My husband and I just returned from our second trip to Nicaragua, and we had a blast! Nicaragua wasn’t originally on my bucket list, but after an amazing surf trip there in April 2024, we couldn’t wait to go back. This time, we chose late October, right at the tail end of the rainy season, also their off season. This time of year the landscape is lush and green everywhere you look which gives you such a sense of awe and wonderment at how a place could look that beautiful.
Arrival & Scenic Drive to the Resort
Upon arrival, we flew into Managua, the capital, and from there we went on a scenic 2-hour and 20 minute drive to our hotel, the Mukul Resort. The journey from Managua takes you through beautiful countryside filled with fields of peanuts, pineapples, cashews, bananas, and lazy, grazing cows and horses. You’ll pass both cars and horse-drawn carts, experiencing a blend of traditional and modern life. The drive itself is a great way to start a mini tour of Nicaragua to get a small feel of the land and the people.
After a coffee break along the way, we finally arrived at the hotel around 4 p.m. We had just enough time to unpack, enjoy a nice dinner, and unwind after a long day of travel.
Blissful Days by the Beach
The next morning, we started our day with a quiet walk along the beach to the resort’s beach club for breakfast. The beach was completely empty, it was just us, the ocean waves, and an incredible view of the surrounding cliffs covered in lush greenery. Moments like these are rare, where you can slowly take in the natural beauty around you without any interruption from another human.
After breakfast, I hit the waves to surf at the nearby point break. With only two other surfers in the water, it felt like my own private spot. One of my favorite things about this location is how close it is to our room. I can just step out, check if the waves are good or if it’s crowded, and time my surf accordingly. For the entire week, we were able to enjoy peaceful beach walks, surf sessions, and indulge in a few massages, a true vacation full of relaxation and our favorite activities.
A Day Trip to Granada
One day, we decided to venture out of the property and explore Granada, a charming colonial city about 1.5 hours from the resort. Granada is definitely worth the trip! Our first stop was a chocolate tour at Bate Bate Chocolate, where we learned all about the chocolate making process, danced a lot, and even made our own chocolate bars! It was a blast and definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
After the tour, we stopped by a store called Central Social Tio Antonio, which makes handmade hammocks and other crafts. This store has a mission close to my heart, it provides job opportunities for people with disabilities, empowering them to support not only themselves but also their families. We bought a beautiful hammock, and the gratitude we received from the staff was beyond heartwarming. If you’d like to support them too, you can order a hammock online here. They even take custom orders so you can get the colors you love!
Boat Tour of Lake Nicaragua
From Granada, we headed out on a boat tour of Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America. This lake has over 400 islands, many of which are just big enough for one house and maybe a very small yard. There are rental homes available to those who are looking for total solitude and some adventure. Our boat tour took us around the lake, with stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes, and some unexpected adventure. At one point, we were caught in a torrential downpour for around 20 minutes. In all honesty, we didn't mind a bit. We were dressed and ready for anything, so a little water wasn't going to dampen our day, and I can think of many worse places to be stuck! Again, it was nice to take a moment of quiet to be in nature and feel and see all it has to offer.
After the tour, we ended the day with an incredible dinner at El Zaguán, a restaurant in Granada known for its grilled meats. I had one of the best steaks of my life here, and the service was impeccable. With full stomachs and happy hearts, we headed back to the resort.
Next Time in Nicaragua: My Bucket List
This trip left me with even more reasons to come back. Next time, I want to visit the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve, where you can hike, zip line, and explore an organic coffee farm. At the end of the hotel property, there is a hike that will take you miles and miles, or you can visit the turtle preserve on the hotel property. Here, guards protect turtle nests from predators, ensuring the baby turtles make it safely to the ocean. I’d also like to visit a city called Leon. It’s another Colonial city, and the second largest city in Nicaragua.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Nicaragua
If Nicaragua isn’t on your bucket list yet, it should be. This country is what I imagine Costa Rica was like 20 years ago, raw, majestic, untouched, and yet so welcoming. The people are warm and gracious, the landscapes are stunning, and the experiences are unforgettable. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Nicaragua has something magical to offer.