2 Weeks in Nicaragua: The Ultimate 2025 Surf & Travel Itinerary

Looking for the ultimate Nicaragua itinerary for your 2-week stay? Well, look no further.

I’ve spent over a month in Nicaragua, and here’s what I would definitely not miss out on if I had only two weeks.

Nicaragua is a volcanic country located in Central America, between Costa Rica and Honduras.

It’s famous for having one of the biggest lakes in the world (Lake Nicaragua), picturesque colonial cities, over 300 days of offshore winds, and more active volcanoes than you’ll ever need to see.

This guide is built for surfers and travelers who want to balance epic sessions with chill time, local eats, and the occasional jungle hike or lagoon dip.

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How To Get To Nicaragua?

First, you’ll fly into Managua, the largest city in Nicaragua, and its capital.. I like to compare flights through two sites, Skyscanner and WayAway. 

Over three and a half years of travelling I’ve compared endless flights but always ended up booking on one of the two websites mentioned above. 

I recommend using incognito mode for your search. Also, avoid booking on holidays and weekends. Booking in advance can save you big bucks on your trip to Nicaragua. 

Day 1 – Arrive in Managua & Travel to Playa El Gigante

After your day in Managua, you’ll need to figure out your transport to El Gigante.

Here are your shuttle options:

1) Take the public bus– by far the most affordable way, yet not the most comfortable one.

You’d have to take a bus to Rivas, the nearest town to Playa El Gigante and catch another smaller bus (aka, chicken bus) from there to the small fishing town of El Gigante.  All in all it will cost you around 10-15,$ depending on your luggage. 

2) Take a shuttle service—this is the best value deal. Many shuttle services operate throughout Nicaragua. You can also ask your hotel or hostel if they offer a shuttle. Usually, they do for an extra $$$. This service usually costs $50-70. 

3) Take a private taxi—Now, if you’re feeling boji, you can get your own taxi. This is the most direct and convenient way, but it’s going to cost you more. Private taxis usually cost about $120-150. 

Where to Stay In Playa El Gigante:

• Budget: Gigante Bay Hostel – social, barefoot vibe.
• Couples: Amarillo Surf Camp – tucked in the jungle, peaceful.
• Luxury: Hacienda Amarilla del Mar – beachfront, eco-conscious and stunning.

Days 1-3 – Playa El Gigante: Slow Days & Empty Lineups

A classic surfer town. Mellow, sandy, and perfect for kicking off your two week itinerary.

Just in front of the village there’s a perfect beach break for beginners. For the more advanced surfers, you can walk about 30 minutes along the beach and you’ll reach one of the most perfect beach breaks in the world, Playa Colorados. 

A heavy barreling wave that challenges even the most advanced surfers on a good day. 

In the same stretch of beach, you have another wave called Panga Drops, a horseshoe-shaped reef break with peeling lefts and rights.

Check out all you need to know for surfing in Nicaragua

When the tide’s wrong or the arms are toast, go hiking in the hills behind town or take a fishing trip with locals.

What to do in Playa el Gigante:

• Horseback rides along the beach
• Sunset hike to the clifftop lookout
• Yoga sessions at Giant’s Foot Surf

Places to Eat in playa el gigante:

• Juntos: Fish tacos, smoothies, and chill jungle seating.
• Dale Pues Café: Burritos, cold drinks, and surf camp energy

Days 4-6 – Popoyo: Reef Breaks & Natural Hot Springs

A short drive north brings you to Popoyo, a sleepy surf zone with a surprising amount of punch. The main reef fires on mid to high tide and holds size well. For something gentler, check out Beginner Bay, just a 10-minute walk down the beach.

Just like Playa Gigante, Popoyo is only a strech of dusty road with hostels and resturants scattered across.

It’s wild and remote so be ready for some rural Nicaraguan experince. 

When the surf dies down, soak in Popoyo’s natural hot springs, hit a yoga class, or walk out to the tide pools during sunset.

Where to Stay In popoyo:

• Budget: Hostal Popoyo – rustic and steps from the beach.
• Couples: Malibu Popoyo – stylish surf retreat.
• Surf camp: Magnific Rock – cliffside, panoramic views, with lessons and rentals.

Where to eat In popoyo:

• Finca Wayuu: Healthy bowls, smoothies, and veggie-friendly.
• Cafe Con Leche: Coffee, breakfast, and post-surf snacks.

Days 6–9 – Ometepe Island: Volcanic Vibes & Laid-Back Lagoons

By now you’re probably surfed out, so it’s time to explore Nicaragua’s volcanic heart: Ometepe Island, formed by two volcanos in Lake Nicaragua.

Head back to Rivas and continue down the main road to a small town called San Jorge where you’ll catch a ferry to the Island. 

Once on the Island, you can rent a scooter or take a tuk-tuk to your accommodation. 

Where to Stay In Ometpe:

• Budget: El Zopilote Hostel – permaculture vibes, yoga, and treehouse-style stays.
• Couples: Totoco Eco-Lodge – jungle bungalows with sweeping volcano views and sustainable comfort.

I’m not too sure whether you could climb it by yourself.

At one point, you’ll reach a hut in the mountains, where you must pay a small fee. Without a guide, they won’t let you go any further.

So book a tour guide just to be safe.

Also, this is an active volcano. While you won’t see lava, an eruption could happen at any second, and nothing is better than local knowledge when things go downhill.

But don’t worry, it has been dormant for years now.

Other things to do in Ometepe

• Take a dip in Ojo de Agua, a crystal-clear natural spring perfect for cooling off.
• Explore Charco Verde, a mystical reserve with trails, turtles, and butterflies.
• Rent a motorbike and ride the island loop – volcanoes on one side, lake on the other.

Day 9-11 Staying in Granada: Color, Culture, and Colonial Vibes

Granada is where Nicaragua shows off its charm. Cobblestone streets, stunning colonial architecture, and the scent of fresh tortillas drifting from street stalls—it’s the kind of place that feels both lively and laid-back.

Whether you’re into photography, food, or just aimless wandering, Granada delivers.

Where to Stay in granada:

• Budget: Selina Granada – stylish dorms and private rooms, rooftop pool, and a social vibe right in the city center.
• Mid-Range: Hotel con Corazón – eco-friendly, community-focused, and super comfy.
• Luxury: Tribal Hotel – boutique, design-forward, and Instagram-ready.

Things to Do in Granada:

• Explore the city on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. The architecture alone is worth the trip.
• Visit the Cathedral of Granada at sunset—it lights up in gold from the top of the bell tower.
• Hop on a boat tour through Las Isletas, a group of tiny islands scattered across Lake Nicaragua.
• Grab a smoothie or a Toña at one of the cafés along Calle La Calzada and people-watch to your heart’s content.
• Catch live music or salsa nights, especially on weekends when the town really comes alive.

Days 11–14 Treehouse Escape Near Granda

This was hands down one of the best experiences I’ve had in Central America.

As a kid, I always dreamed of living in a treehouse—and for the first time, that dream actually came true.

Tucked into the trees just outside the city of León, this off-grid eco-lodge lets you unplug, unwind, and soak up the last few days of Nicaragua in peace. 

The hostel has a cool vibe, not only becuase of the location. Every day they have a different menu and it’s a suprise. The food is delicous and fresh. 

Also, at night they have social nights where they orgnize games, events and every friday there’s a jungle rave! 

Oh, and there’s a zipline as well! 

Side note here- there is about three tree houses and they get booked fast. so get your place secured while you can. 

Where to Stay:

• The Treehouse Nicaragua – rustic cabins perched in the canopy, epic sunsets, and a front-row seat to howler monkey wake-up calls.

What to Do:

• Chill in a hammock with a cold Toña and a volcano backdrop.
• Join a sunset yoga session on the deck or a jungle hike through the private trails.
• Meet fellow travelers during the nightly campfire or community dinner.
• Want one last adrenaline kick? Book a volcano boarding day trip to nearby Cerro Negro Volcano.

Getting Back to Managua

From the Treehouse, head back to Granada and make your way to Managua by car or shuttle. It’s a ~1-hour drive, so plan accordingly before your flight.

What to Know About Surfing Nicaragua

• Best time to surf: April–October (south swell season).
                                November–March for cleaner, smaller waves.
• Skill level: This itinerary suits beginners to advanced surfers. I’ve picked breaks that offer variety.
• Board advice: Bring your own board if you’re picky. Rentals are available but often beat-up.
• Money: Nicaragua uses the Cordoba, but USD is widely accepted. Bring cash — ATMs are scarce in remote areas.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is hit-or-miss. Grab a Claro SIM for data.
• Packing list essentials: Tropical wax, long-sleeve rashie, hiking shoes, mini first-aid kit, reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry towel.

Budget for 2 Weeks in Nicaragua

If you’re wondering how far your cash will go in Nicaragua, good news: it’s one of the most budget-friendly countries in Central America.

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on a surf-backpacker lifestyle:

Category	Low-End ($)/Day	Mid-Range ($$)/Day
Accommodation	$10–20	$25–50
Food & Drinks	$8–15	$20–35
Local Transport	$3–10	$15–30
Surfboard Rental	$8–12	—–
Excursions (Volcanoes, Tours)	$10–40	$40–80
Sim Card / Data	$5–10 (for 2 weeks)	—–

Total Estimate for 2 weeks

Barebones backpacker: $400–$600

Surf-focused but chill: $600–$850

Comfort travel + surf: $1,000+

Safety in Nicaragua (2025 Update)

Let’s get real—Nicaragua gets a bad rep sometimes. But as of 2025, traveling around Nicaragua feels safe, welcoming, and chill if you’re smart about it.

What You Need to Know about Safety in Nicaragua:

Surf towns like Popoyo, El Gigante, and San Juan del Sur are tourist-friendly. Stick to these and you’ll rarely feel uneasy.

Avoid protests and political gatherings. They’re rare, but steer clear if anything unfolds.

Use common sense: Don’t flash gear, avoid walking solo at night in big cities like Managua.

Transport is safe but basic. Use tourist shuttles or shared taxis for long distances if you’re unsure.

Who Is This Itinerary For?

This 2-week Nicaragua itinerary isn’t just for hardcore surfers (though you’ll be stoked). It’s perfect if you’re:

• A surf traveler chasing empty lineups and reef breaks
• A budget backpacker who loves culture, volcanoes, and tacos
• A couple looking for adventure but also jungle treehouse vibes
• A digital nomad needing surf + Wi-Fi balance
• A nature lover keen to hike volcanoes and chill by lagoons

What to Pack for Your Nicaragua Surf Trip

It’s always easy to forget things when you’re excited to go oon your trip. Well I got you covered with the must-pack items for your trip:

• Surfboard(s), fins, leash, tropical wax
• Rash guards and boardshorts
• Good hiking shoes
• Sunscreen (reef-safe), aloe, zinc
• Travel towel, dry bag, basic meds

Conclusion- Nicaragua itinerary

Whether you’re here for a week in Nicaragua, a two week itinerary, or dreaming of a full 3 week journey, this country delivers. It’s raw, wild, and full of magic, from beautiful beaches to cloud forest hikes and volcanic adventures.

With this guide, you’ve got plenty of itinerary options, whether you’re into surfing and partying, exploring colonial cities, or chilling on a lagoon with a smoothie in hand.

So what are you waiting for?

Pack your board, book that ticket, and ride the dream.