Rivas is a state, or as Nicaragaua calls it a "department" in Nicaragua that is nestled on a narrow strip of land nestled between Lake Nicaragua and the Pacific Ocean. The capital of the department is also called Rivas. There are so many things to do on a Rivas vacation, from taking canopy tours through the lush tropical rain forest, viewing the turtles at La Flor Beach, and learning about the fascinating history of Nicaragua at the History and Anthropology museum. Hotels in Rivas are usually available all year round and can be found at rates of under $45 a night.

The city of Rivas has many great options for hotels. One of the best Rivas hotels to stay in is the Punta Teonoste Nature Lodges and Beach Spa. The hotel is located right on the pink and white sand beaches of Riva and offers a unique Nicaragua lodging experience for those interested in ecotourism. The Rivas accommodation features modern ecologically friendly thatched roof villas made with stones, wood, and palm leaves. The rooms aren't completely primitive, however. Each villa is complete with a private deck, a large bedroom, a living room, and a spacious bathroom. The beach in front of the villas is the perfect place to see new born turtles and go surfing. You can also go horseback riding through the surrounding tropical forests and view plenty of species of monkeys, birds, and exotic butterflies. After a long day of Nicaragua sightseeing, get a massage at the onsite spa.

Another great choice in Rivas hotels is the La Mar Lake Resort. This Rivas accommodation offers clean and spacious rooms with air conditioning and a fantastic view of Ometepe Island on Lake Nicaragua. Besides being next to all the great beaches and Rivas attractions, the hotel is near the Pan American highway, allowing you easy access to Managua, Granada, or the neighboring country of Costa Rica. The best part about the Rivas accommodation is its natural and peaceful setting. Be sure to pack your binoculars. Bird viewing is a very popular activity at the hotel. You'll find seagulls and egrets as well as more exotic birds. The hotel's restaurant is another reason to stay. Tasty comfort food made with staples such as corn, tortillas, rice, and beans is served in the hotel's restaurants. Try the Rivas hotels restaurant and also venture further into Rivas for inexpensive and delicious Nicaraguan cuisine.

Hotels in Rivas are considered to be very inexpensive. If you're on an extreme budget and want to stay more in the center of town, consider staying at the Hotel Nicarao, two blocks from Parque Central. Parque Central is the main point of the city and is another good place to get good Nicaraguan food, especially tamales. There is even a vegetarian restaurant serving great salads. If you're a backpacker on a very tight budget, the Hospedaje Internacional is a hostel where budget travelers can get clean dorm room style accommodations for under $5 a night. Be aware that when you stay at a hostel in Rivas, it's unlikely that the rooms will be air conditioned.

Hotels in Rivas are ideal for tourists seeking beautiful beaches and a natural setting for Nicaragua surfing and fishing activities. The close proximity of Rivas to other tourist attractions in Nicaragua makes it the perfect spot to base your Nicaragua vacation.