By Eija Rissanen
Nicaragua is still a new destination for travelers because its struggles with revolution and civil war are still remembered by many. Nicaragua today, however, is a safe country and one of the most exciting places in
Central America offering something for everyone at rock-bottom prices. Friendly people, delicious food, cheap prices, gorgeous landscape and abundance of activities have helped Nicaragua become the rising star of tourist destinations among all the countries in Central America.
Location
Nicaragua is located in Central America. It is bordered by Costa Rica and Honduras and it shares a coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
How to Get There
Most visitors arrive to Nicaragua by plane. Managua International Airport serves both regional and international flights and major American airlines offer regular flights there. In addition to flying, many cruise ships stop in Nicaragua.
When to Go
Nicaragua has tropical climate with two seasons, wet and dry. The dry season is from January to April and it is the most popular time to travel to Nicaragua. The wet season is from May to October and this time of the year is popular for visitors interested in sport fishing, especially the months of May, June and July. The weather is humid and warm all year with an average temperature around 89 degrees Farenheit.
Where to Stay
No matter how big or small your budget is, Nicaragua offers accommodation suitable for you. Accommodation options vary from luxury resorts and well-known hotels to affordable B&Bs and youth hostels. You also can camp out or stay in one of the hotels offering eco-friendly vacationing options.
What to Do
Nicaragua offers activities for everyone. Managua has several theaters with many special performances all year round and several cities have numerous historical sites and cultural attractions to explore, such as the Cathedral of Leon, the Church of Jaleva, Grenada's Parque Central and the colorful markets in Masaya. Nature lovers have 78 national parks to choose from. The national parks include sanctuaries, refuges and reserves where you can observe flora and fauna not found anywhere else in Central America.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take their pick from sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, canopy touring, horseback riding or hiking through the lava fields of the Masaya Volcano, an active volcano at the Volcan Masaya National Park. Nicaragua is also a popular surfing spot in Central America and it has the reputation of being one of the top five places to catch waves among surfers from all over the world.
About the Author:
Eija Rissanen is a freelance journalist living in Hawaii. She has a journalism and environmental studies degree from Hawaii Pacific University. Her articles have been published in Kalamalama, the student newspaper of Hawaii Pacific University, and some other environmental and travel publications and Web sites in Europe and the United States.
