Is Nicaragua Safe? A 2025 Backpacker's Guide to Navigating Nicaragua

Is Nicaragua Safe for Backpackers? Insights from a backpacking architect

-- INTRODUCTION TO NICARAGUA --

🌄 This blog

Me in Granada, Nicaragua

If your next stop is Nicaragua and you are like me then the first thing you google is ... 'Is Nicaragua Safe for backpackers' or 'Is Nicaragua safe for solo travellers', well good news we are going to cover exactly that. I personally have travelled Nicaragua, it is one of the first countries I took on as a solo backpacker and I had an incredible time. As a bit of a spoiler but to cut to the chase, I really fell in love with Nicaragua, I would go back tomorrow, its extremely easy to traverse and its set up super well for backpackers. For context, hello its me, Jack, a 30 something year old British male. You can find a picture of me over there 👉 safely enjoying my time in Nicaragua.

🇳🇮 Welcome to Nicaragua

Nicaragua, like many countries, has its share of safety concerns, but it’s essential to put things in perspective. Yes, political unrest and occasional protests have made headlines, but these events are typically localised and can be avoided with a bit of savvy planning. In my experience, Nicaragua is a warm, welcoming place where the majority of traveler's feel safe and enjoy their journeys without incident.

With that said it is not perfect (although nowhere is) but lets explore the safety of the country by the key places you will likely be visiting as a backpacker or tourist starting with the cities, Managua, Leon and Granada before heading to the more rural parts like Ometepe, Popoyo and San Juan Del Sur.

🕵️ Wheres Next Podcast

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-- MANAGUA SAFETY TIPS --

🚔 MANAGUA SAFETY OVERVIEW

The capital city, Managua, can be a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors. It’s bustling, chaotic, and not particularly tourist-friendly. The best thing to do here is spend as little time as possible (sorry Managua), use it as a transit point if you have to. Generally its gritty an urban hub that is not that old, it was developed as a compromise between Leon and Granada who were battling it out to be marked as 'the capital city'. Yet the modern development is pretty much builds of necessary and it not well maintained so the environment has an air of being unkept and unsafe.

If you must stay overnight, choose accommodations in safer neighbourhoods like Los Robles or Villa Fontana, and avoid wandering alone after dark. Most of the headline news you have seen largely comes from the city centre so check the news before you go as if there is unrest it will likely be in Managua.

🎒 Managua Top Pick Safe Stay for Backpackers

La Bicicleta Hostal - If you do find yourself with needing a place to stay in Managua then La Bicicleta is perhaps one of the best. Located in the safer area of the aforementioned Los Robles you have restaurants, bars and amenities nearby so can wander about knowing you are in a safer part of the city. You are also not a million miles away from the airport, just 25 minutes so a good springboard to or from the airport.

🛀 Managua Top Pick Safe Stay For Comfort

Hotel El Almendro - A cute little stay with a nice small courtyard complete with pool. The walls surrounding this place mean you can sleep safe and sound and enjoy the Nicaraguan sun shine. If you are looking for something more comfortable, a private room and have a budge that is not a shoe string, this is your stay.

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-- LEON SAFETY TIPS --

🚔 LEON SAFETY OVERVIEW

León, is quite a bit different to Managua, it is a place that is a 'right of passage' due to one activity in particular ... Volcano boarding! This city has a a turbulent past, but the city prides itself as the university hub of Nicaragua, and due to this you will find a younger demographic who are looking for fun not a fight. The city has some stunning colonial architecture, lively markets, and vibrant street life. It is safe during the day, but your night safety check here are going to be the usual.

• Reputable taxi rather than walk home late at night

• Don't be overly flashy with jewellery

• Stick with the group

Due to the younger vibe you will find a party in this city fairly easily. For the ladies, cat calling and what I want to call 'ogling' can be a bit of an issue, I noticed it when traversing Nicaragua, so make sure you stick with your friends and look after each other.

🎒 Leon Top Pick Safe Stay for Backpackers

Bigfoot Hostel - This place is perhaps the best established hostel in the area, it is a bit of a party, a bit gritty, a bit of what you imagine when you think backpacking in Central America! Its not perfect but it is the spot if you are looking for a party and a vibe.

Poco a Poco Hostel - Another staple and a similar vibe to Bigfoot, you will get a social atmosphere in a great location. You will find solo travellers and groups and generally people looking for a good time. Either of these two options will leave you with an experience.

🛀 Leon Top Pick Safe Stay For Comfort

Hotel El Convento Simple but beautiful Hotel El Convento is a traditional courtyard style Spanish house that has been adapted into this hotel. The courtyard is beautifully maintained and quite, a little oasis away from the busy gritty Leon streets. There is a gym and the rooms are clean and comfortable. Again if you want something comfortable and clean and have a bit more of a budget this hotel is your stay.

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-- GRANADA SAFETY TIPS --

🚔 GRANADA SAFETY OVERVIEW

Welcome to the fun zone. Granada is a beautiful little town in Nicaragua on Lake Nicaragua. It is twinned with its name sake in Spain, although not quite as impressive architecturally at the Spanish version, Nicaraguas Granada does have some architectural gems and it is still a beautiful clean little town. It used to be a tourist favourite making it one of the safer areas of Nicaragua. During the day is nice and safe to roam about, the more unsafe spots being the market and bus stations, this is mainly because of pick pockets so rules are generally keep your phone and money zipped away in a pocket or your day bag and away you go. Beyond this the night time rules apply, men need to look out for unwanted advances by sex workers and women need to keep an eye on the creepy older guy in the corner! The main strip is a bustling centre of bars and restaurants but everything pretty much a walk away, so if heading out on a late one try to walk back in a group and look after anyone who has had one to many drinks!

Beyond that there is a a lot of fun to be had here, the hostels band together to put something on each night for backpackers. The hostels are much like big foot and poco a poco in Leon, a bit gritty but a lot of fun. There is also the infamous tree house party, but there are organised shuttles to get you there and back, again after this one please make sure to walk back home with your hostel friends. If you want to understand this place better then make sure to read the blog post 'Granada Nicaragua: A Self-Guided Tour of the Colonial Lake Town'.

🎒 Granada Top Pick Safe Stay for Backpackers

Good news backpackers, Granada has a lot of fantastic hostels to choose from and they all work together to bring you one heck of a good time. You cannot go to far wrong with the choices below.

Oasis - Oasis is very well established in Granada with a lovely pool to help you cool off from that hot Nicaraguan sun. The hostel is gated and has locker. It has a good sized kitchen to cook at, filtered water, but it can run hot as some rooms do not have AC. That said you will get a good vibe and find friendly backpackers from all over the world enjoying a drink at the bar.

De Boca en Boca - Another well established hostel, De Boca is a great option if you are stretching your budget to its maximum. A bit smaller than Oasis, but nice courtyard that will likely hold a quiz night which is worth attending if you are staying or not!

White Rabbit - This place is known more for the parties than being the place to stay! But without doubt the parties here are fun and go into the night. 

Hostel Paradiso - On Lake Nicaragua, Hostel Paradiso is for those looking for a super chilled stay, slightly outside of the main hub of the town but nothing is that far in Granada and this place offers a waterfront location that the others simply do not have!

🛀 Granada Top Pick Safe Stay For Comfort

Casa Bubu Guest House - A beautiful accommodation in the heart of Granada with a gorgeous garden, lovely outdoor swimming pool and yoga classes on offer. This place will keep you safe and comfortable for your time in Granada

Hotel Plaza Colon - Granada Nicaragua - How about a stay in a traditional Spanish villa? Well Hotel Plaza is the one. This impeccably restored colonial mansion overlooks the Cathedral Plaza and offers the perfect mix of history and modern luxury. With its charming courtyards, elegant rooms, and a pool perfect for cooling off, it’s the ideal base for your Granada adventure.

🛶 Top Activities in Granada

There are some activities that should not be missed in Granada. If your hostel does a boat and beach party, do it, it is a lot of fun. As already mentioned the tree house party is a right of passage for backpackers also.

Beyond the hostel organised events if you want to get away and have a bit of fun on your own, or with some hostel friends, I have two solid recommendations that will give you a bit of exercise and a bit of culture:

Kayaking on Lake Nicaragua - A great way to explore the mangroves and wildlife and also work out those shoulders. 💪. Lake Nicaragua is home to a lot wildlife and flora so if you need a break from bars this is a great way to spend a few hours

Hiking up Mombacho Volcano - If you want to get out into nature then a hike up Mombacho is another healthy activity to get your lets burning and your heart racing. This particular tour also combines zip lining so why not get the adrenaline rush whilst you are at it?

Granada guide - My full write up on Granada

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-- OMETEPE SAFETY TIPS --

🚔 OMETEPE SAFETY OVERVIEW

Ometepe Island, with its twin volcanoes rising majestically from Lake Nicaragua, is a paradise for nature lovers. It’s a generally safe destination where you can hike, swim, yoga is massive here, generally you can explore to your heart’s content. As always, follow local advice about hiking trails and avoid going solo, especially in remote areas. The island’s tranquility and close-knit community vibe make it a favourite among backpackers.

The island is pretty darn safe, the biggest enemy here is going to be yourself on a scooter! You can go from tarmac to a dirt roads in an instant and it catches people out. You will see people bandaged up from falls. If you are not confident on 2 wheels get 4, but a mode of transport here is essential. It will make your time on Ometepe a lot more fun and give you a great sense of freedom.

🎒 Ometepe Top Pick Safe Stay for Backpackers

El Pital - Even if you do not stay here heading across for a chocolate smoothy (not cheap but worth every penny) whilst looking over Lake Nicaragua is a must. It is also home to some very popular yoga sessions so have a look at the schedule whilst sipping your smoothy. Be careful on the access road, its a bit ropey!

Raindance Hosel - I am pleased to be adding this one into the list because the owner showed me the site he was planning to turn into a hostel a few years back. Since then they have built a solid reputation as a hostel. Raindance offers a good food, a pool and a wild 'Wet Wednesday' party. A good one for those looking for a social vibe.

El Zopilote - This one is an experience. Very off grid, you will need a head torch in the evening, beds are protected by mosquito nets and are reasonably open to the elements, as are the facilities. Yoga classes come free and permaculture and mushroom courses are also available! It is perhaps one of the most 'barefoot' hostels you will find.

🛀 Ometepe Top Pick Safe Stay For Comfort

Ananda Guesthouse A lot of Ometepe very basic, El pital is literally open to the elements with just mosquito nets between you and the outside, whilst this can be an experience in itself, it is not for everyone. If you are looking for a comfy stay (and a bit more romance) then Ananda Guesthouse is a beautiful place to enjoy the nature of Ometepe. If this place was in Costa Rica it would be 10x the price, so take advantage and enjoy a wonderful get away. Do not think twice about this one, book it and sleep well knowing you are going to have a great base on Ometepe Island.

-- SAN JUAN DEL SUR SAFETY TIPS --

🚔 SAN JUAN DEL SUR SAFETY OVERVIEW

I for some reason became extremely attached to this place! Maybe because I did a Spanish school here and had a 6 bed dorm in Casa Ora to myself for a week! San Juan del Sur is renowned for its fantastic surf spots. Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa are two of the best beaches for catching waves. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a beginner, you'll find a spot that suits your skill level. Local surf schools offer lessons and board rentals, making it easy to dive into the surf culture. The surf community here is friendly and welcoming, so don't hesitate to join a group or make new friends on the beach.

As far as safety goes, this is a safe area .... until dark falls at which point you should take taxis or stay in groups. Walking alone at night is not advisable, especially on quieter streets or unlit paths. You should be fine for smaller journeys in the town which is well lit at night but beyond that, don't risk it especially after Sunday Funday, this event is synonymous for 'backpackers having a few too many', and people up to know good are going to be there to pray on drunken individuals stumbling about alone at night or walking down the beach front! Don't be that person.

The next bay down the road is Maderas, it is a lot more rural, you need to get a shuttle taxi or will need transportation from San Juan Del Sur but there are some stunning spots to stay (comfort options below)

🎒 San Juan Del Sur Top Pick Safe Stay for Backpackers

Hola Ola - This place is the best for those looking to take advantage of organised surf lessons. Sign up in the morning Hola Ola take you out with extremely experienced instructors and its pretty much as simple as that, hope in the back of the jeep boards on the roof and away you go. They do nice evening activities and have a pool to cool off in after a day in the salty water. The only down side to this place is it is slightly out of San Juan Del Sur so you need to be careful walking back at night, take a taxi or wait for a shuttle!

Hostel Pachamama - This is one of the 'staple hostels' along with the other below', in the heart of San Juan Del Sur, its a hostel with a young vibe, a social culture and a place to just have fun. It is one of the Sunday Funday host hostels so its well known. A solid choice for the party animal.

Surf Town Hostel - The second 'staple hostel' surf town has been established in San Juan for a long time. It will have the music pumping by night and surf trips during the day. Its again a younger vibe and again if you are a party animal, its a great choice.

🛀 San Juan Del Sur Top Pick Safe Stay For Comfort

Buena Vista Surf Club - (Maderas) If you are looking for something beautiful at a reasonable price then Buena Vista Surf Club is the winner. Set in the hillside and surrounded by trees if you are a couple looking for a private stay and the dates are available then book it immediately. The communal area has a huge deck with views over the sea and when not doing yoga or socialising with fellow explorers here, you can retreat to your own little bungalow escape.

Hush - (Maderas) Undoubtedly expensive rooms and food but also one of the most stunning views across the bay of Maderas. Hush offers a luxury space for people looking to get away from everything.

🏆 San Juan Del Sur Luxory Stay

Morgan's Rock - I do not always put these in but this place is gold! Its not cheap but it is pretty special. If you are lucky enough to not have budget as a problem then Morgans Rock will leave you feeling relaxed and fulfilled. A shut away from the rest of the world where you can leave work behind and recharge. If you are feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders then go and get rid of it at Morgans Rock.

-- CORN ISLANDS SAFETY TIPS --

🚔 CORN ISLANDS OVERVIEW

The Corn Islands, (Corn and Little Corn) situated off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast, offer a slice of tropical bliss. Both Big Corn and Little Corn are laid-back, with Little Corn being particularly tranquil due to the absence of motorised vehicles. Crime is rare, but it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings and secure your valuables. The local community is friendly, and many backpackers report feeling completely at ease here. You will need to fly there and will have to do so from Managua or catch a sketch bus to Bluefields to then get a boat or a flight from there! Are the islands safe? Absolutely, weather will be your biggest cause for concern and staying safe in the water.

🎒 Corn Island Top Pick Safe Stay for Backpackers

Three Brothers - (Little Corn) Way way way off the travel trail, you need to spend some time here to make it worth the cost of the flight but on the plus side a dorm room is super cheap. The three brothers is actually the best choice on little corn for a hostel, largely because ... its the only choice. Luckily thought they do not rest on their morals can you can get a comfortable safe stay here. Book before you go to ensure you get a bed.

Hospedaje Tropical Dreams - (Corn Island) Similar to three brothers, it is not only the best choice on corn island, its the only choice! Runs more expensive than the little corn prices but that is because this is 'the main island'. Book before you go to ensure you get a bed.

🛀 Corn Island Top Pick Safe Stay For Comfort

Las Palmeras OceanView Hotel - (Little Corn) This place is perhaps the most comfortable place on the island, however you are going to have to set the bar a bit lower than the usual standards that you will find on the mainland. After all we are on a tiny little island and thats part of the charm anyway right. Not only that lets be honest there are 2 reasons you are here its not for a luxury stay, its either to get away from the world and pretend you are shipwrecked on an island or for the diving! Book ahead to ensure you get a room.

La Princesa de La Isla - (Corn Island) A very cute and rustic place to stay on the main island. Again its one to really get back to nature there is a bar a terrace area and a comfortable room. Very popular as far as the Corn Island Options go so make sure you book ahead.

-- NICARAGUA GENERAL SAFETY TIPS --

🚌 Getting Around Nicaragua

Getting around Nicaragua is relatively straightforward, but there are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

Buses and Chicken Buses - These are the primary mode of transport for budget traveler's. They can be crowded and hot, but they’re a great way to experience local life. Keep your belongings close and be mindful of pickpockets, but they are a lot of fun. Another tip here is keep a day sack with your valuables on you as your bigger bag will likely be thrown on the roof by a conductor and these dont always get to the destination with you (although I know many airlines like that!)

Rivas bus terminal, the bus stop in Managua or the port terminal to get to Ometepe are where you are more likely to be pickpocketed! So keep things safe when going through the transport hubs locked and zipped.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing - Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps when available. Avoid hailing cabs off the street, especially at night, ask your hostel or restaurant etc to order one for you.

Renting Motorbikes - In places like Ometepe, renting a motorbike is a popular way to explore. Ensure you’re confident riding on uneven terrain, and always wear a helmet but this is a safe and fun way to get around. Be prepared for animals to wander out into the road also, you may hear the term 'Ometepe Kiss'. This is essentially a term devised because a lot of travellers have falls and end up with road rash ... don't get the Ometepe kiss, ride safe and take a quad if you are not confident on 2 wheels.

🤗 Health and Wellness

Be cautious with street food look at where the locals are going for their street side bites but just be cautious as even then your guy may just be used to a different level of hygiene!

Stick to bottled water, and ensure you’re up-to-date with necessary vaccinations.

I carry is a Grayl bottle that has kept me healthy along all the countries that I have visited so far! I have even become a purifying point for friends dishing out purified water when we just don't want to take the risk.

Pharmacies are widely available, and many locals speak enough English to help with basic health concerns, but a splash of Spanish will really go a long way.

👷 Essential Security Items

Safety Wings - Travel insurance, my top tip for backpackers and explorers - Safety Wings (linked), you can put it on a rolling monthly payment instead of trying to guess how long you will be gone for and overpaying!

Maxtop or a Pacsafe Crossbody Bag

TSA approved lock for your bags on the move and hotel/ hostel room lockers

Portable charger particularly for those who use there phone as a map or to take thousands of photos. Electric in Ometepe can sometimes be scarce in dorms so a fully charged power bank before heading across to the island is an asset.

Earth Pak Keep your additional documents and anything you need in an Earth Pak which you can flatten off in your main bag. If you end up kayaking or doing some sort of water sports, lock away your docs in your hostel/ hotel and take your Earth Pak with you. Having your essential items in a smaller separate bag stops things being left behind.

Mobile phone strap - to make it more difficult for a pickpocket.

🙋‍♀️ Observations For Females

Cat calling and whistling. It does happen here! It happened to an extent that I noticed it and it made me feel uncomfortable so goodness knows what it is like to be the recipient of it, its a reason to be careful on your own at night.

-- NICARAGUA SAFETY THOUGHTS --

So, is Nicaragua safe? And more importantly is Nicaragua safe in 2025? For the vigilant and respectful traveler, absolutely yes. This country offers a wealth of experiences that make it a must-visit on any backpacker’s itinerary. By staying informed, following local advice, and using common sense, you can enjoy Nicaragua’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality without undue worry.

Happy travels, fellow explorer!

Please let us know about your own journey in Nicaragua and any safety tips you think will help a fellow backpacker navigating this beautiful country in the comments below and please give us a like if you found this useful, it helps others like you find the page.

Until the next one take care backpackers. If you found this useful please consider buying me a coffee on the link below the Backpacker's Blueprint Logo.

Jack

Backpacker's Blueprint

For the curious explorer

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