Stillness & soul amid raw landscapes
Colonial cities, volcanoes and Pacific beaches: hotels and tours in one package.
Why we love Nicaragua
Welcome to the land of lakes & volcanoes! Nestled between Honduras and Costa Rica, Nicaragua is Central America's wild child – an emerging ecotourism destination, and a thrill-seeker's paradise. Wander cobblestone streets in colonial cities, climb smoking volcanoes, or find yourself wandering empty, jungle-thronged beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean decades ago. Where else in the world can you surf down the slopes of an active volcano?
Landscapes shaped by fire & water
Historic cities
Wild coastlines on two seas
A starting point for your perfect escape
We're good company, and we give great advice
Nicaragua is still off the main tourist trail. That's the appeal, and it's why local know-how matters here.
Where else can you board down the slopes of Cerro Negro? We set it up with operators we trust.
Quality varies widely here. Ours has been refined stay by stay, so you get the good ones.
Adrienne and team were so easy to work with, and truly took the detailed logistical stress off of planning AND getting through our vacation. They worked to finalize the perfect itinerary and answered lots of questions and have the scoop on the best tours and best places to stay!
A contact while traveling
Adrienne was great and having a contact while traveling in Central America was so convenient. Everything was perfectly planned and thought out.
Two wonderful trips
We have travelled twice on trips organised by [Osaviva] and we have loved them both. Everything was planned exceptionally well, the hotels were beautiful and we had an amazing time! We look forward to our next adventure with [Osaviva]!
Within our budget
The agents were so awesome! Everything was within our budget and the whole trip went smoothly. [Osaviva] planned it all perfectly for us
Our top picks
Emerald Coast
Five beaches and 2,700 acres of Pacific coastline make Rancho Santana more like a private coastal estate than a conventional resort. The 17-room Inn, condos, casitas, and private homes spread across the property, with surf, riding, hiking, and four dining venues all within the gates.
Nicaragua
Guacalito de la Isla
Mukul occupies a 1,670-acre coastal community on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, with private-pool Bohíos and villas, an 18-hole golf course, four dining venues, and one of the country’s most elaborate spas. The current resort operates within the wider Guacalito de la Isla club community.
Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur
Morgan’s Rock combines 4,000 acres of forest and farmland with a mile-long Pacific beach north of San Juan del Sur. Fifteen open-air bungalows and three two-bedroom villas sit above the coast, reached through trails and a suspension bridge.
Nicaragua
Isletas de Granada
Nine two-storey casitas share a small private island in Lake Nicaragua beneath Mombacho Volcano. Meals, nonalcoholic drinks, boat transfers, laundry, kayaks, paddleboards, and selected guided experiences are included, with Granada only a short boat ride away.
Nicaragua
Little Corn Island
Yemaya Reefs sits on the car-free northern end of Little Corn Island, with 17 beachfront rooms and suites facing the Caribbean. Some casitas have private plunge pools, while reefs, two beaches, an infinity pool, spa cabins, and an open-air yoga shala fill the shoreline.
Nicaragua
Granada
Seven rooms face the garden and tiled pool at Tribal Hotel, a design-led hideaway a short walk from Granada’s central plaza. Breakfast is served on each private terrace, and every room uses a different mix of local craft, vintage furniture, and bold pattern.
Nicaragua
When we plan a trip
Decompress on a volcanic island
Travel across Lake Nicaragua to an island formed by the Concepción and Maderas volcanoes. Hike forest trails, kayak through the wetlands of the Istian isthmus, visit natural springs, and stop in small farming communities between the two peaks.
History
Explore Granada’s churches, tiled courtyards, markets, and colorful streets with a private guide. Later, take a small boat through the nearby islets, where forested islands shelter monkeys, waterbirds, and views of Mombacho Volcano.
Volcano thrills
Walk beneath León’s cathedral domes, political murals, and colonial facades before heading into the surrounding volcanic landscape. Climb the loose black slopes of Cerro Negro, then descend on foot or by volcano board.
Exploration
Reach this small, car-free island by boat and spend your days swimming, snorkeling, or diving along the surrounding reef. Paths cross the island between palm-lined beaches, locally run restaurants, and small waterfront hotels.
Nature
Cruise through mangrove estuaries in search of herons, kingfishers, monkeys, and other wildlife, then continue to a wide Pacific beach. Depending on the coast and season, days can include surfing, forest walks, horseback riding, or nesting-turtle excursions.
Discover a crater lake
Spend the day at a forest-ringed crater lake between Granada and Masaya. The warm, clear water is suited to swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with trails and viewpoints along the steep volcanic rim.
The things travelers ask us most about Nicaragua, from colonial Granada to the best surf breaks. Have a question we haven't covered? Send it to
The dry season runs roughly December to April. May to October is green season, with afternoon rain and fewer visitors.
The córdoba. US dollars are widely accepted, especially at hotels.
By ferry from San Jorge, near Rivas. The crossing takes about an hour.
You hike up Cerro Negro near León with a board, then slide down its black gravel slope. It's a half-day trip, and an absolute blast.
The Pacific coast gets offshore winds much of the year, thanks to Lake Nicaragua. The biggest swells come from about April to October.
Check your government's latest advisory before booking, as guidance has changed in recent years.
