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Directly above Costa Rica you will find this fascinating country, Nicaragua is crossed by a chain of active volcanoes parallel to the Pacific coast, which is why it is also called the land of a thousand volcanoes. Not only can you visit them, you can even surf on them! Aside from its countless sports activities, Nicaragua is also one of our absolute favorite countries in Central America thanks to its diversity, great cities, rich culture, and interesting history. It really is the perfect country for anyone planning an active vacation, but also for anyone who wants to relax with a coconut in hand on a beach with a Caribbean feel. Read more about this impressive country and get ready to fall in love with Nicaragua.
The Republic of Nicaragua is located in Central America between Honduras and Costa Rica. To the west, the country borders the Pacific Ocean and to the east, the Caribbean coast. Spanish is spoken and the currency is the Córdoba Oro. The Pacific coast is characterized by volcanoes, the interior by two large lakes, Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua. There are national parks in Nicaragua that are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. With an area of 50,337 square miles, Nicaragua is home to a good 6,150,000 people.
Yes and no. Compared to many other countries in Latin America, the security situation in Nicaragua is good. Is traveling to Nicaragua dangerous, especially because of the risk of theft and robbery? No! Because of the low number of tourists in many parts of the country, there are no organizations specializing in tourists. Opportunistic thefts, car break-ins, and similar incidents are less common than in neighboring Costa Rica, a tourist magnet. Of course, you should be careful with valuables, especially in the capital Managua, but you also have to be careful in New York.
So you see, you shouldn't travel through Nicaragua with your eyes wide open and naive, but you shouldn't do that in any other country either. You also don't need to cling desperately to your backpack or even flinch if someone looks at you the wrong way.
The currency in Nicaragua is the Córdoba Oro. One US Dollar is currently equivalent to around 37 NIO , which is the abbreviation for Córdoba Oro. In general, you can go to banks, exchange offices (the so-called Casas de cambios) or a large supermarket such as La Colonia or La Union to exchange money in Nicaragua. Banks in Nicaragua can be visited Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
To stay as a tourist, a passport that is valid for at least another six months is sufficient. You must also purchase a tourist card upon entry. There are small fees when entering and leaving the country.
Our pirate tip: Nicaragua's wildlife is rich in dangerous mosquitoes. Pack plenty of mosquito repellent in your luggage; your doctor will advise you about vaccinations.
If you want to go to Nicaragua, you have to fly to Augusto C. Sandino, the only international airport in the country. There is no railway within the country, but there is a network of domestic flights and intercity buses.
Nicaragua can be divided into three main regions that are clearly different from each other.
The Pacific coast has a good infrastructure and is characterized by the attractive colonial-style cities founded by the Spanish.
Managua, Granada, and León: The state capital and larger cities with colonial history are destinations for city trips.
San Juan del Sur: The city is a popular stop for beach and surfing vacations.
Ometepe: The almost 104 square miles large Isla de Ometepe can be found in Lake Nicaragua. This is the world's largest volcanic island in a freshwater lake. The Concepcion and Maderas volcanoes are located here and complete the picture. You can also find fascinating rainforests and unique black-and-white sand beaches on the Isla de Ometepe. You should definitely take several days to explore this island paradise in Nicaragua.
The majority of the Nicaraguan population lives here. The mountainous region is the center of coffee cultivation.
The Corn Islands are a great diving and snorkeling area in this sparsely populated region.
Even today they are called the "Best Secret in the Caribbean" - the Corn Islands. You think the Caribbean only exists with all-inclusive packages these days? Wrong! The Corn Islands are a real dream because here it is still like the Caribbean 50 years ago. Undiscovered, dreamy, and without any tourists or big resorts. There is no internet, which you don't really need here anyway, and you can enjoy life while watching the fishermen at work with a delicious rum in a hammock.
1. Visit León:
León was Nicaragua's capital and is considered the intellectual center of the country. Admire beautiful churches and museums such as the Museum of the Revolution.
2. Visit the Cathedral of Leon:
Visit the Cathedral of León and enjoy the view from the walkable roof. This is an important church building in Central America and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.
3. Experience history in León Viejo:
Along with the Cathedral of León, the ruins of León Viejo are Nicaragua's only UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. During León Viejo's heyday, it had a population of around 5,000, surpassed only by Lima's population in the New World in the 16th century.
4. Admire Granada:
If you are a fan of colonial style, Granada will be a paradise for you. The beautiful colonial city lies on Lake Nicaragua and shows a variety of colors as far as the eye can see. Stroll through the alley or enjoy life in a café, it is bearable here. The Iglesia de la Merced church and the old town are particularly impressive. Yes, Granada is bearable.
Granada was the first major Spanish settlement in Nicaragua and has some of the best preserved architecture in the country. It is the third largest city in Nicaragua and is considered the most beautiful, along with León. Also visit the markets in Masaya , hike to the Mombacho volcano , take a kayak tour to the nearby islands and try "vigorón" (chicharrones (=pork) with yuka and cabbage salad, served on a banana leaf) at a kiosk.
5. Meet the "Stone Man" Alberto Gutierrez:
In Estelí you will find the so-called Stone Man , who has been carving animals and symbols into stones for decades. It is not easy to find him, but when you do find him he will invite you to his house for a juice and show you his works of art. Since this is still an insider tip , you will not meet many tourists here; so be prepared for the fact that Alberto does not speak English.
6. Browse the handicraft markets of Masaya:
There are two interesting handicraft markets in Masaya , both of which are worth visiting. However, the Mercado de Artesanias is best visited when local musicians and ballet dancers perform there once a week.
7. Discover the idyllic Las Isletas:
Off the shores of Granada's lake, you will find over 350 small islands with an amazing, thriving wilderness. Some of the islands also have restaurants, hotels, or vacation homes, so a stopover on a boat trip through the canals is also worthwhile.
8. Visit the Canyon de Somoto:
At the end, it gets adventurous again, because we're going to the Canyon de Somoto. You'll find this in the Madriz region, on the border with Honduras. For this, you should get a guide who will lead you through the canyon. You can swim between the stone walls that are up to 820 feet high, and the bravest among you can even dare to jump 20 or 10 meters into the cool water. A tour through the canyon costs just under 25 dollars.
1. Surf on Nicaragua’s volcanoes:
After a one-hour hike to the top, surf down the slope of the active volcano Cerro Negro . But be careful, extreme surfing on the sharp-edged lava rocks can result in an injury or scratch. But you don't have to worry about a volcanic eruption, because the eruptions are very predictable.
2. Relax on Little Corn Island:
Little Corn Island is a real paradise and is considered an absolute Caribbean insider tip. Swimming and diving are also worthwhile here, as you can encounter dolphins, sharks, rays, and many other exciting sea creatures.
3. Hike Nicaragua’s volcano:
You can also go hiking on the active volcanoes; for example, on the Telica volcano, where you can even camp at the top to admire the impressive sunset. The hikes to San Cristóbal and Momotombo are particularly challenging.
4. Visit Isla de Ometepe:
This extraordinary island on Lake Nicaragua is formed from two volcanoes (Concepción Maderas) and is perfect for hiking, kayaking and cycling. Two other highlights are the island's incredibly delicious, healthy food and the monkeys that you can discover everywhere on your hiking tour.
5. Surf in San Juan del Sur:
Of course, Nicaragua is a paradise for the surfers among you. Great surroundings, great waves, great atmosphere, what more could you want? San Juan del Sur on the Pacific coast of the country is such a paradise. In the cute and relatively small town you can really feel the surfing vibes and if you don't feel like going into the water, you can relax in one of the small cafes, especially since San Juan del Sur is pretty cheap and won't put too much strain on your travel budget.
San Juan del Sur is the most popular beach in Nicaragua because it is an ideal surfing spot, has many cheap bars and is also home to the second largest statue of Christ in the world
6. Relax at Laguna de Apoyo:
After a hike here, it is also the perfect place to relax, sail or fish . Lake Nicaragua (the largest and therefore the most touristy lake in the country) is also worth a visit.
7. Hike through the Miraflor nature reserve:
This impressive nature reserve with farms, rivers, and waterfalls is located in Estelí. Do at least a one-day trek here and learn more about nature and agriculture through a guided tour. The income from the tours supports the community and local farmers.
8. Try the food of Nicaragua:
Besides vigorón, you should definitely try the most typical food of Nicaragua: gallo pinto (rice and beans) . You should also try nacatamales (corn dumplings cooked in banana leaves with meat, vegetables and rice), Indio Viejo (ground beef, corn flour, and vegetables), cuajada (white farmer's cheese), and snacks like tostones, tajadas, maduro, and tortilla con queso.
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