How to Travel Nicaragua Like a Pro

When most of us think of Central America, Costa Rica is the only thing that comes to mind.  With talk of exotic eco-lodges, nesting turtles and surfing, it’s easy to see why most people don’t mention their plans to hit the port city of Bluefields in Nicaragua.

Those of you that have cracked a history book in the last 2 decades recall that Nicaragua was a country filled with civil wars and US military operations.  The good news is that it’s really not all that dangerous for tourists.  Some say it’s safer than the USA.  That’s not saying much, however.  Because of this perception, it makes for a place that is not nearly as traveled as its Central American neighbors.

If you want to get your trip off to a good start, you could travel to the Caribbean side of the country (on the Mosquito Coast) and go to Corn Islands.  These islands are just over an hour off the coast of the mainland.  They consist of two islands.  For you marine enthusiasts out there, there is a coral reef.  So get your waterproof cameras ready.

Once on the island, you can rent a scooter to get around.  It typically runs cheaper than $50 per day.  If you’re like me, you’ll want to just kick your feet up and relax.  If relaxing is not your type of thing you can swim among ship wrecks, sharks and sting rays.  I prefer hammocks, however.

If you are a serious diver and want to see why people are talking about Little Corn Island, then just jump on the boat taxi for the 30 min ride.  It will be worth your time and you can get some good dives in for cheap.  Once you’re done, have a snack of fresh lobster.  It is what most of the fisherman catch, after all.

Without being a buzzkill, we feel it duty to inform you that the US government highly recommends not traveling along to these sorts of remote places.  The police force in these remote island areas have little-to-no training.  Sadly, there have been a few assaults on women in the last few years. The solution is to travel with a small group or be a kung fu master.

At the end of the day, Nicaragua is like any other country.  There will always be an element of crime, but the kindness and warmth exuded by the local folks more than makes up for any sort of reputation we may have heard about.

All you have to do is grab a beer, put on some sunblock and pay attention to your surroundings.