Nicaragua Travel Specialists
Our Nicaragua specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Nicaragua inside out.
NickNicaragua Specialist01993 838 607
When in Nicaragua take the time to visit one of the turtle nesting beaches, which can easily be visited on day trips from San Juan del Sur.
Nicaragua travel specialist - Nick
Practical Information
We think this country is a real hidden jewel in Central America and one to visit now.
Nicaragua is learning fast from its Costa Rican neighbour and it is rapidly changing: delightful new hotels are opening up, making whole areas of the nation accessible for the first time. We are constantly keeping up to date with the changes and we have sought out some fantastic hideaways.
Guides in Nicaragua
Our guides’ excellent knowledge will more than enhance your trip.
Combining Nicaragua eith other destinations
Although most definitely a destination in its own right Nicaragua makes an excellent combination with Costa Rica and we have researched the best land routes between the two.
Language
Spanish is the official language however English is spoken in some tourist areas and on the Atlantic Coast. Along the Atlantic Coast there are three Indian languages spoken- Misquito, Mayangna and Rama.
Food and drink
The traditional diet today is a delicious mixture of soups, meats and sweets which reflect the ancestry of the Creole people. One of the most fundamental components of Nicaraguan food is corn which is used to make drinks such as Chicha and Pinol. It is also used in the Nacatamal, Indio Viejo and Sopa de Albondiga dishes which are commonly served as a main meal. Popular sweets featuring this dynamic vegetable include Atolillo and Perrereque.
Money
The cordoba (C$) is the unit of currency used in Nicaragua with one cordoba can be divided into 100 centavos. It is best to use larger cordoba notes in restaurants and in the hotels as using these notes to purchase smaller items may cause a problem with change. US dollars is the preferred currency for exchanging money and can be used to purchase items however be aware that if you pay in US dollars change will be given in cordobas at an unfavourable exchange rate for the tourist. Travellers cheques cannot be exchanged anywhere in Nicaragua so please take only cash and cards.
Tipping
Tipping for good service is an accepted fact. It is common to be expected to tip the service you receive whilst eating in a restaurant also. A tip of around 10% is acceptable for good service.
Social etiquette
Please ask permission before taking photographs of Nicaragua's indigenous people - it is discourteous not to and many may refuse you, those who do pose may ask for a tip. Please bear in mind that children earn more by posing for tourists than their parents earn in a week and so they are not going to want to go to school. Please consider donating to a local charity or giving a gift instead.
Under The Skin
Listen
Music of Nicaragua is a mixture of indigenous and European, especially Spanish influences. Musical instruments include the marimba and others that are common across Central America. Pop music includes Cuban, Brazilian, Mexican and Panamanian performers, as well as stars from Europe and the United States.
Watch
'The Jaguar Smile; a Nicaraguan journey', by Salman Rushdie.
Eat
The Nicaraguan staple diet revolves around beans, rice and meat. Much of the food is fried often with onion and red chillies. One of the most traditional dishes is gallo pinto (beans and rice).
Drink
Nicaragua's two favourite beers are Victoria and Toña. The local Flor de Caña rum is legendary and the older the better.
Word
Tuanis! (Right on!).
Trademarks
Volcanoes and lakes, colonial cities, coffee plantations.
Gold and silver are good buys and can be purchased in major jewellery stores in Managua. Many towns sell a good range of leather, hemp and wooden handicrafts and pre-Columbian type ceramics.
