Eastern Nicaragua Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
Photo provided by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
Eastern Nicaragua
Eastern Nicaragua
Photo by Mike  Leeson
Beautiful cays, remote tribal settlements, reserves teeming with wildlife and wild jungles lure adventurous travelers to this distant region on the Caribbean coast.

Diverse, far-flung and untamed, Eastern Nicaragua is the perfect destination for adventurous travelers. Relax on blissful islands, spot exotic wildlife in stunning nature reserves and experience the life of flourishing tribal groups. Eastern Nicaragua stretches along the Caribbean Sea and is made up of two autonomous regions, Atlántico Sur and Atlántico Norte. It is the largest section of the Mosquito Coast, a 225-mile (360-kilometer) long former colonial area that stretches into Honduras.

Atlántico Norte is Nicaragua’s most remote region. Tours to its major attractions depart from gritty Puerto Cabezas. Visit fishing villages, snorkel in crystalline water and spot colorful birdlife on the islands of Miskito Cays. Witness gold prospecting traditions at inland mining towns such as Siuna, Rosita and Bonanza.

Travel to the Miskito communities of Tuapi and Krukira by dirt bike and go swimming at Pahra Lagoon. Witness indigenous lifestyles at Dakura, Pahra and Sandy Bay, connected via a trail passing through scenic countryside. Paddle a canoe down the Wawa River. Ride a mountain bike along Wawa Beach, a great location for picnics, swimming and fruit picking.

Learn about the African, European, mestizo and indigenous lifestyle of Bluefields, the regional capital of Atlántico Sur. Spot monkeys, toucans and wild cats in Kahka Creek Wildlife Refuge and Wawashang Hill Natural Reserve. Start here to visit Miskito villages. Relax on the white-sand beaches of Pearl Lagoon. Uncover a veritable Caribbean island utopia at the Corn Islands and Pearl Cays.

Head to the Atlántico Sur’s far south for a guided tour of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve. See parrots, macaws, bears, jaguars and monkeys, among other animals. Hike trails, cruise on a river, admire impressive rock formations and stay overnight at a Rama Indian village.

Reach Eastern Nicaragua by flying from Managua to Bluefields or Puerto Cabezas. Dirt roads, thick jungle, mangrove forests, swamps and limited transportation options make traveling time-consuming. Those who arrive here discover a region of spectacular beauty and rewarding cultural encounters.

Where to stay in Eastern Nicaragua

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Central Bluefields

Though Central Bluefields may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Central Park and Reserva Silvestre Greenfields.

Central Bluefields
Arenas Beach Hotel
Arenas Beach Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Southwest Bay, Corn Islands, Corn Islands
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Corn Islands. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (184 reviews)
"The property and location are fantastic. Very clean and inviting when you arrive, and there is space to move around, with large shared patios out front. The staff were all incredible and this is what really made the stay enjoyable. Helpful, kind, friendly, honest. Though, it felt quite expensive ..."

Reviewed on 24 Feb. 2025

Arenas Beach Hotel
Yemaya Reefs
Yemaya Reefs
3.5 out of 5
Northern End, Corn Islands
The price is AU$163 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
AU$163
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Corn Islands. Enjoy a beach locale, room service, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Lighthouse and Lookout Point ...
9/10 Wonderful! (80 reviews)
"I will recommend this hotel to anyone! I was sick for the duration of my trip and the staff were incredibly accommodating. They offered to make special meals, provided amazing concierge service, inquired with my husband about my wellbeing and provided a 5 star experience. The staff at this hotel ..."

Reviewed on 15 Feb. 2025

Yemaya Reefs
Paraiso Beach Hotel
Paraiso Beach Hotel
3 out of 5
playa coco 82100, Corn Islands, Raas
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Corn Islands. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (87 reviews)
Bel endroit
"Hôtel à deux pas d'une magnifique plage. Chambre très confortable avec eau chaude. Patio partagé avec une autre chambre et n'est pas très grand. Le jardin aurait besoin d'entretien. Un peu cher pour le Nica, mais je pense que les hôtels sont un peu plus chers partout sur l'ile."

Reviewed on 18 Jan. 2025

Paraiso Beach Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Tropical Paradise. Little Corn Island
Tropical Paradise. Little Corn Island
RAAS
Stay at this vacation home in Corn Islands. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Lighthouse and Lookout Point are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Very secluded and plenty of spacious. Loved the big screen tv and the hammocks."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2024

Tropical Paradise. Little Corn Island
Lulu's Vacation Rental - 6 Bedroom Beach Front Home
Lulu's Vacation Rental - 6 Bedroom Beach Front Home
Corn Island
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Corn Islands. Enjoy a beach locale, ski-in/ski-out access, and patios. Popular attractions Culture House and Karen ...
Lulu's Vacation Rental - 6 Bedroom Beach Front Home
Sunhill Villa - Light-Flooded House With Fantastic View
Sunhill Villa - Light-Flooded House With Fantastic View
Big Corn Island
Stay at this vacation home in Corn Islands. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Soul of the World Project and Karen Tucker Municipal Stadium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Sunny Stay
"Great house , view out front and back Supper owners, there for your needs !! Looking forward to another stay !!"

Reviewed on 5 Mar. 2024

Sunhill Villa - Light-Flooded House With Fantastic View
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Eastern Nicaragua