Is Nicaragua Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Nicaragua has a moderate safety level for solo female travelers. It's generally peaceful with friendly locals, but like everywhere, precaution is still needed. Street crime including theft and pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places. Solo female travelers should avoid traveling alone at night and consider staying in well-reviewed accommodations.

Safety rating

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How safe is Nicaragua?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

While Nicaragua is generally considered safe during the day, caution should be exercised at nighttime. Walking alone is not recommended, especially in less populated or unlit areas. Street crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are more prevalent after sundown. Always ensure to use secure transportation and avoid isolated areas.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Nicaragua, particularly in major towns and cities, is quite comprehensive and accommodating. The system consists mostly of old school buses from the U.S. converted into ‘chicken buses’ and taxis. However, overcrowded taxis and buses can lead to discomfort and petty theft. It's not rare for pickpocketing to occur, so it's essential to be attentive and keep your belongings secure. Avoid travelling at night if possible, and always be aware of your surroundings. As a solo female traveler, you might also receive unwanted attention at times. All this being said, thousands of visitors use these means of transportation without any major issues every year.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

While Nicaragua is generally considered a traveler-friendly country, as with anywhere, solo female travelers might experience a moderate level of unwanted attention. Catcalling can occur, but it is usually harmless and can be navigated effectively with caution. Most locals are friendly and respectful, especially towards tourists. However, it's always recommended to avoid traveling alone at night or in deserted areas.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

In Nicaragua, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft from hotel rooms may occur. It's especially common in tourist destinations and crowded areas. It's recommended to keep an eye on your belongings at all times, use safe deposit boxes provided by hotel and be cautious in public transportation.

Is Nicaragua worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 18 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Ometepe, Solo travel

I stayed at Zopilote, a very cheap and lovely hostel. At first I wanted to do some volunteer work, which is great if you love the free and relaxed vibe for a couple of weeks. The hostel ended up being so cheap I didn’t do any volunteering and just payed my stay, which also allowed me to join all the lovely acitvities they offer like yoga, cacao ceremonies, breathwork, … I went alone but met so many great people there who were lovely and open minded and a lot of other solo travellers which is always nice to meet new people.

Posted: July 10, 2024
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Cha

Cha

France

Nicaragua, Couple travel

Nicaragua is not known to be the safest place in Central America but felt really safe as a woman even going on a run did not pose any problems. Men are respectful of women and I felt at peace more than in any other places

Posted: June 14, 2024
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León, Solo travel

No the most exciting city but it has ended up being one of my longest stays:) Between the EXCELLENT (and affordable!) vegan cafe nearby and the also excellent and affordable gym, this place has become a nice little spot where I’ve found myself settling into a routine for a bit. Very enjoyable

Posted: January 31, 2024
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Wendy

Wendy

United States

San Juan del Sur, Group travel

San Juan del Sur is very much a party town for backpackers and retirees alike. Decent mix of travelers from Europe and North America, with food and activities centered on tourists. Skip the restaurants in the beach and check out some of the spots a block or two in-land, like Dale Pues, Garden Court food options like Sauced, Dumplings Aqui, etc. Partying is definitely on the later side here but can be a lot of fun. Make sure to check out Sunday Funday (every Sunday, pool/bar crawl for $25)! Besides eating and drinking, you’ll have to take a taxi or shuttle to surfing/lounging beaches, hikes, etc. I was with a group of guy friends. During the day I felt pretty safe walking around the main town area myself, but I would not walk alone at night. We were all advised to stick to the main town area and not to go north of that (a residential but sparsely visited area) at night, even in a group. We did a day trip to Granada, which was cool to see the architecture, and popped by Magnifico Rock on the way home (beautiful beach and ocean views). Would recommend checking out both if you have time. We came in to Nicaragua from Costa Rica via land border crossing. We were told the crossing would take an hour max, but it took us 3.5 hrs just to exit CR and enter Nica. On the way back into CR, we had a different shuttle for transportation (Pablo Travel Transportation) and his guys helped us expedite through, then taking us only an hour. If you go this route, build in lots of extra time just in case.

Posted: January 18, 2024
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Nicaragua, Solo travel

Nicaragua is my favorite country in Central America. I felt very safe there all the time (I was traveling alone) and I used buses for locals, it was an extraordinary adventure. Ometepe is my favorite place.

Posted: December 25, 2023
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Nicaragua, Solo travel

Nicaragua is an incredible country. I felt safe there while traveling, maybe just a little less in the city of Granada, but it's nothing to worry about, just a bit of aggressive whistling. The nature is beautiful, and the people are exceptionally friendly and kind. I particularly loved the island of Ometepe and the Apoyo Lagoon.

Posted: September 19, 2023
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Nicaragua, Solo travel

I spent 5 weeks alone in Nicaragua, having no other means of transport than the chicken bus and walking. Not once did I feel in danger. In fact, all the time I only encountered friendly and sincere offers of help, and that's one of the main reasons why I loved this country. Of course, I never did anything I wouldn't do at home, like walking alone at night, being drunk and unaware of my surroundings, or getting myself into dangerous situations.

Posted: September 15, 2023
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Nicaragua, Solo travel

I traveled alone as a woman and felt quite safe. Walking the streets was uncomfortable, as gentlemen usually shouted comments. I took buses (during the day) and did not go out / did not drink at night.

Posted: September 15, 2023
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Nicaragua, Solo travel

I was here alone as a single woman for 5 weeks before my partner arrived. I traveled by bus by myself. I walked alone in San Juan del Sur and Rivas and felt absolutely safe. Everyone was incredibly kind and helpful.

Posted: September 12, 2023
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Nicaragua, Solo travel

I was in Nicaragua alone as a woman traveling with a backpack and I felt safe, but I did not go out at night nor did I party/drink. People were understanding and respectful.

Posted: September 11, 2023
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Is Nicaragua safe for women?

Safety index

2.7 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

Crime index

1.5 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

Jinotega

Jinotega is a safe place to visit, especially for tourists. Tourists are always well welcomed in my city. The mainly problem I have experienced is street harassment, even if in Jinotega you're not gonna experience it as in the bigger cities, it's a problem overall the country. Men can be very sexist, especially in rural areas. Do not visit rural areas or the capital without a local.

Posted: June 22, 2024
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Managua

Managua is a beautiful city with many trees and friendly people who are trying to survive the day to day. There is not much to see but I recommend the archeology museum and the footprints of Acahualinca if you are interested in learning a bit about the ancient history. Natural Chocoyero reserve is a gorgeous place to go to.

Posted: June 9, 2024
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Meet locals in Nicaragua

Nubia

Nubia

About Me

Hello! I am Nubia, I am 28 years old and I am traveling arround too ((: Let’s meet up!

Speaking

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Diana

Diana

About Me

Hola! Me gusta mucho hacer amistad, intercambiar ideas, conocer culturas nuevas. Me gusta la gente alegre, honesta, integra, culta y educada. Busco amistades con valores e intereses en común.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Nicaragua

Phoebe

Phoebe

About Me

Hey! I’m Phoebe, I’m 22 and from Stafford in the West Midlands, UK. I’m just finishing my Masters in Foreign Policy at Lancaster University and taking a gap year from September onwards. I’m looking to travel a bit outside of the cultures I know, and am looking at Central America in early 2025. Because I’d be a young woman alone I’m looking for a young female travel buddy! Key things! I’m mostly alcohol-free and only have the occasional drink. I have chronic back pain so I’m not big on hiking but I’d like to try smaller, easier hikes with big payoffs (Volcano Pacaya? 👀). I’m quite quiet and need more downtime, but am often very energetic. Lmk if you’d want to travel together!

Speaking

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Safety in Nicaragua