Granada is one of Nicaragua’s most popular backpacker destinations, and it’s easy to see why. With colourful colonial architecture, lively hostels, plenty of activities and one of Central America’s most talked-about parties, there’s more to this city than initially meets the eye.
Often compared with León, Granada has a similar atmosphere but feels slightly more developed, with a larger historic centre, more impressive architecture and a greater variety of things to do. Whether you’re interested in exploring its colonial streets, taking a chocolate-making workshop, visiting the surrounding volcanic landscape or simply enjoying the social atmosphere of its hostels, there’s enough here to keep you occupied for a few days.
Of course, Granada is probably best known among backpackers for the Treehouse Party, an unusual jungle party that attracts travellers from across Nicaragua. It’s certainly an experience worth considering, although, as I’ll explain, it didn’t quite live up to the hype for me.
I spent three nights in Granada, which I think is about right for most backpackers. Here’s everything I’d recommend knowing before visiting.
Quick Facts: Granada, Nicaragua
| Recommended stay | 3 nights |
| Best for | Colonial architecture, backpacker hostels, nightlife and day trips |
| Main attraction | The Treehouse Party |
| Best hostel | Granada Oasis |
| Getting around | Walking, taxis and tuk-tuks |
| Next destination | Ometepe Island |
| Overall rating | 6–7/10 |
Things to Do in Granada
Granada has a surprisingly varied selection of activities, particularly considering its relatively small size. While the Treehouse Party tends to dominate conversations among backpackers, there are plenty of other ways to spend your time here.
One thing worth mentioning is that some of the smaller activities aren’t necessarily organised as regular hostel excursions. At Granada Oasis, for example, there’s a whole book of possible activities and day trips that can be arranged if enough people are interested.
The downside is that you sometimes have to do the organising yourself. Rather than simply signing up for an advertised hostel excursion and meeting other travellers along the way, you might need to find a few people who fancy doing the same thing first. It’s worth asking around when you arrive.
1. Attend the Treehouse Party
If there’s one experience that Granada is famous for among backpackers, it’s the Treehouse Party.
Located in the jungle outside the city, the venue is built around the surrounding forest, with multiple stages, elevated walkways and little hideaways scattered throughout the trees. Rope bridges connect different areas, while smaller treehouse-style spaces provide somewhere to escape the dancefloor, have a drink or play a few drinking games.
The setting is genuinely spectacular. It feels a little like something out of Indiana Jones, and it’s certainly not your typical nightclub.
Getting there is straightforward, with organised return transport included in the party ticket. De Boca en Boca hostel is one of the pick-up points, making it particularly convenient if you’re staying there.
My experience: 6/10
Despite the incredible setting, I came away slightly underwhelmed by the actual party.
The biggest issue for me was the music. The Treehouse plays mellow techno rather than the harder, more energetic techno you might associate with the genre. The result was that people who weren’t particularly interested in techno didn’t necessarily enjoy it, while those who genuinely liked the genre felt it wasn’t quite hard enough to get properly into.
It was a strange middle ground where nobody seemed entirely satisfied with the music, which dampened the experience slightly.
The venue itself, however, is absolutely worth seeing. There’s something quite special about wandering between the different stages, crossing rope bridges above the forest and finding little corners where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings.
There is one fairly significant downside that I think is worth mentioning: getting to and from the actual venue involves a reasonably steep and uneven walk. Think loose rocks, exposed tree roots and some fairly substantial steps, all while navigating your way around in the dark after a few drinks.
I’m not sure I’ve ever been to a party where I’ve seen quite so many people injure themselves. It’s not an ideal combination, so take your time, wear sensible footwear and don’t underestimate the walk.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, particularly if you’re already travelling through Granada. It’s an interesting experience and the setting is genuinely unique. However, I wouldn’t organise your entire Nicaragua itinerary around attending it, especially if you’re not particularly interested in electronic music or nightlife.
2. Explore Granada’s Colonial Centre
One of Granada’s biggest attractions is simply wandering around its historic centre.
Founded in 1524, Granada is one of the oldest colonial cities in Central America. Its colourful streets, historic churches and impressive architecture make it one of the most visually appealing places in Nicaragua.
The obvious starting point is Parque Central, the city’s main square. It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafés and historic buildings, making it a good place to sit for a while and watch the city go about its business.
Directly opposite is the famous yellow Granada Cathedral, arguably the city’s most recognisable landmark. Even if you’re not particularly interested in architecture, it’s difficult to miss.
I spent some time exploring the centre independently rather than joining an organised walking tour. There’s enough to see simply by wandering between the different streets and squares, although a guided tour would be a good option if you want to understand more about the city’s history.
I didn’t make it up the cathedral’s bell tower, but it’s another option if you’re looking for a viewpoint over the surrounding rooftops.
One thing I’d also recommend is exploring beyond the immediate area around Parque Central. Some of the streets towards the waterfront are said to have some lovely restaurants and sights, although I didn’t get around to exploring that part of the city properly.
And a small warning: Granada might look considerably more developed than some other Nicaraguan destinations, but don’t let the colonial architecture fool you. The pavements can be quite something. I remember streets with enormous holes, sudden drops of several feet and seemingly no logic to how the pavements had been constructed. You certainly wouldn’t want to be navigating some of them in a wheelchair!
3. Visit Laguna de Apoyo
This is probably the biggest missed opportunity from my time in Granada. Laguna de Apoyo is a beautiful volcanic crater lake located between Granada and Masaya. Surrounded by forest-covered slopes, the lake is known for its clear, warm water and is a popular place to spend a day swimming, kayaking and relaxing. I didn’t visit during my stay, partly because I hadn’t researched it properly and didn’t really appreciate what was on offer. In hindsight, I wish I’d made more of an effort to organise a trip. There are several accommodation options around the lagoon, including backpacker-friendly hostels, so you don’t necessarily need to book an expensive hotel to enjoy the area. Hostel Paradiso and The Monkey Hut are two options worth looking into. You can also arrange day trips from Granada, with transport and activities such as kayaking available. If you’re travelling with other backpackers, I’d suggest asking around your hostel and seeing whether anyone fancies heading over together. It’s exactly the sort of excursion that can be easy to organise once you’ve found a few interested people. I’d definitely put Laguna de Apoyo on your list when visiting Granada. Don’t make the same mistake I did and overlook it!4. Take a Boat Trip Around Las Isletas
Another popular excursion from Granada is a boat trip around Las Isletas, an archipelago of hundreds of small islands scattered across Lake Nicaragua. The islands were formed following a volcanic eruption from nearby Mombacho Volcano and are now home to a mixture of local communities, private properties, restaurants and wildlife. Boat trips take you through the network of islands, offering a completely different perspective of Granada and the surrounding landscape. You can expect lush vegetation, tropical birds and some interesting properties dotted along the water. Kayaking is another option if you’d prefer to explore independently. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to do this either. We struggled to get enough people interested in organising the trip through the hostel, which brings me back to the earlier point about some activities requiring a little more initiative. If you’re interested, I’d recommend asking around as soon as you arrive rather than leaving it until your final day.5. Take a Chocolate-Making Workshop
Granada has a few options for learning about Nicaragua’s chocolate production, with ChocoMuseo being one of the best-known.
Located in the historic centre, ChocoMuseo offers visitors the chance to learn about the history of cacao and how it’s transformed into chocolate.
You can visit the museum itself for free or pay to take part in a hands-on workshop, where you’ll learn about the process of roasting, grinding and preparing cacao beans before making your own chocolate.
I did a chocolate tour during my time in Granada. The experience was fairly similar to other chocolate workshops I’d done elsewhere in Central America, but the chocolate at the end was particularly good, even if I thought it was a little expensive.
It’s a nice activity if you’re looking for something different to do for a couple of hours, particularly if you’ve already spent plenty of time exploring the city.
6. Visit a Cigar Factory
Nicaragua has a long-established cigar industry, and Granada offers opportunities to learn about the process of making traditional Nicaraguan cigars.
A factory tour can give you an insight into how tobacco is grown, processed and rolled, as well as the craftsmanship involved in producing a finished cigar.
I actually tried to visit a cigar factory during my stay, but it was closed when I went. I’m not a smoker myself, so it wasn’t something I was particularly desperate to do, but it could be an interesting experience if you’re interested in the industry.
Doña Elba Cigars is one option to look into, offering tours that introduce visitors to the cigar-making process.
7. Explore Mombacho Volcano
If you’re looking to escape the city and experience some of Nicaragua’s natural scenery, Mombacho Volcano is another popular day trip.
Rising to 1,345 metres, the volcano is covered in dense cloud forest and offers a completely different environment from the hot streets of Granada.
There are several hiking trails within the nature reserve, taking you through lush vegetation, past viewpoints and around the volcanic craters. Wildlife includes howler monkeys, tropical birds and a variety of other forest species.
There are also canopy and zipline experiences available in the surrounding area.
I didn’t visit Mombacho during my stay, but it’s worth considering if you’re particularly interested in hiking and nature. It’s also a good way to break up your time in the city.
Where to Stay in Granada
Granada has a good selection of backpacker accommodation, with several social hostels within walking distance of the historic centre.
I stayed at Granada Oasis and would happily recommend it. De Boca en Boca is another popular option, particularly if you’re planning to attend the Treehouse Party.
Granada Oasis
My recommendation
Granada Oasis was a great place to stay during my time in the city.
The hostel has a good balance between social spaces and places to relax, with a swimming pool, bar, rooftop terrace and some enormous hammocks that are particularly good for doing absolutely nothing.
The beds were comfortable, the facilities were good and there was plenty of opportunity to meet other travellers.
One of the best things about the hostel was its happy hour. When I stayed, guests received three free drinks each evening, which naturally brought people together and helped create a good social atmosphere.
If I had one criticism, it’s that the hostel is quite large. With so many different communal spaces, people can spread out, and it doesn’t always have the same close-knit atmosphere you’d find in a smaller hostel.
That said, it’s a very good all-round option, particularly if you’re looking to meet people and organise excursions.
De Boca en Boca
Best for Treehouse Party access
De Boca en Boca is another well-regarded backpacker hostel in Granada.
It has a similar social, relaxed atmosphere to Oasis and is particularly convenient if you’re planning to attend the Treehouse Party, as it’s one of the official shuttle departure points.
If you’re staying here, you can make getting to the party considerably easier.
I’d consider both hostels good options. Personally, I’d lean towards Granada Oasis for its facilities and overall experience, but you wouldn’t go far wrong with either.
How Long to Spend in Granada?
I’d recommend spending three nights in Granada.
It’s enough time to explore the historic centre, enjoy the hostel atmosphere, attend the Treehouse Party and fit in one or two additional excursions.
If you’re particularly interested in visiting Laguna de Apoyo, Las Isletas and Mombacho Volcano, you could easily justify staying longer.
However, for a typical backpacking itinerary through Nicaragua, three nights feels like a good balance.
Granada is a nice place to spend a few days, but I wouldn’t necessarily prioritise extending your stay here at the expense of destinations such as Ometepe or Popoyo.
Getting to and Around Granada
Getting to Granada from León
I travelled to Granada using a shared shuttle from León. It was a relatively straightforward journey and a convenient way to move between the two cities without having to navigate multiple local buses.
Getting from Granada to Ometepe
My next destination after Granada was Ometepe Island.
I travelled directly from Granada to the San Jorge ferry terminal using a local chicken bus. From there, you can catch the ferry across to Ometepe Island.
This was a good example of why travelling by local bus in Nicaragua can be so useful. Rather than having to arrange several separate connections, we managed to get a bus that took us straight to the ferry terminal.
I worked out the journey with another backpacker and paid locally, so I’d recommend asking your hostel about the current bus arrangements before setting off.
For more detail on travelling between destinations, see my Nicaragua transport guide.
Getting Around Granada
One of the nice things about Granada is how easy it is to explore independently.
The historic centre, main attractions, restaurants and most of the popular backpacker hostels are all within walking distance of one another.
For anything further afield, such as Laguna de Apoyo or Mombacho Volcano, you’ll need to arrange transport through a hostel, tour operator or local taxi.
Is Granada Safe?
I generally felt comfortable exploring Granada, and I didn’t have any significant safety issues during my stay.
However, one thing I noticed was the particularly high number of drug dealers operating around the city.
They were often quite brazen, approaching tourists in broad daylight and on multiple different streets. It was noticeably more common than in some of the other destinations I’d visited in Nicaragua.
This isn’t necessarily a reason to avoid Granada, but it’s something worth being aware of. As always, be sensible, avoid engaging with people offering drugs and keep an eye on your belongings.
For a wider breakdown of safety across the country, including my experiences in other destinations, see my full guide: Is Nicaragua Safe?
Frequently Asked Questions About Granada, Nicaragua
Is Granada worth visiting?
Yes. Granada is one of Nicaragua’s most popular destinations for good reason. Its colonial architecture, social hostels, nearby natural attractions and famous Treehouse Party make it a worthwhile stop on any backpacking itinerary.
How many days do you need in Granada?
I’d recommend three nights. This gives you enough time to explore the historic centre, experience the hostel atmosphere and attend the Treehouse Party, while leaving room for an additional excursion.
Is the Treehouse Party worth it?
I’d say yes, provided you’re already visiting Granada. The setting is spectacular and it’s a unique experience, although the mellow techno won’t be to everyone’s taste. I’d rate it around 6/10 overall.
Can you visit Laguna de Apoyo from Granada?
Yes. Laguna de Apoyo is a popular day trip from Granada, with transport and organised excursions available. There are also backpacker-friendly accommodation options if you’d prefer to stay overnight.
Where is the best place to stay in Granada?
I’d recommend Granada Oasis for its facilities, social atmosphere and central location. De Boca en Boca is another excellent option, particularly if you’re planning to attend the Treehouse Party.
Is Granada walkable?
Yes. Most of the historic centre, restaurants, hostels and main attractions are easily accessible on foot. You’ll need transport for excursions outside the city, such as Laguna de Apoyo and Mombacho Volcano.
Final Verdict: Is Granada Worth Visiting?
Granada is a good addition to any Nicaragua itinerary, although it wouldn’t necessarily make my list of the country’s absolute highlights.
I’d give it around 6–7/10 overall. The architecture is impressive, the hostels are social and there’s a good variety of activities available. The Treehouse Party is certainly worth experiencing, even if I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as I’d expected.
My biggest regret is not making more of the excursions outside the city, particularly Laguna de Apoyo and Las Isletas. With another day or two, I think there’s plenty more I could have experienced.
Three nights is my recommendation. Enjoy the colonial centre, make the most of the hostel atmosphere, organise a day trip if you can and decide for yourself whether the Treehouse Party lives up to its reputation.
For me, Granada was a solid stop along the Nicaragua backpacking route, but the best was still to come.
If you’re planning the rest of your trip, continue with my Nicaragua itinerary, or explore the complete Nicaragua travel guide.
