Brief information
Nicaragua is sometimes referred to as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes”. This is a well-deserved name, because in this country there are 25 volcanoes and even more lakes. But tourists are also waiting for monuments of pre-Columbian civilizations, Spanish colonial architecture, tropical forest, colorful festivals and excellent beaches.
Geography of Nicaragua
Nicaragua is located in Central America. Nicaragua borders Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. In the west, the country is washed by the Pacific Ocean, and in the east – by the Caribbean Sea. Total area – 129,494 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 1,231 km.
The entire territory of Nicaragua is divided into three landscapes – the Pacific Lowland, the Central Highlands and the Caribbean Lowland. To the west are volcanoes, many of which are still active. The highest local peak is Mount Mogoton, whose height reaches 2,438 meters.
Near the Pacific coast are the two largest freshwater lakes in Central America – Lake. Nicaragua and lake. Managua.
Capital of Nicaragua
According to simplyyellowpages.com, Managua is the capital of Nicaragua. More than 2.2 million people now live in this city. Managua was founded by the Spaniards in the 16th century on the site of an ancient Indian settlement.
Official language of Nicaragua
Nicaragua has one official language – Spanish.
Religion
Most of the inhabitants are Catholics, but there are also Protestants.
State structure
According to diseaseslearning.com, Nicaragua is a presidential republic in which the President is both head of state and head of government.
The unicameral parliament is called the National Assembly, it consists of 92 deputies (90 of them are elected by popular vote). The powers of the President and deputies last 5 years.
The main political parties are the FSLN (Sandinista Front), the Independent Liberal Party, the Constitutional Liberal Party and the Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance.
Administratively, Nicaragua is divided into 15 departments and two self-governing regions (autonomous communities).
Climate and weather
The climate is tropical. In the mountains, the climate is cooler and more temperate. The dry season runs from December to May and the rainy season runs from June to November. The rainy season in this country is called the “green season”. This means that at this time everything blooms very actively there.
Air temperature varies by region. Thus, in coastal areas the average annual air temperature fluctuates between +25-34C. In the central regions it is noticeably cooler.
The best time to visit Nicaragua is from November to January.
Sea in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The total length of the coastline is 800 km. The water temperature near the coast throughout the year is + 21-27C.
Rivers and lakes
Nicaragua is called the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes”. In this country, near the Pacific coast, there are two largest freshwater lakes in Central America – Lake. Nicaragua and lake. Managua.
Culture of Nicaragua
The culture of Nicaragua was formed on the basis of the traditions and beliefs of the Maya Indians, and then it was strongly influenced by the Spaniards and their religion (Catholicism). Almost every locality in this country has its own festival in honor of a saint.
However, every city and every village celebrates Toro Huaco. During this holiday, you will visit the 16th century, when the Nicaraguan Indians tried to fight the Spanish conquistadors. The biggest Toro Huaco celebrations take place in September in Managua, in honor of Santiago, the city’s patron saint.
Each local holiday is held on a grand scale, especially in cities (there are amazingly beautiful fireworks on such days).
Cuisine of Nicaragua
The cuisine of Nicaragua is very similar to the cuisines of other Central American countries, as well as Mexican cuisine. The staple food is corn, from which all main courses (Nacatamal, Indio Viejo, and Sopa de Albondiga), snacks and sweets (such as Atolillo and Perrereque), and drinks (Chicha and Pinol) are made.
In the preparation of traditional Nicaraguan dishes, fruits (tamarind, mango, bananas, papaya, avocados), as well as various herbs and rhizomes (yucca, cilantro, oregano, achiote) are widely used.
Each region of the country has its own traditional dishes that cannot be tasted anywhere else.
Before you try any Nicaraguan dish, ask what it is made of. The fact is that the inhabitants of this country eat lizards, armadillos and boa constrictors (they are cooked mainly in the central regions and in the north of the country).
Tourists in Nicaragua are recommended to try the following dishes:
- “Gallo Pinto” – fried rice with sweet peppers and boiled red beans;
- “Nacatamal” – corn tortilla with meat, rice, potatoes, tomatoes and sweet peppers;
- “Indio Viejo” – meat cooked with tomatoes, garlic, onions, sweet peppers, orange juice (served in broth);
- “Quesillo” – tortilla with cheese;
- “Sopa de Mondongo” – soup with offal, vegetables, corn and ground rice.
Traditional soft drinks are Pinol (ground corn and cocoa with water), liquadas or batidas (fruit juices served with milk or water), and Agua Dulce (sugar cane drink). Coffee Nicaraguans drink weak and sweet. If you want real black coffee, then ask for “café negro”.
Traditional alcoholic drinks are rum (the best variety is Flor de Caña), as well as Chicha (made from corn).
Attractions Nicaragua
Perhaps someone will say that there are not as many attractions in Nicaragua as in some neighboring countries. We agree with this statement only in part. And in this country there are amazing places, including historical and natural attractions, which are must-see.
Tourists should visit the city of Leon, which was once the capital of Nicaragua. The main attraction of León is the medieval Recoleccion Cathedral. Locals claim that they make excellent mojitos and rum in Leon.
Some tourists who have too much adrenaline in their blood make an hour-long climb to the top of the Cerro Negro volcano. This volcano appeared recently (about 160 years ago) and is still very active. For 160 years, Cerro Negro has erupted 23 times (the last time was in 1999).
Tourists in Nicaragua should definitely visit Granada, which is considered one of the oldest cities in Central America. In this city, pay attention to the small medieval fortress Polvora.
Cities and resorts
The largest cities are Matagalpa, Puerto Cabezas, Bluefields, Leon, Chinandega, Jinotega and the capital is Managua.
The beaches in Nicaragua are very good, but, unfortunately, the infrastructure there is not well developed. However, in this country there are also beaches with a well-developed infrastructure for a beach holiday, especially on the Corn Islands (“Corn Islands”).
Top 5 best beaches in Nicaragua:
- Picnic Center Beach on Big Corn Island
- El Coco
- Colorado
- Montelimar Beach in Managua
- San Juan del Sur beach 90 minutes drive from Granada
Souvenirs/Shopping
In Nicaragua, tourists buy handicrafts, ceramics, hammocks, leather goods, baskets, traditional men’s shirts, masks, paintings, leather cowboy boots, hats, cigars, coffee, honey, rum (most often “Flor de Caña rum”).
Office Hours
Banks:
Mon-Fri: 08:30-17:30
Shops:
Mon-Fri: 08:00-17:00
Many shops are open on Saturdays as well.
Visa
Ukrainians do not need to apply for a visa to visit Nicaragua.
Currency
Cordoba is the official currency in Nicaragua. Its international designation is NIO. One cordoba = 100 centavos. Visa, MasterCard are accepted in hotels, restaurants and some stores, and American Express is only in some hotels. Traveler’s checks are not accepted.
Customs restrictions
Foreign and local currency can be imported and exported without any restrictions. But there are restrictions on the import of canned food, meat and dairy products, matches and leather products.
Cats and dogs can be imported if they have a certificate from a veterinarian, and if they have been vaccinated against rabies in the country of departure (there must also be a certificate about this).
Items of archeology, antiquity, art, as well as gold (including gold coins) can only be exported with a special permit.
Useful phone numbers and addresses
The interests of Nicaragua in Ukraine are represented by the Embassy of Nicaragua in Russia:
Postcode: 117192, Moscow, st. Mosfilmovskaya 50/1 T:
(+7 495) 938-20-09
Email: [email protected]
The interests of Ukraine in Nicaragua are represented by the Russian Embassy in Nicaragua:
Address: Managua, Las Colinas, Vista Alegre, 214
T: (8-10-505) 276-03-74
Email. Email: [email protected]
Emergency numbers
115 – Fire brigade (911 – from cell phone)
118 – Police
128 – Red Cross
Time
Behind Kyiv for 8 hours. Those. if, for example, in Kyiv it is 13:00, then in Managua it is only 05:00.
Tips
Tipping in Nicaragua is 10% of the bill. In hotels, a porter or porter is given 50 cents for “tea” for each bag.
The medicine
Before traveling to Nicaragua, you must be vaccinated against typhoid, malaria, rabies and hepatitis A.
Security
In recent years, Nicaragua has become one of the safest countries in all of Latin America. This is not surprising, because there are no such “showdowns” of criminal gangs as, for example, in El Salvador, Guatemala or Honduras. However, it should be remembered that this country is a drug supply route to the United States.
Do not travel alone to remote areas of Nicaragua, do not vacation alone on distant beaches. Don’t take the bus to Managua or your wallet will be pulled out. Keep documents, credit cards, money in the hotel safe.
