Nirvana in Nicaragua

I’ve found the one…..you know, that one place that you can’t ever imagine leaving.. the one place that has
everything you want from a destination.. including its FOOD. I found my wanderlust nirvana in Nicaragua
and especially so when I arrived in the amazing city of Leon.

Most travellers choose to stay in amongst the hustle and bustle of town — and why not? Latina Hostel has a
fun yet chilled atmosphere and is great for meeting people. Others prefer to stay 20 mins away on Las
Peñitas beach. Big Foot has a great sister hostel there and puts on some great parties, as well as a regular
transfer into town.

While the streets are infused with the daily Latino life and atmosphere, the locals are laid back and
friendly. Oh and Leon has the best street food I have EVER had the pleasure of eating.

What you need to do: Late afternoon, head over to the Cathedral, and take the many steps to the top of
the tower. From there you can witness one of Nicaragua’s absolutely stunning sunsets. When night has
fallen, come back down to the square and find a cocktail menu at one of the many bars. It should be happy
hour by this point. Flor de Cana is usually the drink of choice — a special rum found all over Nicaragua but
few other countries. It’s cheap and yet delicious, whether it’s neat, on the rocks or mixed in a cocktail.

When you’re starting to get a bit peckish, walk round the side of the Cathedral towards 2nda Av SE and
near Mercado Central, you will stumble across several Leon ladies cooking up a feast.

They serve your food in a huge leaf, which they hold in their palm and fill it with whatever you want.. they
are often trying to load it up to the max so don’t be shy!

The hugest BBQ you’ve ever seen, with more vegetable and rice “sides” being added until it’s fit to burst. All
this deliciousness comes to no more than about £1.50..

So there you have the most exotic, scrumptious, healthy, authentic, adventurous and great value meal you
will eat in Central America, maybe even the world. And I’m not even kidding. There are seats there to sit
and savour your meal, or you can take away to eat back on your guesthouse’s veranda with fellow guests.
Either way, this food stand is a real social epicentre in the town, for locals and travellers alike, so don’t be
surprised when you’ve made a whole bunch of new buddies before you leave the stand that night.
Aside from the streetfood, other things to try whilst in Nicaragua — batidos (fresh fruit juice with ice and
sometimes blended with milk, yoghurt or even ice cream), gallo pinto (rice and beans, often served up on
the side of most meals you order.

Make sure you have time to visit Pan y Paz, a fantastic French deli and bakery, with the BEST cheesecake
and iced coffee you will have on your trip and a lovely courtyard to chill out in, when the heat gets too
much.

And if you’re feeling hardcore, go to Via Via and order the Macho breakfast, which consists of “ A cup of
black coffee, a cigarette and a shot of Ron Plata”!

Other places to mention in Nicaragua that are definitely worth a visit –
Granada — The Garden Café has great food, if a little pricier than in other cities — unfortunately you’ll find
this a lot in the capital — prices are higher (but still good places to eat).I didn’t stumble across any amazing
street food vendors unfortunately.

San Juan Del Sur — Best cocktails and tacos at Republika bar. You can find amazing tacos all over town but
the atmosphere here is great and pretty damn tasty pulled pork and red cabbage tacos I was craving almost
every night.

Ometepe Island — Maria Hostel offers a delicious and filling meal for about £1.50. Anything from a heaped
plate of gallo pinto with eggs, to giant pancakes and fruit, or even spaghetti and giant meatballs!

I urge you to make this your number one country to visit on your travel bucket list… the sights, smells,
and TASTES of Nicaragua are all there just waiting for you!