Nicaragua : Safety by City
Nicaragua is a country of striking contrasts, including volcanoes and lakes, revolution and resilience, beauty and instability.
Located in Central America, between Honduras and Costa Rica, it’s bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Nicaragua has endured a long history of colonization, dictatorship, civil war, and natural disasters.
Its modern political landscape has been shaped by the Sandinista revolution in the 1970s and 1980s, followed by a fragile democracy that remains under intense strain today.
Despite these challenges, more than 1.2 million visitors come each year, drawn by the country’s natural beauty and affordable travel.
Popular stops include the colonial city of Granada, the surf town of San Juan del Sur, and the volcanic trails of Ometepe Island.
Wildlife lovers head to the highlands and rainforests, while culture seekers explore museums and churches that reflect Nicaragua’s complex past.
But the appeal comes with serious risks.
U.S. citizens, in particular, face heightened concerns due to strained diplomatic relations and some egregious crime and safety concerns.
While many trips go smoothly, Nicaragua is not a destination where you can afford to let your guard down.
That includes what you post on social media today.
Warnings & Dangers in Nicaragua
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Nicaragua has a medium risk for travelers. Petty crime is common, and political tensions add unpredictability. Most tourist areas are safe with basic precautions. Avoid protests, keep a low profile, and stay updated through your embassy or reliable news sources. Use local guides in remote areas for both safety and navigation.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Public buses are crowded and not always safe, especially at night. Use registered taxis or rides arranged through your hotel. Unmarked or unofficial taxis can pose a risk of overcharging or robbery. Road conditions outside cities are rough, and night driving is dangerous due to poor lighting and unmarked hazards.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
This is a medium risk, but also a high risk in certain areas. Pickpocketing is most likely to occur in crowded places like markets, bus terminals, and tourist areas. Keep bags zipped and wallets in front pockets. Don’t flash valuables, and stay alert in restaurants and hotel lobbies. Keep windows up and doors locked when driving. Even exchanging money at a vendor can make you a target for a snatch-and-grab by muggers.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
There's a medium risk here with Nicaragua being prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. The dry season (Nov–Apr) is generally safer for travel. Alerts aren’t always widely shared, so monitor local sources and your embassy. Know evacuation routes if you’re near a volcano, and don’t hike during heavy rains due to landslide risk.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
This is another medium risk with violent robberies being one of the many reasons for travel advisories in Nicaragua. Don’t walk alone at night, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Stay in well-trafficked places at all times.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
While the risk of international attacks in Nicaragua is low, the seemingly lawless environment where visitors can be arbitrarily detained and protesting can get you sent to jail, it's best to treat this as a high risk. The "terrorist" you fear most could be the police officer around the corner.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Common scams involve inflated taxi fares, fake tour operators, and card skimming. Avoid unsolicited help with ATMs, and book tours through verified agencies. Always agree on a price before entering a taxi. Only book tours through legit guides, and if something feels off, walk away.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
I'm giving this a high risk because of the repeated warnings I see about women needing to stay at hotels with front desk staff around the clock. Don't look for the best deal; look for the safest environment. Don't go out after dark.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
Tap water in Nicaragua is not reliably safe to drink, especially outside major cities. Stick to bottled or filtered water, including for brushing teeth. Ice may be made from tap water, so ask if you’re unsure. Waterborne illnesses are a common issue for travelers, so don’t take chances.
Safest Places to Visit in Nicaragua
The Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism runs the website visitanicaragua.com.
Look for the Safe Travels Seal to know you’re on the right website.
The safest places to visit in Nicaragua are designed for tourists.
Here’s a quick summary of those places. Next, we’ll talk about areas to avoid.
In Granada, visitors can explore the colonial architecture, visit the ChocoMuseo for a hands-on chocolate-making workshop, or take a boat tour through the islets of Lake Nicaragua.
Just outside the city, hike or drive up to the active Masaya Volcano for evening lava views from the crater’s edge.
In San Juan del Sur, surfing and beach lounging are the main draws, especially at Playa Hermosa or Playa Maderas.
The Cristo de la Misericordia statue offers panoramic views of the bay and surrounding coastline.
Ometepe Island, formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua, is popular for hiking, kayaking, and exploring petroglyphs.
The Maderas and Concepción volcano trails cater to experienced hikers, while Charco Verde Nature Reserve offers lighter walks.
In León, museums like the Museo de la Revolución and the Ortiz-Gurdián art gallery provide insight into the country’s culture and history.
The rooftop of the León Cathedral offers sweeping city views.
Matagalpa and Estelí in the highlands are good for coffee tours, eco-lodges, and nature reserves.
Somoto Canyon, near the Honduran border, is a natural attraction where visitors can hike, swim, or take guided river tours through its rock formations.
Most of the rugged areas require a guide for safety reasons, and that’s the best way to limit exposure to dangerous locations while still enjoying them as much as you can.
Places to Avoid in Nicaragua
While some parts of Nicaragua are safe-ish for cautious travelers, some areas carry a higher risk of theft, assault, and other crimes.
Canada’s travel advisory offers some of the most specific location-based warnings.
In cities like Managua, León, Bluefields, Masaya, Matagalpa, and Tipitapa, violent crime is more common in poorer neighborhoods.
In Managua, avoid:
- Mercado Oriental
- Reparto Shick
- Jorge Dimitrov
- Ciudad Belén
- Américas 1 and 2
- Barrio Camilo Ortega
Even driving through some of these areas with a car window rolled down can end in a robbery at a red light.
Tourists should stay alert in hotel lobbies, restaurants, patios, airports, and bus terminals, especially in popular tourist zones.
Petty crime, like pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in crowded areas.
U.S. officials are banned from visiting Mercado Oriental and any gentlemen’s clubs, which is a strong signal to steer clear as a visitor.
Avoid remote beach communities and parts of the North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region unless you’re traveling with a trusted local guide.
Maritime tensions also exist along the coasts. Naval challenges and fishing disputes occur near the San Andrés Islands and in areas bordering Costa Rica and Honduras.
If something serious happens on the Corn Islands, like an assault, you’ll need to get to Bluefields yourself for a proper medical exam or forensic evidence collection.
In some cases, local police haven’t followed through or even filed a report.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Nicaragua
- In tourist areas like Granada, San Juan del Sur, or parts of Managua, you’ll sometimes see “tourism police,” meant to help visitors. Outside those zones, police presence is minimal. In an emergency, dial 118, but response times can vary. Be aware that enforcement may be inconsistent, and routine policing is limited in rural or less-developed areas.
- There’s no centralized app for alerts like you’d find in the U.S. or Canada, but INETER (Nicaragua’s Institute for Territorial Studies) posts real-time info about earthquakes, volcanoes, and weather. You can also follow your embassy on social media or sign up for email alerts from STEP (U.S.) or your country’s travel registry. Cell service is generally good, but data can be slow in remote areas.
- Yes, you can drive in Nicaragua with a valid foreign license. That said, road conditions vary a lot. Highways are decent near cities, but expect potholes, animals, and unmarked hazards on rural roads. Driving at night isn’t safe. Gas stations can be far apart.
- Spanish is the official language, and outside of hotels or tour operations, English isn’t common. Learn key phrases or use an offline translation app. Nicaraguans are generally helpful, but don’t expect fluency. If you’re in trouble or lost, simple Spanish goes a long way, especially if you’re trying to get directions or ask for help from a local.
- Foreigners aren’t allowed to protest in Nicaragua. Even if you’re not actively participating but happen to be nearby, you could be detained, deported, or worse. The government has cracked down hard since 2018, and political expression isn’t protected like it is back home. This includes wearing protest colors or sharing political content while in the country.
- The Pacific beaches in Nicaragua look calm, but can be deadly. Rip currents and undertows are strong, even for expert swimmers. Lifeguards are rare, warning signs are hit or miss, and help isn’t coming quickly if you get into trouble. U.S. citizens have drowned here. If you’re swimming or surfing, stay alert and never assume you’re safe just because the water looks still.
- Nicaragua enforces harsh drug laws, even for minor amounts. If you’re caught with marijuana, even if you have a valid prescription from home, you can be arrested. Penalties for drug possession or trafficking are steep, and due process isn’t a guarantee. The safest bet is to avoid all drugs while you’re in the country, no matter how casual the setting may feel.
- You can follow every law and still face detention or exit bans in Nicaragua. U.S. citizens and others have been denied entry or had their residency revoked without warning. There’s often no clear explanation, and options are limited if this happens. If you’re flagged for any reason, diplomatic help is not guaranteed to resolve it quickly or at all.
- It may seem generous to bring donations or gear for photography or nature research, but don’t. As of April 2024, any activity involving flora, fauna, or even birdwatching requires government approval. Violating this rule could mean fines, arrest, or deportation. Even casual travelers have gotten in trouble for bringing binoculars and camera equipment without a permit.
- Your Instagram, tweets, or even old Facebook posts can get you denied entry or kicked out of Nicaragua. The government has monitored and punished visitors over critical or political content, sometimes even if it was posted years ago. Before your trip, check your public posts and understand that freedom of expression doesn’t extend past the border.
So... How Safe Is Nicaragua Really?
Nicaragua has different safety ratings depending on where you’re reading from.
The U.S. government gives it a Level 3 warning—basically saying, “reconsider travel.”
But Canada and Australia take a less severe approach.
Both advise visitors to exercise increased caution (Level 2), noting the potential for crime or unrest but not going so far as to say “don’t go.”
The UK doesn’t assign a specific risk level but flags similar concerns.
The main reason the US flags the country higher is due to tension between America and Nicaragua.
The U.S. has a more adversarial relationship, especially since 2018, when the Ortega government cracked down on protests.
That history shapes its stricter tone.
All that said, I would recommend you read through all the government warnings.
Regardless of Level 2 or Level 3, there are inherent risks, and some of them are quite scary.
This is beyond petty crime and random assaults.
For example:
- Canada mentions “thefts from cars have occurred while drivers were waiting at red lights with open windows.”
- The UK’s FCDO states, “There is no resident British diplomatic mission in Nicaragua, and FCDO cannot give in-person support.”
- Australia notes, “Avoid protests and political gatherings; authorities may arrest or imprison you.”
- Even the United States says that volunteer workers are subject to the same risks as detailed in the extensive travel warning.
Even though more than a million people visited in 2024, it’s still not the safest place to visit, especially if you’re an American.
If you do choose to go, heed the warnings.
Stay out of the most dangerous neighborhoods and only stick to areas designed for tourists.
How Does Nicaragua Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Nicaragua | 46 |
| Djibouti | 38 |
| Croatia | 83 |
| Mexico | 65 |
| France | 64 |
| Puerto Rico | 34 |
| Somalia | 16 |
| United Kingdom | 77 |
| Peru | 50 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia don’t need a visa for tourist stays under 90 days, but you will need to buy a $10 tourist card on arrival. Always check entry requirements with your country’s embassy before traveling, as policies can change without much notice.
Currency
Nicaragua uses the córdoba, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Bring smaller bills, as larger denominations can be hard to break. Credit cards are accepted in many places, but cash is still king in rural areas or smaller shops. However, we've already discussed that you should avoid these rural areas.
Weather
Nicaragua has two seasons: dry (November to April) and rainy (May to October). The dry season is more popular for travel, with warm temperatures and less humidity. The rainy season brings afternoon showers and greener scenery. Coastal and inland weather can vary, so pack for both heat and rain, either way.
Airports
Managua’s Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) is the main gateway for international flights. There are a few smaller domestic airports, but many travelers rely on ground transportation once inside the country. Don’t count on lots of amenities or signage, but customs usually moves fairly quickly.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended. Look for policies that cover political unrest, cancellations, medical evacuation, and natural disasters. Nicaragua’s healthcare system is limited in some areas, so having solid coverage can make a real difference if things go sideways.
Nicaragua Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
30 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Low °C |
22 | 23 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 |
| High °F |
86 | 86 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 86 | 86 | 88 | 88 | 86 | 86 | 86 |
| Low °F |
72 | 73 | 73 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 73 |
Nicaragua - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Managua | 71 |
While not afraid for my person, theft is high.
Having personally been robbed while sleeping in a cabaña on Little Corn Island, I can concur with your assessment of the theft risk as high. Follow-up by the police was nonexistent, despite the fact that I filled out all the paperwork, the island is small, the thefts are recurring, locals believe they know who the thieves are, and the stolen camera was relatively unique.
Nicaragua it is a dangerous place , the police they kill people very easy . They took bribe every time on the street . Robery are around the corner s as nd police do nothing armed people are everywhere to still money or properties , conclusión , Nicaragua is not safe at all
A place everyone should visit
Nicaragua is a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. It’s so filled with beautiful places and good people. Of course there are dangers but if you do your research and take care, everything will be fine.
Beautiful but unsafe
Unfortunately, someone will try to steal something from you while you’re there. It’s just that kind of place. And it’s a real shame because the place is absolutely beautiful. Not a place to go to alone, with friends it can be a great experience.
Safe for us. We love the people!
We love Nicaragua and the people! We’ve been to Nicaragua six times for a month each time.
Granada has been our main city to stay when in the country but we visit other places too such as San Juan del Sur, Jinortega, Leon, Estili and other places too. Granada is a beautiful colonial city with so much character.
Many businesses and restaurants speak English. The people seem very spiritual and involved in their churches (mostly Catholic) and seem happy and loving.
People are poor and do beg but more commonly try to sell things. We’ve had no problems with crime when we are out and about during the day and early evening.
We don’t go out in unpopulated areas or dark streets at night but we don’t do that in our own country (the United States) either.
I absolutely love this country!
Not safe
A friend of mine was robbed and murdered in Nicaragua so safe? Ehh not so sure
4 stars robbed and murdered ?
Then your friend went looking for it.
If that’s the case, why would you rate the safety 4 stars?
A
I wonder what it would take to get a 3 star rating from you. I would hate to find out
Bullshit..live here and have my residency. As for the people who “say” they have had problems. Then you have looked for them. beautiful people and a beautiful country. Live here and see.
Questions
Do you still live there? Is there a way to arrange transport and should we exchange money before we go and how much should I travel with ?
Calm and hospitable
The country’s residents are friendly and welcoming. Isla Ometepe in particular is a space where violent crime is practically unheard of. It’s policed as a community and people do not tolerate those who look to harm others. Petty theft is rising as unemployment and poverty does. The country is seeing it’s second economic crisis in 2 years. I feel safer here than in European cities.
Very nice living here
Im koos dutch and living on isla de ometepe my experience are nice people very safe and very beautifal im also living in costarica but here much tranquil
Nicaragua is amazing
I’ll be moving there soon! Paying for a piece of land currently 🙂 Ometepe is where my heart is. It is paradise.
Safer than most USA cities!
I’ve lived in Managua, Jinotepe and Rivas administrative districts for over 15 years. I am dumbfounded by the fear-inciting comments about danger and crime. What are these people talking about? In all the years I’ve had a minor car burglary. Never felt threatened or in danger, the contrary. People here are very ethical and supportive. They will run to help if they can whatever the problem … flat tire? lost? need translation? In a car accident? I drive unafraid over 300 KM every week, both during the day and night, in cities and rural areas. I’ve picked up hitch hiking Nica and gringo hitchhikers, both single women and men who travel unafraid. This is a very tranquil and proud country under a lot of pressure right now.
Safe is as Safe does! Be Safe!
I have lived in Nicaragua full time for 15 years and never had a safety issue.. yes I have heard of petty theft etc which I would consider low on a per capita relative to most of the World.
We felt safe in the South
Please put dates on the user comments so that we can judge when they were and how they affect us today.
We were there in 2014 and 2016, staying in the southern part of Nicaragua, and felt extremely safe.
EXCELLENT point. We lived there from 2013 through 2014 and loved it and have since been back three times.
Safe and free
My wife and I have been traveling here for 12 years and now have been living here permanently for the last year. We absolutely love the country and the people. For safety, I would rate the country as a whole more safe than a major US city but probably less than small town USA. It is a beautiful country and we feel safe and free here.
Safe and Free??????
Thank you for the comment! My husband and I along with our three teenage boys are traveling to Nicaragua in eight days. We’re very excited to see your beautiful Country you now call home! Some of our friends bought houses in Nicaragua and absolutely love it!
My wife and I spent 6 weeks in early 2020 in an apartment 5 minutes from the beach in San Juan del Sur. Overlooking the ocean with amazing daily sunsets, it was magical. Lovely people and is generally a younger demographic. Their economy is challenged by an uncertain
political situation. Never felt in danger anywhere in the Rivas (province) area and cannot speak for other parts of the country. Like anywhere else there is no need to go out looking for trouble by treating people like they work for you. Be nice and friendly and a smile from you will go a long way. People are generally helpful and despite speaking a very limited amount of Spanish most were keen to be helpful and even patient. It’s a rustic environment with lots of time spent outside from November to April. Lots of beeches within the area and small trucks drive back and forth to various beeches for about $5 each way per person.
Not great for people who have only been to resorts and prefer to be served on.
That’s also available and sold as an adventure tour ($$$$ daily) and which might be perfect for some. If you’re looking for luxury it is available but planning ahead is crucial and with a good outfit. a great spot to spend some time with lovely friendly people.
This beautiful country is meant to be explored
I don’t know exactly what the situation is in all of the cities in Nicaragua. I know people that have visited this country and think it’s heaven on earth. They didn’t have any bad experiences, none at all. And I think everyone that has been here can recognize the absolute beauty of this place. It’s pretty surreal. Are there dangerous places in the country? Yes there are. There are thefts occurring almost daily even in the daytime. Like always, it’s best to keep a close eye on your belongings, all of them whether it’s your phone or wallet or handbag and so on.
I recommend visiting the Islets of Granada (there are 365 of them). Some of them are deserted but there are some that have small development on them, specifically ecolodges. It’s interesting to see if you’re into this. The Masaya Volcano is a nice place to visit from some breathtaking views. You can get pretty close to this active volcano and you will see the lava up close and personal.
Have you ever done volcano surfing? Yes, it’s actually a thing, believe it or not. I loved it! Going to Cerro Negro will give you the chance to do just that: ride on a wooden surboard on the side of a volcano. You will have a boiler suit and goggles for protection. You will easily reach speeds of 60 miles per hour so this is not for everyone. Please know that it will take around 30-40 minutes to get on top of the volcano and only then you can go down.
If you want to see nature in (almost) it’s rawest form then head to Mombacho Volcano Nature Preserve. 2500 acres of forest, farms, coffee plantations, flora (more than 800 plants), birds, monkeys. You’ll use the hiking trails to experience all of this so be ready with water, snacks and plenty of energy.
There’s also the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve which is amazing! It’s huge, being the second in the world (size wise) after the huge Amazon rainforest from Brazil.
Ometepe is heaven on earth. Absolutely gorgeous. The people and the atmosphere. Im american and glad i discovered this paradise!
Way dangerous
Regardless of the 4 and 5 stars given just remember some of us lived in Nicaragua. After my 3rd year living in Nicaragua in a supposed good neighborhood I was robbed at gunpoint twice and my apartment vandalized. Always remember MS-13 is alive and well throughout Nicaragua. I lived in Matagalpa the coffee region 3 years. Little did I realize anywhere in Northern Nicaragua is where ms-13 enters through Honduras. Then they work their way to Leon, Grenada then Managua.All united states airlines have permanently stopped service to Nicaragua as of 2018 Aeromexico and Copa airlines has too.The only flights into Managua are from Avianca airlines. Layover time is normally 3 to 5 hours in El Salvador and the flights arrive normally between 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm. There’s been abductions inside of the airport in San Salvador security looks the other way. Nowhere in Central America is safe just how it is. Nowhere is safe anywhere in South America either. So I’m not singelinig,out just Nicaragua. But I’ve stayed throughout Central and South America over the years. Best advice don’t put yourself in danger. Sure Central and South America are beautiful but underneath it all lurking in the shadows it’s all extremely dangerous.