Nicaragua - Ver en español

As the largest country in Central America, Nicaragua boasts a plethora of tourist attractions, which include volcanoes, lagoons, colonial towns, enormous lakes, archeological sites, beaches on two oceans, untouched coral reefs and the biggest Central American rainforest reserves. And as tourism becomes the focus of the nation's income, the infrastructure has rapidly developed to keep pace with the growing number of visitors. Hurry, now…Paradise awaits!

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Location
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras.

Capital
Managua

Population
Approximately 5.6 million: 69% Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish or assimilated Amerindian), 17% White, 9% Black, 5% Amerindian.

Languages
Spanish is the official language, but English and indigenous languages are spoken on the Atlantic coast.

Climate
The lowland area of the Pacific is hot year round, with the mountainous northern regions being much cooler. The rainy season for the entire country runs from May through November.

When to visit
The best time to visit the Pacific area is during the dry season from December to January. There are two main festivals held in Managua that make the city come alive: the Festival de Música y Juventud (the Music and Youth Festival) in February and the Fiestas Agostinas (August Festival) in August. You can also enjoy the celebrations of La Purísima (the Immaculate Conception) held during the month of December.

Government
Presidential Republic

Local time
GMT/UTC minus 6 hours (or US Central Standard Time). Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

Currency and credit cards
Córdoba

U.S. dollars are the only freely exchanged currency in Nicaragua. Bills larger than a US$20 are sometimes not accepted, as some merchants may fear that bigger denominations are counterfeit. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, at banks and at official exchange houses in major cities.

MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are accepted on a limited basis. Check with your credit card company about acceptability and other services that may be available.

Wiring money
You can wire money through MoneyGram at Pelican S.A. For more information, call (505) 266-7991.

Business hours
Business hours for banks: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Electricity
110V AC, 60 Hz

Entry and visa requirements
A Tourist Card (US$5) must be purchased upon arrival in the country. Travelers must have a passport that will be valid for at least six months after entering the country. In February 2009, all Visa requirements for foreign travelers were lifted in an effort to boost tourism.

Departure Taxes
Every one leaving Nicaragua must pay an airport tax of US$32.

Customs
The duty free allowance is 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco; five liters of alcoholic beverage; one large bottle or three small bottles of perfume or eau de cologne; and personal items and goods up to US$500.

Tipping
Tip between 10 and 15 percent in restaurants and hotels (unless a service charge has already been added).

Tip bell boys and chambermaids about US$0.50 per day per person; US$0.50 per moved piece of luggage is fine in hotels. Tourist guides who accompany groups of more than five persons for a certain time usually receive US$2 per person per day in tips. Individuals or couples on a day tour usually reward the guide with US$35-50.

Tipping taxi drivers is not customary.

Tourists must pay a 15 percent IGV (Value Added Tax).

Tourist offices
Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR)
Hotel Crowne Plaza, 1c Sur, 1c Oeste
Managua, Nicaragua
Tel: (505) 254-519. Fax: (505) 222-6610.
E-mail: promocion@intur.gob.ni or intur@intur.gob.ni
Web site: www.intur.gob.ni

Telecommunications
Outgoing international calls may be made via the international operator or through direct dialing. Most hotels offer long distance calls through the local telephone company (ENITEL). Cellular phone service is available in Managua and is used throughout the country. There are telegram facilities in Managua.

The country code is 505. The Managua city code is 2.

Managua
The capital of Nicaragua is home to more than a fourth of the population. This bustling urban center lies along the southern shore of the Lago de Managua (Lake of Managua) and around the Tiscapa Lagoon. The Plaza de la República is one of the city's cultural centers, where you'll find the ruins of the old Santiago Cathedral, the Palacio Nacional de Cultura and the modern Rubén Darío Theater. Nearby is the Centro Cultural Managua, which plays host to art and historical exhibitions, and is the place to go for an arts and crafts fair the first Saturday morning of the month. There are several interesting museums to visit in the city, including the Huellas de Acahualinca. There are various mercados for an afternoon of souvenir hunting. The largest and best known is the Mercado Central, also known as the Mercado Roberto Huembes. Several volcanic crater lakes lie in or around the city, including the Laguna de Asososca and the Laguna de Acahualinca.

>Make Managua your base of operations for day trips to nearby attractions.

Just 18 miles south lies León Viejo, the original site of León, abandoned in the 16th century following an earthquake caused by the Momotombo Volcano. The ruins were subsequently covered in ash by later eruptions, and rediscovered during the 1960s.

Granada
Granada graces the northwestern shore of the Lago de Managua, proudly proclaiming its heritage as Nicaragua's oldest Spanish city. This is a great walking city that has faithfully preserved its Castilian traditions: its shady streets are lined with Spanish-style houses with interior courtyards, and Colón Park is ringed with important buildings dating back to colonial times. Don't miss the neoclassical Palacio Episcopal; the cultural events at the Casa de los Tres Mundos; the beautiful Church of La Merced and the Convent and Church of San Francisco, a fortress-church that houses the city's most important museum.

Museum tours
One of the Managua's most interesting museums is the Huellas de Acahualinca, the most important archeological site of the country. Here, 9000-year-old footprints of men, women, children and animals were found, all heading towards the Lago de Managua, apparently fleeing a volcanic eruption. The Palacio Nacional houses the National Museum, with its collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and zoological specimens.

León's Museo Rubén Darío is the house where the famous poet grew up; now there are exhibits of original artifacts and documents from his lifetime. The Centro de Arte de la Fundación Ortiz Gurdián is another popular site that exhibits the works of well-known artists and that of Nicaraguan and international sculptors.

Around Managua
Several attractions lie within a short distance from the capital. Keep in mind, too, that some of the major attractions, like León and Granada, are only an hour to an hour-and-a-half away by bus. The Masaya Volcano National Park is home to an active crater that smokes and steams. There are great trails for hiking, a museum and a visitor's center, and you can even explore old lava tunnels. The symbol of Nicaragua, the Momotombo Volcano rises above the northwest shore of the Lago de Managua. Here, you can book guided tours. At its feet lies the city of León Viejo. The Pacific Coast is a favorite of visitors and natives; check out the beaches at Montelimar, La Boquita, Huehuete or the very popular Pochomil.

Lago de Nicaragua
The vast Lago de Nicaragua (or Cocibolca, as it's also known) was once an inlet of the Pacific Ocean in ancient times, until continuous volcanic eruptions sealed it off from the sea. Thanks to this geological occurrence, the lake is now home to a variety of interesting fish species, including the only freshwater sharks in the world. A visit to Las Isletas is a must, a 354-island group off the coast of Granada. Many are inhabited and offer a great stop for fishing, lunch, or even spending the night. Isla de Ometepe is the largest island in the world found in a freshwater lake, and is still an unspoiled paradise for eco-tourists. Its two volcanoes (Concepción and Maderas) are great for walking and exploring, and there are fine beaches for swimming. The island is also known for its ancient stone statues and petroglyphs—tours and guides can be arranged at the towns of Moyogalpa and Altagracia.

Next to the lake stands the majestic Mombacho Volcano that towers over the colonial city of Granada. There are trails for hikers to enjoy the exuberant flora and fauna.

The Caribbean Coast (MOSQUITO COAST)
A British protectorate until the late 17th century, the heritage of this coast is evident in the language of its denizens. The most popular spot is Bluefields, a raucous port town with a lively ethnic mix of Indians, blacks and mestizos. This is the birthplace of the Palo de Mayo dance—get ready for a good time! Corn Island and Little Corn Island are about 43 miles offshore. These two islands offer fine beaches, clear water and great fishing. They're a great place to kick back and relax and have become quite popular as vacation destinations.

Archipielago de Solentiname
The 36 islets of this archipelago in the southern part of Lago de Nicaragua were once sacred ground for the indigenous Nahuatl—they left behind petroglyphs and artifacts in burial grounds, caves and along the lakeshore. Today, Solentiname has gained international renown as a primitivist art colony and is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the 21st century: no motor vehicles are allowed on the islands. The hospitality of its people, the serenity of the landscape and the abundant wildlife make it a unique escape.

Masaya
Only 16 miles west of Managua, this city is known for its wonderfully handcrafted items. Check out the Mercado de Artesanías for the best buys and the widest selection. You can bargain for woven mats, quality hammocks, leather items, woodcarvings, pottery and much more. A visit to the workshops of the Indian suburb of Monimbó would make a very interesting detour to your trip.

Nicaraguans have a passion for parties, so you can be sure there'll be music and dancing wherever you stay. Managua, as befits a capital, has its own Zona Rosa, with a fine collection of nightclubs, bars, discos and karaoke bars. Try out El Cartelón on the Masaya Highway. This bar-restaurant has a dance floor that shimmies to the sound of Latin and American music until the wee hours. Another good bet is the Sports Rock Café—and it's not just another sports bar. This rocking disco boasts a dance floor as well as a pool table and a 75-inch projector screen for games and fights.

Nightlife elsewhere in the country varies from laid-back bars on the shores of the lake to popular dancing spots such as Bluefields' Disco Bacchus or Disco Soda Palace. There is usually music playing in the plazas of any village on the weekends, with the accompanying dancing couples. Enjoy!

Nicaragua's typical foods incorporate the Spanish tradition of eating meats and cheeses with the indigenous grains, vegetables and tubers. The tasty chancho con yuca (pork with yuca) and quesillo (a cheese wrapped tortilla flavored with onions, vinegar, cream and sprinkle of salt) are examples, as is the popular vigorón, an appetizer consisting of cooked pieces of yuca, fried pork rinds, chopped cabbage, tomato, a spice sauce, lemon and onion.

Nicaraguans practice the rule of 'waste not, want not' and use all parts of the animal. Don't be surprised to find the cow's udder, stomach or brain in your dish, as well as the bull's testicles and pig's skin and hoofs.

Seafood and coconut are two staples of the Caribbean coast's cuisine. Rondon (turtle meat, fish and beef or pork cooked with hot peppers, onions and yucca) is a staple you won't find elsewhere in the country as is rice and beans cooked with coconut oil. Gaubul is a typical Nicaraguan Caribbean drink made out of green banana, milk, sugar and coconut water.

Corn is the Pacific coast and much of the rest of the country's main staple. You can't leave town without tasting the ubiquitous nacatamales, small corn tamale filled with chunks of pork, potato, tomato and rice, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in boiling water. Corn meal made into masa or dough is the basis of tortillas. Add a bit of fresh white cheese to this dough and there are endless varieties of corn-based delicacies, including buñuelos (fried dough) with syrup, perrerreque (sweet baked corn and cheese cake), rosquillas (cheese and cornmeal biscuits), hojaldras (sweet tortilla-shaped pastry) and viejitas (baked corn crackers with cinnamon-sugar topping), to name a few.

Gallo Pinto is Nicaragua's 'national dish'. It's a spicy mix of rice, onion, sweet peppers, garlic and boiled red beans all stirred up together and fried. However, Managua is known for its carne al bajo, a pot full of steamed vegetables and beef wrapped in banana leaves. The food is hearty and filling, and can be found everywhere from street stands and market stalls to family restaurants.

International cooking also has its place in the country's capitol, with Italian, Chinese and French restaurants widely available in Managua as well as a surge of American fast-food eateries—should you get the urge for some French fries.

Nicaragua boasts a variety of activities on land and sea as well as in the air, owing both to its size, diversity of terrain, and its position straddling two oceans.

Archaeology

Nicaragua's second oldest city, León Viejo, is nothing but ruins. Established in 1524, the city flourished as one of the most important commerce centers in Central America until inhabitants fast fled left when nearby volcano, Momotombo, erupted in 1610. Today, you can see house foundations; some partially restored buildings, as well as a statue of Spanish conqueror and city founder, Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, who was ultimately beheaded. Tour guides are available as are self-guiding signboards. A trail leads uphill where there's a great view of the Momotombo volcano and the other volcanoes that surround the city.

Beaches

Isla de Ometepe, the largest island in the world found in a freshwater lake, boasts fine beaches for swimming. Corn Island and Little Corn Island are about 43 miles offshore the Caribbean coast. These two islands offer excellent beaches. They're a great place to kick back, relax, and vacation. The Pacific coastline is rimmed with beaches that vary from white sand to rocky, calm to wavy, crowded to Robinson Crusoe-style. San Juan del Sur is a popular beach rimmed with several great seafood restaurants. Tranquil waters and stunning sunsets attract visitors to Majagual beach. Jiquilillo is the largest Nicaraguan beach in the Pacific; it attracts locals and visitors en masse during national holidays.

Bird Watching

Over 700 species of birds have been sighted in Nicaragua. Birdlife is plentiful in the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, reachable only by boat, but definitely worth the effort as its one of the country's best sites to see a number of our fine feathered friends. There are toucans, hummingbirds, trogons, and a large variety of aquatic species, as well as two endangered species: the spectacular Great Green Macaw and the Great Curassow. See Roseate Spoonbills and several Kingfishers at the Los Guatuzos nature reserve on the south shore of Lake Nicaragua, and up to 400 bird species at the Bosawás Biosphere Reserve, a cloud forest located in the northeastern corner of the country. On the Pacific side, parrots, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and Nicaragua's national bird, the Turquoise-browed Motmot, reside at the Montibelli Private Wildlife Reserve. A plentiful number of Pacific Parakeets roost in the Chocoyero-El Brujo Natural Reserve.

Canopy Tours

Travel from tree to tree Tarzan-style on wire cables strung between viewing platforms set from 10 to over 100 feet above the forest floor. The rain forest around the Mombacho Volcano is the place to do this. Incredible views and a close up and personal look at the areas flora and fauna are the rewards. Experienced tour guides help you get in the swing of things, but this activity is not for the faint-hearted.

Caving

Nicaragua's caves are among the least explored in Central America. Montelimar Cave, a small grotto best described as a shelter with an overhanging cliff, is open to the public. Rock carvings, called petroglyphs, are found along the back wall and ceilings. Graffiti and the forces of Mother Nature have taken their toll over the years.

Golf

Nejapa Country Club boasts one of two 18-hole golf courses in Nicaragua. It's open to the public, carts and caddies are available at reasonable prices, and there are a number of tournaments held here annually. The Gran Pacifica Beach & Golf Course, an 18- to 27-hole course along the Pacific shoreline, opens in the fall of 2009, while the Hacienda Iguana Golf and Beach Club is a new 9-hole golf course.

Hiking

Hiking and other eco-pursuits are very well served by the many natural parks and protected areas. Masaya Volcano National Park is home to great hiking trails and there are even old lava tunnels to explore. Isla de Ometepe, the largest island in the world found in a freshwater lake, is rimmed with hiking trails around its two volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas. In San Juan del Sur, there's a fun day hike to the lighthouse located on top of the town's southern peninsula. A round-trip trek takes about two hours.

Watersports

The Nicaragua Tourist Board has launched a US$14.7 million project to promote tourism in the San Juan River area. A new 'Water Route' is being developed with local operators to take visitors to the Solentiname Archipelago on Lake Nicaragua, home to a bohemian artists' community, and then follow the San Juan River to the Caribbean, traveling through pristine jungle and visiting important archaeological sites.

FISHING — Two oceans, lakes and rivers offer many fishing opportunities. Catch bonito, grouper, snapper, snook and yellowfin tuna off the Pacific coast near San Juan del Sur. May to October is the best time to hook a magnificent marlin or sailfish. Several charter operations and local guides offer half-day, full-day and multi-day fishing trips, complete with rods and tackle.

KAYAKING & RAFTING — Paddle through the waters between the Las Isleta archipelago and the shores of the Cocibolca Lake, an area so shallow you can only reach it by kayak. Waters are calm, sights include seldom seen wildlife, and tours typically last half a day or less.

SAILING — Boat trips have become very popular down the Río San Juan.

SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELING — Divers have made the Caribbean coast a favorite spot, thanks to its rich coral reefs and clear, warm waters; the Pacific coast is another bet for scuba divers and offers a fascinating underwater world of flora and fauna.

SURFING — Surfing is best at beaches within a few miles of San Juan del Sur, including Manzanillo, Popoyo, Peneloya, Santana and Yankee. The beaches of the Pacific and Lake Nicaragua are exceptional places for surfing due to the strong winds and waves in both locations.

WINDSURFING — Windsurfing is popular at Montelimar Beach.