--- title: "Bicycle touring in Nicaragua | Cycle Planet" description: "Nicaragua is underrated as a cycling country. It is a beautiful and quiet country for cycling. The landscape is varied: volcanoes, mountains and lowlands…" canonical_url: "https://cycleplanet.org/countries/nicaragua" meta: "og:description": "Nicaragua is underrated as a cycling country. It is a beautiful and quiet country for cycling. The landscape is varied: volcanoes, mountains and lowlands…" "og:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BNicaragua%2Cdescription_~TmljYXJhZ3VhIGlzIHVuZGVycmF0ZWQgYXMgYSBjeWNsaW5nIGNvdW50cnkuIEl0IGlzIGEgYmVhdXRpZnVsIGFuZCBxdWlldCBjb3VudHJ5IGZvciBjeWNsaW5nLiBUaGUgbGFuZHNjYXBlIGlzIHZhcmllZDogdm9sY2Fub2VzLCBtb3VudGFpbnMgYW5kIGxvd2zigKY%2Cheadline_Central%2BAmerica%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvbmljYXJhZ3VhIg%2Cs_wNSZRtfeNCy_pnCm.png" "og:image:height": "600" "og:image:type": image/png "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Bicycle touring in Nicaragua" "twitter:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BNicaragua%2Cdescription_~TmljYXJhZ3VhIGlzIHVuZGVycmF0ZWQgYXMgYSBjeWNsaW5nIGNvdW50cnkuIEl0IGlzIGEgYmVhdXRpZnVsIGFuZCBxdWlldCBjb3VudHJ5IGZvciBjeWNsaW5nLiBUaGUgbGFuZHNjYXBlIGlzIHZhcmllZDogdm9sY2Fub2VzLCBtb3VudGFpbnMgYW5kIGxvd2zigKY%2Cheadline_Central%2BAmerica%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvbmljYXJhZ3VhIg%2Cs_wNSZRtfeNCy_pnCm.png" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://cycleplanet.org/llms.txt) Central America # Nicaragua [**View on the map**](https://cycleplanet.org/map?at=12.865416,-85.207229,6.5) [** Download GPX (10) **](https://cycleplanet.org/api/gpx/NI) ## **About ** Nicaragua is underrated as a cycling country. It is a beautiful and quiet country for cycling. The landscape is varied: volcanoes, mountains and lowlands with two large lakes. Only the capital Managua is not particularly beautiful, and is notorious for its crime. It is less prosperous than neighboring Costa Rica, but just as beautiful. A lot of work is being done on the construction and improvement of roads, so maps may be outdated. Last updated 4 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/nicaragua/edit/about) ## **People ** The people are friendly and welcoming, not intrusive. They also cycle a lot, but on simple bicycles. People simply take a bicycle inside, also in restaurants and even in church. The population often only speaks Spanish. Outside the real tourist locations - Managua, Granada and Masaya - it is difficult to communicate without Spanish. Last updated 4 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/nicaragua/edit/people) ## **Visa ** Quite a numerous amount of nationalities can enter Nicaragua without a visa. Nicaragua Visa-free access to Nicaragua Visa on arrival access to Nicaragua May not enter on Canada/Schengen/US visa Source: [**Wikipedia**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Nicaragua). Last updated 19 Mar 2021 by [Cycle Planet](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/RYFRjpH3DfdWPpRfG9MIFBSPzH33) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/nicaragua/edit/visa) ## **Border crossings **(4) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**1. San Marcos de Colon (Honduras) – Somoto (Nicaragua)**To Honduras 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/fb3c0219-d7c1-40e2-9a0a-be0f5609993b) 2. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**2. Choluteca (Honduras) – Somotillo (Nicaragua)**To Honduras](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/fdb494f8-b2f3-4bad-8258-5153cec75895) 3. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**3. El Paraiso (Honduras) – Ocotal (Nicaragua)**To Honduras](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/8c62e44a-96a6-4942-95a6-45900a28d130) 4. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**4. Esquipulas (Guatemala) – Somotillo (Nicaragua)**To Guatemala](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/a3deb041-0e2a-40f6-9f70-9e62d3dd9ec4) ## **See and do **(6) Sorted by most likes 1. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**1. Cerro Negro (Sandboarding volcano)**See & doThis is one of the prime destinations for sandboarding in all of the world. You can book tours to this volcano on the city of Leon. 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/164d397f-df3c-46a0-8b25-1861632b6c5d) 2. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**2. Ometepe (Volcanic Island)**See & doThis is a beautiful volcanic island in the middle of the biggest lake of Nicargua. Here you can find places to stay, this is one of the most visited places by… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/36558633-28dd-4c86-9ddf-b01bc482c99b) 3. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**3. San Jorge (City with ferry dock)**See & doHere you can find the fastest ferry to Ometepe Island, one of the prime destinations in Nicaragua. 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/267f7902-951f-4adb-93db-eb4958f0ca28) 4. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**4. San Juan del Sur (Coastal and surfing city)**See & doThis is one of the prime touristic destinations in Nicargua. Beautiful city with multiple hotels and hostels. You can also find surfing services all along the… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/4bfd5e35-38b8-49b6-9db9-270d7230b153) 5. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**5. Leon (City)**See & doOne of the prime destinations passing through Nicaragua, here you can book tours to visit multiple volcanoes, you can find cheap hostels and food. Beautiful…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/bc927778-4632-46df-a2ef-ab920431ee6d) 6. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**6. Telica (Volcano)**See & doTelica is a beautiful volcano in the municipality of Leon. You can book tours to the volcano in the city of Leon.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/a8f0bb9a-d329-4a6a-8c3f-13d1a4a81054) ## **Sleeping ** ### **Wild camping** Wild camping is possible, but not recommended. Possibly in a yard. Asking private individuals is also no problem. We spent one night in the living room of a hotel owner due to a full hotel. Last updated 4 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/nicaragua/edit/sleeping) ## **Safety ** The fact that the Nicaraguans cycle a lot also has the advantage that the (many) dogs are used to it and do not move, you are not interesting! With exceptions of course.... ### **Traffic** The PanAmerican highway can be dangerous, especially where the hard shoulder is missing. The highway between Managua and Granada is no fun either. Avoid those roads if possible. Also watch out for the buses. Last updated 4 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/nicaragua/edit/safety) ## **Transport ** ### **Bus** The "regular" bus services are a godsend if you just need quick transport. Even if you are not at an official stop, raise your hand and chances are the bus will stop. There are special helpers on the bus and in no time your bike is on the roof and you are on your way. But: full = bad luck! Last updated 4 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/nicaragua/edit/transport) ## **Food and drink ** You can eat anywhere. There are not as many food stalls as in Costa Rica. Rudy: "Dining and supplies are not a problem in most larger towns. Lots of chicken, beans, rice, tortillas etc. In most restaurants you can get a full meal for USD 8-10 pp." Preferably buy bottled mineral water. In many places the tap water is fairly reliable and sanitisers are not immediately needed, but you are taking a risk. Drinking water is also available at roadside stalls. Last updated 4 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/nicaragua/edit/foodDrink) ## **Vaccinations & health ** **Common Diseases** Like the surrounding countries, this is a dengue area. Nicaragua has an active rabies vaccination policy for dogs, so the risk of rabies is relatively small. **Mandatory vaccinations** Additional vaccination obligations apply from certain countries. **Useful vaccinations for cyclists** Rabies, Hepatitis A and B. Depending on the region also malaria prophylaxis. **Useful things in the travel pharmacy** Disinfectant for dubious (tap) drinking water. Last updated 4 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/nicaragua/edit/health) ## **Other ** **Nice routes** Between Managua and Leon you can cut off quite a bit of the highway by looking for the old train station at La Paz Centro, and from there follow the old rail route towards Leon. Unpaved, but perfectly flat road, and also a lot shorter. Disparate de Potter: The road between Jinotega and Matagalpa is a must. Beautiful views, with steep climbs but not too steep. **Best time to cycle** December is the dry season and therefore suitable for cycling. September is the rainy season. It is then warm, 30-35oC, and humid. Rain is very local, heavy and short. After half an hour the shower has passed and the weather is a bit cooler. You suffer more from wet dirt roads than from the rain showers themselves. The dry season from November to March is more suitable. **Spare parts** There are many workshops, but good parts are scarce. Tire and valve size can be an issue. On their trip we brought inner tubes and spokes. Last updated 4 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/nicaragua/edit/other) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Cycle Planet is the bicycle touring platform: visas, border crossings, places to sleep and points of interest per country, and a community of cyclists who host each other.","name":"Cycle Planet","url":"https://cycleplanet.org/","publisher":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#identity"}},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/nicaragua#webpage","@type":"WebPage","description":"Nicaragua is underrated as a cycling country. 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