Tourist Information
    Nicaragua has two distinct seasons, the timing of which varies from coast to coast. The most pleasant time to visit the Pacific or central regions is early in the dry season (December and January), when temperatures are cooler and the foliage is still lush. With the possible exception of the last month of the dry season (usually mid-April to mid-May) when the land is parched and the air full of dust, there really is no bad time to visit. Nicaraguans also spend Semana Santa (Holy Week) at the beach; all available rooms will be sold out weeks.

    Here are the top 10 places tourists visit each year:
    Cerro Kilambe
    Although somewhat difficult to access, requiring multi-day camping expeditions, the Kilambe Massif in North-Central Nicaragua contains one of the largest and least disturbed primary montane rainforests in Central America. In addition to being the home of a number of both northern and southern hemisphere mammals (including jaguar, tapir, northern cougar, etc), the reserve contains what is believed to be the highest density population of the Northern Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinnis) in Central America. Over 120 other species of birds have been sighted here. A unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the keynote site on our Forest Primeval Safari.

    Maderas Volcano
    One of two volcanic cones forming Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua, Maderas Volcano provides an interesting, altitude distributed series of ecosystems from moist pre-montane to cloud forest. The reserve is a must see stop for birders, who can experience waterfowl at lake level through parrots and other neo-tropical birds higher on the slopes. This site is available on request.

    Chacocente Wildlife Refuge
    This forest reserve along the Rio Escalante contains the largest tract of unspoiled dry tropical forest ecosystem in Nicaragua. This area is a medium-hard ecotour with access by permission only via four-wheel drive or horseback. A great backpacking adventure as well. This location is available on request only.

    Indio Mais Biosphere Reserve
    This reserve is accessed via boat from the town of El Castillo on the Rio San Juan. The reserve is wet tropical forest (rainforest). A reasonable hostel provides accommodations at the edge of the forest. This is the keynote site on our Jungle Safari tour. For the truly adventurous, guided backpacking tours are available.

    Nandaime and Chocoyero
    Forty minutes from Managua takes you to a beautiful, 200-acre private reserve providing a spectacular introduction to the dry tropical forest biome. A short drive from Nandaime through the central hills near Managua takes you to the Chocoyero Protected Area. Accessible during the rainy season (May-November) only via four-wheel drive, the area is a humid pre-montane forest which is the nesting area for hundreds of wild Green Parakeets.

    Masaya Volcano National Park
    Only twenty minutes from Managua, this park is one of the favorite tourist attractions in the region. However, most tourists miss the best: it is the only accessible area in the Western Hemisphere where you can see three distinct stages of primary dry tropical forest succession.

    Mombacho Volcano - On the top of Mombacho Volcano is a dwarf cloud forest. After a steep drive through organic coffee plantations up the side of the volcano, you enter a magical realm filled with multicolored humming birds, brilliant orchids, and dripping, epiphyte-draped trees. On a clear day the view of the Masaya plain and Lake Nicaragua is breathtaking.

    La Flor Wildlife Refuge
    Located near the southern tip of Nicaragua, La Flor is a key nesting site for the Olive Ridley sea turtle. The protected, half-moon bay and crystal clear water make the area a dream for both marine biologists and the casual observer. As many as 5,000 turtles a night have been recorded on this beach during the egg-laying season (July-December). A part of both the basic Eco-Tour and our special Turtle Watch expedition, this area includes an excellent dry tropical forest biome.

    Las Isletas, Aguas Calientes

    Ten thousand years ago Mombacho Volcano exploded and created hundreds of small islands in Lake Nicaragua near Grenada. You will visit one of the least disturbed of the islands and see at first hand the unique microecosystem that has developed. The ride to the island is fascinating, filled with myriad aquatic birds. Aguas Calientes Protected Area is a narrow channel through bird-haunted reeds to crystal clear hotsprings.

    Arenal Protected Area

    Located in north-central Nicaragua, Arenal is a gorgeous old-growth cloud forest. Here you will see 500 year old oaks draped with bromiliads and orchids. It is the last easily accessible nesting area for the Northern Quetzal (Trogon resplendens). Here you will also see the worst that humans can do to an ecosystem.

    Time Standings: Nicaragua is on the same time as Central Standard Time (Chicago) in the USA, however the country does not go on daylight savings and during this period the country is effectively on Mountain Standard Time (Denver).

    Currency: Is the Cordoba the US dollar is also accepted at most hotels and restaurants but the exchange rate will not be good if you pay in dollars and you will receive change in Cordobas. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in many locals. Automated teller cash machines are sparse and found only in Managua. Travelers checks can also be changed in Managua, but are of little use outside of the capital. Netscape: Tours Nicaragua, facts, Background, Statistics - hotels, lodging, ecotours, accomodations, Corn Island, Lake, Granada.

    Here is a link to the current weather: http://www.intellicast.com/LocalWeather/World/CentralAmerica/Nicaragua/Managua/Forecast/ There are many nice and relaxing resturants in Managua, Nicaragua, and here is a chart showing some of the top resturants:

    Managua Restaurants
    La Marselleise, known as the French Restaurant, is one of Managua's nicest restaurants and is located in a quite residential area called Los Robles. The excellenct French cuisine is complemented by the live music and native artists who depict Nicaragua in vivid, colorful styles.
    Il Groto, an Italian restaurant across from the Intercontinental Hotel, maintains its reputation due to its native Italian chefs who came to Nicaragua during the Sandinista era. It too is regarded as one of Nicaragua's best.
    Los Antojitos located next to Il Groto, provides less expensive Nicaraguan cuisine. The most popular item on the menu is the steak platter which servers two people and contains a little bit of everything including fried cheese, fried platanos, frijoles, grilled chicken, and an assortment of beef.
    Casa del Cafe, the coffee house, sports the best pastry and coffee in Nicaragua as well as an excellent atmosphere in which to relax, read a book, or just meet with friends.
    Bistro Parisien, a small and genuine French restaurant across from the Alhambra theater, offers inexpensive cuisine in a quiet environment. The fact that it is near two discos and two theaters, makes it a great place to start the night.
    Sacuanjoche, located along the Carretera Masaya near Las Colinas, is an upscale Nicaraguan restaurant which specializes in seafood.
    El Mes—n Espa–ol, located in the Bolonia residential area, offers wonderful Spanish cuisine in a nice environment.
    El Gaucho, located across from the new cathedral, offers a wide variety of good steak dishes at moderate prices.

    Here is a link to some frequently asked questions about visiting Nicaragua and Nicaragua's requirements for staying there: http://www.intur.gob.ni/InfoTuristica/Generalidades/English/AboutNicaragua/AboutFAQs.html

    You can visit this site for the current newspaper: http://www.lanoticia.com.ni/

      Here is the monthly average temperature:
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
      °C 25.8 26.5 27.9 28.8 28.6 26.6 26.4 26.3 26.3 26.0 25.7 25.4 26.7
      °F 78.4 79.7 82.2 83.8 83.5 79.9 79.5 79.3 79.3 78.8 78.3 77.7 80.1

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