Eastern Nicaragua

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
Photo provided by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
Eastern Nicaragua
Eastern Nicaragua
Photo by Mike  Leeson

Beautiful cays, remote tribal settlements, reserves teeming with wildlife and wild jungles lure adventurous travellers to this distant region on the Caribbean coast.

Diverse, far-flung and untamed, Eastern Nicaragua is the perfect destination for adventurous travelers. Relax on blissful islands, spot exotic wildlife in stunning nature reserves and experience the life of flourishing tribal groups. Eastern Nicaragua stretches along the Caribbean Sea and is made up of two autonomous regions, Atlántico Sur and Atlántico Norte. It is the largest section of the Mosquito Coast, a 225-mile (360-kilometer) long former colonial area that stretches into Honduras.

Atlántico Norte is Nicaragua’s most remote region. Tours to its major attractions depart from gritty Puerto Cabezas. Visit fishing villages, snorkel in crystalline water and spot colorful birdlife on the islands of Miskito Cays. Witness gold prospecting traditions at inland mining towns such as Siuna, Rosita and Bonanza.

Travel to the Miskito communities of Tuapi and Krukira by dirt bike and go swimming at Pahra Lagoon. Witness indigenous lifestyles at Dakura, Pahra and Sandy Bay, connected via a trail passing through scenic countryside. Paddle a canoe down the Wawa River. Ride a mountain bike along Wawa Beach, a great location for picnics, swimming and fruit picking.

Learn about the African, European, mestizo and indigenous lifestyle of Bluefields, the regional capital of Atlántico Sur. Spot monkeys, toucans and wild cats in Kahka Creek Wildlife Refuge and Wawashang Hill Natural Reserve. Start here to visit Miskito villages. Relax on the white-sand beaches of Pearl Lagoon. Uncover a veritable Caribbean island utopia at the Corn Islands and Pearl Cays.

Head to the Atlántico Sur’s far south for a guided tour of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve. See parrots, macaws, bears, jaguars and monkeys, among other animals. Hike trails, cruise on a river, admire impressive rock formations and stay overnight at a Rama Indian village.

Reach Eastern Nicaragua by flying from Managua to Bluefields or Puerto Cabezas. Dirt roads, thick jungle, mangrove forests, swamps and limited transportation options make traveling time-consuming. Those who arrive here discover a region of spectacular beauty and rewarding cultural encounters.

Where to stay in Eastern Nicaragua

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Central Bluefields

Though Central Bluefields may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Central Park and Reserva Silvestre Greenfields.

Central Bluefields
Arenas Beach Hotel
Arenas Beach Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Southwest Bay, Corn Islands, Corn Islands
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Corn Islands. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (191 reviews)
"Beach front, beautiful views, great ocean, clean, neat, the only issue I had was with some prices on their food and the flies."

Reviewed on 12 Jun, 2025

Arenas Beach Hotel
Yemaya Reefs, a Small Luxury Hotel
Yemaya Reefs, a Small Luxury Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Northern End, Corn Islands
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Corn Islands. Enjoy a beach locale, room service, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Turtle Hill and Lighthouse ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (91 reviews)
Another Day in Paradise
"Yemaya Reefs is perfection. From the door-to-door service from Big Corn airport (definitely worth it to reserve transportation through Yemaya as opposed to finding a taxi from Big Corn airport to the harbor and then finding a water taxi) to the welcome drinks to every member of the team greeting ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jun, 2025

Yemaya Reefs, a Small Luxury Hotel
Emerald Luxe Suites
Emerald Luxe Suites
3 out of 5
South End, Corn Islands, South Caribbean Coast
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Corn Islands. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sally Peachy Beach and Karen Tucker ...
"Beautiful sunset view"

Reviewed on 23 Dec, 2024

Emerald Luxe Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Boca Tapada Rainforest
Boca Tapada Rainforest
2 out of 5
Ruta 250, Boca Tapada, Costa Rica, Pital, Provincia de Alajuela
Stay at this chalet in Pital. Enjoy free WiFi and free parking.
Boca Tapada Rainforest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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