Activities and Things to do in Northern Nicaragua
Top 13 Things to do in the Northern Marina Area
1. Surf – San Juan del Sur may be known for some of the best
surfing in Nicaragua (and all of Central America, for that matter), but
that’s only because the North is still on the brink of surfing discovery.
From perfect beachbreak barrels to endless point breaks, the Northern Marina
area offers something for everyone, all within a short distance. Hit one
of the more popular spots or name a secret spot of your own.
2. Sail – They don’t call it the Marina Area for nothin’!
Ideal conditions in both the rainy and dry seasons are created by bands
of high and low pressure moving seasonally either north or south and meeting
together at all times of year in the South Pacific. The rainy season sees
traditionally clear blue skies in the morning, a few puffy clouds at midday,
and evening showers. Even in the driest months, the marina basin is characterized
by consistent, but not overwhelming, off-shore breezes, making for great
sailing.
3. Fish – There’s also good reasons that the national rum
company, Flor de Caña, holds its annual Fishing Tournament at the
Marina Area! A few of them are: rooster fish, red snapper, blue and striped
Marlin, sailfish, yellowfin, wahoo and dorado. Need we say more? Inshore
or offshore, there are fish here. Make sure you have a local cook up your
prize catch or prepare it “ceviche-style”.
4. Jet Ski/Kayak the Estuaries – Day or night by full moon, exploring
the mangrove-lined maze of estuaries of the marina is truly a must-do experience.
5. Mountain & Road Bike – With endless kilometers of pristine
beaches, ocean view outposts and open roads, Aserradores is a mountain biker’s
playground. Choose your own combination of off-road or paved riding on a
newly-asphalted highway with light traffic.
6. World Class Hunting (Deer, Dove, Duck, Bobwhite) – From the
ground or your own private helicopter, the hunting in the north is more
than abundant.
7. Hike the Volcanoes – Cerro Negro and the majestic San Cristobal
and Coseguina all sit short day trips from the marina area. San Cristobal
is Nicaragua’s largest volcano, located in the quaint town of El Viejo.
Cerro Negro, often described as Nicaragua’s most unique volcano for
its short, steep climb and lack of vegetation, offers outstanding 360-degree
views from its 400 meter peak. Coseguina is the best ‘lush jungle’
hike of the three. It is also the easiest....just a 30 minute hike to the
rim from where you can park.
8. Bask in the Hot Springs – The most popular hot springs are located
within the area of the Cosigüina Volcano, which heat local pools and
also offer proximity to bird and animal watch in local wetlands. After a
dip in the hot springs, don’t miss the pristine Mechapa beaches and
their high seaside cliffs!
9. Horseback Riding – Probably one of the best ways to truly explore
all that Aserradores and the surrounding areas have to offer is on horseback,
the mode of transportation of choice of most locals! For the more adventurous
and experienced, there are multiple trails and open beaches to ride, or
guides to lead beginning riders of all ages. We have 2 horses on our office
property that are available to our clients.
In the photos below, the dark brown horse is named, "Consentido". It is a quarter
mile breed, from a Farm in the area called Achuapa, which is known for breeding
these kind of horses. It is 4 1/2 years old. The other one is named "El Maquel".
This horse is originally form the area of volcano Cosiguina. It is a Spanish breed
horse and it is 3 1/2 years old.
10. Bird Watching – The great diversity in the northern Nicaraguan
landscape provides a habitat for the same diversity of birds. From the Great
Egrets and Blue Herons of the estuaries to the Woodpecker, Warblers, Hawks,
Kingbirds and Swallos of the mountains and hillsides, experienced birdwatchers
will not be disappointed with viewing their standard favorites and exotic
local native species.
11. Visit Flor de Caña Factory & Historic Leon – Flor
de Caña is best known as one of the best rums in all of Latin America,
having been awarded more than 72 medals worldwide in the past 5 years. The
plantation distillery, located near the historic, Spanish colonial city
of Leon, founded in the 1500s (a bustling town and “must-see”
attraction), was first construction in 1890 but completely modernized in
1996. Don’t miss taste testing their “perfect” 12-year Centenario
and other variety of rums!
12. Splurge on Lobster – It’s not really a splurge when it’s
so readily available, but you can’t leave our fishing village of Aserradores,
known for its seafood without experiencing the locals doing what they do
best.
12. Go for a swim at the water front pools at Marina Puesta del Sol
- You can't go wrong relaxing in one of the beautiful pools shown below
located at the Marina Puesta del Sol.
14. Whale watching – Keep an eye out for new tour operators popping
up to take advantage of the many opportunities to view dolphins and whales
along the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. Whale spouts can especially can be
seen in the north, a common route for migrating Humpbacks headed toward
the Golfo de Fonseca, bay which joins Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador.
Biologists from international research teams are currently identifying the
Marina Area as an important region for whale study.
Perfect road to Chinandega from Managua and they are about 30 Km done of
the 100 Km of road they are putting in Potosi and Punta Nata. The Marina
(only Marina in Nicaragua), www.marinapuestadelsol.com. Insane surf!!! Prestine
untouched beaches, less wind in the windy season, the water never gets cold
like down south, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing the estuaries, Leon the Spanish
Colonial City is just an hour away, tallest Volcano – San Cristobal, best
surf, best hunting (Deer, Bobwhite, dove, duck with frigin fan boats), ag
capital with peanuts, cane, rice, etc…..and the best part is this is where
they make Flor de Cana in Chichigalpa.