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, founded in 1524 and known for its old Spanish architecture, sport fishing, vibrant culture and volcanic scenery. A short drive from Grenada, the artisans of Masaya City, famous for their hand-made hammocks, give visitors a chance to experience the true culture and heritage of Nicaragua. Further south, San Juan del Sur sits - a Mecca to serious surfers the world over. It is the quintessential beach paradise, with palm trees reaching for the sun and crystal blue waters lapping rhythmically on white sand. Ometepe Island on Lake Nicaragua, one of the largest lakes in the world and home to the fresh water Nicaragua shark, is formed by two volcanoes, Concepcion to the west and Maderas to the east, both stretching from the deep blue water to the powder blue sky, with a biologically diverse rainforest and 35,000 native inhabitants nestled in between. Agriculture and tourism are the main sources of economic stability here and finding a room to rent for a week or less should not be expensive or difficult to book.
Getting to the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua, also known as the Mosquito Coast, can be difficult. Expect to take bush planes to the eastern seaboard or to encounter numerous military road blocks if driving. Home to the Moskito Indians, the eastern half of Nicaragua is much less populated than its Pacific sister and, as such, has more to offer in the way of flora and fauna. Little Corn Island, Big Corn Island and the city of Bluefields are all top destinations. The Corn Islands were once havens for pirates and buccaneers and their local flair reflects this history. Little Corn Island is small, sparsely populated, has no paved roads to speak of, and therefore, no cars either. Big Corn Island, also off the coast, is known for its Caribbean feel, white sand beaches, and snorkeling, diving and fishing opportunities. Bluefields is a fishing community, the largest town on the Atlantic coast and predominantly English-speaking.
Throughout the country, there is one theme that runs true - untouched. Nicaragua is the least densely populated country in Central America with just over 5.5 million residents. More than one-fifth of the country's land is protected and the interior highlands are largely divided between agriculture and rainforest. Jaguars, capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys and tapirs can all be found here, along with an impressive bird population that includes colorful toucans and macaws. For visitors who want to stray as far off the beaten path as they can get, a trip to interior reserves via private tour guide is an option. There are several outfitters, easily found through any internet search, that specialize in safaris to the Nicaraguan rainforests and that are very reasonably priced.
Planning a trip to Nicaragua will be intense, but rewarding nonetheless. Mid-November through mid-May is considered the high season, but don't be fooled. High season in this untouched paradise does not translate to an empty wallet or crowded surroundings. But travelling here during the low season means enduring less favorable (and very wet) weather, so if at all possible, visit during at high season. Passports are needed, and though US citizens only require a tourist card by the Nicaraguan government, others may need visas and the like. Water in Managua is reported to be safe to drink, but bottled water should be sought out in all other locales. Dengue fever, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and malaria are concerns and should be prepared for. For those of us who can't bear leaving Central America and a week in Nicaragua is just not enough to empty the stress tank completely, keep in mind that El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua all adhere to a common border agreement, meaning that visitors with tourist cards or visas from Nicaragua may come and go between these countries with ease, making Nicaragua a destination that shouldn't be missed.