NICARAGUA
Nicaragua is located in Central America, has 6.5 million inhabitants and borders Honduras, the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica and the Pacific Ocean. The capital is Managua. They speak Spanish, some Indian languages and criollo with a lot of English influences. In the 16th century the area was conquered by the Spaniards and Nicaragua has been independent since 1821.The Caribbean coast, Misquitia, was once a British protectorate. The population consists of descendants of Indians from Honduras and African slaves who were survivors of a shipwreck. The capital is Bluefields, where the king of the Misquitos was installed by the English. After the departure of the English in 1787, the Misquitos remained loyal to England. The area was occupied by Nicaragua in 1894. The Misquitos enjoyed privileges and were allowed to continue living in their villages in the traditional manner.
Nicaragua has many volcanoes and also two large lakes. The climate is tropical; rainforest, savanna and beautiful beaches, which have been discovered by tourists from neighbouring countries, can be found in the lowlands on the Caribbean coast. The Pacific coast is volcanic and mountainous.
Around 1850, Nicaragua was a shortcut for adventurers heading from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific coast, and from there to the gold fields in California, where the gold rush had begun.
In the 20th century, the country experienced a succession of dictatorships and popular uprisings. Nicaragua is an agricultural country, producing cotton, coffee, bananas, cocoa, sugar cane, peanuts, tobacco and corn. Coffee is largely exported to the US. The mining industry supplies copper, silver and lead.
The majority of the population is Roman Catholic and each village celebrates feasts to honour the local patron saint. The Misquitos are Anglican but Pentecostal churches are on the rise.
Tourism is also developing rapidly. Most tourists come from the US and neighbouring countries. The colonial city of Granada is worth seeing. You can also take a boat trip around the islands in Lake Granada.
The centre of Managua was largely destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt using modern styles and methods. The Antigua Catedral de Managua survived the earthquake. Tiscapa laguna is a nature reserve in the city. Along the shore of Lake Managua is Puerto Salvador Allende, there is a boulevard with a range of eateries.
The beaches of San Juan del Sur, the island of Ometepe, the volcano Mombacho and Islas de Maiz are the most visited destinations by ecotourists, swimmers and surfers.
Sports enthusiasts can also book a multi-day motorcycle tour, kayak on Laguna de Apoyo, or experience volcano boarding, on Cerro Negro. After about an hour of climbing up, you’ll whizz down in 5 minutes on a sturdy plank over rocks and volcanic dust.
Nicaraguan cuisine features corn dishes (including tortillas), with beans and rice. There are also tropical products, such as avocado, cassava, pomegranate, guava, mango, papaya, banana and tamarind.
The marimba is an instrument of Native American origin used in folkloric music throughout Central America. 19th century music and dance are presented during events on public holidays.
Looking for a unique experience? Volcano Boarding – it’s unique to Nicaragua!
$906,-
| Capital | Managua |
|---|---|
| Population | 6.218.000 |
| Language | Spanish |
| Currency | Nicaraguan cordoba oro |
| Visa required | www.visum.nl |
| Vaccination(s) | Multiple vaccinations are required |
| Voltage | 110 V |
| Traffic | Right-hand traffic |
