Nicaragua

Quick Facts

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Capital

Managua

Population

5,128,000

Government

Republic

Religions

Christianity (Catholic, Protestant)

Languages

Spanish, Miskito

Calling Code

+505

Nationality

Nicaraguan

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Introduction

granada2

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Though its development as a major tourist destination has been halted by political instability and natural disaster, Nicaragua is slowly but surely beginning to recognize its potential as a crowd-drawer. Boasting the second largest lake of Latin America, Lake Nicaragua, as well as a number of active volcanoes at the Masaya Volcano National Park, the country's geographic features remain its finest attractions. Rainforests extend over a third of the country, making for an ecotourist's dream-come-true, though they will have to battle with issues of poor accessibility. For an authentic Caribbean experience, the Corn Islands slightly off the coast afford travellers with fine beaches and great diving opportunities. And while its underdevelopment may be Nicaragua's greatest shortcoming for visitors, it also means lower prices for those on a budget.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

There are 3 distinct geographical regions in Nicaragua.

• Pacific Lowlands, located in the west of the country
• Central Highlands, away from the Pacific coast.
• Atlantic Lowlands - a large, sparsely populated, rainforest region including the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve.

Administratively, the country is divided into 15 departments; Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Estelí, Granada, Jinotega, León, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Rivas, Río San Juan.

There are two autonomous regions known as RAAN (Región Autónoma del Atlántico Norte) and RAAS (Región Autónoma del Atlántico Sur)

Cities

• Managua
• Leon
• Granada
• Bluefields
• Puerto Cabezas
• Chinandega
• Masaya

Sights and Activities

Isla Ometepe

Isla de Ometepe - 19

© All Rights Reserved dontrobus

Isla de Ometepe is located in the central southern part of the country and is an island in Lake Nicaragua. Actually they are twin volcanic islands and an ideal escape away from the larger cities and crowded areas of Nicagragua. The islands are relatively quiet (except for the growing number of tourists) and there are only a few small settlements on the island including some coffee plantations, and at the Finca Magdalena coffee plantation you can actually stay and take part in the coffee harvest, which is a great but basic experience. Other activities include hikes in the jungle to see monkeys and numerous birds and rather harder day hkes to the Volcanoes Maderas and Concepcion. Swimming, horse riding or renting a (motor)bike are all possible as well, and you will spend close to a week at least if you want to enjoy it in a not too rushed way.

Corn Islands

isla5

© All Rights Reserved canica

The Corn Islands are located off the Caribbean coastline of Nicaragua and are an even better way of escaping it all in the country. The main islands are the aptly named Big and Little Corn Islands. The main activities include relaxing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and ocean fishing which are magnificent. Picnic Beach is probably one of the most beautiful areas with fine sand, palms and crystal clear waters. Sandflies are the only negative aspect probably. Between the islands you can arrange boats which usually take an hour or so.

Ruins of Leon Viejo

The ruins of Leon Viejo are the only site on the Unesco World Heritage List in Nicaragua and the area is one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas, dating back to the time of the Spanish Empire of the 16th century. Not everything has been discovered here though and it is more than likely that more archaeological treasures are to be found in the (near) future.

Other sights and activities

Volcan Masaya

© All Rights Reserved thelma29

• Solentiname Islands
• Volcan Masaya
• Laguna de Apoyo
• Colonial cities - Granada and Leon

Events and Festivals

Weather

Nicaragua has a tropical climate with generally hot and humid conditions. Temperatures are around or just above 30 degrees Celcius during the day most of the year and most areas are still above 20 degrees Celcius at night. Nicaragua has two seasons regarding rainfall. A dry and slightly cooler November to April season and a wet season (but not raining all day) during May to October. Hurricanes occasionally hit the country from July/August onwards.

Getting there

Plane

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) near Managua is where planes depart and arrive. TACA has international flights to and from Miami, Los Angeles, San Salvador and San José in Costa Rica. Other destinations include Havana, Mexico City, Toronto and several other cities in the United States and Central America only.
Atlantic Airlines International has some scheduled but mainly charter flights to the Cayman Islands and Honduras.
You might be able to hop on a flights from Granada to San José and Liberia in Costa Rica.

By Train

There are no international train services to and from Nicaragua.

By Car

There are two border crossings to Costa Rica. By car you can cross Penas Blancas west of Lake Nicaragua. The other one is at Los Chiles east of it but this will mean taking a boat and crossing on foot.
There are three border crossings to Honduras, of which Las Manos is the best and shortest route to take if you want to go directly to Tegucigalpa. Others are on the Panamericana from Leon northwards.

By Bus

Although it is usually cheaper to use domestic buses and cross borders on foot, there are direct services if you don't mind spending a few bucks more and want to travel faster. These include buses between Managua and San José in Costa Rica and to San Salvador in El Salvador. Some continue all the way to Guatemala and Panama. Try Ticabus and Transnica for some examples of international connections. You can also travel easily from Granada to Costa Rica and Panama and from Leon to Honduras and El Salvador.

By Boat

There are no regular ferries across the Pacific or Caribbean to neighbouring countries, but there are three river border crossings with Costa Rica which you can take.

Getting around

Plane

La Costena has services to the following domestic destinations: Bluefields, Corn Islands, Managua, Minas, Puerto Cabezas, San Carlos and Waspam. Atlantic Airlines has domestic flights as well to the same destinations. Taca Regional has some services as well.

By Train

There are no domestic rail services in Nicaragua.

By Car

Roads are generally in a good condition but some roads are worse after rainy weather. You can rent cars from both international as well as local agencies in Managua, Granada and Leon and several airports. You can also choose to have a car with a driver, for slightly more money.

By Bus

There are luxurious buses (mostly international routes), minibuses and old American school buses that travel between many major cities and towns. Try to get on a directo or expreso buses instead of ordinario which stop more and travel times can add up a lot. Reservations for domestic routes are not necessary (or possible!), just pay when you get on board.

By Boat

There are two boats a week between Bluefields and the Corn Islands. An important route is El Rama to Bluefields, down the Río Escondido. Boats for trips around Bluefields, Bilwi and Waspám are convenient as well. And it is also possible to visit one of many hundreds of the islands in Lake Nicaragua, which are very beautiful. Isla Ometeppe is one of the more popular ones. Frequent ferries include those from San Jorge and two boats a week from Granada, continuing to San Carlos and the Rio San Juan. The San Juan del Sur region is a good place to travel around by boat taxi.

Red Tape

Money

Work

Study

Language

Related article: Spanish: Grammar, pronunciation and useful phrases

Spanish is the official language of Nicaragua and is spoken by 90% of the population. English and creole English are common around the Caribbean coast, and the indigenous population speaks its native tongue.

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

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Internet

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