Gorgeous, still relatively untouched, and inexpensive
Nicaragua | Feb 28 - Mar 16, 2023

F
fern k.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 23, 2023

Nicaragua is still relatively unspoiled and has great natural beauty. We were impressed by the accommodations, food and knowledge of our guides. We felt safe everywhere we went and didn’t get sick at all.
Reyna did a great job capturing who we were and the kind of experiences we were looking for - we felt like we had great exposure to authentic Nicaraguan customs and life. We learned a lot about the importance of coffee, chocolate, cigars and farming in general to the economy.
We plan to return in 2 or 3 years!!!

Hotel Reviews
Finca San Juan de la Isla
Altagracia

We were in a cabana overlooking the lake and “bird island”. Beautiful spot. Food and service was great. Lots of wildlife. It’s super windy but the restaurant did a good job of putting up screens to block the wind but still allow a view. We loved the private remote feeling of this place - if you need to be where the action is , look elsewhere.

Authenticity & Character
Rustic cabanas Beautiful gardens
Location
Private remote
Staff
Very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pacaya Lodge y Spa
Masaya

We were in a private cabana overlooking the lake and gorgeous grounds. Loved the sound of the howlers and birds every day. Loved our deck with comfy hammock. Very luxurious accommodations. Staff were super friendly and accommodating. Food was good.

Authenticity & Character
Loved that the owners also are involved in education and farming locally
Location
Big deck overlooking the lagoon
Staff
Staff were super friendly and helpful. I even received a birthday card and small gift on my birthday 🥳
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very luxurious.
Hotel Selva Negra (Bungalow)
Matagalpa

Loved this rustic cabin in the middle of a forest. Lots of wildlife!! Great hiking trails. Very interesting coffee tour of a large coffee producer.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Loved the forest location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lever
Somoto

What a surprise to find such a high end feeling newer hotel in northern Nicaragua!!! Food was great. Comfy bed. Loved the town of Somoto. Just small enough to easily explore and quickly feel at home in.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aaki Hotel
Las Peñitas

Wonderful location on the beach with comfy bed and great view from our balcony. The included breakfast was ok but we added a fruit platter for an extra charge that was fabulous. The lunch and dinner items need work. I had what I thought was going to be a fresh fruit bowl with chia and granola but the fruit was puréed into a smoothie - such a shame when the fresh fruit in season is outstanding. The flavours all just blended together- disappointing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great location on a gorgeous stretch of beach
Staff
Awesome friendly staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Victoriano
San Juan del Sur

Older hotel that needs some work. The architecture is amazing and some areas were well maintained. But the main stairs to the hotel were uneven / being repaired. Funky smell - mildew? In the lobby. The room itself was nice with good amenities and comfy bed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
On the Main Street across from a very busy boat filled beach/ harbour
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Had to be careful on the uneven main entrance stairs. Find what is causing the smell in the lobby - maybe it was just temporary???
Hotel Los Altos
Estelí

We visited the stone man and did an artisanal coffee and farm visit from Esteli , all of which were awesome. The city itself is BUSY and we were warned to not be walking around our hotel after 10 pm. The hotel was near Central Park and church and the area was totally fine during the day and early evening. The room was fine, the staff ok. Might look into a home stay if we were to visit Esteli region again. We are not busy city people but if you like being in the centre of action you might not mind this hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Reyna Ulloa
Reyna
Reyna Ulloa
Local specialist in Managua | Replied on Jul 20, 2023

Hi dear Fern,

Nice to greet you again! Thank you very much for your feedback . We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experiences we prepared for you. It was a pleasure to help you create your itinerary according to your needs and preferences as reflected in our communications.
Nicaragua awaits you and the kimkim team to plan your next adventure