Nicaragua FAQs

  1. What are the accommodations like?
  2. Are meals included?
  3. What type of transportation is used?
  4. What type of food is typical of Nicaragua?
  5. When is the best time to go?
  6. Are these trips suitable for kids?
  7. What is the typical age range for these tours?
  8. Are these trips a good choice for solo travelers?
  9. Do tour rates include international flights?
  10. How do I get to the hotel from the airport when I arrive?
  11. How much should I budget for tips?
  12. Are there any discounts available?
  13. How far in advance should I book?
  14. Are tour dates flexible?
  15. Can I extend or change my stay?
  16. What should I pack?
  17. What immunizations are recommended/ required?
  18. Do I need a visa/passport?
  19. How safe is Nicaragua?
  20. Is the water safe to drink?
  21. What is the local currency, exchange rate, etc.?
  22. Should I bring cash or Traveler's checks? Are ATMs available? Can I use credit cards?
  23. Can I use my cell phone?
  24. What time zone is Nicaragua?
  25. Do I need a converter/ adaptor for the electricity?
  26. Is travel insurance recommended?

Tour Details

1. What are the accommodations like?

In Nicaragua, we have selected some of the best smaller boutique hotels in each area. In general, we use locally owned accommodations that are characteristic of each area as well as offer some sort of historic architectural appeal. For more information, check out our Lodging page or click on the bed icons next to each day of the tour itinerary to view pictures of our standard hotels/ lodges.

2. Are meals included?

Yes and no. We have tried to balance flexibility and convenience regarding meal options. For this reason, we include meals on any of our tour days when you are traveling off the beaten path where restaurant choices are limited. In the major towns, where there are a wide variety of restaurants, we generally do not include meals, to allow our travelers the flexibility of choosing their own food preferences. Your tour leader or hotel staff can recommend some great restaurant options. Your hotel will also provide a light continental breakfast on these days. Included meals are listed in parenthesis next to the tour itinerary on each tour page. An estimated meal budget can also be found under Personal Budgeting to the right of the itinerary on the tour pages.

3. What type of transportation is used?

Our Nicaragua tours utilize a variety of transportation including private vans/ cars, minibuses, jeep, boat, etc. We use a mix of private/public transportation to provide travelers with the safest and most efficient transportation in each area. Each tour itinerary page has a description of the transportation included on that tour. If you have additional questions, just ask!

4. What type of food is typical of Nicaragua?

Nicaragua, while not well known for its cuisine, offers healthy yet inexpensive options. Rice and beans (or gallo pinto, rice and beans mixed together) will accompany most meals, along with your choice usually of chicken, beef, pork or fish. Often accompanying any dish will be banana or plantains, sometimes cassava or yucca or some other vegetable.

Planning Your Trip

5. When is the best time to go?

Travelers can visit Nicaragua any time of the year. Temperatures are hot year round in the lowlands (high 80s during the day/ 70s at night) and cooler in the highlands. Most of Nicaragua has two seasons based on rainfall: a wet season and a dry season. Dry season runs from early November to mid-May and is generally considered to be the best time to travel. However, even during the height of the wet season, all day rains are rare. More commonly, travelers will experience brief heavy downpours interspersed with sun. Crowds are smaller during this time and travelers can still participate in most of the same activities. The Caribbean side of Nicaragua experiences rain showers year round, with slightly lower rainfall in February through April.

6. Are these trips suitable for kids?

Almost definitely. Transportation times are relatively short and the Nicaragua tours offer a mix of activities to interest most kids including rainforest hikes, exploring colonial buildings, and free time on the beach. Some tours include more siteseeing than some children may enjoy, but alternate activities can be offered in most areas.

Our Family Travel Supplement has some helpful hints for making the most of your family vacation and also has some minimum age recommendations for each tour. We realize that you know your kids best so we will be happy to answer all of your questions and try to give you the most accurate impression of what to expect. However, please remember that these are adventure tours and flexibility is essential!

To make family tours easier, we often recommend having a private group and guide, though families with well-behaved children are welcome on our group departures as well. We have special private tour rates for families- please ask your trip coordinator if you are interested.

7. What is the typical age range for these tours?

Our Nicaragua tours are suitable for nearly every age. These trips commonly attract multi-generational families as well as young honeymooners or adventurous single travelers. Travelers of any age (except very young children), can likely find a Nicaragua option where they will fit right in.

8. Are these trips a good choice for solo travelers?

Yes and no. Although solo travelers are welcome on any of our tours, our Nicaragua tours often tend to attract families and couples. Ask your trip coordinator for recommended tours and/ or departure dates, as some departures tend to attract more diverse groups than others. If no good options are available for your chosen timeframe, consider a trip to Belize, Costa Rica, or the Amazon. These tours offer similar activities and may have a more diverse group departing during your chosen dates.

9. Do tour rates include international flights?

Tour rates do not include international flights. We find that it is usually less expensive for travelers to book these separately and this also allows you the flexibility to choose the schedule and routing that is most convenient for you. We can also obtain an international flight quote for you through an airfare consolidator.

10. How do I get to the hotel from the airport when I arrive?

We will have someone pick you up and meet you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel that evening.

11. How much should I budget for tips?

Tips are not required on any of our tours. However, it is customary in Latin America to offer a small tip for exceptional service. Tipping amounts vary widely, though some travelers report that ~$2-$10/ day for your guide and ~$1-$3/ day for your driver is common. Other travelers opt to bring small gifts from their home to give to service providers along the way.

12. Are there any discounts available?

Absolutely! We offer select trip discounts periodically throughout the year. Check out our Specials page for the latest offers and on-going discounts.

13. How far in advance should I book?

You can book your Nicaragua tour at any time and generally the earlier you book, the better. For departures during the dry season, you will usually find better availability if you book at least 2-3 months in advance (4-6 months is recommended for travelers visiting during the busy Christmas/ New Year's holiday or Spring Break). Travelers visiting outside of the busy dry season months can often book last minute, though 2-3 months notice is still recommended to take advantage of the best airfare rates.

We usually recommend that you wait to book your international flights until after your tour is confirmed. The sooner that we arrange your tour, the sooner that you can take advantage of flight deals as they become available. Travelers booking a set departure date at least 6 months in advance can also take advantage of our 5% Early Registration Discount.

We are often able to accommodate last minute travelers as well (some even departing in less than one week!!), so give us a call and we will do our best! For last minute bookings, it helps to be flexible and organized. Your first choice tour may not be available for your selected dates, but your trip coordinator can probably recommend some other similar options that would be equally interesting! Many lodges will not hold spaces less than 30 days before departure so for last minute bookings, you may be asked to send your registration form and trip payment in right away to secure your spaces.

14. Are tour dates flexible?

YES. Please contact us if you are not able to travel on the set departure dates listed on-line. Most tours can be arranged on alternative departure dates for a minimum of two travelers as long as lodges/ hotels are available.

15. Can I extend or change my stay?

Absolutely! We can arrange any number of extension options for you, or extra days can also be arranged in most areas if desired. Let us know how you would like to customize your trip and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Before You Go

16. What should I pack?

You will receive a detailed packing list after you book your tour. Bring long sleeves and a fleece/ sweater for cool evenings and plenty of comfortable, breathable clothes for hot days. Good walking shoes and sun protection are also a must. Many trips include whitewater rafting so be sure to bring an extra pair of shoes that you don't mind getting wet!

17. What immunizations are recommended/ required?

No immunizations are currently required for visiting Nicaragua except a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving in Nicaragua after visiting an infected area, such as the Amazon. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. For the most current information, please consult your doctor and/or check out the Center for Disease Control web-site at www.cdc.gov.

18. Do I need a visa/passport?

Travelers will all need a passport valid for at least 6 months after they depart. Travelers from the US do not need a visa for stays less than 30 days. Travelers from other nationalities should check with the Nicaraguan Embassy for visa information. Entry requirements change with surprising frequency. It is each traveler's responsibility to check with the consulate for the most up-to-date visa and passport information.

19. How safe is Nicaragua?

Crime in Nicaragua is moderate and fairly specific to certain metropolitan areas. Pickpocketing is the largest concern for travelers, especially in crowded airports, markets and visitor sites. Be aware of your valuables and avoid carrying large amounts of cash, jewelry or other expensive items. Check out the US State Department travel advisories for the latest information at: http://www.state.gov/p/wha/ci/nu/

20. Is the water safe to drink?

The tap water is generally not safe to drink in Nicaragua. Bottled water is readily available at tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants. Don't forget to use bottled water when brushing your teeth as well! Ice is not always made with boiled/ bottled water. Order your beverages without ice ("sin hielo") or ask your tour leader if the ice is safe in a particular restaurant.

21. What is the local currency, exchange rate, etc.?

The local currency is called the cordoba and its rate of exchange is tied to the US dollar. US dollars are generally accepted as legal tender in most locations, though you should make sure to have small denominations of less than $10 US.

22. Should I bring cash or Traveler's checks? Are ATMs available? Can I use credit cards?

Most travelers bring a small amount of US cash with them and withdraw from ATMs as they need it along they way. ATMs are readily available in the larger towns and cities. Traveler's checks are fine, but they can be more difficult to exchange and you will usually receive a poorer rate or be charged an additional fee. Credit cards are accepted in the larger restaurants and stores. Although it is helpful to bring a credit card along for emergencies, don't count on using it for most purchases.

23. Can I use my cell phone?

Check with your cell phone provider. Each company is different and they can give you the most up-to-date information.

24. What time zone is Nicaragua?

Nicaragua is five hours behind GMT (same as CST). They do not observe Daylight Savings Time so during these months, April to October, Nicaragua is the same as MT.

25. Do I need a converter/ adaptor for the electricity?

Nicaragua typically uses 110 volt electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type so US travelers will not typically need a plug adaptor (unless your device requires 3 prongs).

26. Is travel insurance recommended?

Absolutely!!! We work with a company called TravelGuard that provides reasonably priced insurance for trip cancellation, medical expenses, medical evacuation, lost bags, etc. They have two different types of insurance available, depending upon whether or not you will need the cancellation coverage. Check out our Once You're Booked page for more information.