Nicaragua is quickly becoming the new destination for travelers and kayakers who want to experience something authentic and “off the beaten track”, yet prefer all of the comforts and accommodations of a relaxing vacation. At Ibis Exchange, we can only tell you that Nicaragua has exceeded our every expectation. These are our favorite things about Nicaragua, but we can never do it justice. The place and the people can only speak for themselves. With Nicaragua, it isn’t just the combination of more than 75 protected nature reserves, a chain of gurgling volcanoes, the warmth and surf of the deep blue Pacific, or the hospitality and culture of the people which is creating this new influx of international travel. * It is the energy, passion, poetry, art and history within the least densely populated country in Central America. * It is the monkeys, sea turtles, cloud forests, lakes, and tropical jungles teeming with life. * It is the startlingly beautiful faces of the children, who work hard and live free.

* It is the chance to treat yourself to very affordable comforts in Nicaragua, while you give back to people who rely on tourist dollars to provide for their families and loved ones. * It is the color and vibrancy of the country, evident in the open air markets, architecture, city streets, public transportation, and details surrounding you every minute of every day.

 

TRAVEL TO NICARAGUA

How do I travel to Nicaragua?
You should arrange your flight, destination Managua, Nicaragua. American Airlines, Continental, Copa, Delta, and Taca connect through Atlanta, Houston, and Miami. Expect to pay between $550-$750 for your round-trip ticket. **Always allow plenty of time to make your connections and to go through customs at all border crossings. **Don’t forget your passport!

Is it safe to travel in Nicaragua?
Since the revolution of the 1970s and 1980s, Nicaragua has become a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. According to Lonely Planet, “….the largest country in Central America is also one of the safest.”

Do I need to take any medications or vaccines?
You should talk to your physician regarding any prescriptions or medications you may want to bring with you to Nicaragua. The Center for Disease Control recommends that you take an anti-malarial drug such as chlorquine in Central America. You may also find herbal remedies to protect you from malaria, bacteria, and viruses abroad. This is a very personal decision, and should only be made with the help of your doctor.

What is the weather like in Nicaragua?
November through April is the dry season in Nicaragua, with clear blue skies and warm days in the 80s and 90s. In the evenings, it cools down to a “balmy” 70 to 80 degrees. This is perfect respite from your winter blues!

May through October is the “wet” season with occasional downpours that last for minutes and drench the land with greenery and release the heavenly smells of all things living. However, September and October mark the hurricane season, so these months are best left up to the forecasts before your travel plans are confirmed. (It is sea turtle nesting season too!)

Best of Nicaragua

Our Favorite Reasons to Travel in Nicaragua
1. The people of Nicaragua are by far this country’s most precious attraction. They are warm, welcoming, and patient with “Gringo Spanglish”. They are giving, helpful, and curious about visitors from other countries. At Ibis Exchange, we cannot even begin to tell you the number of times the people in this country have extended their hands and offered their help, out of the generosity of their hearts. This is the best reason to visit Nicaragua!

2. There are more than 75 nature reserves, protecting almost 20% of Nicaragua, that are home to sea turtles, monkeys, giant iguanas, scarlet macaws, crocodiles and morpho blue butterflies. There are almost 1000 species of birds and more than 30,000 species of vertebrates alone. Dry tropical, dry subtropical, humid tropical, and cloud forests comprise the flora in this very small country. In other words, the diversity here is incredible, especially if you are willing to travel by bus to enter the most inaccessible parts of this magnificent country.

3. The Pacific Ocean in Nicaragua offers endless opportunities for surfing, swimming, kite boarding, fishing, wildlife-viewing, and of course sea kayaking! The water is warm, the vistas are exhilarating, the beaches are expansive, and the sunsets boggle the mind.

4. Nicaragua is a land of art and passion. The architecture of Granada and Leon, the writings of Ruben Dario and Giaconda Belli, the murals and graffiti of Managua, Leon, and Esteli, and the national past-times of baseball and soccer mark the fervor and vibrancy within this country. Everyone is an artist. Intelligent conversations about history and politics are ubiquitous. And there are many ways you can step into the middle of this cultural potpourri to experience it for yourself. Ask Ibis for more information. We’d be happy to share our recommendations.

5. Your traveler’s budget can go far in Nicaragua. Whether you are a budget backpacker or a family that craves more quiet and comfortable accommodations, you will find options that are affordable, clean, safe, inexpensive, and lovely in every way. Ask Ibis for more details.