Check the weather city by city, starting with Managua.
Nicaragua is Central America's cheapest and most authentic country: Granada, a colonial gem with colourful façades, León with its walls covered in revolutionary murals, the volcanic island of Ometepe rising from a giant lake, and the wild Caribbean coast of the Corn Islands.
Granada is the first Spanish colonial city on the American continent (1524), with its cobbled streets, yellow and white churches, and colourful façades framing Lake Nicaragua. The Isletas de Granada (365 small islands in the lake) are visited by boat from the shore.
Highlights : Isletas de Granada (365 islands by boat), Iglesia de La Merced (view from the bell tower), Mombacho Volcano, Apoyo Lagoon — swimming in volcanic waters.
León is Nicaragua's intellectual and revolutionary capital: its UNESCO-listed cathedral is the largest in Central America, its walls are covered in Sandinista murals, and the nearby Cerro Negro volcano is the world's most famous sandboarding spot.
Highlights : León Cathedral (UNESCO) — panoramic rooftop, Sandboarding Cerro Negro (active volcano), Los Brasiles Beach — Pacific surfing.
Ometepe is a unique island formed of two twin volcanoes — Concepción and Maderas — rising from Lake Nicaragua, Central America's largest lake. Pre-Columbian petroglyphs, howler monkeys and hot springs dot its green slopes.
Highlights : Concepción Volcano ascent (1,610 m), Maderas Volcano hike & crater lagoon, Mayan petroglyphs at Finca Magdalena, Howler monkeys and endemic birds.
The Corn Islands are Nicaragua's little-known Caribbean gems: Little Corn Island is a car-free paradise, with pristine coral reefs and turquoise waters. Fresh lobster, hammocks and wild beaches make up most of the itinerary.
Highlights : Little Corn — reef snorkelling (no cars), Bioluminescence at night in the bay, Bluefields — Creole town and music.
Nicaragua is the cheapest country in Central America. Prices are very affordable and the córdoba is weak. A tight backpacker budget is entirely possible. The Corn Islands cost a bit more.