Hi! I’m Gail,

and I have a pretty embarrassing confession to make.

Truth be told, when I was initially offered the chance to go to Nicaragua, my first question was: why? I associated the country with 1970s guerrilla warfare and church mission trips. I assumed it was unsafe, and didn’t know why anyone would want to visit.

Then I did. And boy, was I wrong. 

This place was magical. That’s the only word for it. 

I never knew there were so many stars in the night sky.

Strangers treated one another like neighbors. It wasn’t unusual to get stuck behind a herd of cattle on the highway. The untouched beaches felt like something hidden you had stumbled upon. Monkeys and parakeets were backyard critters, and volcanoes loomed behind colonial cities that took you back in time.

I was completely enamored by the natural beauty and simple way of life in Nicaragua. But what really changed my perception was seeing the country through Luis’ eyes.

He brought Nicaragua alive, giving historical context to even the most unassuming corners of the land. Luis seemed to know everything: what to do, where to eat, who to meet. It was nearly impossible not to absorb his clear passion for the country and its people.

Now, It's Your Turn!

Now, Luis and I want to share that local tour guide experience with the rest of the world and uncover all the hidden travel gems that Nicaragua has to offer. 

We’re laying out everything you need to know about the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes, plus revealing the can’t-miss experiences, secluded beaches, and killer hole-in-the-wall eateries that only the locals know to bring you the trip of a lifetime in Nicaragua.

Fun Facts About Gail and Luis

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you Nicaraguan?

Yes and no! Luis is Nicaraguan through and through. He was born and raised in a town just outside of Granada, and currently works in hospitality management on the Pacific coast. Gail is from the USA, and visits Nicaragua whenever she can.

Why is your blog called Hidden Nicaragua?

Two reasons: the first is that Nicaragua is relatively unknown as a travel destination. Sure, there have been people coming here for years, usually to backpack or surf. But most of the mainstream attention still tends to go to its neighbor, Costa Rica. 

The second reason is that we want to shine a light on Nicaragua’s hidden gems and secrets only the locals know–like where you can really find the best vigorón, or how to hail a tuk-tuk. Knowing those little insider hints is what makes exploring a new place exciting!

Do you offer any travel services?

Yes! We are so excited to bring you a brand new tour for 2024 in partnership with Careli Tours. We collaborated to design a guided 8-day experience that hits all the highlights of Nicaragua with an added local focus.

Learn more about the Hidden Nicaragua Tour by Careli.

Stay tuned for more! One of our goals is to expand the blog to help connect people with reputable tour operators. (Join our mailing list to stay updated on new features!)

But seriously…is Nicaragua safe?

Nicaragua is widely considered to be one of the safest countries in Central America (and many would argue it holds the title–Luis included!). It is no more dangerous to visit a major city in this country than it is in the U.S. or Europe. Practice basic situational awareness, and don’t dangle your wallet out of your back pocket: with a little common sense, there’s no need to be uneasy. If you’re really concerned, check out our in-depth article about safety in Nicaragua.