Nicaragua

By kpvega

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COSTA ATLANTICA

COCIBOLCA

The beautiful and multicultural Republic of Nicaragua, which connects the two hemispheres of the Americas, is a land full of unexplored beauty, inhabited by friendly people, one of the best Central American destinations. The Nicaraguan territory borders Costa Rica to the north and Honduras to the south. Its east coast is full of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, while its west side enjoys the waves of the Pacific Ocean. In this tropical country, you can enjoy a varied landscape full of lakes, rivers, volcanoes, forests and dreamy beaches.

When to go
The weather in Nicaragua is divided into two clearly marked seasons, a dry season (December to May) and rainy (June to November). The best time of the year is during the first months of the dry season (December and January) because the temperatures are lower and the landscape is greener and lusher. One should avoid the late dry season (April-May) as the ground is cracked and there is a dusty environment.

Important Information
The official currency in Nicaragua is Cordova. Travelers checks are not easy to change, you can do it mosty in the capital, borders or exchange Multicambios and Pinolero; banks usually do not provide this service. In hotels and restaurants of middle and upper class are accepted credit card payments. As Nicaraguan Cordoba can't be easily exchangeable outside of the country, you should not buy more than necessary.

Tips are not a widespread custom in the cheapest restaurants in Nicaragua, although in the more expensive restaurants you should leave usually 10% if the service is not included in the bill. If eaten in the open air markets is common to haggle the price.

Regarding health, there are some diseases against which precautions are recommended, these are cholera, malaria, dengue, typhoid, rabies and hepatitis.

Where to go
Managua, the capital, has been the victim of some natural disasters that have left traces in the city center, not yet rebuilt. Some of the places worth visiting are the recently restored National Palace, near the Republic Square and the cathedral city, built on the lake. There are also some interesting museums such as the Acahualinca footprints, where you can see traces of people and animals fleeing the eruption, of a volcano, to the lake, and The Revolution, where you can see various historical samples involved mainly to the revolutionary war of this century. If you would like enjoy the outdoors, you can take a swim in the ponds and lakes of the volcanic craters.

Ometepe, is one of the island of the world's largest lake, and it is also a perfect place for those who want to learn about volcanoes like Maderas (inactive) and Concepción (active). You can climb the Maderas volcano to see the coffee plantation that is at the top. Climbing the Concepción volcano is possible, but is a little bit far and complicated, but worth doing it. This island is a tropical paradise of lush vegetation and varied fauna.

The Caribbean Coast jungle was never conquered by Spain, as it happen with the rest of the country, and remained under the British crown until 1800. In this area, the only part with access is Bluefiels, home to various ethnic groups. Because of the joy that characterizes its inhabitants, this city has many clubs to dance to reggae music on weekends.

Corn Island is the perfect place to spend a few days to enjoy the classic Caribbean experience, enjoying the diving on the reefs of Corlar, the music, the dancing, the good food, the rum and the beaches. At one time the island was a hiding place for pirates who were waiting to intercept the ships full of gold that were on their way to mainland Europe.

The city of Leon is still the cultural and intellectual center of the country, full of monuments dedicated to the revolution, many shot buildings and sandinist murals. Despite his past of earthquakes and wars, there are still beautiful colonial churches, Spanish-style houses, an attractive cathedral, the largest in Central America, and an interesting gallery of heroes and martyrs of the revolution of '78.

Granada, Gran Sultana "is the oldest Spanish city in the country and is built in front of the imposing Mombacho volcano, on the northwest coast of the Nicaraguan Lake . Because of the location, the Caribbean Sea, has always been an important commercial center. Today is an important literary center that retains its colonial style, ideal for a walk down the streets, a visit to the Columbus Park and the cathedral or to enjoy a picnic by the lake.

Festivals
Among the festivals of Nicaragua are the festivities of every town to honor its patron saint, for these festivities people organize representations of battles in which they satirize the Spanish conquistadors and the also have costumes processions. Of all these celebrations, the most famous festival is the one of Toro Guaco in Managua, San Sebastian in January and Santiago in July.


Visa and Passports: The entry requirement for all travelers is a valid passport at least six months. In addition, some travelers have to process a visa to visit Nicaragua, if they are from the following countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bosnia & Herzegovina, China, Congo, North Korea, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana , Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Syria, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, East Timor, Vietnam and Yemen.

Access: You can use the buses to travel between towns and in the capital. This buses can be taken mainly in most markets depending on where you are going.

In the towns and the capital you can take taxis if it is a long distance, but you have to be careful that they are legal taxis.

If you are traveling short distances, you can safely walk but be careful on not getting yourself into dangerous zones. If you are looking for a place you can ask for directions to the people as they are very friendly and polite.

Car rental are available, and the compact cars can cost you an average of $ 20 American dollars per day including insurance.




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