Will be in Nicaragua for 3 weeks in December. Definitely spending 5 to 7 days on the Corn Islands. Other than, kind of at a loss. What would you do and see?
Going in December, will we need to make reservations for hostels or will there be plenty available?
The Esteli, Matagalpa and Jinotega areas are all very nice and cooler weather. I like Leon, worth a couple of days for sure. Ometepe is great.
Maybe check out some of the north west beach areas, Granada is touristy but a lot of folks like it. SJDS is way overrated.
San Juan Del Sur, a beach area in SW Nicaragua known for its surf, north and south of town, a gringo haven, and not a very pretty one at that IMO. For beach time, consider near Leon.
You might want to break the trip into areas, if there is one advantage to renting a car, it would be to explore the north, and most fly to Corn Islands, and you dont need a car for the Ometepe>Solemtiname Islands, Rio San Juan portion, its all boats. Paxeos and taxi hire for the rest.
Get the MOON Nicaragua book, you will be set.
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Hi dcd6747 - telling you where to go in Nicaragua is easy, but no one can possibly answer the "what to see and do" without knowing a little more about your interests or expectations. Each of the recommended areas are so diverse from the other, with so much to offer, and to be enjoyed from numerous approaches depending on your travel styles and preferences.
Perhaps the two biggest factors to consider: Are you looking for things more active or relaxing? And, do you prefer things done with independent explorations or through guides and organized excursions? It would also help to know if you plan on beginning or ending your trip in the Corn Islands.
As for guidebooks, MOON can't compare or compete with the 2013 published Lonely Planet Nicaragua! Previous sections have been expanded with so many new listings and destinations, and there's a wealth of website URLs included for further checking places - including with most current costs. It's certainly not another slap a new photo on the cover, jack-up the price, and copy/paste the previous info - that's transparent the 'author' has never even been there.
#6 - Always curious why you recommend the beaches near León. Which section(s) and what about them?