NICARAGUA

Nicaragua is the largest country of Central America. It borders Honduras in the north and Costa Rica in the south and it houses two big lakes: Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua. Lake Nicaragua is the biggest lake of Central America and has the only fresh-water sharks in the world!

Nicaragua has some spectacular nature. There is a wide variety of landscapes and habitats that allow for many different types of vegetation and animal species to thrive. For the nature lovers, Nicaragua has a lot to offer.

Rainforest is still present in Nicaragua. Although shrinking, the rainforest has been left relatively untouched. The autonomous regions on the eastern side of the country house some big forests. There are two big reserves: the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve in the southeastern part of Nicaragua, next to the San Juan River, and the Bosawás Biosphere Reserve in the northeastern part of Nicaragua. Both areas house magnificent trees and a wide range of rainforest animals.

CLIMATE IN NICARAGUA

The tropical climate can be observed in Nicaragua. Just as in the other Central American countries, there are two seasons: the dry and the raining season. During the dry season (January - June) there is virtually no rain and trees and plants start to dry out. Once the rains come around June, July, everything starts growing and the yellow plants and leafless trees turn green and start blossoming. In August and September it often rains once a day. Fortunately, it just rains for a short period of time and these are often spectacular, tropical downpours. In the eastern part of the country it rains more than in the west.

There are three temperature zones in Nicaragua. In the lowlands (Pacific and Atlantic coast) temperatures vary roughly between 72° F at night and 86° F at daytime (22° C - 30° C). Temperature can reach 100° F in May (38° C). The central part of the country is about 9° F (5° C) cooler, and in the mountains in the north it's about 18° F (10° C) cooler.

VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS

Passports
Passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival required by all nationals of countries.

Visas
Not required by nationals of countries except some countries. All nationals of countries can obtain a Tourist Card on arrival for approximately US$10 for tourist stays of one month, provided they are holding valid travel documents and, in the case of business travelers, a letter from their employer and/or company in Nicaragua.

Note: All nationals not referred are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Warning
It is advised traveling with caution in the North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) due to the remoteness of this area. There have been occasional incidents of violent crime in Bonanza, La Rosita, Siuna and Little Corn Island. It is not recommended to walk alone after dark.

Managua is prone to strikes and demonstrations. Visitors should avoid all public gatherings or demonstrations, which have occasionally turned violent. You should also be aware that road blocks may occur on main roads during strikes, affecting access to and from the airport.

Visitors should carry a photocopy of the personal details page from your passport with you at all times for identification purposes. Road safety is also an issue.

It is advised not to hike without an experienced guide on volcanoes or in remote areas.

The hurricane season in Nicaragua normally runs from June to November.

The threat from terrorism is low but travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

TRAVEL ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO

Nicaragua has three main eco-regions: Pacific, Central and Atlantic; the Pacific region is home to volcanoes, lakes, tropical forests, beaches and mangrove systems; the Central region is home to mountains, rivers and agricultural areas; and the Atlantic region contains rainforests, marine lagoons, mangrove systems and coral reefs. Tourists are well catered for in these areas

Visit León, the intellectual capital of Nicaragua. It contains a university, religious colleges, the largest cathedral in Central America and several colonial churches. Colourful, provocative and revolutionary graffiti graces the city walls, and the whole of the city is charged with an artistic buzz.

• Head north of León to the Hervideros de San Jacinto, natural sulphuric hot springs fed by an underground river which is heated by the Telica volcano.

• Tour the beautiful colonial buildings of the city of Granada, located at the foot of the Mombacho volcano. The cathedral has been rebuilt in neo-classical style. Also of interest are the Church of La Merced, the Church of Jalteva and the fortress-church of San Francisco. 

• Catch a boat from Bluefields on the Caribbean coast to see the beautiful, coral-fringed Corn Islands (Islas del Maiz). 

• Look out for exotic wildlife in the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve. Among the animals inhabiting the reserve are jaguars, eagles, macaws and manatees. 

• Be amazed by Nicaragua's stunning (and mostly deserted) beaches. The Pacific coast has a number of fine sandy stretches, including El Coco, Marsella, Ocotal and many others located in the south of Nicaragua in the department of Rivas.

• From July to January, watch Paslama turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs in the Rio Escalante-Chacocente Wildlife Refuge. This is one of only six beaches in the Americas where you can encounter this species.

• Spend a couple of days in Managua. Visit the National Museum, listen to a concert in the Rubén Darío National Theatre