"Each day, volcano day ;)"

Nicaragua, where every day brings something new!

Hike up active volcanoes, explore old colonial cities and

enjoy the sunset on the beautiful beaches

OUR HIGHLIGHTS

Finding our chill on Isla de Ometepe

  Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua

We really had a chill time on Isla de Ometepe. Isla de Ometepe lies in the middle of Lake Nicaragua. We took the ferry from San Jorge, Rivas to Moyogalpa on Isla de Omtepe. The ferry sails regularly, several times a day. It was very windy, and we didn't felt the most comfortable during the ferry crossing. Luckily it only takes one hour to cross.

When we arrived in Moyogalpa we still had to cycle 30km, with a steep climb before reaching our hostel. A strong headwind didn't make it any easier.

So we decided for the coming days to rent a scooter to cruise around the island. :) We stayed 2 days.

There are 2 volcanoes on the island, volcan Concepción and volcan Maderas. We hiked to the top of Volcan Maderas. We went without a guide, and used maps.me. It took us around 7 hours in total. We left early. At the top there is a crater lake and a panorama view point. Unfortunately it was really cloudy, so we couldn't see much.

For sunset we went on a kayak trip. This time with a guide who learned us more about the birds living in the area. First we kayaked on the Lake Nicaragua to Rio Istián. The part in the river is a beautiful mangrove forest. The sunset from the kayak with the volcano in view, was really spectacular.

The other day we went swimming in Ojo de Agua. To be honest we didn't stay long. We loved more strolling around the beautiful beaches dotting the island.

At night we went for the sunset at Punta Jesus Maria. We took some snacks and drinks, a blanket and enjoyed the beautiful sunset.

At Isla de Ometepe there are a lot of good vegan options. Discover them here.

Kayaking with a view over Volcán Concepión

Watch the world go by in Granada

  Granada

In Granada we watched to world go by, reading our book in Parque Central. We also had a stunning view of the yellow Cathedral de Granada.

We climbed the stairs of the Iglesia la Merced to the clock tower, with a stunning view over the city as a reward.

Later that day we strolled over the Mercado Municipal, with all the colours and smells a real dive into the local culture.

At night we booked a night tour to Volcan Masaya. Discover more about this tour here.

Vegan food options in Granada? Find them here!

Volcan Masaya 

  Volcan Masaya, Masaya

From Granada we booked a night tour to Volcan Masaya. We left at 4pm. It is a relatively short drive to the volcano, but it also involves some waiting at the entrance. You park at around 30 meters of the crater, so you don't need to hike up to the volcano. 

First you visit a museum, and at around sunset you get the chance to stare into the crater, watching the lava boiling and flowing. You get around 10 to 15 minutes to watch. It truly is something special to see.

Melting away in Leon

  Leon, Nicaragua

Hot, hotter, Leon! Leon is the furthest north we went on this trip. The road to and the city itself is extremely hot! Therefore we went exploring in the morning and afternoon/evening. 

In the morning we strolled over the local market, buying some vegetables and fruits.

The sunset we saw from the roof of the cathedral. You need to buy a ticket to get to the roof. The cathedral of Leon is truly bright white. In combination with the golden glow of the setting sun, just perfect!

Leon is also the perfect starting point for the hike to the top of volcán Telica! Here you can find more information about this hike.

Leon is also vegan food heaven. Find here where we had dinner twice and the best ice cream. :)

Streets of Leon

Hiking up Volcán Telica

  Volcán Telica, San Jacinto

Hiking up volcán Telica is magical. Especially when you decide to camp at the crater! You can enjoy the sunset and sunrise in this beautiful place. This hike was one the main things we really wanted to do in Nicaragua.

We went without a guide, but made sure we had the entire route on maps.me. From Leon you can take the bus to San Jacinto where the trailhead of the hike is. The ride by bus takes about one hour. Make sure to be dropped of at the trailhead in San Jacinto village itself and not at La Quimera, right before the village. This is also a starting point for the trail, but the hike will be longer and more strenuous. At the trailhead in San Jacinto village you have to pay a few dollars as an entry fee. At the top you may run into a guy who also asks a few dollars to reach the top. Good thing, he also sells cold beers or sodas!

Since we travel by bicycle we didn't take a big packback with us for long overnight hikes. Luckily you can rent out camping materials in ViaVia Hostel.

Volcán Telica

Sunrise, Volcán Telica

Sunset, Volcán Telica

Surfing and sunsets at Playa Popoyo

  Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua

Playa Popoyo is a little but fun surfer's paradise. We loved it! We stayed on a little camping just off the beach, went for morning runs and enjoyed every stunning sunset! 

Lots of good surf vibes all around. So we also took a chance on riding the waves. Playa Popoyo has a Beginner's Bay. This is of course where we went in the water. However the waves proofed to be a bit too challenging still for us and hard to catch. We went out in the morning and wanted to try again late in the afternoon. But the crowds in the water felt somewhat intimidating.. so we decided to just look at the other surfers and learn by watching how they do it. Which was fun too.

Best to take enough cash with you, since there is no ATM in Playa Popoyo. There are some little supermarkets and a nice surfshop. In one of the little supermarkets you could however cash out some money. Lucky for us, since we didn't take any cash with us.

There are also some nice little restaurants and cafés!

Strolling around San Juan del Sur

  Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua

San Juan del Sur is a nice beach town. We stayed two nights, one more in the center of the town and one near Playa Maderas to enjoy some time chilling at the beach and the pool.

It is fun strolling around the center of San Juan del Sur. There are lots of cool surf shops with a coffee bar attached, nice places to go for lunch or dinner and there is an overall good vibe. At sunset the locals play beach volley, which is nice to watch with a beer and snack.

We found some nice vegan treats too! Find them here!

From the center of San Juan del Sur it is 9 kilometer to Playa Maderas. It is a nice beach, with surf vibes. There is a bar/restaurant and you can rent an umbrella to chill all day but escape a little from the burning sun.

Vegan foodies unite!

  Nicaragua

We found a lot of vegan goodies in Nicaragua! There are of course lots of options, but here are some of our favourite places.

On Isla de Ometepe we went to 'Café Campestre' twice, First time we had the vegan burrito, which was super delicious. The second time we both took the vegan burger. Also good, but a little less delicious.

We also went to 'El Pital'. The chocolate paradise on Isla de Ometepe, strictly vegan. They have tons of good plant based meals and smoothies. We had the 'chocolate superpower' smoothie. It is a nice place  right near the water with views over the volcano!

In Granada we went for a smoothie and coffee in The Garden Café. As the name does suspect, it is set in a beautiful tranquil garden. We could choose soy milk for the coffee and smoothie.

At night we went for dinner in the cozy Calle La Calzada. Not really a vegan restaurant, but they were happy to just leave out the cheese on the quesadillas.

In Leon we had dinner twice in one of the best vegan restaurants of Leon, Coco Calala. The garden is absolutely beautiful and tranquil. And the food is good! 

'Kiss me' ice cream parlour has lots of good and delicious vegan options. Perfect to cool down in this hot city!

Strolling around San Juan del Sur we bumped into Irie Café. Of course we had to try the pastries. They were really good! Combined with a good café latte with almond milk.. just perfect.

In Playa Popoyo a local supermarket sells vegan treats from the Nicaraguan brand 'Bagels and Bakes'. There products are not all vegan, but they have really good vegan pastries like a vegan snicker bar or chocolate coconut coockies!

And sometimes a 'home'made meal is just the best! :)

Our experience cycling through Nicaragua

  On the road, Nicaragua

Overall we had a really good experience cycling through Nicaragua. The road conditions are good with broad shoulders. No chasing street dogs and very considered drivers. There was lots of cheering, smiling an waving. 

It was really hot! We were there in February, and we were melting away.

The distances in between were not too far, and there are lots of supermarkets and sodas (small, local, family-run restaurants) along the way.

Nica con amor!

  Volcan Telica, Nicaragua

Where to next? :)