travel tips | nicaragua (eng.)

NICARAGUA

TRAVEL TIPS

VISÃO GERAL ATRAÇÕESTRANSPORTE COMPRAS ONDE FICAR ONDE COMEROVERVIEW ATTRACTIONSTRANSPORTATION SHOPPINGWHERE TO STAY WHERE TO EAT

OVERVIEW

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. It has coastlines facing the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean and shares borders with Costa Rica and Honduras. It is a country with a history full of political instability, war and revolution. The main cities of Nicaragua are Managua, Granada, León, Masaya, Chinandega and Matagalpa.

Managua, the capital, is the largest city in Nicaragua and features modern architecture with high quality hotels and shopping centres as well as a variety of tourist attractions. It is a financial, cultural and social reference point. The colonial cities of Leon and Granada are comprised of charming streets, colourful houses and lively squares.

It is a country which makes an extraordinary impact when you observe its combination of cultures, historic buildings and charming countryside. Nicaragua has a tropical climate and is home to more than 78 national parks with magnificent views over volcanoes, waterfalls and the natural beauty of Lake Nicaragua.

For those who love diving and beautiful beaches, Nicaragua’s Caribbean coastline offers the “Corn Islands” (in Spanish “Las Islas del Maíz”), with their white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and incredible coral reefs.

The climate in Nicaragua is tropical and humid and features two different seasons: the rainy season from May to October, and the dry season which runs from November to April.

DUFRY TRAVEL TIPSNICARAGUA

TRANSPORT

Various means of transport are available to explore the different regions of Nicaragua. The best options are bus, boat, car or taxi.

Local bus services in Nicaragua are basic but work well. Travel by boat is the only way to get to some parts of Nicaragua - particularly the Caribbean coast and around Lake Nicaragua. Boat trips from Rio San Juan to El Castillo and San Juan Del Norte are expensive but fishing boats and cargo vessels are always coming and going from Bluefields, Puerto Cabezas and the Caribbean coast.

Car hire services in Nicaragua are available at reasonable prices and offer good quality cars.

The Western coast is very dry with scant rainfall and high temperatures. The central region has a cold and damp climate and the Caribbean region has a tropical climate with high temperatures and rainfall which can be very intense.

The best time of year to visit Nicaragua and experience its beauty is between December and April, when the climate is predominantly dry. The rainy season takes place between May and October, with constant rainfall. It is recommended that visitors avoid the typhoon season between July and October. The best season for sport fishing lovers is between April and June.

Explore and discover the wonderful natural world of Nicaragua.


The main international car hire firms have stands at the Hotel Internacional in Managua. Taxis are found in yellow parking spaces and are all operated on a collective basis, transporting several people going to the same destination, in addition to charging a fixed price.

ATTRACTIONS

Nicaragua offers a wide variety of cultural activities which range from theatre to historic and religious sites. Three popular theatres are to be found in theManagua region, the Rubén Darío National Theatre, the Romeo Victor Theatre and the Justo Rufino Garay Theatre, which ensure a unique experience for visitors with their shows and charming atmosphere.

The region has many cities with historic buildings and a variety of attractions, such as the Cathedral of Leon, the Ortiz-Gurdian Foundation Museum of Art, the Central Park in Granada and the colourful markets of Masaya. For nature lovers, Nicaragua has 78 national parks which offer beautiful landscapes, nature trails and natural treasures.

GRANADALocated in western Nicaragua, Granada is the country’s fifth most populous city and is very important politically and economically. It features colonial and neoclassical architecture which all visitors find quite charming. It is a welcoming city with a variety of natural attractions in its surrounding areas, such as the great Lake Nicaragua with its islands and volcanoes.


LEONThis is a charming city that is both vibrant and authentic. It has retained its colonial architecture and has a variety of historic and religious buildings, such as the famous Cathedral of Leon.

CATHEDRAL OF LEONThe Cathedral of Leon is recognised as one of the best cathedrals in Central America. Architecturally interesting, the cathedral features religious art and includes several contemporary pieces. The church is also a burial place for renowned politicians, intellectuals and religious figures of the country. The most striking grave is that of Ruben Dario, Nicaragua’s most famous poet, whose tomb is crowned by a stone lion. The cathedral was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011.

MIRADOR DE CATARINAThis is a viewing point with typical shops and restaurants, where visitors can take in a fabulous view of the Apoyo Lagoon, the city of Granada and, in the distance, Lake Nicaragua.

MOMOTOMBO VOLCANOBordering Lake Managua, the Momotombo volcano is 1,280 metres high. You can climb the volcano to appreciate the beautiful surrounding countryside or take a ride on a local bus going up the mountain.

MASAYA VOLCANO NATIONAL PARKThe park has two volcanoes, Masaya andNindirí, which together form a structure with five craters and various trails leading up to it. Described by the Spanish as the “Mouth of Hell”, theMasaya volcano is one of several

active volcanoes in Nicaragua that can be easily accessed and it has a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside, which includes the Masaya Lagoon and the city of Masaya.

MOMBACHO VOLCANO NATURE RESERVEThe Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve is run by the Cocibolca Foundation. For an ideal excursion, explore the park along trails that lead up to organic coffee farms, Butterfly Gardens and Orchid Gardens. You will find diverse species of monkeys, birds and plants. There are three trails: The Crater Path and the Puma Path, hikes around the border of the crater which both offer amazing views, and the Ocelot Path. Visitors wishing to hike along these trails must be accompanied by a special guide.

LAKE NICARAGUAThis is the largest lake in Central America. Visitors are recommended to take a boat trip, leaving from Granada, to explore the islands and the natural riches of Lake Nicaragua.

ORTIZ-GURDIAN FOUNDATION MUSEUM OF ARTThis is widely considered the best contemporary art museum in Central America and features a diverse range of works of art. Comprising two


restored colonial buildings, exhibitions shown here include paintings, sculpture, photography and contemporary works.

WHERE TO STAY

Nicaragua offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit all tastes, from luxury resorts to small hotels. You can find seafront accommodation facing the Caribbean or ecological accommodation.

The best regions to stay in are Leon, Managua and Bluefields. The Intercontinental

Metrocentro Hotel is considered one of the best hotels in Managua, among others, including the Best Western, the Crowne Plaza and the Hilton. Some tourists prefer to be in direct contact with nature and choose to camp or stay in eco-hotels such as Los Cardones EcoLodge or the Bahia Majagual EcoLodge.

DINING OUT

Nicaraguan gastronomy offers a range of delicious dishes at great prices. Traditional restaurants in Nicaragua, called “fritangas”, serve typical food including the famous regional dish known as “Gallo Pinto”, made with rice and beans, in addition to fried cheese, cassava, fried banana and cabbage salad. “Vigorón” is a delicious typical dish: it consists of cooked cassava, crispy fried pork, cabbage and hot peppers, served on a banana leaf.Another option is “Indio Viejo”, cornmeal with shredded chicken or meat seasoned with mint, and “nacatamales”, a traditional dish made with pork or chicken and other seasonings. The “Fritangas” operate on a self-service basis.

Another typical dish is “quesillo”, a rolled cornmeal tortilla filled with a mozzarella cheese paste, pickled onions, a cream sauce and a little salt. The most sought after quesillos can be found along the highway connecting Managua and Leon, in Nagarote and in La Paz Centro.

The traditional regional dessert is a soft cake made with three kinds of milk (condensed, evaporated and fresh), called “Tres Leches” (three milks). The famous “Flor de Caña” rum and “Joya de Nicaragua” cigars can be found in the Duty Free shop at Managua Airport.

Some restaurant suggestions: Doña Pilar in Managua and Cevicheria El Chino in Bluefields.


SHOPPING

Metrocentro: Located in Managua, Metrocentro is a shopping centre which offers visitors more than 50 stores, restaurants, beauty salons and cinemas.

Galeria Santo Domingo Mall: Located in a smart area of Managua and renowned for its range of well known brands and exclusive events, the Galeria Santo Domingo Mall has a variety of restaurant options and high quality cinemas. It also has a sports centre that is open to the public, which houses a baseball stadium, indoor football stadiums and a mini football pitch, among other

facilities. It is a shopping centre that provides a unique experience for its customers.

STREET MARKETSNicaragua’s street markets are great for buying souvenirs, wooden ornaments and local craftwork.

The Masaya Craft Market is the ideal place to take a stroll and find Nicaraguan souvenirs. It is a historic place with many attractive market stalls along its wide thoroughfares. Every Thursday, the “Jueves de Verbena” event takes place, a cultural show featuring music, folk dancing and traditional Nicaraguan cuisine. In addition to traditional folk dancing, Nicaraguan artists and composers also present their work.


CURRENCYThe national currency of Nicaragua is the Gold Cordoba (C$), known by locals as the “peso” or “real”. Coins exist in denominations of C$0.25, C$0.50, C$1 and C$5; and the banknote denominations are C$10, C$20, C$50 and C$100. The US dollar is accepted almost everywhere but it is much easier to use the national currency. Credit and debit cards are accepted in practically all establishments.

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travel tips | nicaragua (eng.)

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