A Nicaraguan Motorcycle Quest
A week-long adventure through a land where jungle trails, coastal sands, and volcanic ridgelines become your highway. You’ll be riding a 125 or 200 CC motorcycle, they are friendly enough for beginners but have enough UMPH to get you anywhere you need.
From carving through lush rainforest paths to racing the tide on a deserted beach, every day brings a new terrain, a new challenge, and a new story. Ride along the smoking rim of an active volcano, cool off in hidden swimming holes, and weave through vibrant towns where the food is rich, the rum is smooth, and the locals welcome you like an old friend.
You’ll have the freedom to explore, but you’re never on your own. With a mix of mapped routes and room for detours, you can push your limits or take it slow—it’s your ride, your pace, your adventure.
It’s not about ticking off tourist sights. It’s about riding Central America in a way few ever do.

Safe-ish
Where’s the adventure without a little edge? While we can’t promise you’ll make it through without a few scrapes or bruises, we do our best to keep you safe, out of jail, and rolling—whether it’s on the road, the trail, or wherever the ride takes you!

Unconventional
Embrace the weird. This ride is about fun, not flexing your skills. You don’t need years of experience—just a sense of adventure. Want to take it easy and cruise scenic roads? Do it. Feel like ripping through the jungle in a cow costume? By all means, just wear your helmet.

Side Quests
The best moments on any adventure are the ones you never saw coming. This trip isn’t about grinding out endless miles on a motorcycle. We’ve built in plenty of time to explore, relax, and chase whatever catches your eye. From surfing down a volcano to kickin’ back in a hammock with a cold beer. The ride is just the beginning.
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Culture & Food
Nicaragua isn’t meant to be seen from a resort. It’s meant to be tasted, felt, and experienced. You’ll eat where the locals eat and dive into the country’s rich flavors: endless fresh seafood, fire-grilled tortillas, fruits you’ve never seen, and coffee strong enough to change your life. No buffets, no tourist traps—just real food, real people, and real culture.
the Loose route
We get it—a road trip in a foreign country on a machine with no windows or doors can feel a little daunting. That’s why we’ll map out a route of least resistance and have a luggage vehicle with designated stops to keep things easy. But if you feel like veering off-course? That’s entirely up to you.

pricing
Can you put a price on lifelong memories and friendships? Probably not, but we can put a price on the Lil' Drifty, and it's a steal! You get: entry into the adventure, your trusty kayak or canoe, bike transport at the transition points, luggage storage, some sweet swag to show off your Drifty cred, a shiny medal because you're awesome, some other surprises and food & drinks at the epic finish line party a.k.a. DRIFTY FEST.
For $1,850 plus a $50 registration fee, you’ll walk away with a lifetime of stories, a crash course in Central America, new best friends, and a version of yourself that’s a little bolder, a little wilder, and a hell of a lot more interesting. (AND a bunch of important things like a motorcycle, lodging, drinks, and more. See the complete list in the FAQs)
For $1,850 plus a $50 registration fee, you’ll walk away with a lifetime of stories, a crash course in Central America, new best friends, and a version of yourself that’s a little bolder, a little wilder, and a hell of a lot more interesting. (AND a bunch of important things like a motorcycle, lodging, drinks, and more. See the complete list in the FAQs)
For $1,850 plus a $50 registration fee, you’ll walk away with a lifetime of stories, a crash course in Central America, new best friends, and a version of yourself that’s a little bolder, a little wilder, and a hell of a lot more interesting. (AND a bunch of important things like a motorcycle, lodging, drinks, and more. See the complete list in the FAQs)
BYO-Bike
Bike
E-Bike



general itinerary
infrequently asked questions
The registration fee covers everything you need for an epic ride, including lodging, meals, and drinks at the start, meet-up, and finish line, plus incredible Nicaraguan food along the way. You’ll get your very own motorcycle, along with a helmet, lock, and paperwork to keep you safe and legal. Got extra stuff? The Lost Gear Wagon will haul it and meet us at key points. A custom tracking app (Wayward 3.0!) ensures friends and family can follow along, even when you're deep in the jungle. You’ll also have a Nicaraguan emergency contact—just in case you need a lifeline from a ditch, a jail cell, or a confusing border crossing. And at the end? A shiny medal (or maybe a tattoo) to prove you did something most people only dream about.
Nicaragua uses a filtered water system using clay pots that may or may not be sufficient. Most hotels will offer filtered water which is safe. However some of the more rural areas may not have an adequate filtration method. When in doubt you can buy bottled water. I drank the regular filtered water on my last trip without problem. If you are updated on your Hep A and Hep B shots you should consider that as well.
Yes. The rental company will look for a motorcycle endorsement on your ID.
Yes. We require that you get travel insurance. World Nomads is one company we recommend but it's important to read their policies as they will not cover the cost of the motorcycle if it is wrecked. Instead they cover your medical costs. A new motorcycle there however is approx $2000.
Yup! 300 smackaroos! You will need to bring this in order to get your motorcycle. They will hold this and give it back to you as long as you don't break anything.
Likely. It’s a tropical climate so it rains most days but usually only for a short time. Pack a rain jacket and keep moving. Or stop at a roadside stand for a beverage and wait it out.
Traveling anywhere is a risk. Nicaragua is currently a travel level 3. There has been political unrest in Nicaragua in the past which has led to this travel advisory. However many feel these risks to tourists are exaggerated and that the advisory remains in place for geopolitical reasons. If you hear of a protest or unrest it would be best to avoid those areas. Nicaragua welcomes tourists and are very happy to have you enjoying their beautiful country spending money. We recommend you enroll in the Smart Travel Enrollment Program (STEP). They will notify the U.S. Embassy in Managua of your visit and will be able to send you important updates if needed. https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step
Most of this trip will take place on paved roads. Nicaragua has put a lot of resources into building infrastructure with an emphasis on roads. You will not have to go on many dirt roads if you don't want to. With that being said, the more you get off the beaten path the more wild things get...We specifically chose motorcycle models to handle mountains, volcanoes and beaches...Choose your own adventure!
For the most part there's never really any traffic outside of the major cities with Managua being the "End Boss" and the most dangerous by comparison. It's still not that bad. Cars will lane split with you. You can filter through stopped traffic. You also don't have to move very fast and people will go around you. Once you are out of the cities there will be times when you will see no one else on the road for miles.
Gas stations are easy to find in all the major cities/towns. Unless you are going bushwhacking into the jungle you will be able to find gas stations. No need for extra gas cans but when in doubt, fill it up.
Nicaragua has all options available. Stay in a hostel dorm for 20ish dollars, private room for 40-120, split a condo for 150 or go big for a 5 star resort for more than that.
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your things. There are people who are desperate…leaving your phone or wallet lying around may just be too tempting. Lock your door at night and don’t leave any bags strapped to your bike overnight. It's always good to use the buddy system. With that being said I did 3 days of solo travel on a motorcycle on the recon trip.
Yes. And no. As a tourist it’s best to follow all traffic laws. Just about everyone there speeds unless there’s a speed trap. You will see police on the sides of the road with or without a radar. Generally it's a slow down point which doubles as a checkpoint. They may motion for you to pull over. If you get pulled over, smile and apologize if they accuse you of doing something wrong. They mainly want to check to make sure you have the proper paperwork and will send you on your way.
Most tickets can be paid for at the time of citation. Whether or not the officer will keep this money for themselves is up for debate. Either way you will have to pay the ticket. It’s easier just taking the slap on your wrist and offering this to the police officer so you can get back to enjoying your vacation. But as a "stupid tourist" you can usually apologize your way out of it. Smiles go a long way.
Most places take credit cards. But it’s always good to have US cash on hand as it’s accepted there along with the local currency (Cordoba). Roughly 1 dollar = 35 cordobas.
*Important! They stress about the US bills being in pristine condition. They will not take torn or crumbled bills as banks will refuse them. Be kind and bring only new crisp bills no higher than 20s. 10s, 5s and 1s are best. And don't forget your $300 cash deposit for your bike!
Tipping is never expected but always appreciated. Some of the fancier/modern places will charge a surcharge/tip but most do not. In general a 10% tip is usually the upper limit. Going above that would be considered very generous.
Anywhere. Waiters for sure. Leave some for hotel staff who clean your room. Slip a dollar to a security guard for watching your stuff. Even a dollar can go a long way.
In the larger cities/tourist areas you will get asked for money. It’s totally up to you. But having a few spare dollars around for that would be a very nice gesture.
Hospitals are scarce in Nicaragua with most being in the capital city of Managua which should never be more than a few hours at most away from any location you go to. There are plenty of pharmacies or stores though where you can get supplies if needed.
Yes. It’s located in the capital city, Managua.
All sorts of them! Let us know if you find one.
Nicaragua is home to 3 species of monkeys: white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys.
Who do you think we are? Ask Google. But if you find a giant anteater please take photos.