Nicaragua

Best of Nicaragua

November 22, 2016 /

We visited Nicaragua for 33 days from May 7, 2016. We entered the country overland coming from Costa Rica through PeƱas Blancas border crossing. We traveled a total of 23 hours by bus and 29 hours by boat making stops in Ometepe Island, Granada, Managua, the Corn Islands, Leon, Esteli, and Somoto. The three “Nica” islands we visited were without a doubt the highlight of our days there, if you would like to learn more about them be sure to read our article.

Nicaragua had some very unique things that made it attractive to us: it is the largest country in Central America, it was the birth place of the famous poet Ruben Dario, Nicaragua has the only lake in the world where sharks have adapted to live in, it is home to the spectacular volcanic island of Ometepe, the Masaya Volcano is one of a few active volcanoes open to visitors in the world, their beautiful Corn islands in the Caribbean are not only a natural paradise but an example of this country’s cultural diversity, the country witnessed one of the most horrible dictatorships and guerrilla wars from which it inherited their current democratic and socialist governments, and to make things even easier for everyone the country offers free wifi in every plaza. Nicaragua is beautiful, green, safe, and affordable, everything a traveler could wish for!

While we were in the country the president, Daniel Ortega, was campaigning to be reelected for his third consecutive term for elections to be held on November 2016. Most Nicaraguans appeared to sympathize with Ortega, the very few that openly opposed his reelection admitted that although they would prefer having new leaders in power, Ortega has done good things for their country instead of just stealing like all his predecessors.

Health care and access up to university level education are now free. Housing aid and infrastructure development have also progressed. Furthermore, strong laws protecting women and children rights which penalize domestic violence, sexual abuse, and exploitation were introduced during Ortega’s government. The Sandinistas, Ortega’s political party, is the strongest party and the lack of organization of opposition political parties almost guarantees that Ortega will be president for another term.

Sandinista

We left Nicaragua feeling grateful for everything we did enjoy there and looking forward to returning one day to explore more of this wonderful country. šŸ™‚

Below are other great things we enjoyed about Nicaragua:

Food and Drinks

  • ToƱa Beer

  • Sopa de Res: beef soup

  • Fried Fish from Lake Nicaragua

  • Victoria Beer

  • Vigoron: boiled cassava with pork rinds and cabbage salad

  • Green Jocotes: local fruit

  • Chicha: fermented corn drink

  • Nacatamal: corn dough filled with various meats, similar to tamales

  • Semilla de Jicaro: cold drink of the seed of a local fruit

  • Quesillo: similar to a cheese taco

  • Tiste: corn drink with cacao and other herbs

  • Tamarind with Chia Seeds Drink

  • Sopa de Cola: ox tail soup

  • Typical Dish: meat, rice, beans, salad, and plantains or tortillas

  • Baho: cassava, plantains, and meat served on a banana leaf

  • Garlic Shrimp

  • Curry Shrimp

  • Mangos

  • Red Snapper

  • Shrimp Ceviche

  • Chancho con Yuca: pork with cassava

  • Corn on a Cob

  • Guirilas: corn pancakes with cheese and cream

  • Gallo Pinto: rice and beans mixed

  • Typical Breakfast: scrambled eggs, gallo pinto, fresh cheese, cream, plantains, and a tortilla

  • Fresh Yogurt

  • Nance: local fruit

  • Roscillas: baked corn flour snacks

Favorite Sights and Activities

  • Enjoying the Golden Sand Beaches and Crystalline Waters of the Corn Islands

  • Mesmerized by the Double Volcano Views at Ometepe Island

  • Flowing Down the River with Spectacular Cliffs in the Somoto Canyon

People

  • Nora: from Nicaragua, very nice lady we met on the bus from Costa Rica.

  • Bryan and Veronica: from India/USA and Colombia, first met Bryan in Chile and saw him for the 5th time in 5 different countries in Isla Ometepe.

  • Miguel: from Nicaragua, met on a bus to Granada.

  • Sonja, Dalia, and John: from Germany and Nicaragua, our Couchsurfing hosts in Managua.

  • Mirta and family (Ariel, Idalia, Adonai, and Ruby): from Nicaragua, Dalia’s friend who hosted us in Big Corn Island.

Animals Viewed

  • Various Birds

  • Monkeys

  • Various Fish

  • Nurse Shark

  • Barracuda

  • Marine Turtle

  • Crabs

  • Lobsters

Common Sayings

  • Calala = Passion Fruit

  • Refrescos = Natural Fruit Drinks

  • Caponera = Moto Taxi

  • Panga = Launch

  • Chinelas = Flip Flops

  • Reales = Money

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