Nicaragua

Nicaragua offers a diverse and incredibly affordable adventure. Its main draws are its natural wonders. The country is home to a chain of volcanoes, some of which, like Cerro Negro, are famous for the unique adventure sport of volcano boarding down their ashy slopes. The massive Lake Nicaragua is the largest lake in Central America and is home to Ometepe Island, a stunning island formed by two volcanoes rising from the water. The Pacific coast offers excellent surfing, while the remote Corn Islands on the Caribbean side are a laid-back, rustic paradise.

The country also has a rich history, with the city of Granada being one of the most beautiful and well-preserved colonial cities on the continent. However, the country has faced significant political instability and a crackdown on civil liberties in recent years, making the travel environment unpredictable. It is crucial to check the latest travel advisories before planning a trip.

Reasons to Visit

• Volcano Adventure: Hike up active volcanoes and experience the unique thrill of sand-boarding down the slopes of Cerro Negro.
• Colonial Cities: Explore the beautiful, colorful colonial architecture of Granada and the revolutionary history of León.
• Ometepe Island: Discover the unique and stunning twin-volcano island rising from the middle of Lake Nicaragua.
• Affordable Travel: Enjoy one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the Americas, with low costs for food, accommodation, and activities.

Things to Avoid

• Political Demonstrations:Avoid all protests and large public gatherings. Do not discuss politics, as the situation is very sensitive.
• Ignoring Safety Advice:Crime can be an issue, especially in the capital, Managua. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
• Unlicensed Taxis:Use official taxis or have your hotel arrange transport.
• Drinking the Tap Water: It is not safe to drink the tap water.

Local Transportation Tips

Public transport consists of "chicken buses," which are cheap but can be crowded and slow. A network of tourist shuttles offers a more comfortable and convenient way to travel between the main tourist hubs of Granada, León, and San Juan del Sur. Small local planes ('pangas') are needed to get to the Corn Islands.

Travel Etiquette

• Greetings: A friendly greeting is customary.
• Punctuality: A relaxed attitude towards time is common.
• Bargaining: Friendly bargaining is expected in markets.
• Asking for Photos: Always ask for permission before taking a picture of someone.

Did You Know?

Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater lake in the world that is home to oceanic marine life, including bull sharks and tarpon. It is thought that they were trapped in the lake after a geological uplift and have since adapted to the freshwater environment.

Cool Nicaragua Stats

• A Land of Lakes and Volcanoes: Nicaragua has 19 volcanoes and is home to the two largest lakes in Central America, Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua.
• Oldest City: The city of Granada was founded in 1524, making it one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas.
• A Poet's Nation: Nicaragua is famous for its literary heritage, particularly its poets, with Rubén Darío being one of the most important figures in Spanish literature.

Recommended Age Group

Due to the political situation, Nicaragua is most suitable for experienced and resilient Adults and older Teens who are comfortable with an unpredictable travel environment.

• Babies (0-2 years):Not recommended.
• Kids (3-12 years):Not recommended.
• Teens (13-19 years):Recommended for adventurous older teens who are experienced travelers.
• Adults (20-64 years):Recommended for independent and budget-conscious adventure travelers who have carefully researched the current political and safety situation.
• Seniors (65+ years):Not recommended.

Accessibility Level: Low

• The country has limited accessibility infrastructure.
• The colonial city of Granada has cobblestone streets that are difficult to navigate.
• Public transport is not accessible.
• Natural attractions like volcanoes and Ometepe Island require a high degree of physical mobility.