We found Nicaragua to be incredibly affordable (and super friendly), but we definitely splurged while we were there. We spent an average of $110 per day on this trip to Nicaragua. If we were on a long-term trip around the world, though, we believe our daily average would be closer to $65 per day for both of us.

The little road had dead ended at the very end of Las Peñitas. And it was here that our eyes were met with the startling blue ocean, vast expanses of sandy beach, and an endlessly bright blue sky. Everywhere we turned our eyes were met with picture perfect tranquility.

We had never been to Nicaragua before, or even Central America, but somehow our trip there last week felt like returning home. It was almost like all of our favorite parts of traveling were rolled into one country just waiting for us to explore.

Our plane swooped low over Lago Managua, offering us a stunning view of both the lake and the city sprawling along its southern shore. The massive, cone-shaped volcano Momotombo loomed to the north, and below us the midday sun glimmered off of choppy blue waves and red-tiled roofs alike. It was our very first glimpse of Nicaragua. It was love at first sight.