Located Between the Waves of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the country of Nicaragua is an intriguing land of dramatic scenery and friendly people. Although its abundance of waterways, volcanoes, colonial cities and tranquil pueblos offer tourists much to explore, Nicaragua’s tumultuous recent history has left it comparatively undiscovered.
Over the past 30 years, the country has endured devastating political upheaval and natural disasters that have caused enormous human suffering. An earthquake in 1972 killed 10,000 people and nearly destroyed the nation’s capital. The 1979 overthrow of Anastasio Somoza and the subsequent war killed tens of thousands and crippled the economy. In 1998, Hurricane Mitch shattered the country’s infrastructure, killed thousands and left one-fifth of the population in refugee camps.
These hardships have, in the past, made Nicaragua seem an undesirable and potentially unsafe place to visit. These perceptions are changing, however, and travelers are learning not only how much the country has to offer but also that it is now considered one of the safest countries in Central and South America. Nicaragua today is one of the fastest growing tourist and investment destinations in the region and offers attractive investment incentives. Nicaragua’s greatest economic promise may lie in its tourist industry, which has already become the country’s second largest source of income.
Despite adversity, Nicaragua’s resilient population is growing at 2.6% annually. The capital of Managua has a population of nearly one million people and the majority of the four million other residents are concentrated primarily in the Pacific lowlands, a region preferred for its rich volcanic soil and cooler, dryer climate.
Nicaragua’s government is a republic that holds elections every five years. The current president, Daniel Ortega, represents the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). He was elected with 38% of the votes in November of 2006, winning over Eduardo Montealegre of the National Liberal Alliance (ALN) 29%, José Rizo of the Constitutional Liberal Party (PLC) 26% and Edmundo Jarquín of the Sandinista Renewal Movement (MRS) 7%.
Nicaragua has one of the lowest per capita incomes in the world and its economy is also one of the weakest. With massive external debt, chronic infrastructure issues, and high unemployment, Nicaragua continues to be dependent on foreign aid and debt relief. Luckily, Nicaragua has some of the most varied and abundant natural resources in Central America. Nicaragua’s volcanoes have only begun to be tapped as sources of geothermal energy and the rich volcanic soil they’ve created is perfect for producing coffee, the country’s largest export. Fish and beef are the second and third largest export commodities and the country has rich forests of commercial timber in addition to petroleum and mineral reserves, including gold.
Banks
Banks accept travelers’ checks, major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) and are available in all large cities. Visitors can obtain US dollars from Credomatic who accept all major credit cards with display of passport (274-4444). Managua, León and Granada have ATMs that accept Visa; however, it does not work with all Visa cards. Tourists should be aware that travelers’ checks can be difficult to cash outside of banks. Money-changers will exchange US dollars and several other Central American currencies for córdobas and are readily available on the street and are used by locals and tourists. The exchange rate has been hovering near 18.1 córdobas to the US dollar.
Telephone
The country code is 505. Enitel, the national phone company, will place calls for you with a three-minute minimum. Phone cards are available in most major tourist destinations. Internet phones are available at Internet cafes and can be used for significantly lower overseas rates. Remember, however, that connection speed can be a significant drawback.
Post Offices
There are post offices, called Correos de Nicaragua, in nearly every town, open standard business hours.
Accommodations
Nicaragua has a range of accommodations from luxury resorts to dormitories. Managua has the widest selection with flashy hotels, international chains, a variety of mid-range hotels and budget options located primarily in Barrio Martha Quezada, west of Crowne Plaza. Granada and León each have beautiful high-end colonial hotels, several mid-range hotels, some with pools, and a choice of budget options. Other towns attracting larger numbers of visitors such as San Juan del Sur, Ometepe, Matagalpa and Estelí, have mid-range hotels offering air-conditioning and cable television.
Budget hospedajes are plentiful throughout the country, providing rooms with fans and private or shared baths with unheated water showers. These can be booked in the price range of US$3-15. The mid-range hotels range in price from US$17-60 and the high-end up to $160 in Managua. If you inquire, some mid-range hotels offer rooms without air-conditioning for a lower rate. The auto hotels along the highways are often discreet love shacks.
The protected areas of Mombacho, San Ramón on Ometepe, Miraflor, Laguna de Apoyo, and Indio Maíz Biological Reserve near El Castillo on the Río San Juan offer over-night stays in their ranger stations. Camping is also available near San Juan del Sur.
The accommodation choice that offers the most cultural immersion is a home-stay with a local family. Many families supplement their incomes through renting rooms in their homes and usually offer meals at minimal additional cost. This option includes the opportunity to learn Spanish, learn more about the country and make new friends. Home-stays are offered throughout the country and are most easily arranged through Spanish schools, primarily in the more popular tourist areas.
Check with local tourist offices to find hotel listings and inquire about prices and services.
