Discover an authentic, welcoming country, rich in natural gems and colonial history
Here is a little practical information about the destination to help with your planning, but please do contact us with any questions that you might have.
Managua is the capital of Nicaragua and the official language is Spanish. However English is spoken in some tourist areas and on the Atlantic Coast. Along the Atlantic Coast there are three Indian languages spoken - Misquito, Mayangna and Rama.
The traditional diet today is a mixture of soups, meats and sweets which reflect the ancestry of the Creole people. One of the most fundamental components of Nicaraguan food is corn which is used to make drinks such as Chicha and Pinol. It is also used in the Nacatamal, Indio Viejo and Sopa de Albondiga dishes which are commonly served as a main meal. Popular sweets featuring this dynamic vegetable include Atolillo and Perrereque.
The cordoba (C$) is the unit of currency used on Nicaragua, with one cordoba divided into 100 centavos. It is best to use larger cordoba notes in restaurants and in the hotels as using these notes to purchase smaller items may cause a problem with change. US dollars is the preferred currency for exchanging money and can be used to purchase items, however be aware if you pay in US dollars change will be given in cordobas at an unfavourable exchange rate for the tourist. Travellers cheques cannot be exchanged anywhere in Nicaragua so please take only cash and cards.
Tipping for good service is an accepted fact. It is common to be expected to tip the service you received whilst eating in a restaurant also. A tip of around 10% is acceptable for good service.
Please ask permission before taking photographs of Nicaragua's indigenous people. It is discourteous not to and many may refuse you, those who do pose may ask for a tip. Please bear in mind that children earn more by posing for tourist than their parents earn in a week and so they are not going to want to go to school. Please consider donating to a local charity or giving a gift instead.
For holidays in the Caribbean & Latin America, whether you would like to spend your time experiencing new cultures and environments, bird watching, relaxing on a beach or trying something a little more adventurous, we can use our expert first-hand knowledge and passion for this region to design an itinerary that is perfect for you.
If you could just let us have a little information, such as when you are thinking of travelling, the number of travellers, if you have a budget in mind, and also if you have any special interests. We will then send you an itinerary and quotation for you to consider without any obligation, based on the availability for your preferred dates and with your needs in mind. However, if you would like to chat with a member of the team about your holiday plans first, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01327 359622.
