by Jessica Kaaz

Created on: February 05, 2009   Last Updated: February 12, 2009

Thirty years ago, Nicaragua was an unstable country, more synonymous with dictatorship than adventure travel. Nowadays, however, the country is reinventing itself, is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America and is beginning to emerge as the new top travel destination this side of Colombia. The political stage has settled, and though poverty is still a problem throughout the country and petty crime should still be a concern for tourists, violent crime is relatively low. The US State Department advises travelers to use caution, avoid public demonstrations and refrain from travelling at night, but the more adventurous visitor can bet on being rewarded with enriching cultural experiences, eco-adventures and the chance to be one of only a few foreigners to visit a Central American gem that has yet to be touched by corporate developers or large-scale resort operations. Nicaragua is also an inexpensive alternative to other destinations. With Nicaragua's currency, the cordoba, having an exchange rate of over 19 cordobas per US dollar, visitors can expect to get much more bang for their buck here than in many other countries.

There is only one way in which to enter the country by air - Managua. The capital city is on the western side of the country and has a history of being tumultuous. As the largest city in the country, it is the hub for politics, culture, economy and education, where different groups clash occasionally - sometimes peacefully, sometimes violently. Regardless, Managua offers visitors the chance to experience daily Nicaraguan life with its many bars, discos, cinemas, museums and markets. It is not difficult to find upscale hotels for under $150 USD per night or more economical accommodations for much less. Local cuisine and seafood joints are plentiful as well, but visitors will be surprised to find that Mexican, Chinese, and Caribbean restaurants are also easy to come by and are very affordable.

Managua is a must-visit for most tourists, like it or not. But its near-by destinations such as Leon, Granada, San Juan Del Sur and Ometepe Island that beckon to visitors. Leon, a small village northwest of the capital city, boasts top-notch accommodations and fancy restaurants while being conveniently situated only a few dozen miles from the Pacific. There is daily bus service to local beaches, particularly Las Penitas, where surfing is good and swimming on calm days is even better. Southeast of Managua, on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, is Grenada,

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