The Nicaragua Expat Life Blog

After living here full time I'm breaking down every dollar — rent, food, utilities, and entertainment. The real number might surprise you. No hype, no best-case scenarios, just what it actually costs in 2026.

We spent the day at Nicaragua's stunning volcanic crater lake then had lunch at the famous Mi Viejo Ranchito in Catarina. Full breakdown of costs, what to do, and whether it's worth the trip.

Mi Viejo Ranchito near Catarina is one of the most popular traditional Nicaraguan restaurants in the country. We had a full lunch with cold beers for 1,908 Córdobas — here's what we thought.

Foreigners can't hold traditional jobs in Nicaragua — it's the law. Here's an honest first-hand account of why, and exactly what I'm doing to earn a living while living here full time in 2026.