Pacaya Lodge and Spa is situated overlooking the stunning and pristine Laguna de Apoyo, which was declared a nature reserve in 1991. A beautiful shade of blue, this large and tranquil crater lake is believed to have formed over 20,000 years ago and is home to a tropical dry forest ecosystem. Visitors to the reserve have the opportunity to discover over 500 species of plants and trees, like orchids, black rosewood and mahogany. Animals like howler monkeys, anteaters, and falcons can also be spotted in this gorgeous paradise. In a region with as much geothermal activity as Nicaragua, the water is naturally heated and full of igneous minerals.

The natural beauty of Laguna de Apoyo makes for a must-see destination of any visitor to Nicaragua. Lucky for Pacaya Lodge and Spa guests, the lagoon is easily accessible and spending a day enjoying it is a breeze. Are you looking for an active day on the lagoon? There are plenty of opportunities to go diving, hiking, swimming, boating, and kayaking. Seeking something more relaxing? Sunbathe along the tranquil shores or on a floating dock, and take a swim in the warm thermal waters.

Feeling especially adventurous? Be sure to check out our diving excursion on Laguna de Apoyo. This three-hour class is great for beginners who would like an introduction to  Scuba diving. After an information session, you will progress to the diving pool to learn underwater breathing and get the scoop on diving equipment. After you feel comfortable with the basics, it’s time for your expert guide to take you on a dive in the lagoon. Scuba vacation packages are also available. Check them out and book today! 

Food in Nicaragua is not as well-know as that of other Central American countries but certainly deserves the same recognition! Dating back to pre-Colombian times and undergoing influence by Spanish colonialism, traditional Nicaraguan food is known today as criollo, or creole. This fusion boasts unique spices and ingredients that add delicious flavors to this nation’s cuisine.

The foundation of food in Nicaragua is corn and can be found in both sweet and savory dishes as well as drinks. Corn is so prevalent in this cuisine due to the indigenous tribes that inhabited the area. A well-known drink made from corn is Chicha, a fermented beverage with a sweet flavor. Traditional Nicaraguan food is plentiful and varies according to region and cultural influences.

If you’re seeking the quintessential breakfast while on a trip to this beautiful country, you can find it in nearly every restaurant: eggs, soft cheese, and gallo pinto, which consists of rice and beans fried with onion, garlic and pepper. A food that is a bit more casual that you can enjoy while out and about is the nacatamale, a tamale filled with tender pork, rice and vegetables, and wrapped in a plantain leaf. A staple drink with any breakfast is, of course, coffee. Nicaraguan coffee is strong, rich, and famous, as it is the nation’s main export to the rest of the world.

There are plenty of other good eats to try throughout your stay in Nicaragua. Quesillo is a simply dish that includes a piece of cheese wrapped in a tortilla with onions, vinegar and cream on top. Gallo pinto is a favorite of locals, consisting of fried rice, onion, beans, garlic and pepper mixed together. Still want more? Savor some vigorón, which originated in the city of Granada. Vigorón comprises a plantain leaf and topped with yucca, chicharrón (fried pork) and a salad.

There is an abundance Nicaraguan desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth: enjoy some buñuelos, which are balls of fried dough drenched in a sweet sugary sauce. Hojuelas are another delicacy, made of fried flour and sugar and covered in honey. Both of these tasty treats are sold by street vendors and are easily found while you stroll the streets. ¡Buen Provecho!

Be sure to visit Pacaya Lodge & Spa’s open-air Restaurante Guardabarranco and Bar Macuá, complete with impeccable cuisine and cocktails as well as stunning views of the crater lake!

 

Managua is both the capital and largest city of Nicaragua and the second most populous city in all of Central America. This city has been through no shortage of struggles — a destructive earthquake in 1972, and revolution in 1979, and a civil war in the 1980s — but what remains is strong, thriving, and blossoming into something travelers to Nicaragua should not miss.

It’s important to recognize the multi-faceted and, at times, difficult history of Nicaragua, and paying a visit to the Sandino Memorial Museum is a good start to understanding the time leading to and following the revolution of 1979. This museum was a space once occupied by the Samoza Family, and Sandino was a leader of the revolution that was killed during the Samoza reign in the 1930s. Sandino and his supporters fought against mistreatment of the poor and for more freedom in the nation, and to this day he is honored throughout Nicaragua and is emblemized as a tall, proud statue near the lookout point that is part of the Loma de Tiscapa National Park. This park has stunning panoramic vistas of Lake Managua and Momotombo Volcano.

The experience of eating like a local is paramount to an authentic Managua day trip. Snack on fresh fruit like papaya and mango, sip on some sweet chicha, and fall in love with quesillo, a fresh cheese served with onions and wrapped in a corn tortilla. While walking around and getting a feel for the city, take a stroll past the Managua Cathedral which survived several earthquakes and now exists at a beautifully delicate frame to admire from afar. If you’d like to compare and contrast, take a drive to the New Cathedral built in 1993, a unique and certainly modern church unlike any you’ve seen before.

Are you into the arts and entertainment? Explore the Rubén Dario National Theater, a large white columned building with plush red velvet seats and named after Nicaragua’s most famous poet. This theater showcases Modern art exhibitions as well as traditional Nicaraguan dance and classical music

Before you return to Pacaya Lodge and Spa, be sure to check out Mercado Roberto Huembes where you can find some authentic and unique souvenirs to bring home to your friends and family!

Pacaya Lodge & Spa, a Luxury Nicaragua Jungle Hotel

Nicaragua has stunningly diverse flora and fauna. Known for its rich and beautiful landscape, looming volcanoes, and the giant Lake Nicaragua, the largest nation in Central America has so much to offer for wildlife lovers. Nicaragua’s level of biodiversity is impressive, and a large amount of its animal populations live in the nation’s 78 protected areas, covering roughly 17% of its landmass. Perhaps the most popular creature in Nicaragua is the sea turtle, and great efforts are being made to preserve these nearly endangered animals. Great ways to discover the amazing animals of Nicaragua are through diving, hiking, and visiting nature reserves. Pacaya Lodge & Spa is a great Nicaragua jungle hotel to spot the stunning wildlife of this country.

Interested in the thrilling experience of seeing freshwater sharks? Look no further than Lake Nicaragua, home to the only known freshwater sharks in the world beside the Río San Juan! If you’re feeling especially adventurous, the ideal ways to witness these creatures are by snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving. You can fit this activity in during your trip to Granada, which lies at close proximity to Pacaya Lodge and Spa.

Birds to Spot Around a Nicaragua Jungle Hotel

Are you seeking animals in the sky over those in the lake? Nicaragua is a birder’s paradise: nearly 700 species reside here! The national bird, called the Guardabarranco, boasts brilliant green tail feathers as well as red and yellow plumage. This nation is also home to parrots, toucans, and macaws. There is no shortage of wild cats in Nicaragua, including the stunning jaguar, which is the largest cat found in this lush country. Cat lovers will also delight in spotting cougars, ocelots, and pumas.

Pacaya Lodge and Spa is a beautiful Nicaragua jungle hotel that overlooks the stunning Laguna de Apoyo, which was declared a nature reserve in 1991. This large and tranquil lagoon is believed to have formed over 20,000 years ago and is home to a tropical dry forest ecosystem. Visitors to the reserve have the opportunity to discover over 500 species of plants and trees, like orchids, black rosewood and mahogany. Animals like howler monkeys, anteaters, and falcons can also be spotted in this pristine paradise. Get ready for an unforgettable wildlife adventure in an unforgettable Nicaragua jungle hotel like Pacaya Lodge & Spa!

 

Heading to Nicaragua and not exactly sure what to pack? We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list! Your questions about climate, safety, and packing essentials are outlined below. ¡Buen viaje!

Climate

Nicaragua experiences a tropical climate similar to that of other Central American countries, with a dry and rainy season. The dry season is from December to May with hot and sunny weather. June through August is known as the rainy season, bringing in lush green foliage and cooler air. September through November is also considered the rainy season, but with heavier and more intense rainfall. There are three temperature zones: it’s hottest in the lowlands, followed by the central part of the country and the mountains in the north.

Safety

Nicaragua is one of the safest countries in the Americas. Its small population and friendly people make it a wonderful place for travelers to experience.

It is always a good idea to take simple precautions while traveling anywhere in the world. Below are some travel suggestions:

Never leave your bags or purses unattended. If you experience an issue with theft, please report any stolen property and/or any incident involving your safety and security to the establishment where you are staying.

Store valuables, travel documents (passports/airline tickets) and additional cash in your room’s safe or the property’s main safe. Keep your room locked at all times and hand in room keys or cards whenever you leave your hotel.

Voltage

Nicaragua uses the same voltage range (120V) and power sockets (type A/B) as the United States so a converter is not necessary. Some locations, however, do not have three-prong outlets. If you are bringing an electronic with a three-prong plug, make sure to pack an adapter as well.

Suggested Packing List

*In Nicaragua, you will experience a wonderful mix of active and tranquil days. If you are exploring a nearby town or city on a daytrip from the Pacaya Lodge and Spa and want to immerse yourself with local culture, bring a pen and pad or Spanish dictionary/phrasebook so that you can converse with the friendly people of Nicaragua. It is greatly appreciated when you make the effort to speak Spanish!

*Nicaragua has a tropical climate. The color black attracts mosquitos, therefore we recommend packing cool, lightweight and light-colored clothing (such as cotton).

1. Passport and paper copy
2. Sunhat
3. Sunglasses
4. High factor sunscreen/lip balm
5. Sturdy walking shoes such as hiking boots or athletic sneakers
6. Sandals for pool time
7. Shorts and short-sleeved shirts
8. Long-sleeved shirts for cooler night
9. Comfortable clothes for walking/hiking
10. Underwear/socks
11. Bathing suit
12. Toiletries
13. Antibacterial gel/hand wipes
14. Basic medical/pharmacy kit for personal use
15. Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from any allergies
16. Nausea and diarrhea medicine
17. Anti-itch cream such as hydrocortisone cream and Benadryl
18. Insect repellent with deet such as Off!, Repel, Sawyer’s
19. Binoculars for wildlife viewing
20. Chargers for cellphones and other electronics
21. Camera
22. Cash for tipping, souvenirs etc.