Scuba Diving Fishing Land Rafting Xtreme Adventures Things 2DO

Nicaragua / CENTRAL AMERICA

Climate:

The climate is tropical and there are two seasons, the dry and wet seasons, locally called summer and winter (in Spanish: verano e invierno ). Nicaragua is divided into three different zones according to its climate.

. The Pacific Zone: Located in the west and close to the lakes of Nicaragua and Managua. It is tropical and dry, receiving relatively little precipitation. This region is characterized by its high temperatures between 27ºC and 32ºC (81ºF and 90ºF) in the rainy season and between 30ºC and 35ºC (86ºF and 95ºF) in the dry season. Summer runs approximately from November through April and winter from May through October.

. The Sub-tropical Zone: It is located in the center of the country. Because of its altitude the air becomes cooler in the east. This region is divided into two different areas, the humid in the west and the dry in the east. From the center towards the Caribbean coast the climate is humid, tropical and with high precipitation, which is prefect for a flourishing tropical rainforest.

. The Atlantic Zone: This region has a tropical humid climate. Heavy rains and high temperatures, typical for the humid tropical forest, are common.

. Temperatures in Nicaragua vary between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius (80-90 degrees Fahrenheit) in the rainy season and 30 and 35 degrees Celsius (90-95 degrees Fahrenheit) in the dry season. At higher altitudes, temperatures can be much cooler.

Capital City:

Managua (est. population 2003: 1,146,000), is Nicaragua's capital and largest city. The city is located on the southern shore of Lake Managua. It is the country's commercial and industrial center. Situated on the Pan-American Highway, the city is Nicaragua's railroad hub. To end the bitter feud between Granada and León, Managua was made permanent capital in 1855. During periods of disorder (1912-25 and 1926-33), it was occupied by U.S. marines.

Managua is generally hot and humid. A fairly constant wind blows from nearby Lake Managua, notable for the same marine phenomena as Lake Nicaragua. The city is flanked by Momotombo Volcano. Many residences and farms have been established on the cooler areas that rise in the southern outskirts of the city. Managua was damaged by earthquake and fire in 1931 and by fire in 1936. On Dec. 23, 1972, it was almost completely destroyed in another earthquake that took more than 10,000 lives. The old city center remains largely in ruins. Managua also suffered damage in the fighting between government troops and Sandinistas in 1978-79, and it was hit by a hurricane in 1998.

Other Main Cities:

Granada - Colonial city
León - Important religious and cultural city
Estelí - Center of agriculture. Capital of Estelí
Matagalpa - Capital of Matagalpa.
Bluefields - Nicaragua's main port
Masaya - Important cultural city

Ports and harbors:
Bluefields, Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto Sandino, Rama, San Juan del Sur.

Taxes and Tips:
The general tax for purchased goods is 15% and is included in the price.

Tips are generally around US$0.50 for bellboys and other smaller services and in restaurants about 10 to 15 % of the bill. Taxi drivers don't expect tips for their services.

Money Exchange:

Dollars are easily exchanged all over the country. Travelers' checks can be exchanged in most banks, such as Bac, Bancentro and BDF.

Generally, banks are open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The most popular credit cards are Visa, American Express and Master Card, which are accepted in most shopping centers. Additionally, American Express has offices in Managua, which makes transactions easier.

Electricity:

110 V and 60 Hz, as in North America. It is recommended that visitors bring converters, chargers and adapters (with two thin parallel flat switches) for any devices they plan to take with them.

Personal Safety:

Managua is one of the safest cities in Central America. Nevertheless, always take the same precautions as you would in any other city in the world. Please follow these easy guidelines to avoid any kind of incident:

Keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in crowded areas, and only carry as much money as you need each day.

Avoid walking in isolated places at night and try not to walk on your own.

Only use transportation services from identified companies, such as taxis and public buses.

National Symbols:
Flower: Sacuanjoche
Tree: Madrono
Bird: Guardabarranco

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BACK