In one whirlwind week I discovered why Nicaragua is one of the best kept secrets in Central America. I explored this wonderful place by experiencing the city life and deep culture by exploring ruins and under the great direction of my personal guide. This place is incredibly safe, rarely visited and with a bustling new tourism industry, the time to go to Nicaragua is NOW!
It's a question I get nearly every time I mention Nicaragua to a prospective traveler "But is it safe?" Even as a 20-something when I think of Nicaragua, revolution immediately comes to mind - the countries recent history comes screaming to the forefront of our collective memory even though its been over 25 years since the fighting ceased. Like any country you need to keep your wits about you in big cities and you shouldn't be flashing around loads of cash, but in all honesty I felt safer in Nicaragua than in parts of New York or LA. But I think I owe that mainly to the expert direction of my guide, Elvis.
Mombacho volcano hike (Jessica Liles)
Elvis and I bonded quite a bit over my 5 days touring the country and he rarely left me up to my own devices. As a single woman traveling alone I felt 100% safe under Elvis' direction. Even in the evenings when I was left up to my own devices I had the expert recommendations of Elvis to keep me safe. When he dropped me off in Grenada we walked down the main street together before he departed. He suggested a few restaurants and told me I could walk all the way to the water before the sun went down if I so desired.
Our last meal together (Jessica Liles)
The benefit of traveling with a tour operator is you have that little extra security to make you feel totally comfortable traveling in a foreign country. I never felt smothered or over regimented. Since I wasn't traveling on a bus with 20 other people I could go at my own pace but still have a guide to help me communicate and make sure I wasn't going to be taken advantage of or messed with in any way. Every where I went I was greeted warmly and though my Spanish did get laughed at a little (I am abysmal with my language retention!) everyone was happy to help me figure out what I was trying to say.
So is it safe to travel in Nicaragua? I would give it a resounding YES! Just make sure you get some expert opinions before you go, or better yet take a private tour with a local guide so you can let loose and really enjoy your vacation.
Really enjoyed Thatch Caye. The staff was great. Really liked our guide Raffi. And snorkeling at night was wonderful.
Cheryl Brenton
4 days ago
The persons I spoke with knew the material. I wont know until I actually take the trip if it was all correct but at this point they were helpful in finding a trip that met my criteria
SS
1 week ago
Creating a checklist was very beneficial and meeting objectives on certain dates helped as well (to keep my trip organized). The Adventure Travel personnel helped keep me on track which is why my trip was so successful. Communication from both travel agencies (AT/MT) was vital.
Iziah Carthens
1 week ago
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
1 week ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
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