Why Travelers Are Calling This Central American Country “The Next Costa Rica”

For a long time, Costa Rica has been the superstar of Central American travel. It’s famous for its amazing rainforests and beautiful beaches. But its popularity means it’s also super crowded and can be expensive.

Imagine finding a place with all the same cool stuff—like huge volcanoes, wild animals, and awesome coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides—but without the huge crowds and high prices.

That’s where Nicaragua comes in. This hidden gem, located right next door to Costa Rica, is starting to get noticed. Travelers are discovering that it offers the same incredible adventures, from surfing big waves to exploring lush jungles, but with a more relaxed and authentic vibe.

People in the know are starting to whisper that it’s the new must-see spot, offering all the beauty and excitement at a much better value.

The Geography Is Nearly Identical

If you look at a map, you’ll see Nicaragua and Costa Rica share a border, so it makes sense their natural environments are alike. Both countries have amazing Pacific coasts perfect for surfing and Caribbean shores with a unique island culture.

They are also both on a path of volcanoes, meaning you’ll find plenty of dramatic mountains and cones to explore in either place. The jungles are packed with similar wildlife, too.

What sets Nicaragua apart is its size and some unique features. It’s a much bigger country, with huge areas of untouched wilderness. It’s home to Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America, which even has freshwater sharks and volcanic islands.

Plus, Nicaragua contains the massive Bosawás Biosphere Reserve, one of the biggest rainforests in the Americas, giving you even more wild nature to discover.

The Price Point Makes It Accessible

Let’s talk about the cash situation. In Costa Rica’s tourist zones, a basic lunch can cost twenty bucks, and hotels are often super pricey. Nicaragua is a totally different story. You can grab a tasty meal for five dollars and find a nice room right by the beach for around forty.

This huge difference makes it way easier to plan a trip without needing a massive bank account.

Because everything is so affordable, you can actually do more during your visit. Instead of blowing your budget just on a place to sleep, you can spend it on surfing lessons, zip-lining, or trying amazing local snacks.

It’s awesome because you get to enjoy the same tropical vibes and fun adventures as you would next door, but you won’t go broke doing it.

San Juan del Sur Has Become a Surf Town Powerhouse

On the Pacific side of Nicaragua, the town of San Juan del Sur has turned from a sleepy fishing village into a major hub for beach lovers and surfers. While the main bay is great for swimming, nearby beaches like Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa have awesome waves that bring in surfers from all over.

The town is now full of cool cafes and places to chill after a day in the water.

Even with all the new stuff, San Juan del Sur has kept its original character. You’ll still see local fishermen bringing in their catches, and the markets feel totally authentic.

It has a great balance of new energy and old traditions, which is different from some overcrowded tourist towns you might find elsewhere. It’s a perfect mix of exciting surf culture and real Nicaraguan life.

Granada and León Offer Colonial Charm

Nicaragua has something Costa Rica doesn’t: amazing old colonial cities. Granada and León are packed with history, featuring colorful buildings, huge churches, and cobblestone streets. In Granada, you can ride in a horse-drawn carriage next to a giant lake.

The city is full of old mansions that have been turned into cool restaurants with open-air courtyards, giving it a magical feel.

León has a different vibe; it’s a lively university town with a revolutionary past. You can climb to the roof of its massive cathedral for incredible views or even go volcano boarding down the nearby Cerro Negro, which is a super unique adventure.

These cities give Nicaragua a deep cultural side that goes beyond just beaches and jungles, offering a cool look into the country’s past.