Major national disciplines
Baseball. The national sport is... baseball, due to the North American influence: since 1956, four professional teams have competed fiercely from October to January in the national championship. Attending a baseball game can be a real cultural experience: packed stadiums, orchestras, cheerleaders, street vendors of all kinds... Go to Managua's Dennis Martínez National Stadium (named after the first Nicaraguan player in history to play MLB in the USA), for example, and you'll understand immediately!
Boxing. Boxing is a sport that Nicaraguans are particularly fond of. They have their hero, Alexis Argüello, nicknamed the "gentleman of the ring", boxing champion in three different categories between 1974 and 1983. He is the most famous sportsman in the country's history. In 2008, he was elected (Sandinista) mayor of Managua, but was found dead the following year at his home, with a bullet lodged in his chest. More recently, Román González became the first boxer in the country and the2nd in history to win 4 world titles in the 4 lightest categories (from 2008 to 2021).
A surfing destination
Nicaragua's Pacific coast offers a multitude of spots, some very well known, others virtually secret... Surfing here is still in its infancy and less structured than in neighboring Costa Rica. In the north of the island, 1h30 from León and not far from Chinandega, Jiquilillo, Aposentillo and Aseradores are pristine, authentic beaches that are still largely undeveloped. Surrounding them are a number of surfcamps and surf spots, some of which, like "La Boom", are very popular with surfers.
Then, just 45 minutes from León, the fishing villages of El Transito, Puerto Sandino and Miramar offer great surfing potential. A number of surfcamps and guesthouses have set up shop here.
Further south, the superb spot of Playa Popoyo, one of the country's most famous, as well as Colorado, Playa Gigante, Playa Santana and Playa Jiquelite are located north of San Juan del Sur, a small fishing village that has become the epicenter of Nicaragua's surf culture. Closer to San Juan del Sur, Playa Maderas, Playa Hermosa and Playa Remanso are the most popular waves in the area.
Other nautical activities
Scuba diving. For diving enthusiasts, head for the area around San Juan del Sur, but especially the Corn Islands, to enjoy the beautiful transparent waters and rich Caribbean seabed. If you just feel like snorkeling, of course you can. Rays, nurse sharks, fish and multicolored coral await you!
Sport fishing. The rio San Juan is well known to sport fishing enthusiasts. For those who prefer sea fishing, it's possible from Bluefields, San Juan, around the Corn Islands, and for lake fishing, at Ometepe. In short, there's something for everyone!
On land, exceptional landscapes
Hiking. For the more adventurous, there are volcanoes to climb: in the Cordillera de los Maribios, in the Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve, in the Masaya Volcano National Park, as well as the Cerro Negro volcano and those on the island of Ometepe. A guide is strongly recommended. There are also many other national parks and nature reserves within easy reach, such as Los Macizos de Peñas Blancas.
Horseback riding. Horseback riding is possible almost everywhere. Don't miss the chance to gallop along a Pacific coast beach at sunset. It's magical!
