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

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

Safety index

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: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: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: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.

Tap water:Unsafe

In Nicaragua, it is generally not recommended to drink straight from the tap. The water quality varies significantly across the country, but it can contain bacteria and parasites, particularly in rural areas, that can cause stomach ailment. Many locals boil their water or buy bottled water. As a foreign traveler, it's prudent to follow this practice to avoid any waterborne diseases.

Is Nicaragua safe to travel?

4.1 /5

Based on 14 experiences

Solo travel experience

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

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
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

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
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

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
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I felt safe traveling alone in Nicaragua for 2 weeks. The whistling on the streets was intense, but other than that, I felt safe. I was cautious at night. Locals were mostly very nice and I had amazing conversations. Overall, I highly recommended Nicaragua for solo travels.

Posted: September 8, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

About a year ago, I went on a two-week backpacking trip and had a great time. I never felt in danger and met very friendly people.

Posted: September 6, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I travelled alone through Nicaragua and I consider this place very safe, but I found the persistent hassling rather intense, even by Latin standards. Especially in the north of the country.

Posted: September 5, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Nicaragua safe to live in?

Is Nicaragua safe right now?

Before your visit to Nicaragua, it's essential to check travel advisories for Nicaragua, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryReconsider your need to travel

The United States Government advises reconsidering travel to Nicaragua due to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, risk of wrongful detention, and limited healthcare availability. It's recommended to exercise increased caution in Nicaragua due to crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: January 11, 2024
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Nicaragua due to the current political situation, potential for civil unrest, and crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: March 25, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Nicaragua due to the threat of violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: March 26, 2024

Is Nicaragua worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 14 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.8/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Group travel experience

We went to Leon (be sure to go to the cathedral's roof) and Managua, it was really beautiful. We only had a long weekend for Thanksgiving when we lived in Costa Rica, so we had to skip sandboarding on the volcano and we didn't manage to get to the beach. But we managed to climb the Masaya mountain at night, which was incredible - standing on the edge of an active volcano. A baseball game in Leon will cost you a few dollars and it is worth its price. If we had time, we really wanted to go to Ometepe.

Posted: November 12, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 71
mode_comment 0

Group travel experience

Stay in Ometepe for a few nights. If you want to have fun, try to arrange your stay in Granada to coincide with the Friday parties at the treehouse. San Juan also has fun on Sundays! Popoyo was my favourite place in Nicaragua - surfing and super chill vibes. Leon is also great, we stayed at a hostel called poco a poco, which in my opinion had better facilities than Bigfoot, but you can still take part in the volcanic skateboard tour with them. Nicaragua was my favourite country in Central America, I can't wait to go back!

Posted: November 10, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 53
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Nicaragua

Meet local women in Nicaragua who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
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

mode_comment 0
Nubia

Nubia

About Me

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

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Nicaragua

Stay with local women in Nicaragua who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Diana

Diana

Granada

Can host for:

2 days

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

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Nicaragua

Connect with upcoming visitors to Nicaragua who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Chrissy

Chrissy

About Me

Hello I’m Chrissy and I work in Veterinary Medicine I’m a nurse. On my free time I enjoy traveling and amusement parks.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Kristina

Kristina

About Me

Hi :) would like to explore the area, grab something to eat or join for a yoga class?

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Nicaragua