Discover a new side of Nicaragua: Beyond the Gringo trail
The Original Tourism Triangle of Nicaragua
The tourism triangle in Nicaragua began forming in the 1990s with the rise of three now-iconic destinations: San Juan del Sur, Granada, and Ometepe Island.
San Juan del Sur, once a quiet fishing town, became a hub for American expats and surfers in the late 1990s. By 2002, it was officially named a Tourism City of Nicaragua.
Then came Granada, the colonial jewel of Nicaragua and one of the oldest cities in the Americas. With its colorful architecture, lakefront sunsets, and deep historical roots, it quickly became a must-visit.
Ometepe followed naturally. Formed by two volcanoes rising out of Lake Nicaragua, the island has long captured the imagination of travelers with its surreal landscapes and quiet, laid-back rhythm. Thousands of backpackers and tourists have followed this same triangle, making it the foundation of modern travel in Nicaragua.
From triangle to trail: The evolution of the Gringo route
As more adventurers pushed the boundaries, the original triangle expanded. First came León, known for its revolutionary history, street art, and nearby volcano boarding adventures. Then Popoyo entered the scene, offering world-class surf and a more off-grid beach vibe.
The route evolved. The triangle became a trail, a rough line connecting Granada, Ometepe, San Juan del Sur, León, and Popoyo. Along the way, travelers encounter unforgettable stops like the smoking Masaya Volcano, the artisan villages of the Pueblos Blancos, the cloud forests of Mombacho, vibrant party scenes, serene crater lakes, and long stretches of surfable coastline.
Though the combinations vary, this route remains the backbone of most travel plans in Nicaragua. People often refer to it as the land of lakes and volcanoes. But that raises a simple question: what about the rest of the country?
Is the rest of Nicaragua being overlooked?
Many travelers assume the rest of Nicaragua is hard to reach, too rural, or lacks the infrastructure for tourism. But that’s not true anymore. In fact, Nicaragua has invested heavily in its transportation system. From 2007 to 2023, the country modernized and paved over 4,600 kilometers of roads, making it home to the most advanced highway network in Central America.
Yes, the Atlantic and jungle regions remain more remote, but access is growing fast. And no, the rest of the country is not less beautiful. It’s just different. It’s greener, higher, wilder. It’s quieter, and maybe even more powerful.
Exploring Nicaragua as a unique triangle from every angle
Nicaragua’s geography naturally forms a triangle shape, but this goes beyond simple maps it’s a perfect metaphor for how to explore the country. The original tourism triangle is just one face of this shape, but the entire triangle holds countless routes, landscapes, and cultures waiting to be discovered.
Imagine exploring Nicaragua from every angle, not only visiting the classic destinations but also venturing into new routes that cross mountains, forests, rivers, and traditional villages. Traveling Nicaragua as a triangle means you can create your own paths connecting points of adventure, culture, and nature, revealing a country far richer and more diverse than most people realize. Each side of this triangle offers something unique and together, they form a travel experience that is truly complete.
A vision for the future of travel in Nicaragua
At Mono Loco Adventures, we have a vision. Like Martin Luther King Jr. said, “I have a dream.” We too have a dream a vision of a future where travelers from all over the world and locals alike feel inspired to explore every corner of Nicaragua. Not just the well-trodden paths of the original triangle but the entire country.
We dream of a day when tourism embraces the full geography of Nicaragua where every mountain, every jungle, every small town is part of the journey. A day when the “tourism triangle” grows into a living, breathing map of experiences, each side leading you to new discoveries and authentic moments.
Your route, your style, your Nicaragua
At Mono Loco Adventures, our goal is simple. We want to give you the inspiration, the tips, and the tools to explore Nicaragua your way. Whether you’re looking for slow travel, immersive nature, or just a different kind of journey, we’re here to help.
Nicaragua is more than volcanoes and surf towns. It’s green mountains, jungle rivers, rural trails, and real encounters. Let the Gringo Trail be your introduction but don’t let it be your limit.
