The 14 BEST things to do in San Carlos, Nicaragua

Introduction

Welcome to The Journey Seeker! Find out all about best things to do in San Carlos, Nicaragua!

Welcome to San Carlos, Nicaragua – the place where the sun is always shining and the good vibes are endless. If you’re looking for a fun and affordable vacation destination, then look no further! San Carlos is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

Atmosphere / Vibes

Beautiful Landscape During Golden Hour in San Carlos, Nicaragua.
Photo by Darren Lawrence
One of the best things about San Carlos is the laid-back atmosphere. It’s a small town, so it’s easy to get to know the locals and feel like you’re part of the community. The people here are friendly and welcoming, and there’s a strong sense of community. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach, exploring the town, or enjoying a cold cerveza at a local bar, you’ll feel right at home in San Carlos.

Weather throughout the year

A Person in Festive Costume Standing on the Street
Photo by ROBERTO ZUNIGA
No matter when you visit San Carlos, you can expect beautiful weather. The town is located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, so the temperature is always warm and pleasant. During the dry season (December to April), the weather is sunny and dry, making it the perfect time to visit if you want to spend most of your time outdoors. The rainy season (May to November) is also a great time to visit, as the rain usually only lasts for a few hours each day and the temperature is still warm.

Why San Carlos, Nicaragua is the best place to be

Three White Sun Loungers in San Carlos, Nicaragua.
Photo by Wendy Wei
There are so many reasons why San Carlos is the best place to be, but here are just a few: The cost of living is very affordable, so you can enjoy all that San Carlos has to offer without breaking the bank. The natural beauty of the town is breathtaking. From the crystal clear waters of Lake Nicaragua to the lush green forests and mountains, there’s always something beautiful to look at. The town is small and easy to navigate, so it’s perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. There are plenty of fun activities to keep you entertained, including hiking, boating, fishing, and more.

Cost of Travel

Man Wearing Black Tank Top Standing On Shore in San Carlos, Nicaragua.
Photo by Julyo Saenz
One of the best things about San Carlos is that it’s very affordable to visit. The cost of living is low, so you can enjoy all that the town has to offer without breaking the bank. The town is small and easy to navigate, so it’s easy to get around without spending a lot of money.

Top 14 best things to do in San Carlos, Nicaragua

People in Festive Costumes Standing on the Street in San Carlos, Nicaragua.
Photo by ROBERTO ZUNIGA
  1. Visit the Río San Juan, a beautiful river that runs through the town. You can take a boat tour to explore the river and see the wildlife and vegetation up close.
  2. Relax on the beach at Isla de Ometepe, a beautiful island located in the middle of Lake Nicaragua. Here, you can soak up the sun, swim in the crystal clear waters, and enjoy a cold cerveza at one of the many beachside bars.
  3. Hike to the top of Maderas volcano and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The hike is challenging but worth it for the stunning views at the top.
  4. Visit the town of San Carlos and explore the local markets, shops, and restaurants. The town is small and easy to navigate, so it’s the perfect place to wander and discover new things.
  5. Go fishing in Lake Nicaragua. The lake is magical.
  6. Take a boat tour of the Solentiname Islands, a group of 36 small islands located in the southern part of Lake Nicaragua. The islands are home to a community of artists and are known for their beautiful hand-painted wooden figurines and other crafts.
  7. Visit the Ometepe Biological Reserve, a protected area home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Here, you can go birdwatching, hiking, and even go on a guided tour to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
  8. Relax in the hot springs at Los Chocoyos. These natural hot springs are located in a beautiful setting and are the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring.
  9. Go horseback riding through the countryside and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
  10. Take a boat tour of the San Juan River and visit the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, a protected area home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including monkeys, jaguars, and hundreds of species of birds.
  11. Explore the town of El Castillo and visit the fortress of El Castillo, a 17th-century fort that was used to defend against pirate attacks. The fort is now a museum where you can learn about the history of the region.
  12. Go scuba diving in the crystal clear waters of Lake Nicaragua and discover the diverse range of fish and other marine life that call the lake home.
  13. Visit the Finca Magdalena, a coffee plantation located in the mountains outside of San Carlos. Here, you can learn about the history and process of coffee production and even try some of the locally grown coffee.
  14. Take a boat tour of the Granada Islets, a group of 365 small islands located in Lake Nicaragua. The islands are home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas, and hundreds of species of birds.

Conclusion

Man in White Dress Shirt and Black Hat Standing on Dock during Night Time
Photo by Kindel Media
There’s no doubt that San Carlos, Nicaragua is the perfect vacation destination for anyone looking for an affordable, laid-back, and fun place to relax and have a good time. With its beautiful natural setting, friendly locals, and endless activities to enjoy, you’ll never be bored in San Carlos. So pack your bags and head to this amazing town for the trip of a lifetime!


Have you thought about staying in San Carlos for a little longer and working remotely? Here is another blog post about becoming a Digital Nomad in San Carlos

Did you like this post? Have a look at our other blog posts about living in Nicaragua, such as Corn Island, San Juan Del Sur or Granada.