Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a place that offers everything a traveling surfer could want. Consistent year round surf, warm water and a chance to surf great breaks with few others. It’s just a few hours from the United States and just up the road from Costa Rica, so you do not have to go half way round the world to find epic surf.

Nicaragua does suffer from an image problem. It’s an image that it does not deserve. The people are very friendly and outside of Managua there is little crime or public safety issues. In fact this secret is now getting out and travelers looking to get a change of scenery from Costa Rica’s popular beaches are making Nicaragua part of their visit to this part of the world.

Nicaragua is a democratic republic and the largest country in Central America. Nicaragua is bordered by Costa Rica to the South and Honduras to the North. Nicaragua’s proximity to Costa Rica has encouraged reciprocal tourism between the countries. On the western side of the country, Nicaragua’s coastline abuts the Pacific Ocean, while on the eastern coast the Caribbean Sea meets is shores. Nicaragua has three distinct regions: the Atlantic Lowlands, the North-Central Highlands and the Pacific Lowlands each possessing a unique climate and geography. The capital and largest city is Managua. The national currency is the Cordoba but American dollars are accepted everywhere.

Getting Here

For U.S. citizens, a valid US Passport is required for entry into Nicaragua but a visa is not required. Most foreign travelers arrive at Managua International Airport, which is located approximately 8 miles from the center of Managua. The airport is a modern facility and has recently been renovated. Managua International also serves as a regional hub for the many national airlines in the Caribbean. For U.S. travelers there are regularly scheduled flights offered by a number of U.S. carriers including American Airlines, Continental, and Delta. For domestic and regional flights, travelers can choose between Copa Airlines, Aerocaribbean and Grupo Taca. Numerous cruise lines stop in Nicaragua at the Corinto Port.

Other Things To Do Besides Surf

Nicaragua offers a number of cultural activities, ranging from theatre to religious sites. In Managua, there are three popular theatres – the Rubén Darío National Theater, the Victor Romeo Theater, and the Justo Rufino Garay Theatre, each offering a unique ambiance and venue for special performances. There are many historical buildings and attractions to see such as the Cathedral of Leon, the Church of Jaleva and Parque Central in Granada, and the colorful markets of Masaya. For nature enthusiasts, Nicaragua has 78 national parks, including sanctuaries, refuges, and reserves, each teaming with unique wildlife and flora not seen outside of Central America. Some of the more popular National Parks include the Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge, Mombacho Cloud Forest Reserve, and Indio-Maìz Biological Reserve.
For outdoor enthusiasts, sport fishing (see video below), golf, canopy tours, scuba diving, and boating offer exciting activities and memorable experiences. Deep sea fishing in Nicaragua is considered to be the best in Central America where the sparkling Pacific Ocean offers exceptional opportunities to catch Marlin. Fishermen can fly fish in places like Lake Nicaragua and or hire a boat at Bluefields and try their hand at catching Bonito and Sierra Mackerel. Golfers can enjoy their favorite pastime at Nicaragua’s famous Nejapa Golf and Country Club or the Iguana Golf and Beach Club. A number of establishments, including Rancho Santana, offer horses for rent, and equestrian centers in Rancho Santa and Montecristo offer guided horseback tours through spectacular countryside and rain forests.

Climate

Nicaragua has a tropical climate with two seasons. A wet season from May to January and a dry season from January to mid May, combined with three climatic zones. (1.) A wet tropical, (2.) a wet and dry tropical and (3.) a mild highland. Average annual precipitation in Managua is 35 inches and average temperature ranges are from 68 degrees to 93 degrees Fahrenheit all year.