Destination Overview
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 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.
