based on 18 experiences from female travelers
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, 2024Cha
France
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, 2024No 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, 2024Wendy
United States
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, 2024Nicaragua 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, 2023Nicaragua 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, 2023I 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, 2023I 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, 2023I 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, 2023I 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, 2023Based on 4 local experiences
Based on 4 local experiences
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, 2024Managua 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, 2024Nubia
Hello! I am Nubia, I am 28 years old and I am traveling arround too ((: Let’s meet up!
Diana
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.
Phoebe
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!