Nicaragua

In the past Nicaragua has swayed violently from right to left, but the momentum has long settled and left the country clear to be seen for its dramatic scenery. And yet, although the violence ended two decades ago, the country has yet to re-brand itself from the stigma of the past into the major tourist destination it might be in the future. It is only a matter of time before more tourists catch wind of what the lucky few visitors already have found; Nicaragua has an entire geographical world within its borders. The country is positioned between Costa Rica, to the south, and Honduras to the north. It is flanked by oceans on two sides; the Atlantic Caribbean stretches along its eastern shores and the Pacific to the west. Lago de Nicaragua, a 92-mile (148km) long freshwater and shark inhabited lake, dominates the terrain of the southwest. Networks of interlacing rivers connect it all. As though the land felt threatened by so much water, active volcanoes smoulder and ooze lava fields. Rainforest blankets much of the lowlands. The highlands shoot up mountain peaks and are the origin of high-quality coffee beans. Incredible animals make their home in these environments. Millions of sea turtles are born in the sandy western beaches. Jaguars and three-toed sloths roam jungle canopies. People of widely different languages and cultures inhabit the less populated Caribbean coast. These reggae cultures, more in tune with Caribbean lifestyle, are an ideal place to relax. The less placid Pacific coastline produces great waves for surfing vacations. The capital city, Managua, isn't a picturesque city but is used by travellers for its modern facilities like airport and hospitals. Other cities and towns are adorned with colonial style architecture. These make romantic destinations more akin to their days of Spanish colonisation than to the modern world. However tourist infrastructure is not yet well developed. For some this can mean unwanted difficulties, for others, a boon to the traveller who enjoys unique experiences and undigested attractions.

Climate

Nicaragua has a tropical climate with two seasons. The wet season from June to January is defined by short heavy rainfalls that can occur daily. On the east coast rains can last longer into the year. The dry season from December to May has almost no rain although temperature differences between the two seasons are slight. Temperature fluctuations result from elevation. These range from sea level and lowlands to highlands and highland peaks. Lowland daytime temperatures average above 86 °F (30 °C) with sometimes 84 percent humidity and highlands above 75F °(24 °C) .

Money

The currency is named the Córdoba but commonly referred to as the peso. American dollars can also be used for common transactions. Bills must be in good shape to be accepted and damaged bills can be exchanged at banks. Only some banks will exchange travellers cheques. All major cities have ATMs and most hotels and restaurants accept credit card payments.

Passport Visa

Travellers entering Nicaragua must have at least six months' validity remaining on their passport. Travellers from most western countries do not need to arrange a visa prior to entry. Tourist cards are granted on arrival for USD 10 and are good for stays up to 90 days for travel among any of the C-4 countries (Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala). Extensions are possible for a fee of USD 2 per day. All visitors must be in possession of onward or return tickets, documents for their destination outside of Nicaragua and at least USD 200.

Entry Requirements

• Americans require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A tourist card, costing USD 10, will need to be purchased on arrival.
• UK nationals require a passport valid for six months after departure, but a visa is not necessary for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A tourist card, costing USD 10, will need to be purchased on arrival.
• Canadians require a passport valid for six months after the date of arrival, but a visa is not necessary for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A tourist card, costing $5, will need to be purchased on arrival.
• Australians require a passport valid for six months ofter the date of arrival, but a visa is not necessary for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A tourist card, costing USD 10, will need to be purchased on arrival.
• South Africans require a passport valid for 6 months after departure, but a visa is not necessary for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A tourist card, costing USD 10, will need to be purchased on arrival.
• Irish nationals require a passport valid for six months after departure, but a visa is not necessary for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A tourist card, costing USD 10, will need to be purchased on arrival.
• New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for six months after departure, but a visa is not necessary for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A tourist card, costing USD 10, will need to be purchased on arrival.

Health

Medical facilities in Nicaragua are only found in major towns, the best of which are in Managua. Rural communities lack modern hospitals and equipment. If a hospital is needed, travellers should indicate they desire a private hospital. Insect repellent should be used to avoid malaria and dengue fever, both of which are carried by mosquitoes. They should take choloroquine, for two weeks before travel through four weeks after, to prevent malaria. Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid vaccines are recommended for travellers and rabies vaccinations for travellers in contact with animals. The most common affliction is traveller's diarrhoea which is preventable by safe water and food consumption. Travellers should not drink tap water and use common sense when addressing uncooked foods. Visitors from a yellow fever infected area in the Americas or Africa are required to prove they have had vaccination before entry.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Nicaragua in Washington DC, United States: +1 (202) 939-6531.
• Embassy of Nicaragua, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (020) 7938 2373.
• Nicaraguan Consulate General, Ontario, Canada: +1 (905) 430 0572.

Foreign Embassies

• US Embassy, Managua: +505 2252 7100.
• British Honorary Consulate, Managua: +505 254 5454.
• Canadian Embassy, San José, Costa Rica (also responsible for Nicaragua): +506 2242 4400.
• Australian Embassy, Mexico City, Mexico (also responsible for Nicaragua): +52 55 1101 2200.
• South African Embassy, Mexico City, Mexico (also responsible for Nicaragua): +52 55 1100 4970.