Nicaragua is the largest Central American country but one of the least visited. It also lays claim to the region’s largest lake – Lake Nicaragua and oldest colonial city – Grenada.
Highlights include 17 volcanoes, picturesque lakes, unexplored mountains and vast swatches of pristine rainforest brimming with wildlife which is testament to the country’s biodiversity.
Masaya Volcano National park contains two volcanoes comprising five craters, one of which still smokes and steams. There are fantastic views from the summit and marked hiking trails. The culturally and geographically isolated Ometepe Island on Lake Nicaragua is revered for its fertility, lush vegetation and tranquil atmosphere. The two Corn Islands offer a taste of the Caribbean for visitors seeking unspoilt palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters, with coral reefs excellent for snorkelling. There is an unhurried pace of life where the lack of much tourist infrastructure is regarded as one of the main attractions.
Practical Information
Visas - < Back to top
Many nationals, including those of the European Union do not require a visa on
the basis of holding an onward or return ticket. A tourist card will be issued
on arrival for a small charge. Contact us for further information.
Getting to Nicaragua - < Back to top
The capital, Managua, is well served with various routes from North America.
Therefore, for travellers from Europe often a connection will be required in the
United States, commonly Miami. One of the few alternatives is using Iberia’s direct service from Madrid to neighbouring Costa Rica, making a connection in San Jose for Managua. Call us for further information.
Immunisations - < Back to top
As with travel to most parts of Central America, we strongly recommend that you
contact your Doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice and the necessary vaccinations. We can recommend the Trailfinders Travel Clinic.
For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Meningitis. Anti-malaria medication will also be required and the use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.
Travel Insurance - < Back to top
We have a legal obligation to stress the absolute need to
have adequate travel insurance, which should be taken at the time your trip is
confirmed. These days there’s a huge range of options available and premiums have never been more competitive. Increasingly annual multi-trip policies offer good value for money, but you should compare the level of cover and the activities included with each policy. Please contact us for further details.
Foreign Office Advice - < Back to top
Crime is not a major issue for visitors to Nicaragua as long as sensible precautions are taken, particularly in Managua. Outside of the capital Nicaragua is very safe, although as with much of Central America, pickpockets frequent some of the more popular tourist areas. At the time of writing the British Foreign Office does advise travelling with ‘caution’ to the North Atlantic Autonomous Region due to its remoteness. However this is an area not covered on our regular programmes.
Should this position ever change we would of course advise all effected clients. Furthermore, we will always be as flexible as possible and do our best to waive normal cancellation fees (subject to the agreement of local suppliers), should we need to cancel a trip due to the advice issued by the Foreign Office.
Nonetheless, we strongly recommend that insurance be taken out at the time of booking, which may offer some protection should your plans later change as a result of such advice.
