Tips on traveling to Nicaragua?

Question

I'm going to be going for two weeks in Nicaragua for a spanish immersion course. What should I expect? What should I do? I basically just need tips from travelers who have been to Nicaragua and are farmiliary with the country. Thank you!

Answer 1

be very careful Nicaragua is a country that faces extreme poverty so you will very likely get robbed if you look out of place, try to look like your poor that will help. Managua is very dangerous at night

Answer 2

Your destination city will dictate a lot of what to expect.  For a small country, the variation in cities is quite dramatic.  Lets assume you are going to the West side where most of the language schools are.  

It will be hot.  I mean HOT.  Even if it rains, it will be hot before and after the rain.

4 hours immersion in the morning, possible activities in the PM, instructor may be an independent contrractor rather than an employee of the school.  Many schools bring in an instructor specifically for a student so you end up 2 of you face to face across a private table.  Be prepared to go back to the school management and politely tell them you want a different instructor.  Its your dime and your experience.

Take the homestay.  Its too easy to read an English book in a hotel room followed by an HBO movie.

Be open and accepting of very simple food.  Nicaraguan cuisine is not fancy or particularly flavorfull.

Decide in advance what are your favorite subjects to talk about then research some Spanish words in that area.  They will almost certainly open the first day with "tell me about yourself".  Try and do it in spanish.  babble like a baby.  dont be embarassed else you'll never say a word.

Be prepared for power cuts.  

Bring as little with you as possible; people borrow things permanently.  Visit http://www.jinotega.com/other%20sites.as... for a list of Nicaragua related web sites.

Answer 3

Expect anything and everything. You should have a blast and enjoy the trip, Nicaragua is a very cool place. Take normal precautions as you would anywhere. Nicaraguan people are the friendliest people on earth and very helpful. When in Rome do as the Romans do. Try to see the natural beauty like the Masaya volcano and check out the  spanish colonial cities of Granada or Leon. Visit me in Masaya. I will give you a tour of the city if you want for free. Good luck and God Speed

Answer 4

I was in Nicaragua this past January.  It is a beautiful country!  The weather will be quite warm if you're leaving soon.  The food is very good and the fruit drinks are amazing, but make sure you drink only bottled water.  People are very friendly, but be careful that you keep your money on you and hidden.  It should be a great trip!

Answer 5

it's a great country, but totally different culture form US, great food, and many things to do.. depending on the season, it may be raining, but if you go during june or july, it will be summer..