Nicaragua Travel Advice

General travel information for Nicaragua

Continent: Central America

Geographical location: Between Atlantic and Pacific south of breitesten site of the Central American land bridge located

Highest point: Mogotón (2438 m above sea level)

Longest river: Río Coco (685 km)

Form of government: Republic

Government System: Presidential system

Languages: Spanish

Neighboring countries: Costa Rica, Honduras

Capital: Managua

Area: Approx. 120 250 km²

Residents: Approx. 6,150,000 people (2016)

Population density: 51 residents per km²

Religions: Approx. 47% Catholics, increasing proportion of Protestant free churches, 12% non-denominational

Currency: Nicaraguan Cordoba NIO; 1 euro is about 37 NOK. The current exchange rates for our travel

destinations can be found at oanda.com Travel Climate: Tropical

Time zone: UTC -6

Area code: +506

Country code: NI, NIC, 558

Electricity: Type A sockets are used in Nicaragua. The mains voltage is 120 V with a 60 Hz change interval. A travel plug adapter is an advantage.

Check a2zdirectory for old history of Nicaragua and agooddir for modern history of Nicaragua.

National parks and nature conservation in Nicaragua

Species richness and unbelievable diversity play a major role in the nature and flora and fauna of Nicaragua. Unfortunately, in many places there is little or no environmental awareness of the country’s rich treasures. Fortunately, there are still some nature reserves and national parks that give rare animal and plant species a chance of survival:

– Mombacho Volcano National Park

– Pilas Nature Reserve – El Hoyo

– Charco Verde Reserve

– Concepción Volcano

Medical Notes for Nicaragua

For detailed information on required vaccinations and general medical advice, we recommend contacting the Tropical Institute. You can also find information on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

Cities and regions in Nicaragua

Biggest Cities in Nicaragua:

City	Residents
Managua	1,140,506
Leon	150.327
Chinandega	128,616
Massaya	123.473
Granada	92,629

Culture, sights in Nicaragua

León

León has around 150,000 residents, making it the second largest city in Nicaragua. The city is located in the east of the country on the Pacific Ocean. León is one of the most beautiful cities in Nicaragua. It was built in the colonial style and the city still exudes a charm that is reminiscent of the rich times. León has been the intellectual center of the country for several centuries, and liberal ideas had their origin here. In the late 1970s, the city was the focus of revolutionary struggles. Not far away is the coast of the Pacific Ocean and the Momotombo volcano shows its perfect cone outside the city.

Granada

Granada has around 110,000 residents, making it the third largest city in the country. Granada is located in the southeast of Nicaragua. Granada is probably one of the most beautiful cities in Nicaragua. Despite the numerous destruction in its history, it is today a colonial gem. Due to its location at the foot of the Mombacho volcano and on the shores of Lake Nicaragua with its islands, the city can offer not only itself, but also many beautiful excursions in the surrounding area.

Isla de Ometepe

The 270 km² island in Lake Nicaragua is the world’s largest volcanic island in a freshwater lake. 29,684 people live on the island.

Holidays in Nicaragua

public holidays	date
New Year	January 1st
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday	Thursday and Friday before Easter
Day of the national hero Juan Santamaría	11 April
Labor Day	1st of May
Anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution	July 19
Battle of San Jacinto	September 14
Independence day	September 15
All Souls	November 2
Immaculate conception	December 8
Christmas	25 December