Easter, known as Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Nicaragua, is a great time to participate in religious and cultural traditions throughout the country. Easter week is very busy, but it is also a period of summer vacation for Nicaraguans, so as local people head to the coast or lakes to relax, the towns are empty. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for enjoying the Easter week during your stay.

Do …

  • Visit Leon. During Easter week the city has religious processions and colorful “alfombras” lining the streets. Take the opportunity to visit the roof top of the Revolution Museum where you can get a bird´s eye view of the proceedings.

  • While in Leon try the “Sopa de Queso” that is traditionally served only during the period of Lent.

  • Go camping on Telica Volcano. A great hike with some fabulous views topped off with the unique experience of spending the night in a tent on an active Volcano.

  • Stay on a small Island. You can stay on the Isletas – tiny islands in the bay of Granada or we also suggest Solentiname – an archipelago in Lake Nicaragua where you can be in touch with the natural surroundings and peace of Island life.

Don’t …

  • Head for the beach unless you want to be with hordes of people. We would advise you to book your beach time for the week after Easter as the beaches will be all yours and at half the price!

  • Expect all museums and historical sites to be operating as normal. Leave your cultural visits until the week after or the week before Easter to be sure of opening times.

  • Think that Christmas and Easter week are times for partying. These are times when the locals get together in family groups for meals and religious observance in some cases. Cocktails on the balcony or garden of your hotel come highly recommended at this time.

  • Try to travel on public transport during these periods – we recommend private aquatic and terrestrial transfers.