I do not state the above adjectives in a demeaning sense, I do trying to promote the destination.
Nicaragua is a relatively new destination in the Tourism Industry. That's what makes it interesting and that is what STILL makes it unexpected, unknown and sometimes absurd.
The tourism infrastructure is still undeveloped but not so to the level that it makes your stay uncomfortable. But enough that makes it genuine.
Although you can access almost all motives for your vacation, I will recommend only a few I think are what makes Nicaragua an interesting destination:
- Beaches
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Nature Seeing
- Food (Gastronomy is a more sophisticated title)
Beaches:
Nicaragua has the best beaches on the Pacific Ocean of all Central American countries, including Panama. This appreciation can be stretched all the way to Colombia. That is a lot of beach comparison.
Nicaragua also have great beaches on the Atlantic (Caribbean) Ocean, but most of them are situated on the nearby islands, specially Corn Island and Little Corn Island. These are calm waters on white sand and English is spoken widely among the local population.
On the Pacific, there are beaches for surfing, relatively unknown where the "surfing crowd" timidly stays on inexpensive hotels nearby . They are like clandestine surfers hoping their finding and enjoyment will not be discovered by others and the pristine quality of their spot will not be spoiled by unwelcome competition .
Of course, there are beaches just to relax and enjoy either on the wild expressions of the ocean waves on open beaches, or in the calm water of its Pacific bays or Caribbean islands. In this area you can find decent to good quality hotels and enough restaurants to satisfy your "staying needs".
Fishing:
Here, you'll find yourself with an antithesis that starts defining the "absurd" part of this evaluation.
There is fantastic fishing all along the Pacific Coast (over 300 linear kilometers) but fishing boats are scarce and hard to find. Bill and Sail fishing are fantastic. There is probably the best Tarpon fishing in the area (460 linear kilometers on the Caribbean plus the islands) which include the coast as well as inland Tarpon fishing and along the rivers and in Lake Nicaragua (sweet water).
Also you have to be aware that there is limited Coast Guard protection. I would recommend bringing international communication (satellite) and GPS so you can get some guarantee you can be localized if you get lost or stranded.
Hunting:
So far, it appears that Quayle Hunting is the only hunting activity well organized; from travel planning, all the way to inland transportation and gear accessibility. The potential is enormous but the government is far from regulating, educating and facilitating this activity.
Nature Seeing:
Nicaragua has been blessed with abundant Natural Resource. The infrastructure for providing this service is underdeveloped but there are efforts that are bearing fruits. It is highly recommended to double check with the Tour Operator or Travel Agent about all the details.
Food:
I have not seen organized culinary tourism yet. But if you want to take a trip into the new, wild and exotic field of Nicaraguan food, this is the time to do it.
The influence of Spanish cooking intermingled with the local taste brought about a delicious blend that has created some unique dishes not found anywhere else. The famous Tamale made known by the Mexican cooking, took a total new dimension in Nicaragua unsurpassed by no one. The Nicaraguan Tamale has ingredients such as rice, potatoes, pork meat, capers, etc. turning a simple dish into a sophisticated enjoyment. There are the "Tamugas", a Tamale made solely of rice, beef and spices, a creation I have not seen anywhere else.
The regular food is delicious. Being the largest and longest cattle breeding country of the region, its meat is excellent. Low in fat (grass fed), it has an unique flavor brought about by the volcanic soil where the feed grows.
All and all, Nicaragua is a country where enjoying a vacation is more than possible. I strongly recommend that your stay is no less that 10 days for there will be lots of things you would like to do once you discover what it has to offer.
The best time to visit Nicaragua, to me, are the months between December and March. You can enjoy good temperature, relatively low humidity -and rain- and good ocean water quality.
The Nicaraguan people are hospitable and their manners and looks pleasant. It is said that Nicaragua was like the bridge in MesoAmerica where almost all tribes from the north stopped before venturing south through the Panama Isthmus. That characteristic, say the experts, made a blend of culture and race that bought about an unique people which in turn developed courtesy for the foreigner and taste that could please a crowd.
