Bluefields travel guide

Within Nicaragua, Bluefields is best known for its dancing and it is the reggae capital of the country. The best time to see the locals dance is at the annual Palo de Mayo (maypole) celebrations (also known as ¡Mayo Ya!). The festival is celebrated throughout May and there are countless dance contests between different neighbourhoods. The only rule is to hang on to the ribbon connected to the maypole and move. There is also some interesting local music and poetry in the festival.

Although Bluefields is doing its part to pollute the bay that surrounds it, the sheer expanse of water (30 km from north to south and 6 km wide) means that it is still beautiful. If you have some time in Bluefields, a boat excursion to see some of the bay provides a different perspective on the tired city waterfront.