t over since I booked a trip to the beach for the evening. Not long after getting back to Leon, I journeyed to Playa Las Peñitas to lounge on the black sand shores and watch the sunset. The waves at this sleepy fishing village are rough, so swim with caution! I found a laid-back shop right on the beach to relax and watched some locals play volleyball until my ride headed back to Leon.

After a fun-filled adventure, I opted for a low-key day wandering Leon’s colorful streets and colonial architecture. Plus, some afternoon showers made indoor activities more appealing. I started the morning with a classic Nica breakfast at El Desayunazo. Paired with a fresh cup of coffee, I was ready to walk around Leon.

I spent the day gazing at beautiful cathedrals, learning local history, browsing street murals, and checking out markets. I grabbed a sweet treat at the ‘Kiss Me’ ice cream shop and visited the Leon Cathedral.

Famous for its bright white appearance, the Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary provides the best panoramic view of Leon. I paid a small fee to enter and meandered around the rooftop of Central America’s largest cathedral, admiring the blend of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. A must-see when spending the day in Leon.

I decided the next stop on my journey would be Ometepe, an island inside Lake Nicaragua known for its twin volcanoes. I booked a shared minivan from a local hostel and rode to San Jorge, where the ferry to Ometepe departs. Before my scheduled ferry, I watched local families enjoying the peaceful waves and balmy weather. The view of the distant peaks of Concepción and Maderas heightened my excitement to explore the island. Fun fact: the world’s largest island inside a freshwater lake.

The volcanoes came into full view after the 1-hour ferry ride, and I disembarked in Moyogalpa, the island’s largest village. After dropping off my belongings at my hostel, I walked along the road to Punta Jesús María to watch another mesmerizing sunset. The black-sand beach is immensely popular and makes a fun spot to take in the local atmosphere. Along the way to the beach, I crossed a small airplane runway that intersects with the highway!

What’s the best way to get around Ometepe? Motorbike or scooter. Public transportation is nonexistent on the island, and wheels are essential for a day of exploration. I rented a motorbike from my hostel for 24 hours and had a quick lesson in a nearby grassy field. I hit the open road after getting comfortable behind the handlebars. My mission was to see as much as possible.

I rode through small villages, stopped at scenic viewpoints, watched wildlife stroll the beaches, and found an absolutely gorgeous sunset location. The exhilaration of riding around Ometepe was comparable to boarding down the volcano. I was a little uneasy getting back to Moyogalpa after dark, but I filled up the tank and turned in my ride at the hostel.

My time in Ometepe was complete, and I got ready for another day of commuting. Today’s journey was to the surfer town of San Juan del Sur. I checked out of the hostel and hopped on the ferry back to San Jorge. After a pit stop in Rivas and an unconventional taxi ride, I made it to my hilltop hostel overlooking the village. Hammocks, a pool, stunning views, and shuttles made this my favorite spot I stayed on the trip.

I made it just in time for the last shuttle into town for the day and rode down the hillside. I wasted no time and went straight to the beach’s wide, golden shores. After a refreshing swim, I naturally had to watch another breathtaking sunset. Seriously, one of the top sunset destinations I have ever visited!

After finding some grub at a hip Canadian spot, I hopped on my hostel’s last shuttle back up the steep roadway.

The reality of digital nomad life called this day. With the stunning office views, I split my time between work and play. After the morning grind, I hopped on the shuttle to town and enjoyed more time wandering the San Juan del Sur coastline. Instead of a swim, I leisurely walked to both ends of the beach. My sandy lounge spot treated me to volleyball games, bonfires, and a pastel sunset before dinner by the water. As I walked to the shuttle pick-up, I grabbed a coffee to soothe my palate before riding up the hill.

My final stop in Nicaragua before flying home was Granada, a colorful town perched along the shore of Lake Nicaragua. Colonial architecture and tree-lined parks adorned the narrow streets, while stunning scenery waited along its outskirts. Although I stayed in town because of my upcoming flight, I would definitely base myself here for a few days next time. A volcanic crater lake, cloud forests, tropical islands, and nature reserves are minutes away from the lively city. But my time wandering the town was pleasant as I found lots of cafes, restaurants, and courtyards that fully embraced a low-key vibe.