Nicaragua Dove - Mombacho Lodge

Despite being the largest country in Central America, Nicaragua sees relatively few foreign travellers. However, those discerning enough to visit will be richly rewarded with a host of natural treasures. These include, among others: lush jungles, active volcanoes, incredible nature reserves, lovely freshwater lakes, and exquisite white-sand beaches. Travellers seeking a bit of culture will be well catered for, with a number of well-preserved colonial towns like Granada and Leon boasting pretty, pastel-painted churches and vibrant local festivals. Not-to-be-missed activities include snorkelling off the Corn Islands and Pearl Cays, volcano trekking and volcano-boarding on the black-sand slopes of Cerro Negro, surfing the impressive waves off the coast of San Juan del Sur, and discovering the local plant and animal life at the extraordinary Miraflor Nature Reserve.

Currency 

Local currency: Nicaraguan Córdoba 
Symbol: C$ 
ISO code: NIO 
Subunit: Centavo 
Banknotes: C$10, C$20, C$50, C$100, C$200, C$500, C$1000 
Coins: C$1, C$5, C$10, C$25, C$50 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Avianca, Copa Airlines 
International Airports: Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (Managua) 
Domestic Airports: Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, Augusto C. Sandino International Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Nicaraguan cuisine is diverse, influenced by indigenous, Spanish, and African flavors. Gallo pinto (rice and beans), vigorón (pork and yuca salad), and nacatamales (corn dough filled with meat and vegetables) are popular dishes. Notable local drinks include rum, pinolillo (a maize-based beverage), and tiste (a chocolate corn drink). 

Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: 2000 - 3000 mm 
Average temperature: 26°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 28°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Nicaragua is during the dry season from November to April, when the weather is typically sunny and rainfall is minimal. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: No 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 120V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.