Nicaragua Travel Guide

A Central American country with coastlines along the Caribbean and the North Pacific Ocean, Nicaragua borders Costa Rica and Honduras and is the largest country in Central America. From the pristine crystalline waters of the Lago Nicaragua (the twenty first largest lake in the world), the Spanish fortresses and ancient pirate havens dotting the coastline of the Caribbean, to the cloudy forests of the Reservas Natural Miraflor and the smoky tendrils rising from the two volcanoes, Nicaragua has earned its reputation as the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.

Nicaragua is an extremely fr… read moreiendly country for all levels of travelers. The cost of living in this country means that you can come here on a budget and still live like a king, although this won't last forever. The natural beauty of the country combines with some of the best eco-tourism on the planet, and visitors will be hard pressed to choose between visiting the relics of the Spanish colonial cities, hiking through the jungles and volcanic mountains, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Public transportation is generally considered acceptable, although getting out to some of the remote islands will require a boat trip, and weather can be an issue for travelers who find themselves getting seasick easily. Spanish is the main language, and English will only be understood in the major cities and resorts. The food is exceptional, and relatively inexpensive. There's also plenty of rum and beer, as well as cocoa drinks. Accommodations will vary depending on whether or not you're in the cities or in the interior of the country. Nicaragua is considered to be one of the safest countries in Central America, although precautions should be taken when traveling at night, and it's generally considered wise to travel with a companion. Bottled water is a wise choice.

All in all, you will be hard-pressed to take it all in during just one trip. Nicaragua absolutely begs for more attention, and right now is the perfect time to go while the country it remains untainted by mass tourism.