Nicaragua takes its name from Nicarao, chief of the indigenous tribe then living around present-day Lake Nicaragua. A friendly and peaceful country that at times, received an undue share of negative press, Nicaragua is really one of the safest places to visit in Central America. With more than a decade of political stability, this democracy has moved steadily forward, leaving behind the war-torn ‘80’s, remembered as one more chapter in it’s turbulent past.
The nickname “land of lakes and volcanoes” describes this beautiful and fascinating country well. Two great lakes, Xolotlán (Lake Managua) and Cocibolca (Lake Nicaragua) occupy roughly 10 percent of the countries surface area, and are the largest in Central America. Running nearly parallel to the pacific coast is a chain of 58 volcanoes, six of which are active. The country also boasts the longest rivers, vast coastal lagoons, and hundreds of miles of sea coast. As the largest and lowest Central American country, Nicaragua is essentially an emerging “land bridge” between Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Centrally located between North and South America, Nicaragua has benefited from the astonishing blend of flora and fauna from the two continents.
Volcán Chonco, 1,105 m
Beaches of Aserradores
Nicaragua is primarily an agricultural country, but construction, mining, and general commerce also have been expanding strongly during the last few years. Rapid expansion of the tourist industry has made it the nations third largest source of foreign exchange. Some 60,000 Americans visit Nicaragua yearly, and the country is looking to increase tourism to further bolster its economy.
Broom seller in Chinandega
Transportation to a local baseball game
Nicaragua’s cultural wealth is without doubt one of its major attributes. Take some time to explore the richness of its culture, filled with beauty and tradition. Its beautiful colonial cities will transport you to a bygone era. Besides friendly smiles and Nicaraguan hospitality, another “Nica” feature is the festive spirit. Myths, dances, music, and ritual make up Nicaraguan folklore.
The rich biodiversity of the country and its 76 protected areas make Nicaragua a great destination for eco-tourism. Bosawas Biosphere Reserve, covering 700,000 hectares, is the largest nature reserve. Nicaragua is home to numerous species including 6,500 vascular plants, 43 fish, 3,716 mollusk, 50 coral, 62 amphibians, 172 reptile, 676 bird, 251 mammal and 10 to 15 thousand insect. In all there are 1804 vertebrate species.
Basílica in El Viejo
Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya
The immediate area around Aserradores and the marina is rural. Farming, raising livestock and fishing are the principal occupations but provide little more than subsistence living. The marina is the only other source of employment for the locals and also attracts employees from as far as El Viejo and Chinendega.
Parque Central, Granada
Catedral de León
With so much to do and so much to see in this beautiful country, we encourage you to explore the surrounding region with side trips from the marina/resort. Several reputable tour operators will arrange day trips or visits of several days. Please call the reception desk at Marina Puesta del Sol Resort (505-276-0323) for referrals to key hotels and transportation options from the resort.
León is a beautiful city of narrow cobblestone streets, and represents the best in Spanish colonial architecture in the country. An intellectual vitality envelopes the city as universities and cathedrals stand side by side. Central America’s largest cathedral is here as well as more than a dozen colonial churches. Towering close by to the east are the majestic Maribios volcanoes. To the south is the oldest city on the continent, Granada. This charming, colonial city has become a favorite destination the world over with its mix of Nicaraguan baroque and neoclassical style. Take a walking tour of the many churches and museums, or sample the popular Granada dish, vigorón at the Parque Central. You’ll find many excellent restaurants in this colorful relaxed “town” as well.
Masaya has long been the center for Nicaraguan culture, and is renown for its folklore and craftsmen. The most popular reason to come to Masaya is to shop at the best craft market in the country, the refurbished 19th century Mercado Nacional de Artesanías. This creative and festive town is also home to 11 parks and plazas. Managua, or “place of the big man”/ ”chief” in the Mangue language of the Chortega Indians, is the capital without a city – a vast sprawling suburb next to the lake that bears it’s name. This loud, colorful and energetic city comprising 1.5 million inhabitants is the economic heartbeat of the country. There are two good museums, private art galleries and popular performances at the national theater. The nightlife of Managua is vibrant and exciting with numerous fine restaurants, "discotecas" and salsa bars throughout the city.
A tour of Granada by taxi...
"Beisbol" is King in Nicaragua!
Nicaragua’s currency is the Cordoba, named after Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, the Spanish founder of the colony of Nicaragua. The U.S. dollar is also an official currency in Nicaragua, and it is advisable that travelers from other nations bring currency in U.S. dollars. Major credit cards are increasingly accepted throughout the entire country. As of February, 2009, the exchange rate of Cordobas to U.S. Dollars was about 20:1.
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