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Why a Nicaragua Vacation?

Known as the land of lakes and volcanoes, colonial cities, untouched rainforests and surfing beaches, Nicaragua is the largest and most centrally located country of the Central American republics. The landscape of the country is divided into three distinct regions: the Atlantic lowlands of the east, the Pacific lowlands of the west, and the mountainous central region. Between the Pacific lowlands run a row of volcanoes that extend southward into Costa Rica and northward into El Salvador, featuring 9 active volcanoes and various dormant volcanoes.

In 1519, Europeans landed on Nicaraguan soil on an expedition that originated in Panama. Within 5 years, the colonies of Leon and Granada were established linking the country to Spain until 1821 when Nicaragua gained its independence. The country is popularly known for its poets and artists, including the famous “Prince of Spanish-American Literature”, Ruben Dario, whose writings inspired modern poetry movements and literary currents.

Despite the challenges of civil conflict in the mid 70’s, Nicaragua was able to reestablish itself through its natural beauties by creating an infant park system, beginning with Masaya National Park in hopes of attracting tourists. Many of the country’s rain forests are yet to be studied, leaving much of Nicaragua’s rugged beauty up for exploration.

Nicaragua is a developing nation that is considered to be among the safest Latin American countries to visit with the lowest crime rates. The rich history of Nicaragua, its friendly people and breathtaking landscapes are waiting to be explored and experienced by tourists who are able to see past the old reputation of being a troubled country due to political turmoil and natural disasters. This combination allows tourists the opportunity to be rewarded with an unforgettable and authentic travel experience.

Climate

Country climate is tropical with a distinct rainy season, or “winter”, that ranges from May –December, and a dry season, or “summer”, ranging from December -April. Average temperatures range from lows of 77 to highs of 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Currency & Money Exchange

The Cordoba is divided into 100 centavos and the exchange rate versus the US dollar is 1:18. US dollars are widely accepted as a method of payment. Passports are required to change traveler’s checks and dollars in banks. Credit cards are accepted in many shops, restaurants and hotels.

Electricity

110 Volts, 60 Hz; the same as the United States.

Communication

Country code is (505). International and local phone cards are sold in hotels and souvenir shops. The cell phone system is rapidly developing all over the country as new antennas pop up throughout. Cell phones can be rented and in most areas there is good coverage. Internet connections are available in many cities and towns, although not at high speeds.

Immigration

Visas are not required for most American and European nationalities. Visitors can stay up to 90 days upon entering the country with a passport valid for the next six months. Arriving at the International Airport in Managua, a $5 entrance tax is charged.

City Highlights

Granada:

Granada was founded in 1524 and is the oldest colonial city in the Americas. Situated on Lake Nicaragua, next to Mombacho volcano and close to the famous Isletas, Granada boasts colonial charms. The city is filled with Renaissance and Baroque style churches and colonial buildings painted in mustard, peach and salmon. Here you can find shoeshine boys and horse drawn carriages amidst a relaxed atmosphere of museums, shops, churches and colonial buildings.

Granada’s history is filled with exciting pirate stories led by the famous Caribbean pirate Captain Morgan who sacked and burnt Granada on more than one occasion and who then suffered under the infamous filibuster William Walker.

Leon:

Leon was founded by Hernandez de Cordoba in 1524 and was the capital of the country for over 300 years. In this colonial town you will walk through narrow streets lined with churches, low adobe houses with red tiled roofs and thick wooden doors, and timeworn statues of lions, symbolic of the towns’ name, scattered throughout the city that commemorates the life and work of the famous poet, Ruben Dario, who died here in 1916. It is here in Leon where you will find the largest cathedral in all of Central America.

Island of Ometepe:

The Island of Ometepe, isolated from the rest of Nicaragua, rises from the lake made up of two volcanoes, the Concepcion and Maderas, and is the largest freshwater island in the world. At the top of Maderas volcano adventurers will find a cloud forest, a lagoon and many different species of birds and animals, beautiful rivers and waterfalls.

Corn Island (A.K.A. Skull Island):

Skull Island inherited its name because of its early inhabitants, the Kukras, a violent, warrior tribe that survived by consuming the bodies of their enemies in a coconut sauce. The first English visitors arrived on this island early in the 16th century by accident and Captain Morgan used the island as a re-supply port. It was also a refuge and haven for many other pirates. The name Corn Island was given to the island by the Spaniards.

Two islands, Great Corn and Little Corn, comprise the Corn Islands. Some differences that distinguish the islands from each other include lack of roads and cars on Little Corn and a true “Robinson Crusoe” type atmosphere, while Great Corn has an airstrip that hosts at least 4 flights a day, and a few dirt roads as well as taxi transportation. The Corn Islands boasts some of the best lobster in the region.