Backpacking Nicaragua: 10 best places to visit

The most rewarding stops for backpackers in Nicaragua, ranked and mapped. Tap any place to drop it into a free, day-by-day route built around how you actually travel.

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  1. 1

    Granada

    Granada

    Colourful colonial lakeside city.

  2. Ometepe, Nicaragua2

    Ometepe

    Rivas

    Twin-volcano lake island.

  3. San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua3

    San Juan del Sur

    Rivas

    Surf-and-party beach town.

  4. León, Nicaragua4

    León

    León

    Volcano boarding and murals.

  5. Little Corn Island, Nicaragua5

    Little Corn Island

    RACCS

    Car-free Caribbean idyll.

  6. 6

    Laguna de Apoyo

    Masaya

    Swimmable crater lagoon.

  7. 7

    Masaya Volcano

    Masaya

    Glowing lava lake at night.

  8. Somoto Canyon, Nicaragua8

    Somoto Canyon

    Madriz

    Swim and scramble a gorge.

  9. 9

    Matagalpa

    Matagalpa

    Cool coffee highlands.

  10. Managua, Nicaragua10

    Managua

    Managua

    Lakeside capital.

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