Nicaragua Flag
"The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes"
Why visit Nicaragua?
Ideal for the ecotourism traveler seeking to enjoy architecture, birdwatching, culture, deep sea fishing, hiking, horseback riding, lakes, parks, plantations, preserves, reserves, rivers, sand skiing, swampy lagoons, rugged beaches, surfing, volcanoes, and wildlife.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Photo Credit: Quaint Planet/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, cigars, coffee, embroidery, hammocks, jewelry, leather goods, pottery, rum, and wood carvings.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Baho (stew). Gallo Pinto (national dish). Guirila (tortilla). Mondongo (tripe soup). Nacatamales (meat dish). Tajada (plantain chips). Vigoron (pork dish).
- Local Drink to Try: Chicha (alcohol). Flor de Cana (rum). Tiste (cacao). Tona (beer). Victoria (beer).
Photo Credit: Juana Mairena/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- La Isla de Ometepe (volcanic island) was nominated for the "new seven wonders of the world".
- Volcan Masaya National Park is an accessible active volcano.
- U.S. Marines who occupied the country are credited with introducing baseball.
- Has the lowest minimum wage in the world.
- Rio Coco is the largest river in Central America.
- Only 7 of the 50 volcanoes are considered active.
- Home to the world's rare freshwater sharks (Nicaraguan shark).
- For decades, home to the world's largest demining efforts.
- Bosawás Biosphere Reserve the second-largest rainforest amongst the Americas.
- Granada is the oldest colonial city in the Americas.
- Lake Nicaragua is the largest freshwater lake in Central America.
- Fresh juices are commonly served in a plastic bag with a straw.
- Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve was created by an eruption thousands of years ago, eventually filling with water.
Photo Credit: Sheryl Maiorano/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Caballo Español Pura Sangre Fair, Fiestas Patronales, International Dariana Poetry Symposium, Rio San Juan Carnival, Viva León Festival, (February) International Poetry Festival, Music & Youth Festival, (March) Joy for Life Carnival, (May) Fiestas Patronales, Palo de Mayo Festival, (June) Ometepe Expo, (July) Carnaval, Fiestas Patronales, (August) Crab Soup Festival, Equestrians of Managua, Fiestas Patronales, International Fishing Tournament, (September) Fishing Fair, (October) Fiesta del Toro Venado, (November) Equestrian Rally, Folkloric Festival, Latin American Surfing Competition, and (December) La Griteria.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Day of Love and Friendship, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday. Labor Day, The Sandinista Revolution Day, Santo Domingo Celebrations Start, Last Day of Santo Domingo Celebrations, Battle of San Jacinto, Independence Day, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and Christmas Day.
Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral (aka: Granada Cathedral), Granada, Nicaragua. Photo Credit: Lukáš Jančička/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Avoid public demonstrations.
- Official language Spanish, English is widely spoken.
- Eastern area has a low population and is undeveloped.
- Not considered an accessible friendly destination.
- Those who speak English don't usually understand restrooms, so ask for a toilet instead.
- Crime is a known issue.
- At the airport, you'll purchase a Tourist Card for $10USD.
- Carry your passport with you at all times.
- Land mines exist along the countryside near the Honduran border.
- Popular tourist beach area is in the southwest Pacific corner (San Juan del Sur).
- Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Giardia, Leptospirosis, Typhoid Fever, and Zika.
- Hiking in volcanic or remote areas is dangerous.
- Tourism is unevenly regulated, inspections are uncommon.
- The the most visited volcanoes include: Concepción, Cosigüina, Masaya, Mombacho, Momotombo, and Ometepe Maderas.
- Dry Season is between November - April.
- Among the poorest countries in the Americas.
- Indigenous tribes along the Mosquito Coast speak their own language, Miskito.
- Has a Departure Tax ($42 USD), normally included in the flight price.
- Most roads along the Caribbean Coastline are unpaved.
- Birdwatching is best at Gran Reserva Biologico Rio Indio-Maiz, La Isla de Ometepe, mountains of Matagalpa, Rio San Juan, Volcan Mombacho, and Volcan Masaya.
- Road signs are limited or non-existent.
- Cerro Negro Volcano (León) is popular for sand skiing.
- Rainy Season is May - October.
- Avoid exploring after dark.
- Majority of eco-lodging is on Ometepe Island.
- Avoid tap water consumption.
- Reefs off the Corn Islands are the only accessible dive sites.
- Offers one dive shop in San Juan del Sur (Corn Islands).
- Diving is best March - April.
- Drivers must carry: driver’s license, emergency triangle; fire extinguisher; inspection sticker, proof of insurance, and registration sticker.
- Police presence is limited outside of major urban areas.
- Popoyo Beach (central Pacific coast) offers the best beach surfing.
- Corn Islands are windy from November - February.
- Corn Islands best weather is March - April.
- Ferry Service is between San Jorge and Ometepe Island.
- Natives are known to eat armadillos, boas, guinea pigs, iguanas, and turtle eggs.
- Drones and similar devices are not permitted.
- Taxi service is not metered so ask for a rate before entering.
- Only basic, limited emergency medical services are available outside Managua.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Yellow Fever vaccination required from select countries.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry: $10,000USD.
- Best Time to Visit: December - February
- Coolest Month: January
- Hottest Months: March - May
- Peak Season: December - April
Photo Credit: pdro-enrique/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: León, León Cathedral, and León Viejo.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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