Things to do & places to visit in Rivas Department, Nicaragua

Rivas Department #2 destination in Nicaragua 2023. The average rating score is 4.42 based on 6.973 traveler reviews, of 101 attractions. Timezone: America/Managua, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 4:35.

Top things to do (38)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Haris'horses (142 reviews)
- Two Terrific Horse Back Riding Experiences
Spent 2-3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

Haris Horses provides guided horse tours on the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua. We recently built cabins on the ranch and offer Bed and Breakfast accommodations on our organic farm called Finca Montania Sagrada. Dinner is available on request. See more..
5.0 Dinarte's Rental (141 reviews)
- ATV rental
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM City Tours • Gear Rentals • Nature & Wildlife Tours

It's just a short walk from the ferry and the prices are much better than from the folks that bombard you right as you disembark. Everyone was very friendly, helpful, and bilingual. We were able to book on the spot without a reservation and they gave us a great price for a day and a half rental without charging for the normal two day price. See more..
5.0 Transporte Gaby Day Tour (140 reviews)
- Superior Service!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Taxis & Shuttles

Based out of San Juan del Sur, Transporte Gaby is a family-owned and operated transportation service company focused on helping locals and tourists make the most of their time in Nicaragua. With us, you won’t miss a thing! See more..
5.0 Zen Yoga (112 reviews)
- Best Yoga Class Ever
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Yoga & Pilates

Zen Yoga Studio is a stunning two story yoga studio and institute featuring daily yoga classes, hosted Luxury Yoga Retreats, 200Hr Teacher Trainings. Massage is also offered. See more..
5.0 Latin American Spanish School (95 reviews)
- A great experience!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Educational sites

Latin American Spanish School is a non profit company, the owners are teachers from San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua with more than 19 years of teaching Spanish like second language. We offer many different courses for all levels, beginner to advanced, and special courses for professionals, travelers, investors, children and more. Come and learn Spanish living like a Nicaraguan people in a nica-families, knowing and living our culture affected for many years for the U.S.A policy! See more..
5.0 Pie de Gigante Spanish School (79 reviews)
- Learn Spanish quickly in a dreamy location
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Lessons & Workshops

Pie de Gigante Spanish School offers spanish clases for all levels. The school is located in Playa Gigante, a small fishing and surf village in Nicaragua. We offer classes individually, in groups, and online. Classes are customised to the individual students needs. Homestays are perfect for full immersion and can also be arranged by the school. See more..
5.0 Grateful Surf Yoga and Ayurveda (74 reviews)
- Sat Chit Ananda
Spent 1-2 hours Spas

At your home or property. WhatsApp or email to reserve Yoga, Yoga & Massage Therapy, Ayurvedic Consultations, Spiritual Counselling and Daily Surf Lessons & Tours Your choice of experienced guide, bilingual, VIP Service Full Day Tours to Private Beaches Nanny Services See more..
5.0 Surf Popoyo Lessons (71 reviews)
- With them, you can really surf!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Sports Camps & Clinics • Surfing & Windsurfing

The best C/P surf lesson you can have!! Le meilleur cours du surf par raporte au prix/qualité! Had taken serveral surfing lesson in Nicaragua. In Surf popoyo lesson I ride the wave until the beach at least 10 times! They taugh me the body movemente step by step with detail, and explained me how to surf and stay safe. Thanks to Surf popoyo lesson, I finally enjoy surfing calm and happy. See more..
5.0 Energy Touch (70 reviews)
- 60 Minutes in Heaven
This location was reported permanently closed Spas

Working with ambitious, successful people who come from all over the world and all walks of life, I have noticed they are often disconnected from the essence of life and fail to make their highest contribution. They are stressed out, exhausted, and living life as if they are spinning in circles. For over ten years I have observed many of my clients flounder with an underlying sense there must be something more. They are sick and tired of feeling that day-to-day stress and desire to make a change. They want to live lives with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. It is through our bodies that we truly connect with ourselves, our wisdom and our purpose. This connection leads to the fulfillment we all desire and inspired my new programs. I love guiding clients to a blissful, relaxed state, where you find peace. Your mind becomes calm and you connect with your true nature and find clarity. It is in this place where you find alignment so you can make your highest contribution. See more..
5.0 Gaby's Spa (69 reviews)
- Great service, amazing massages, relaxing manicures!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

At Gaby’s, you can choose from a full range of deluxe spa and aesthetic care services, including pedicures, manicures, waxings and facials. All services are done by the hands of a highly skilled team that Gaby personally trained based on the knowledge and experience gathered throughout her extensive care. We are located in Sn Juan del Sur and Granada.Two places with great tourist attraction of Nicaragua. Donde relajarle es un placer... See more..
5.0 Pastora Tours (58 reviews)
- Fun excursion
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Surfing & Windsurfing • Boat Tours • Water Sports • Fishing Charters & Tours

Great way to see the magnificent Nicaraguan coastline. The crew, Jorge and Ariel, couldn't have been nicer and super knowledgeable. We only went out for a tour and a little surf, so I can't really comment on the fishing. A bit pricey for a half day, but it was just the two of us. A group of four or more might be better. Playa Gigante is a beautiful fishing village with lots of restaurants. Ask for Edmond. He'll take good care of you. See more..
5.0 Chico Largo Adventure (57 reviews)
- De los mejores
Amusement & Theme Parks

I have tried many zip - line Tours in Nicaragua and this is one of the bests. To start the tour, you have to make a hike to the first platform, once warmed up, it is time for the adventure. Amazing views, good speed, nice length of cables and the most important; during the whole adventure i never felt unsafe. See more..
5.0 The Art Warehouse (46 reviews)
- Best SJDS cafe for the community
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Galleries

ART CAFE: We are an Art Gallery/ Studio/ Cafe. A creative space where people can come and make all type of art. We have kids art clases, all types of workshops and all our food is fresh and homemade. See more..
5.0 Popoyo Surfcamp (39 reviews)
- One of the best times of my life
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Surfing & Windsurfing

What an awesome experience. Max and his family made me feel right at home and his staff immediately made me feel like a lifelong friend. Surf was incredible and max and his surf coaches rip (some are even pros!) so they know where and when to go. They really take the time to teach their students and I witnessed people learn to surf with zero prior experience. They do extremely professional film study and review session every day as well. Popoyosurfcamp is respected by the local community and if you stay for extended period of time you will notice the positive impact they have had on the town. At every wave I surfed someone knew Max and had a story about how great a person he was. I will be going back to PopoyoSurfCamp every year for the rest of my life! See more..
5.0 Beach Fun Rentals (39 reviews)
- ATV Fun Day Out
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gear Rentals

Beach FUN Rentals is an atv rental company committed to our customers tour needs. We have all sort of tours to choose from. All is gear to have one goal in mind-FUN ADVENTURES. All ages can enjoy touring with Beach FUN Rentals to the maximum. San Juan del Sur through the eyes of Beach FUN Rentals...is not just a choice...is your only choice!!! We offer morning tours and afternoon tours. See more..
5.0 Liquid Sessions (34 reviews)
- The Best Surf Lesson I've Ever Had
Surfing & Windsurfing

Donovan is a charismatic and experienced surf coach. I've taken lessons in Australia, Barbados, Bali, and previously in Nicaragua, and by far, I had the best time and results with him. What set him apart is he went through the basics of the surfboard itself, safety rules, and the history of surfing before we even dove into the mechanics of it all. Both my partner and I took the lesson at the same time, and even with our varying skill set levels, Donovan was able to give each of us dedicated time to help us choose the right wave, correct our stance, and pump up our confidence. If you are a beginner or intermediate surfer, I highly recommend taking a lesson from Donovan at Mag Rock. You'll have a great time. See more..
5.0 Pepe's Rental (33 reviews)
- Good rentals ffor a fun day!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Gear Rentals

Pepe's Rental it's a family business, we rent motorcycles, scooters and atv. We also have tours to the best locations in town, we love the sand and mud. We provide all the toys that you need for your adventures, Gopro include if you want to record your adventures. Lets have fun with us. See more..
5.0 San Juan del Sur Spanish School - Day Classes (32 reviews)
- Integral Part of the San Juan del Sur Experience
Lessons & Workshops

Various members of our family has attended at Veronica's San Juan del Sur Spanish School on several occasions and we love it. the teachers are all very friendly and enthusiastic and custom design their one-on-one lessons to coincide with the students background ability, knowledge and areas of interest. The school offers a range of afternoon activities - from Nicaraguan cooking to trips to the beach. Spanish language learning is blended seamlessly into each activity. Veronica and her teachers are passionate about children and community development. While she does not push these interests on her students she is more than willing to give students the ability to participate in a hands on way in giving a hand up to nearby communities. I have no hesitation recommending this school whether for a 3 hour introduction to basic Spanish or a month long intensive program or anything in-between. See more..
5.0 Surf Bus Nicaragua (31 reviews)
- Allan is the best!
Spent More than 3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

Surf Bus Nicaragua provides safe and reliable door-to-door ground transportation solutions to and from the Managua International airport, hotel, home or office to San Juan del Sur. Since 2001, Surf Bus Nicaragua transport service has been providing quality ground transportation services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Surf tours are also offered when you have reached San Juan del Sur, as well as fishing tours. Groups and families are welcome! See more..
5.0 Surf Ranch Skateboard Park (20 reviews)
- FUn
Game & Entertainment Centers

This is Nicaragua's largest skateboard plaza in the whole country. It is located at the Surf Ranch Action Sports Resort, and has an onsite skateboard shop. No helmets required and free entry. See more..
5.0 Sardina Surf | A local movement (19 reviews)
- Best surf lesson in popoyo
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Sports Camps & Clinics • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Surfing & Windsurfing • Taxis & Shuttles • Gear Rentals • Day Trips

What a beautiful surf experience with sardina surf ! I took several’individual lessons with erol and his surf guide team, and it helped me so much ! Always planning the lessons in the best spots and at the best time depending to swell and tides . Erol is an amazing teacher, very technical, and a very kind and enthusiast person. Surf is so fun with sardina team! You can’t miss any wave after this! I would totally recommand for a very fun and unique experience in popoyo! See more..
5.0 Pranamaya Yoga & Thai Massage Studio Playa Maderas (14 reviews)
- Thai massage with Alex at the Eden on the chocolata yoga retreat in San Juan del sur.
Spent 1-2 hours Yoga & Pilates

Therapeutic Thai Massage (sessions are 1hr45min). Yoga: -Personalized yoga programs -2x weekly Ashtanga classes (experience only) -Online yoga courses Health coaching: An holistic view on health. Science has shown for decades that body and mind are strongly interrelated. Yet Western medicine continues to treat the body and the mind as two separate fields. I help improving well-being of body and mind by combining traditional coaching, compassionate inquiry, breathwork, massage, and yoga. Background info: BA in Psychology, MA in Neuroscience. After leaving academics I became a yoga teacher in 2014 and thai massage therapist in 2017. I intergrate ALL these fields in my coaching, licensed since 2020. See more..
5.0 Cacique Tours Nicaragua (10 reviews)
- Journey to Ometepe
Multi-day Tours

I travel from Manuel Antonio to the ometepe island and my driver from Costa Rica Dennis was great and very helpful to get me to the border with 10 big suitcases. He help until I cross the border and when I got to the other side of Nicaragua a driver was waiting to get me to the ferry to ometepe. My experience was very great and I am so thankful and grateful for this Business. If you looking to travel from Costa Rica to Nicaragua please not look no further book with them. Great company and very trustworthy. See more..
5.0 Playa Redonda (8 reviews)
- Relaxation
Beaches

Part of Aqua Wellness Resort. Beautiful ocean waves are strong the beach was empty which was perfect for us See more..
4.5 Isla Ometepe (814 reviews)
- Taxi Ometepe
Islands

If you look for a reliable and cheap taxi on the island ometepe, I can recommend you Gerald Tijerino. I traveled together with three friends. We paid 5 dollars each for drives that took about 30-40 minutes. He also offers scooter rentals for 24h at a rate of 15 dollars. Motorbikes are avaible at 20 dollars for 24 hours. Gerald usually replied within minutes when communicating over WhatsApp and was always very kind and helpful. See more..
4.5 Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia (571 reviews)
- Bit of a sweat for a great view
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

The statue of Christ the redeemer can be easily seen from the streets of San Juan Del Sur. Getting here is relatively easy - just walk along the beach (Entire length) towards the statue. Right at the end a footpath (actually looks a bit like a drain) will take you to the street. Follow this street around and up the hill. This part is fairly challenging but is over pretty quickly. Once at the top you will be charged 1USD (National) or 2USD (Foreigner). The views afforded from the statue are quite impressive. Not only can you get a panoramic view of San Juan Del Sur beach you can actually see all the way to Costa Rica. The whole trip return took us maybe 1.5-2 hours from the centre of San Juan Del Sur. See more..
4.5 Volcan Maderas (336 reviews)
- Hike to El Mirador
Volcanos

The last eruption from this dormant volcano was 10,000 years ago. See more..
4.5 Volcan Concepcion (312 reviews)
- Wonderful Experience with Lazaro
Volcanos

We had a group of three and went with a guide named Lazaro who has a ton of experience (He’s hiked to the top of Concepcion over 300 times!). He was extremely professional, polite, fun, and hilarious. He made us feel very safe the entire time and I wouldn’t have wanted to do the hike without him. We felt extra safe because he’s a certified guide and has done the hike so many times. His number is +505 5840 3700. His prices were also very fair! I would definitely recommend Lazaro to any of my friends or family. See more..
4.5 Cascada de San Ramon (178 reviews)
- Vertical falls in the forest
Waterfalls

Beautiful vertical falls at the end of a pretty ~50min ~2km hike. Sit for a bit and splash under the falls before you turn around. Truly stunning, even in summer when the water is low. We took an ATV up the extremely bumpy road for the first 2km, it’s about 4km up total if you don’t have sturdy wheels to get you half way there. See more..
4.5 Museum El Ceibo (151 reviews)
- Worth a visit
Speciality Museums

Museum El Ceibo on Ometepe Island is a must see in Nicaragua with one of the biggest and best conserved collection in the country.The museum has two exhibition halls, one with pre-Columbian statues and artifacts and one which shows the history of the Nicaraguan coin. When visiting Ometepe, El Ceibo is the place to get to know and experience the Ometepe culture. El Ceibo is not just a museum, it is fun for all ages! See more..