Nicaragua
After coming out of a horrendous civil war and political unrest, Nicaragua has definitely come out on top. With beautiful beaches, Caribbean islands, cities covered in history, volcanic crater lakes, active volcanoes, volcanic islands and plenty of thrills for the adrenaline junkies out there!
Before we arrived in Nicaragua, it was one of the countries that I was looking forward to most, and it definitely didn't disappoint! With so much to see in this extraordinary country, its hard to believe that it is not a major tourist destination, with prices being only a small fraction of their neighbour Costa Rica.
So, before everybody realises, and tourism begins to ruin this remarkable country, make sure that you have Nicaragua on your list!
Planning a trip to Nicaragua?
Like many others travelling Central America in this direction, our first stop in Nicaragua was Leon. A city filled with history, grit and a surprising amount of charm. The home of the revolution, and the people of Leon are very proud of that! So much so, that a lot of evidence from the civil war is still openly visible to see to this day. From bullet holes to political graffiti, to locals showing off their scars, the effects of the revolution are very much what makes Leon and Nicaragua, the place it is today. A city heaped in history, also holds its own gems, waiting to be found. One of which has been made very popular amongst Instagrammers and travellers alike, The Our Lady Of Grace Cathedral stands prominent in the centre of the city. However, as impressive as the building is, the main attraction is in fact the cathedral rooftop. A pure white canvas and a travel photographers dream, you have to see it for yourself! You can also feed your adrenaline hunger by boarding down an active Volcano in Leon, while racing against the clock to get the fastest time of the day to get a free shot, t-shirt and more than likely a few cuts and bruises! A lesser known highlight of the city and my personal favourite, is the Museo de la Revolucion, a museum solely devoted to the revolution within Nicaragua. Not only is this fascinating museum based inside a building that was heavily involved in the violence (with plenty of bullet holes to prove it!) but you are guided through the museum by someone who not only lived through this but fought for the revolution! An incredible insight, made even more powerful hearing it from a real Sandanista.. Please do note that this tour is only available in one language, so make sure you brush up on your Spanish!
Our next stop and possibly yours will be Granada, a city that is a little easier on the eye than Leon filled with, colonial, colourful buildings to admire. Visit the many churches that make up this city, climb the stairs up to the bell tower of Iglesia La Merced for some spectacular views, wander the streets for some perfect picture opportunities, a street photographers dream! People watch in Parque Central, eat some delicious street food (Follow the locals and a little tip - try the carne en baho, some barbecued marinated meat with gallo pinto and plantain wrapped in a banana leaf!) and make sure to visit La Isletas de Granada, a boat trip will take you through the 365 incredible islets, to see some of the most luxurious mansions set on their own little island, owned by the rich and famous, and get up-close and personal with the spider monkeys that roam some of the tiny islets!
Not too far from Granada lies Laguna de Apoyo, a huge crater lake that is impossible not to love, spend your days swimming, kayaking or chilling out by the lake with an ice cold beer. Most travellers choose to only spend the day here, but please stay a little longer! As soon as the crowds head back to Granada, you will have the lake to yourselves as you watch the sun set over the crater. If you have the time, make the trek around the crater rim, passing through the wildlife filled patches of jungle along the way (watch out for those mango-throwing spider monkeys!).
Next on our journey was Isla de Ometepe, which sits in the centre of Lake Nicaragua and is made up of not one but TWO volcanoes! This really is a special place, covered in jungle, hidden lagoons and waterfalls. You really feel like you're exploring another world, I almost expected to see a Dinosaur emerged from the trees! Rent a bike or motorbike and explore the islands beauty, climb one of its volcanoes (I would recommend Volcan Concepcion, Volcan Maderas was a bit of a let down, which I will explain in a blog post later!), visit Ojo de Agua and swim in the beautiful lagoon sipping a rum filled coconut and then sit back, relax and watch one of the best sunsets I have ever seen over one of the twin volcanoes! (I will let you in on the secret, in a blog post to follow!).
Your last stop in Nicaragua will more than likely be heading to the coast to San Juan Del Sur's infamous 'Sunday Funday'. BUT, if you're not looking for a alcohol fueled, vest-wearing gringo filled pool crawl then maybe skip this.. You may however be interested in surfing and beautiful beaches? Nicaragua's coast has some of the best surf spots in Central America! A little tip from a fellow traveller was to head to the beaches during Sunday Funday and you will have the whole place to yourself!
If you are still wanting more of Nicaragua, these are some other places that you may be interested in visiting that we didn't;
- Masaya volcano
- The Corn Islands
- Managua
Getting around
Getting around in Nicaragua is majority made up of the infamous Chicken buses and shuttle buses, with Chicken buses being a fascinating experience in themselves and by far the cheapest option, you can get from A to B for next to nothing, while feeding your people watching addiction at the same time.. But like anywhere in Latin America, you need to keep a close eye on your stuff and don't flash your valuables about. The Chicken buses are the main transport for locals and even though the vast majority are very nice people, you can always get the one who is looking to make some quick cash!
If you don't fancy the hustle and bustle of the local chicken buses, then your best bet will be the shuttle buses, very easy to organise through your hostel/hotel or the local travel agents. Even though safety is a priority in this part of the world, comfort isn't.. With poor roads, no neck rests and questionable air conditioning, you can be in for a long sweaty drive but its a small sacrifice to experience and explore this amazing part of the world! But if you did have the money and want to travel in comfort, then you can pay a premium and book a seat on one of the tourist buses that run through this region, try the TransNica & TicaBus buses.
Our Route..
Useful Info
- Capital City: Managua
- Time Difference: GMT minus seven hours.
- Language Spoken: The official language here is Spanish.
- Local Cuisine: Gallo Pinto (Rice & beans) is the main staple here but you must try the tamales in particular the nacatamales (meat, cheese & corn meal cooked in a banana leaf) & baho (barbecued meat, plantain, yucca & gallo pinto).
- Local Beers & Drink: The most common beers here will be Tona & Victoria! You must also try the Flor de Cana Rum!
- Visa: Generally not required for stays up to 90 days, this is under the CA-4 agreement with neighbouring countries; El Salvador, Honduras & Nicaragua. Meaning that most visitors have a 90 days visa-free stay within the four countries.
- Entrance & Exit Fee: Officially (we think!) it is $12 USD to enter the country but, and this is a huge BUT (a capital letters kind a but!) this is, lets say, flexible! Some opportunistic border officials can see this as a little money earner for themselves, as we have heard of other travellers pay up to $20 USD to enter the country (the last thing that you would want to do at a border, is to argue with the officials, especially if Spanish isn't your native tongue). However, the exit fee a little more set in stone, at $3 USD.
- Proof of Onward Travel: Not necessary.
- Currency & Exchange rate (Aug 2018): Nicaraguan Cordoba (C$) £1 = $41 C$ / $1 = $32 C$
- Useful prices to note;
- 1 night in a hostel (Dorm bed) = $123 - $287 C$ / £3 - £7 / $3.80 - $9
(Private Double room) = $287 - £1437 C$ / £7 - £35 / $9 - $45
- 1 local beer = $30 C$ / £0.70 / $0.90
- A typical meal for one from a street vendor = $80 - $160 C$ / £1.95 - £3.90
- Average cost of 3 hour bus journey = $382 - $478 C$ / £9.30 - £11.60 / $12 - $15
- Average cost of a Boat journey (San Jorge to Isla de Ometepe) = $35 - $50 / £0.85 - £1.20 / $1.10 - $1.50
- Average cost of a 2 hour Chicken bus journey = $20 - $40 C$ / £0.50 - £0.95 / $0.60 - £1.20
Nicaraguan Cordoba (C$) / British Pound (£) / US Dollar (USD)
Our must visit place..
Nicaragua is a very special country but spending time exploring a prehistoric-like island made up of two volcanoes has to be the highlight! Make sure that you don't miss OMETEPE ISLAND and try to spend as much time as you can here, don't rush it! Try to visit all parts of the island, there are treasures to be found!
