Southwestern Nicaragua

Packed with attractions, the southwest offers up some of Nicaragua’s hallmark vistas and adventures. Surfers have been hitting this coastline for years, drawn by perfect, uncrowded waves and laid-back surfing encampments. Beginner surfers and partygoers head for San Juan del Sur, where there are better accommodations, high-octane parties and a solid selection of restaurants catering to international appetites. Beyond this are quiet fishing villages, sea-turtle nesting grounds and beaches rocked by world-class waves.

No trip to the southwest would be complete without a few days on Isla de Ometepe. The island itself is shaped like an infinity symbol, with bookend volcanoes dominating either side of a secluded universe where you'll discover waterfalls, wildlife, lost coves and enchanted forests. There's kayaking, swimming, hiking and biking, and many travelers extend their stay as they dive into paradise, lost in the quiet spots and friendly traveler encampments that define this island escape.

Explore Southwestern Nicaragua

  • V
    Volcán Maderas

    Climbing this 1394m volcano is challenging but worthwhile. Guides are required for the seven- to eight-hour round-trip trek (with four to five hours of…

  • V
    Volcán Concepción

    This massive (and active) volcano is an Ometepe landmark. The seven- to 10-hour hike up loose volcanic stone to the summit of this looming peak can be…

  • R
    Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor

    One of the principal laying grounds for endangered olive ridley and leatherback turtles, this wildlife refuge (locally called by its shorter name, 'La…

  • Cristo de la Misericordia

    This 25m statue of Jesus – one of the tallest in the world – overlooks the town from its perch 2km to the north. Take the one-hour hike up from the north…

  • M
    Museo de Antropología e Historia

    If you have some time to kill in town, this 200-year-old house is the place to go. Inside you'll find some moth-eaten taxidermy, a wall of myths and…

  • P
    Petroglyph

    There's a spectacular petroglyph not far from town, depicting an enormous and elaborate hunting scene carved perhaps 1500 years ago. To find it, walk…

  • I
    Isla Grande

    Close to Altagracia, this island, basically a plantain finca (farm) gone feral, is rarely visited despite being a fantastic place for birdwatching. If you…

  • P
    Playa El Coco

    This wide stretch of white sand is hemmed in by headlands at both ends and the water is calm and good for swimming. There's a restaurant and several good…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Southwestern Nicaragua.

  • See

    Volcán Maderas

    Climbing this 1394m volcano is challenging but worthwhile. Guides are required for the seven- to eight-hour round-trip trek (with four to five hours of…

  • See

    Volcán Concepción

    This massive (and active) volcano is an Ometepe landmark. The seven- to 10-hour hike up loose volcanic stone to the summit of this looming peak can be…

  • See

    Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor

    One of the principal laying grounds for endangered olive ridley and leatherback turtles, this wildlife refuge (locally called by its shorter name, 'La…

  • See

    Cristo de la Misericordia

    This 25m statue of Jesus – one of the tallest in the world – overlooks the town from its perch 2km to the north. Take the one-hour hike up from the north…

  • See

    Museo de Antropología e Historia

    If you have some time to kill in town, this 200-year-old house is the place to go. Inside you'll find some moth-eaten taxidermy, a wall of myths and…

  • See

    Petroglyph

    There's a spectacular petroglyph not far from town, depicting an enormous and elaborate hunting scene carved perhaps 1500 years ago. To find it, walk…

  • See

    Isla Grande

    Close to Altagracia, this island, basically a plantain finca (farm) gone feral, is rarely visited despite being a fantastic place for birdwatching. If you…

  • See

    Playa El Coco

    This wide stretch of white sand is hemmed in by headlands at both ends and the water is calm and good for swimming. There's a restaurant and several good…

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Southwestern Nicaragua with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.