The Ultimate 2-Week Nicaragua Itinerary (2025 Surf Edition)

Looking for the best 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 definetly not miss out if I had only 2 weeks.

Nicaragua is located in Central America just between Costa Rica and Honduras.

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

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How To Get To Nicaragua?

First, you need to get to Nicaragua’s capital city Managua. 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 but if you must, book in advance to secure the best deal possible. 

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

Hopefully, you had an easy flight and you’re ready for your next transportation.

Here’s your 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 money for value deal. There are many shttle services that opreate throughout Nicaragua. You can also ask your hotel/hostel if they offer a shuttle. Usually they do for 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 go for 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

All you can do in this small fishing town is surf, eat, party and repeat. 

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 beac,h 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, it’s time for a break. And no better way to do that than going on an island in the biggest lake in Central America, Ometepe Island. 

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 jump on a tuktuk that’ll get you to your accomedation. 

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.

Not too sure about if you could climb it by yourself.

At one point you’ll reach a hut in the mountain where you have to pay a small fee and 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 wont see lava, an erruption could happen at any second, and nothing is better than a local knowldage 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:

• 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:

• 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 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.

Getting Back to Managua

You’ll have to go back to Granda and catch one of the many transportaion options available. It’s about an hour car ride so take that into cauclation when booking your transport. 

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.

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

Nicaragua is a surfer’s dream, but there’s much more to it than perfect barrels.

With the right balance of planning and spontaneity, this 2-week itinerary will leave you salty, stoked, and already scheming your next trip.

Pack your board, chase the swell, and enjoy the ride.

See you out there.