Nicaragua: The land of lakes and volcanoes

Republic of Nicaragua is the largest country in central America with an area of 1,30,373 square kilometres. It is bordered by Honduras in the north, Caribbean Sea in the east, Costa Rica in the south and Pacific Ocean in the west. National capital is Managua, the second largest city in Central America and currency is Cordoba Oro. Official language is Spanish although there are people speaking Miskito and other minority languages. Mestizos are the dominant ethnic group of Nicaragua, followed by Whites, Blacks and Amerindians.

The name ‘Nicaragua’ comes from a tribal chief of great wisdom and power, who never fade from this nation’s collective memory. Nicaragua reminds us of camouflage-clad guerrillas, gunfire and essence of revolution. However, in reality as it stands today, Nicaragua is one of the safest countries in the Americas and a great place for tourism.

Geography:

Nicaragua has three distinct geographical regions, namely, the Pacific Lowlands, the North Central Highlands (Amerrique Mountains) and the Atlantic Lowlands (Mosquito Coast).

Climate:

Temperature at the pacific Lowlands remains constant throughout the year with the maximum hovering between 29 to 32 degrees Celcius. Rainfall begins in May and continues till October after a dry season from November to April. The North central Highlands are cooler than the Pacific Lowlands. This region is also wetter that makes erosion a regular feature here. At the Atlantic Lowlands, the climate is mostly tropical marked by high temperature and humidity.

When to Go to Nicaragua:

Verano or the dry season (from November to April), is the best time for hiking, camping and partying activities in Nicaragua. Tourist influx is at its peak between December and March.

Top attractions of Nicaragua:

• Maribios Volcanic Chain (A chain of five active volcanoes, crater lakes and hot springs make it a top attraction. Volcano surfing is a popular sport here)
• León (home to fine churches and museums. A splendid view of the volcanoes and vibrant nightlife are added attractions)
• Granada (once a Spanish colony, Granada displays fine architectural beauty. It also has several tropical islets)
• Bosawás Biosphere Reserve
• Isla de Ometepe ( has two volcanoes and a billowing streamer of ash which turns pale pink at sunset)
• Río San Juan (this river meanders through the jungle and flows past Spanish fortresses all the way to the Caribbeans)
• Matagalpa & Ruta De Café (cooling off in the Matagalpa and misty mountains of Jinotega)
• Corn Islands (diving in the Shark’s Cane and snorkeling in the coral reefs and relaxing in the perfect beach amidst Caribbean culture)
• Waspám & The Río Coco (capital of Nicaraguan Mosquitia offering access to the longest river in Central America)
• Cloud Forests of Estelí (a fun-filled city)
• Reservas Natural Miraflor and Cerro Tisey-Estanzuela

Nicaragua Biodiversity:

Nicaragua is a land of great biodiversity. The Bosawás Biosphere Reserve and Indio Maíz Biological Reserve comprising 2,500 square kilometres of Atlantic Rainforest are two areas of rich biodiversity. Five feline species; three primate types and several birds like toucan, parakeets, macaws are also found.

Economy:

Nicaragua is essentially an agro-based economy. Fishery, forestry, mining and manufacturing are other economic activities.

How to Move to Nicaragua:

By air:
Managua International Airport is the main international air terminal of the country. There are also Granada International Airport and Big Corn island airport among others. Aerocaribbean, American Airlines, Atlantic Airlines, Continental Airlines, Copa Airlines are some of the air carriers that operate to and from Managua airport.

By land:
Nicaragua can be reached through six major border crossings from Honduras and Costa Rica.

Hotels:

• At Managua: La Pyramide, Hotel el Gran Marquez, Hotel Mozonte, Hotel Casa Naranja, Hotel Internacional Managua, Hotel Don Quijote

• At Granada: Hotel con Corazon, Hotel Terrasol, Hotel La Bocona
• At Matagalpa: El Familiar Hotel & Restaurant
• At Montelimar: Barcelo Montelimar Beach
• At Big Corn Island: Casa Canada, Morgan Hotel, Paraiso Club, Arenas Beach Hotel