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.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
