Un Buen Viaje - Travel to Nicaragua

The Journey

At ¡Un Buen Viaje! we're about the spirit of the journey. We take time to create connections with the country, know its people, and explore.

This is not your typical "package tour." Our travel groups are small, and timetables are flexible. We purposely don't set our itineraries in stone. Instead, we recognize that our guests (and Nicaragua itself!) run on unique schedules. As such, we plan ahead for all our journeys then take it one day at a time, always mindful of the country's rhythm and our travelers' desires.

You’ll meet people who live, work, and play in the places we visit. We'll visit their homes and communities. You'll learn about Nicaragua from the inside out, through the voices of its people, its complex history, and rich culture.

Our passion for adventure has taken us around the world. But only Nicaragua keeps us coming back for more. So join us for an adventure you’ll never forget, in a country you’ll forever remember.

Treading Lightly in the Developing World

At ¡Un Buen Viaje!, we don't just think about what we can bring back from Nicaragua, but also what we can contribute. We want to become part of the fabric of everyday Nicaraguan life, so we live by simple but important rules:

We take time to learn about local history and culture.
We spend money on locally produced goods and services.
We use water and electricity sparingly.
We don’t give money or sweets to children. Instead, we give to recognized local charities.
We protect natural resources, and we never buy souvenirs or goods made from wildlife unless they are clearly sustainably produced.
We always ask before taking photos/videos of people.

A portion of all tour proceeds goes to the communities in which we travel.

The Places You Will Go

We're Off!

Your adventure begins in a country full of incredible natural beauty, volcanoes, beaches, cloud forests and spectacular Spanish colonial cities. We will walk, hike, ride horseback and use local transportation; generally doing as the locals do. There's a lot to see and do, but we’ll go slowly, tread lightly, and really experience this special place.

Heart of Nicaragua Tour

This tour takes us through the districts of Masaya, Granada, and Carazo - unique in Nicaragua for their artisans, European architecture, and preservation of precolonial Nicaraguan culure. Read about this adventure in detail.

January 3-11, 2009 – FULL
January 17-25, 2009
US$2,100 per traveler (groups of 4-6 people)

Managua

First stop: Managua. We'll be waiting at the airport to welcome and guide you to your Managua hotel.

We’ll gather for dinner on our first night in the capital city of Managua. We’ll feast on churrasco so tender that no knife is required. Fellow vegetarian diners will enjoy other flavorful dishes featuring a variety of squash, tomatoes, peppers, and other locally-grown veggies.

In the morning, we'll set off through Managua’s busy streets. For first time visitors and history buffs alike, this city tour will tell the story of civil war, natural disaster, and survival. We’ll visit plazas, statues, and monuments. Our organic timetable may allow us to catch a performance at the Ruben Dario Theater or a traveling art exhibit at one of the museums. How about a drive past the President’s residential compound?

If you love to read, there will be time to browse one of Nicaragua's most comprehensive bookstores. Hispamer, located just around the corner from our hotel, has a specialty section devoted to national culture and history and stocks plenty of work by Nicaragua's most beloved writers and poets.

If we’re together in Managua on a Thursday or Saturday, we will spend an evening singing along with the country’s legendary singer songwriter, Carlos Mejia Godoy.

Chocoyero Nature Reserve is a hardwood forest in the midst of pineapple farms. We'll hike the park's well maintained path to view its two waterfalls, one of which magically disappears into the earth below. The reserve was named for the incredible number of chocoyos (parakeets) that inhabit the cliff walls surrounding the falls.

Los Pueblos Blancos

Volcán Masaya National Park was established in 1979 as Nicaragua’s first national park. We’ll spend time exploring the park’s several volcanoes and craters, including Volcán Masaya, one of the country's most visibly active volcanoes. Wedged between the volcano cones is the relatively new Santiago crater, where at night you might catch a glimpse of incandescent rock and glowing magma.

To satisfy your souvenir cravings, we’ll make a stop in Masaya, City of Flowers, and search the old market for treasures. Mementos are sold in the form of local handicrafts like leather goods, weavings, hammocks, wooden rocking chairs, colorful traditional clothing, and vibrant paintings in the Solentiname artist style.

We'll saddle up in San Juan de La Concepcion, and travel by horseback through the countryside to a windswept ridge overlooking the Volcán Masaya landscape. After a day in the sun, we’ll spend a breezy evening on the patio of our eco hotel watching folkloric dance and feasting on an organic fusion meal created by the hotel’s owner.

In Masatepe, a town known for its furniture makers and artisans, we’ll visit some of the roadside workshops to see how chairs are made from wood and banana leaves. For lunch, maybe we’ll talk you into ordering a steaming bowl of Masatepe's famous Mondongo (tripe) soup!

There will be a moderately challenging hike down (and back up) the rugged road from El Pochote leading to the west bank of Laguna de Masaya. We’ll be shaded beneath a fantastical canopy where we’re sure to find a variety of exotic forest-dwelling creatures and birds (don't forget your binoculars!). After sundown, you’ll have time to kick back on the front porch of your own cabin in the woods, and enjoy Masaya's city lights twinkling from across the lagoon.

We’ll pass through San Juan de Oriente on our way to Catarina, where artists offer pottery-making demonstrations and sell their work alongside the narrow brick streets. In the hillside pueblo of Catarina is the Mirador, a vantage point that allows you to look out over Laguna de Apoyo, Granada, Lake Nicaragua, and the island of Ometepe in the distance.

Diriamba

Diriamba definitely has its own flavor, with a heavy emphasis on its people’s indigenous roots. In January, we’ll take part in the celebration of the Holy Martyr San Sebastian, which mixes traditional song and dance with colorful costumes that predate the Spanish arrival. Its mix of pre-Columbian ritual and Catholicism is as compelling as the vivid colors and distinctive music. The social satire, El Güegüense, depicts the indigenous peoples’ first impression of the Spanish, and is told through its intricate masks and costumes. Have your camera ready.

Granada: Colonial Jewel

We’ll give you time to explore the relaxed colonial city of Granada at your own pace. Granada is both the oldest city on the continent and the most developed tourist destination. Nowhere else in the country will you find such an array of excellent restaurants offering both local and international fare. Grab a horse-drawn taxi and ride along the shores of Lake Nicaragua. Walk the streets, tour the churches and museums, or Salsa dance at the disco.

Nearby, along the shores of Lake Nicaragua, boat captains are waiting to take us on a cruise around Las Isletas, an exotic tropical archipelago of 365 tiny islands of volcanic origin. There is the option, if everyone is up for it, to hop in kayaks and paddle our way around.

Volcán Mombacho

Volcán Mombacho rises nearly 4,400 feet above sea level, its summit hidden in a dense cloud forest. We’ll hike around one of its forest-lined craters through an amazing ecosystem, home to colorful orchids and bromeliads, curious wildlife, fascinating insects, and over 160 species of birds. You'll also get a bird’s eye view from a canopy zip-line, a first-hand look at organic coffee farming, and a butterfly garden tour.

Laguna de Apoyo

Laguna de Apoyo is a body of water trapped inside the extinct crater of the lagoon. You can experience this clear, cool water in your favorite way: swim out to the diving dock, not far from shore. Hop into a kayak and traverse the shoreline; if you’re really gutsy, paddle straight across to the other side. Or just sit beachside with your toes in the water, a book in one hand, a cerveza in the other. Authentic home-cooked meals are enjoyed at water's edge, served with a banana leaf and a smile.

Pacific Coastline Tour

July 18-26, 2009

Cross Country Caribbean Tour

TBD

Travel guides speak English, and Chinese-Mandarin (upon request).

Download registration (224 KB PDF)

Nicaragua, Nicaragüita

Welcome to Nicaragua

At first glance, Nicaraguan life may appear chaotic. However, once you acclimate to the country’s everyday rhythms and routines, you’ll realize that Nicaraguans are seldom in a hurry.

Most Nicaraguans are open and friendly. You'll find people approachable and excited to talk with foreigners. Don't be surprised if they ask blunt questions about your age, marital status, or your opinions about their country! With a willingness to share, you will quickly make friends.

Nicaragua is making an effort to improve their tourism infrastructure, yet they still have relatively few visitors. This is great for those of us looking for something new and adventurous, but dislike huge tourist crowds.

Land of Lakes and Volcanoes

Nicaragua is the largest Central American country. It's located between Honduras (to the north), and Costa Rica (to the south). The Caribbean Sea is to the east, and the Pacific Ocean is to the west.

With 120,000+ square kilometers of land area, Nicaragua is about the size of New York. It's dominated by two large lakes: Lake Managua (Xolotlan) and Lake Nicaragua (Colcibolca). Together, these lakes occupy nearly ten percent of the country’s surface area.

Nicaragua’s volcanoes form part of the “Ring of Fire” that encompasses most of the western coast of the Americas, wrapping north around into Japan and Indonesia. Six of these volcanoes are active, and many are climbable.

Nicaragua's system of 76 parks, reserves, and refuges cover more than 2 million hectares. These natural areas feature:

176 mammal species
676 bird species
172 reptile species
64 amphibian species
and an estimated 250,000 species of insects

During the rainy season/winter in May-October, temperatures range between 27C and 32C (81–90F). The dry season/summer, which runs from November -April, has temperatures between 30C and 35C (86-95F). Higher altitudes often mean cooler temperatures.

The Country's People

Nicaraguan’s population is fast approaching six million, and almost a third live in Managua. Paradoxically, Nicaragua is both the least populous Central American nation and the fastest growing, at just over three percent annually.

Nicaragua's official language is Spanish. The Amerindian languages Miskito and Mayagna are spoken in the eastern regions where these populations are largest. Along the southeastern coast, English and Creole are spoken as much as Spanish.

The country doesn't endorse an official religion, but most Nicaraguans describe themselves as Catholic. The Moravian church, a Christian evangelical organization from Northern Europe, is also thriving on the Caribbean Coast and becoming more popular throughout the country.

Even though Nicaragua is now peaceful and safe, its people still harbor memories of revolution and war. As a result, Nicaraguans are politically conscious, and the country is vibrating with history and culture.

Arts and Culture

Nicaragua has been shaped by both natural and man-made disasters, and its people are passionate survivors. You'll find this passion woven into the country's art and culture.

In Nicaragua, poetry is very much a part of daily life. Poet, Rubén Darío, who experimented with free verse, symbolism and sensual imagery, paved the way for other internationally known poets and writers like Sergio Ramirez, Joaquin Chamorro, Father Ernesto Cardenal and Gioconda Belli. Read up before you visit!

Nicaraguan people also love their music. Every Nicaraguan knows the music of Carlos Mejia Godoy, who wrote songs about the revolutionary struggle that are still relevant today. In the clubs and streets, you'll hear salsa and merengue, as well as European and American pop and rock.

And then there’s baseball. Nicaraguans are serious fans; we’ll catch a game when this national sport is in season.

Food and drink

When it comes to Nicaraguan fare – Nacatamales, Fritanga, Quesillo, Vigorón, Caballo Vayo, Wabul – the best advice is "try them all!”

Much of Nicaragua's cuisine is based on corn. The legend of Quetzalcoatl, a mythical and historic figure considered the civilizer and guide of Mesoamerican people, says that he put a kernel of corn on the lips of the first woman and the first man, enabling them to think and work. Now that's brain food! Look for corn in cakes, spirits, sweets, drinks, and desserts.

You'll also get your fair share of “Gallo Pinto”, a mixture of refried red beans, white rice, onions, and peppers. Instead of a spoon or fork, you'll use large, thin, finely milled white corn tortillas as an edible utensil.

When it's time to imbibe, try the people’s drink of choice, Flor de Caña. Or compare Nicaragua's two national brands of beer. Pinolillo, is a native drink made of toasted corn and cocoa. It's so popular that the Nicaraguans call themselves “Pinoleros.” Pure fruit juice is almost impossible to find in Nicaragua but what you will find are refrescos, or frescos, which are fruit juices and spices mixed with water and sugar. The long list of choices may include pineapple, carrot, passion fruit, mandarin, lemonade, tamarind, mango, starfruit, papaya, pithaya (cactus fruit) and cacao (raw cocoa bean).

Nicaragua produces some of the world's finest premium coffee, however, most Nicaraguans are unable to afford the expensive roasts.

Listening, Reading, and Watching

Explore Nicaragua Even Before Leaving Home

Some suggested works include:

Books

Blood of Brothers - Stephen Kinzer
My Car in Managua - Forrest D. Colburn
Azul - Rubén Darío
The Jaguar Smile - Salman Rushdie
Nicaragua in Focus - Hazel Plunkett
Nicaragua: The Land of Sandino - Thomas W. Walker
The Country Under My Skin - Gioconda Belli
Understanding Central America - Thomas W. Walker
The Sandino Affair - Neill MacAulay

Movies

Carla’s Song
The World is Watching
The World Stopped Watching

Online Resources

World Fact Book
Weather in Nicaragua
La Prensa - Newspaper
El Nuevo Diario - Newspaper
International phone calls
U.S. Embassy, Nicaragua
Learn Spanish Online

Through The Lens

Answers to Questions

Is Nicaragua safe?
Yes, relatively speaking, Nicaragua is very safe. Nicaragua boasts one of the lowest crime rates in all of Latin America. We have always felt comfortable traveling through the country, but we are also always aware of our surroundings.

Do I need a passport?
Yes, you'll need a valid passport with an expiration date six months beyond your trip's return date.

Do I need a visa?
There is no visa required for U.S. citizens. You will be issued a tourist card (US$5 cash) valid for 90 days on arrival.

What about money?
You can use your credit card in Nicaragua, and access ATMs to replenish your cash supply. Actually, we recommend this method; it's easy and is smarter than carrying big wads of money. You'll need a four-digit PIN number from your credit card company. It’s also a good idea to inform your credit card company of your international travel destinations, and tell them how long you’ll be in those countries.

What about health issues?
Travel is relatively easy in Nicaragua. Water is purified, and food is generally prepared with careful attention to hygiene in most tourist restaurants and in the capital city. If a medical need arises, there are facilities in Managua. Un Buen Viaje! will take every step possible to keep you healthy and in the event that medical attention is needed we will ensure that you receive it promptly. If you have a medical concern while traveling outside of Managua, there are small hospitals and clinics staffed by medical personal.

Bring all prescription medications you will need, and don’t expect to be able to find refills while traveling. Most over-the-counter medicines are available in Nicaragua, but we suggest you pack whatever you anticipate needing. As with travel to most developing countries, it's a good strategy to bring Imodium, a general antibiotic, aspirin, and any other personal medical supplies. A small bottle of hand sanitizer is also recommended.

Mosquitoes are alive and well in Nicaragua so bring some mosquito repellent. Unfortunately, DEET is still the best repellent. Some people prefer to see a doctor before traveling to obtain medical information about precautions against malaria, which is recommended by the Center for Disease Control.

Most importantly, be sure that your health insurance will cover you internationally; we will be making sure through our waivers that everyone is covered internationally. We’ll also ask that you disclose special physical conditions, asthma issues, allergies, food allergies, or anything pertinent prior to departure.

Will I need any vaccinations?
No vaccinations are required for travel in Nicaragua, but we recommend a valid tetanus shot. It is also recommended by the Center for Disease Control that your hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, tetanus-diphtheria, and measles vaccinations are up-to-date.

How physically demanding are trips?
We generally travel at a moderate pace which allows you to enjoy yourself without becoming exhausted. Keep in mind that each group may include people with varied interests and abilities. If your group is physically able and interested, we have frequent opportunities for additional activities.

Even more important than your physical ability is a positive attitude and willingness to accept and embrace the different cultures you'll experience.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children are welcome on trips as long as they are physically capable of riding horses and hiking, and are able to adjust to an unfamiliar diet.

Do I need to speak Spanish?
Spanish is the primary language spoken in Nicaragua, and very few people outside of the capital speak English. English is becoming more prevalent, but we think you'll enjoy your experience and better connect with Nicaragua's people if you're able to express simple phrases in Spanish. We recommend the following online resources: rojasspanish.com and lomastv.com.

When is the best time to travel?
November through February is a great time to experience Nicaragua. The hottest time of the year in most of Nicaragua is March through June. This is the dry season and the temperatures soar at low altitudes. The highlands remain cooler than the lowlands throughout the year.

What type of communication methods will be available?
Calling home is easy and does not require a calling card. There is an abundance of phone centers where you can place a 15-minute international call for under US$2. Skype, one of the most inexpensive ways to communicate globally, is available at many the country’s numerous Internet cafés. We suggest creating a Skype account for yourself and family members before leaving home.

What are the best options for flights to Nicaragua?
A U.S. departure from Miami on American Airlines is the best option for an early afternoon arrival in Nicaragua.