Discover Nicaragua: Volcanoes, Beaches, and Colonial Cities
In March I escaped the cold and snowy weather of Montreal with a one-week trip to Nicaragua. It felt amazing to trade freezing temperatures and snowstorms for warm air and coastal breezes. With only a week, I wanted somewhere relatively close, easy to reach, and new to me. When I found an affordable direct flight from Montreal, Nicaragua became the clear choice. I had traveled in Central America before, including to Costa Rica, so I was eager to discover what Nicaragua had to offer.
The trip began on Little Corn Island, a tiny tropical gem that immediately stole my heart. We spent three nights there, which felt far too short — next time I would dedicate a full week. The island is peaceful and stunning, with clear water, sandy paths, and a slow, relaxed rhythm that makes it easy to unwind.
After Little Corn, we returned to the mainland, flying into Managua and taking a taxi to Nicaragua’s west coast. Taxis here can be expensive, so plan your budget accordingly. We negotiated a rate of about $80 USD from Managua Airport to Aqua Wellness, which took roughly two to two-and-a-half hours.
March is the dry season on the Pacific side, so expect a different landscape than the lush rainforests people often imagine. Trees can look a bit bare and the countryside may resemble autumn, but temperatures are consistently hot—above 30°C. The dry season offers its own beauty and the major advantage of dependable sunny weather.
Aqua Wellness
We stayed three nights at Aqua Wellness Resort in a tiny tree-house bungalow. Our room was cozy, comfortable, and tucked among the trees. From our balcony we watched spectacular sunsets while howler monkeys called from nearby branches — they would arrive every evening, lingering as if hypnotized by the colors.
Although we didn’t leave the resort during our stay, there was plenty to do on site. My favorite activity was morning yoga on an open deck overlooking the ocean. The instructors were friendly and classes were challenging enough to feel like a proper workout. Other options included paddle boarding, snorkeling, surfing, and simply relaxing on the beach.
One of the most memorable experiences happened at night. We were there during the new moon, the best time to enjoy a sky full of stars. Away from city lights, the Milky Way and countless stars were breathtaking. Even more magical was discovering bioluminescent plankton in the water. The first evening we watched the surf sparkle, and the next night we waded into the ocean and watched our movements set the water aglow. Floating there, lit by millions of tiny lights, felt otherworldly.
Mukul Resort
Our final stay was at Mukul Resort, a short 15-minute drive from Aqua in a different bay. We arrived early to make the most of the day. Unlike the surrounding dry landscape, Mukul has lush plantings that create a more tropical atmosphere. Our room faced a beautiful ocean bay, and instead of monkeys we had birds as our balcony companions during morning yoga and meditation sessions.
After a relaxed morning exploring the grounds and enjoying smoothies by the pool, we booked a picnic lunch on Mukul’s private beach. The picnic options were varied and fresh — toasts with olive tapenade, sushi, quinoa salads, sandwiches, and plenty of fruit. An attentive staff member joined us, and we enjoyed chatting about local life while savoring the serene beach setting.
In the afternoon we treated ourselves to a spa session. The spa at Mukul was one of the most beautiful I have seen, with six themed treatment rooms. We experienced the crystal temple, including a refreshing citrus bath followed by a deep tissue massage that worked out long-standing knots in my shoulders. After the treatment we relaxed in an outdoor hot tub and watched the sunset — a perfect, restorative way to end the day.
That evening the resort hosted a beach barbecue with live music and bonfires, which made for a joyful final night in Nicaragua. It was the ideal close to a short but memorable seven-day trip.
Nicaragua’s Food
I couldn’t leave out the food — I’m a food blogger after all. Nicaraguan cuisine may not be as globally renowned as some neighbors, but it offers tasty and satisfying dishes. Seafood is fresh and plentiful for those who enjoy it; fried snapper, lobster, and grilled shrimp were highlights for my companion.
Staples like plantains and gallo pinto appeared in many meals and were simple, comforting, and flavorful. Smoothies, salads, and fresh tropical fruits were easy to find; passion fruit was abundant during our visit and I drank plenty of passion fruit juice and smoothies. If you visit in November, look out for pink dragon fruit, another seasonal treat.
Overall, Nicaragua surprised me with its variety: tranquil islands, rugged dry coastal landscapes, welcoming resorts, and delightful culinary moments. For a short escape from winter, it was an excellent choice — rich in nature, relaxation, and unforgettable nightly skies.