Geographical:
Nicaragua is located in the heart of the American Continent. With an extension of 130 000 Km2 (51 000Mi2) Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. Its territory is located between the Pacific Ocean (West) and the Caribbean Sea (East) and between the republics of Honduras (North) and Nicaragua (South). The Capital of the Republic since 1852 is Managua (1.3 million inhabitants).
Population:
Nicaragua has 5.3 million inhabitants approximately. Most of the population (64%) is concentrated on the Pacific side, following the historical model adopted by groups of pre-Columbian natives that settled in this region next to the lakes to take advantage of the fertile volcanic soil.
State Organization:
According to the Political Constitution, Nicaragua is a Democratic Republic, participative and representative. The President of the republic is elected every six years by direct vote of citizens and reelection for two consecutives terms is prohibited by law. The current President of Nicaragua is Mr. Enrique Bolaños Geyer.
Political Division - Administrative:
The territory of Nicaragua is divided in 15 Departments and two Autonomous Regions (called North and South Atlantic). The autonomous regions are ruled by the law or status of Autonomy.
Official Language:
The official language is Spanish and English is common with in Creole population located on the Caribbean region, better known in Nicaragua as Atlantic Coast. In this region live indigenous groups that still speak their own language like Miskitos, Sumos, Ramas and Garifonos.
Economy:
The Nicaraguan economy is based on the rules of free market. Nicaragua exports coffee, beef, shrimp, lobster, sugar and rum. In the last 2 years tourism has become one of the main incomes of the nation.
Currency:
The national currency is the Cordoba, in honor of the Spanish conqueror Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, who founded the first cities in the country. Its rate of exchange regarding the dollar of the United States of America is 16.60 Córdobas per dollar and 20.15 Córdobas per Euro. (July 2005). Money exchange is available in banks, hotels and street vendors (not recommended). Dollars are accepted anywhere, Travelers Checks are only accepted in certain banks, hotels and tour operators. Nicaraguan currency is stable, devaluating at a rate of approximately 1% per month. Credit Cards are widely accepted. Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere. American Express in some locations only, basically hotels.
Banks:
There are six private banks. Week Days: Open from 08:30 hrs to 16:00. Saturdays: Open from 08:30 hrs. to 12:00 Hrs.
Entry requirements:
For some countries, such as Canada, Germany and the United States just a tourist card is required, which must be purchased at the airport or border crossing. Only a few countries need visa to enter Nicaragua. With this policy we have open doors for tourists. Your stay permit expires usually in between thirty days and ninety days.
Entry and Exit Tax Information
For a better understanding of the different charges made by the Government in order to enter and exit in Nicaragua, please take note of the following information.
*Al rates are subject to change with notice by the Nicaraguan Government.
Entry and Exit from International Airport in Managua
• Entry: Tourist Card US$ 5.00 per person
• Exit: Airport Tax USD 32.00 per person
Entry and Exit from Granada City Airstrip
• Entry: Tourist Card US$ 5.00 per person
• Exit: No Charge
Entry and Exit through Peñas Blancas
(Border between Nicaragua & Nicaragua)
• Entry: Tourist Card US$ 5.00 per person
Customs US$ 2.00 per person
Cardenas Municipality US$ 1.00 per person
• Exit: Customs US$ 2.00 per person
Cardenas Municipality US$ 1.00 per person
Entry and Exit through border between Nicaragua & Honduras
• Entry: Tourist Card US$ 5.00 per person
Customs US$ 2.00 per person
• Exit: Customs US$ 2.00 per person
Entry and Exit through Los Chiles, San Carlos.
(Border between Nicaragua & Nicaragua)
• Entry: Tourist Card US$ 5.00 per person
• Exit: Customs US$ 2.00 per person
Other Taxes
• Sales tax 15%.
• Airline tickets tax 15.5%.
• Food and Beverages 10% Services Tax.
Religion:
Predominant Catholic and Protestant Religions. The state of Nicaragua is Laical, it has no official religion. The majority of the population participates in religious festivities that are celebrated with tradition and fervor along the year, inherited from the Spanish colonization.
Climate & Temperature
Nicaragua as a Tropical Country has a sunny and warm climate throughout the year. Temperature range are between 64 F (18 C) and 94 F (35 C)
In the pacific area we have quick showers during the rainy season, from May to October, most of them late in the afternoon or at night. At the Atlantic area the rainy season is more intense. For our excursions we recommend light clothes and comfortable shoes. We also suggest the use of a hat and sun block lotion if you have sensitive skin. For more difficult excursions such as hiking to the volcanoes, passengers may require special shoes and good physical health and shape condition.
Day Tours
Day Tours 
