Nicaragua is known as the “land of lakes and volcanoes.” Here you will find a rich, green tropical land of mountains, lakes, rain forests, sun-swept beaches and colonial towns. Nicaragua’s warm, authentic culture, diverse nature and geography make it a real delight for travelers. The fact that Nicaragua has not been overrun by tourists means that it is a place where the visitor can enjoy a relaxed pace and in a unique environment.
The country is unfortunately known for the 1979 Sandinista Revolution which freed the country from a 45-year dictatorship. Nicaragua has been in the process of rebuilding since then.
Cities and Towns
Managua has been the capital city since 1852 and is the financial, industrial and commercial center of the country. Home to a million-plus people, it is the biggest and busiest city in Nicaragua. While in town, be sure to visit the Republic Plaza, in the Managua Viejo area. Surrounding the plaza you will see the Santiago Cathedral, the Presidential House, the former National Palace and the Park of Heros, with the tomb of Carlos Fonseca, the founder of the Sandinista Liberation Army. Don’t forget to see “Malecon,” a recreational area overlooking Lake Managua with fairground activities and a beautiful view of the Momotombo volcano. Just south of the city, you will find a supposedly-haunted house, called “Quinta Angelica.” Further to the south, there is “Los Termales,” a natural hot springs located in Tipitapa.
Granada is one of oldest cities on the continent and sits at the foot of Mombacho volcano. It is the center of commerce on Lake Nicaragua, and a favorite destination for tourists. Here you will find a city full of historical buildings and churches. It is a wonderful city to explore with cobblestone streets and national monuments. The Hospital San Juan de Dios, Casa Pellas and the Casa de la Cultura buildings give the impression that the city’s clocks stopped ticking a century ago. Horse drawn carriages serving as taxis are a wonderful way to get to the lakeshore stretch of restaurants and entertainment. Natural attractions nearby include the Laguna de Apoyo, an ancient crater lake to the west of town that is a favorite swimming place. Thue Huembes market is the best place to look for art and crafts.
Leon is home to the first university in the country. The original city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1610, and would have been the oldest city on the American continent, if it hadn’t been relocated. The town’s streets are lined with old Spanish style houses, churches and historic buildings giving it the status of the city with the most colonial churches in Central America. The Leon Cathedral, which narrowly escaped being bombed in the revolution, is the largest in Central America
Masaya is known as the city of flowers, and sits on the edge of a lake under the impressive Volcano Masaya. It is known for handicrafts of leather, large hammocks, tapestries, embroidered dresses, carved masks, toad skin purses, jewelry and rocking chairs all found at the open air market and known around the world.
Attractions
Volcano Masaya National Park was the country’s first national park. It is actually a volcanic complex of two volcanoes and five craters. Indigenous people of old believed the eruptions were a sign of anger from their gods and often sacrificed children and young maidens to appease them. During the Spanish Conquest in the 16th century, the volcano was baptized “Boca Del Infierno” and a cross was put at the lip of the crater to exorcise the Devil. The park was established in 1979 and holds a museum including a picnic area, camping area, lookouts to admire the countryside as well as breath taking displays of the plants, flowers and wildlife found within the park area.
Lake Nicaragua is one of the country’s main tourist attractions. Nicaraguans call it “The Sweet Sea”. As with any other sea, you can’t see from shore to shore, it has waves, islands and the world’s only fresh water sharks. The only thing it doesn’t have is the salt. The island of Ometepe is the largest of the 400 islands on the lake and was formed by two volcanoes. The island’s population is about 35,000 and the economy thrives on livestock, agriculture, coffee, tobacco and tourism.
The Corn Islands are located 52 miles off the east coast from the port city of Bluefields in the Caribbean Sea. They are famous for miles of deserted beaches and warm, turquoise clear water. There are two islands: Corn Island is approximately four square miles in size and Little Corn Island is a little over one square mile in size. Both are fringed with white coral sand, beaches and swaying palm trees just perfect for fishing, snorkeling or deep sea diving. It is popular as a holiday resort with both Nicaraguans and tourists alike.
Beaches One of the better known beaches is San Jan del Sur just 90 miles south of Managua, and is a water sportsman paradise. Giant sea bass, moray and marlin abound in its shallow bay waters, making sport fishing very popular here. Boats and yachts are also available for hire here.
Surfers should head to La Boquita which has excellent waves as does Poneloya, further north.
Montelimar is a popular with a wide stretch of beach and swaying palm trees with a beautiful beach resort. All of these beaches feature clear blue sea, coral reefs, white sands and absolute peace just perfect for diving, snorkeling and underwater photography.
The Central Highlands in the northeast offers visitors relief from the heat and there can be seen cloud forests along with howler and spider monkeys, numerous birdlife species, ferns and orchids. You can cool off in mountain streams and small lakes that are ideal for fishing. Many mountain lodges offer comfortable accommodations and delicious food.
People
Most Nicaraguans are Mestizos, with both European and Native American ancestry. Native Americans in the Caribbean part of the country are ethnically distinct and have kept their tribal customs and language. The major religion is Roman Catholic and the official language is Spanish, although around the Caribbean areas many speak English. Nicaraguans enjoy being with other people and are generally are very sociable.
Food
Nicaragua's food is among the best in Central America including fresh ingredients and generous servings. In addition to fresh fruits that you’ve come to expect in the tropics, you will find grilled meats and fresh fish are complimented by local made cheeses, vine-ripened vegetables, hand made tortillas, fruit drinks, local beers and Nicaragua's famously smooth rum.
A typical meal in Nicaragua consists of eggs or meat, beans and rice, a salad of cabbage and tomatoes, tortillas and fruit. The most common of all Nicaraguan foods is gallo pinto, a blend of rice and beans. Another traditional dish includes bajo, a mixture of beef, green and ripe plantains and yucca served with fried pork skins and coleslaw. Interesting drinks include tiste, made from cacao and corn, and posol con leche, a corn and milk drink.
Climate
The climate alternates between two seasons: rainy June through November and dry between December and May. Temperatures seldom go below 68 degrees.
Health
The national health system includes an integrated community network of volunteer health aides, midwives and other volunteers involved in health promotion and disease prevention activities. However, health facilities are generally poorly equipped and understaffed.
Safe drinking water and proper sanitation is not always available, so dysentery and diarrhea are common. Mosquito borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever pose a serious health problem. Make sure you are up to date on your immunizations!
Currency Information
Currently the Nicaraguan Cordoba equates to $1 US = 16 cordobas. The US dollar is accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but keep in mind you will be given change in cordobas. MasterCard, Visa and American Express cards are widely accepted, though automatic teller machines are found only in Managua, Granada and Leon. Traveler’s checks can only be exchanged in Managua.