by Ron N. Sullivan

Created on: February 07, 2009   Last Updated: February 12, 2009

Nicaragua

With an area of 130,000 square kilometers, Nicaragua is the largest and least populated state in Central America. Known as "the land of lakes and volcanoes", the country is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean Sea on the east.

Because Nicaragua is the least visited country in the region, tourists are able to enjoy low prices while having the feeling of being off the beaten track. The country offers tourists a tropical climate, and the chance to experience its many beaches, scenic tours (the avenue of volcanoes), ecotourism (cultural heritage), agritourism (farming and ranching vacations), and an incredible surfing culture.

Weather

Travelers to Nicaragua can experience a tropical climate with two seasons: dry (January to June) and rainy. Fortunately most of the rain is short lived and comes in the form of tropical downpours.

Temperatures in the lowlands (Pacific and Caribbean coasts) range from 72 to 86 degrees, night and day respectively. In central Nicaragua the temperature is about nine degrees cooler, while in the mountainous regions to the north, temperature differences can be as much as 18 degrees cooler.

Emergence of a New Nicaraguan Culture

Aside from a culture that is strong in folklore, music and religious traditions, Nicaragua finds itself in the middle of a new and exciting phenomenon - the surfing culture. With Nicaragua located between two large bodies of water, it is only natural that surfing has become a popular and growing sport. Surfing history for the locals is relatively new and only goes back about ten years. Surf hotels, surf shops, and surf contests are beginning to make a noticeable appearance on Nicaraguan beaches.

Participants in the sport of surfing in Nicaragua have two great advantages over other surfing areas of the world. Firstly, Nicaraguan beaches are not crowded; and secondly, Lake Nicaragua covers a surface area of over 8,000 square kilometers, which enables the offshore Papagayo Wind to blow constantly and not change direction during the day. The municipalities of Tola and San Juan dell Sur are known internationally for having a good, strong quality of wind and wave. Popoyo Beach in Tola is the best-known surf site in Nicaragua.

Surfers and tourists alike can enjoy the incredible wildlife in the area. Dolphins, marine turtles, and the odd whale frequent these beautiful Pacific waters. Travelers can also enjoy the picturesque bays and beaches that are hidden by tree-covered cliffs. Unlike most surfing

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