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Nicaragua Information
The largest and most centrally located of the Central American republics, Nicaragua equals England and Wales in size, but those 120,254 square kilometers are filled with some of the greatest concentration of volcanoes and inland bodies of water in the world. The landscape of the country can be divided into three distinct regions: the Atlantic lowlands in the east, the Pacific lowlands in the west, and a mountainous central region in between. A row of volcanoes runs through the Pacific lowlands, that extends northward into El Salvador, and southward into Costa Rica-linking the isthmus in a volcanic spine that has helped to create the rich soil and turbulent geological histories of the region. Known for its intriguing scenery and its friendly people it features an abundance of lakes, rivers, volcanoes, colonial cities, untouched forests and sandy beaches.
Archeological evidence indicates that Nicaragua has been inhabited for nearly 6,000 years. It wasn't until 1519 that Europeans landed on Nicaraguan soil from an expedition originating in Panama. Within 5 years colonies were established in Leon and Granada, and the country maintained its link to Spain until Independence in 1821.
Nicaragua’s exuberant geography is a land of poets and artists. Nicaraguan culture flourished during colonial times and Ruben Dario is currently known as the “Prince of Spanish – American Literature”. His writings inspired modern poetry movements and literary currents.
"A Guide to Granada - Nicaragua's Colonial Gem " con link a About Granada Nicaragua" More Granada Nicaragua Information:click here
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The same agricultural products the existed over a hundred and fifty years ago still maintain Nicaragua's economy. Coffee, sugar and cotton are important crops, now joined by bananas, and the raising or harvesting of beef and seafood. After peace was established in the 1990s, nature tourists began to see Nicaragua as a possible destination. Despite the challenges of civil conflict, in the mid 1970s Nicaragua began to create an infant park system, beginning with Masaya National Park. Perhaps due to some of these challenges, the country's rain forests have yet to be studied as thoroughly as those in the rest of the isthmus, so the rugged beauty of Nicaragua remains for exploration, from the depths of its "sweet seas" to the heights of its many volcanic peaks.
Nicaragua is a county made for tourism. Its rich history, friendly people and dramatic landscapes are waiting to be explored. The tourist that is able to see beyond Nicaragua’s reputation as a troubled country due to political turmoil and natural disasters will be rewarded with unforgettable memories and an authentic travel experience.
Nicaragua's climate is tropical, with the distinctive rainy and dry seasons typical to the region. The rainy season-or "winter"-- usually ranges from May to November, while the dry season-or "summer"-lasts from December to April. Average temperatures range from lows of 77 to highs of 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
The local currency, or Cordoba, is divided into 100 centavos and the exchange rate versus the US dollar about 1:16. US dollars are widely accepted as method of payment. Passports are required to change traveler's checks and dollars in banks. As tourism grows, credit cards are more frequently accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels, but it's best to ask prior to making a purchase.
Nicaragua’s country code is (505). To call abroad, it is best to use international calling cards. Local phone cards are sold in hotels and souvenir stores. There are Internet cafes especially in the cities frequented by tourists.
Visas are not required for most American and European nationalities. Visitors can stay up to 90 days upon entering the country with a passport valid for the next six months. Arriving at the International Airport in Managua, a $5 entrance tax is charged, as well as a $32 airport exit tax-both of which must be paid in U.S. dollars.
Various international airlines (American, Continental, Iberia, etc.) fly into Sandino International Airport, located 12 kilometers east of downtown Managua. Domestic flights are also available from a small terminal of the airport. Buses and cabs are available from the airport into Managua, taxies charge an average of $15 from the airport, less if one walks out to the highway and flags one down. When leaving the country, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to departure.
Granada was founded in 1524 and is the oldest colonial city in the Americas. It is situated on Lake Nicaragua next to the impressive Mombacho Volcano and close to the famous isletas. In Granada, colonial charms still abounds: Renaissance and Baroque style churches and colonial buildings painted in mustard, peach and salmon huddle around a Spanish-style Central Plaza where shoeshine boys and horse drawn carriages rest in the shade. Granada’s little cafés and shops were once the center for Nicaragua’s Vanguardia poets sucha s Joaquin Pasos and Pablo Antonio Cuadra. To this day, Granada has maintained its reputation as literary city.
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Granada is located 50 minutes south east of the capital city of Managua and Nicaragua’s most important tourism center. It has a relaxed atmosphere and its many museums, shops, churches and colonial buildings make it a favorite stop for any Central American traveler. The story is filled with history. At one point in time, Granada was attacked by the famous Caribbean pirate Captain Morgan and suffered under the infamous filibuster William Walker. Some of the city’s most important sights are: Parque Central, La Gran Francia, Casa de los tres mundos, Convento e Iglesia de San Francisco and many more.
The lake front area is a park frequented by locals and offers cool breezes and views. Just off Granada in the lake are more than 370 isletas (little islands) that were created when the Mombacho Volcano erupted thousands of years ago. You can visit the isletas by boat or take a tour up on the Mombacho volcano. Don’t miss this mystical cloud forest on top of the volcano where you can find a biological station and other activities such as horseback riding, bird watching and Canopy Tours.
Excursions nearby can take you to the Laguna de Apoyo, which is a volcano crater that can be seen from the Mirador de Catarina. In and around the small picturesque town of Catarina, you will find some of the country’s finest handicrafts. Especially San Juan del Oriente offers you great insight in the workshops and allows for pleasant strolls from store to store.
Leon was founded by Hernandez de Cordoba in 1524 and was Nicaragua’s capital for over 300 years. Narrow streets are lined with colonial churches, low adobe houses with red tile roofs and thick wooden doors, and timeworn buildings adorned with statues of the city’s namesake lions. The Museum Ruben Dario commemorates the life and works of this famous poet who died in Leon in 1916. Leon features Central America’s largest cathedral and is a buzzing university city.
Some of the most important sights to visit include: Catedral de Asuncion, Colegio Seminario Tridentino San Ramon, Iglesia de San Francisco, Ruben Dario’s grave and museum, the murals near Central Park and many more.
Excursions nearby can take you to Chinandega and Chichigalpa, the home of the famous Flor de Cana rum. A visit to Leon Viejo is certainly worth the 31 km trip to the site where the old city of Leon stood until it was covered by an eruption of the Momotombo volcano in 1610. The volcano Cerro Negro is the most active and youngest volcano in the country and can be easily climbed.
Originally an Indian fishing settlement in the time of the Spanish Conquest, in 1857 Managua was declared a compromise capital, mid-way between the battling Liberals in Leon and Conservatives in Granada. Today more than a quarter of Nicaragua’s population is concentrated in and around Managua. Sadly, most of the old earth quakes were destroyed by earthquakes in 1931 and 1972 and after the second earthquake, the city center was relocated to the safer city outskirts. For many visitors, Managua serves a the gateway to Nicaragua.
Nicaragua has one of Latin America’s most modern airports and offers an array of hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment choices. The most important sites include the National Palace of Culture, the new Cathedral, the birth house of Ruben Dario and National Museum of Nicaragua.
Nicaragua is called the country of Lakes and Volcanoes. It features nine active and various dormant volcanoes. The most important volcanoes from a tourism perspective are: Cosiguina, San Cristobal, Telica, Cerro Negro, Momotombo, Masaya, Apoyo, Mombac ho, Concepcion and Maderas.
Many
of those volcanoes have the perfect cone shape and
can be climbed by the more adventurous traveler. The
Masaya crater located between Managua and Granada is
part of a National Park and can be accessed by car.
The view into the crater is stunning. The Mombacho
Volcano near Granada is a volcanic reserve and features
hiking, canopy tours and a biological research station.
Central America’s Isthmus represents only 0.5 percent of the world’s landmass, but is home to over 10 percent of the world’s biodiversity. Nicaragua makes up for a big part of this diversity with its varied ecosystems ranging from costal mangroves and volcano slopes to lowland tropical rainforests, rivers and lakes.
Nicaragua has gotten off to a late start in terms of protecting its natural resources and it was not until 1990 that protected areas have received planning and support. But in 2002, Nicaragua has 76 protected areas encompassing 18 percent of its territory.
The most popular protected areas for visiting are: Mombacho Natural Reserve, Masaya National Park, Maderas Volcano Nature Reserve, La Flor Wildlife Refuge, Miraflor Natural Reserve, Indio-Maiz Biological Reserve, Zapateras Archipielago National Park, Los Gatuzos Wildlife Refuge, Chocoyero – El Brujo Waterfall and Nature Reserve, Bosawas Biosphere Reserve, Juan Venado Island Natural Reserve and Tisey / La Extanzuela Nature Reserve.
The Ometepe Island is one of the most impressive sights in Nicaragua. An island emerging from the lake made up of two volcanoes, the Concepcion and Maderas. Adventurers can climb the Maderas volcano topped with cloud forest, a lagoon and many birds and animals. There are beautiful rivers and waterfalls to swim in and a visit to a coffee or banana plantation is worth your time. Ometepe is somewhat isolated from the rest of Nicaragua and therefore maintains its special mystery and charm.
Ondine Cohane in Conde Nast Traveler, March 2005:
"I go for a long sunset swim off the beach at Morgan's Rock and feel as though the whole Pacific were mine alone."
For reservation & information contact: San Jose, Costa Rica main office
Reservations: +011 (506) 22-32-6449
Fax: +011 (506) 22-32-6297
E-mail: info@morgansrock.com
