Nicaragua Travel Guide
Did you know?
The surface area of Nicaragua is 50.3 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 99 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Managua (NI) and Madrid (ES) is 5289 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Managua click here
Country Comparison
Compare Nicaragua to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Nicaragua
| Miles | Managua | León | Granada | El Castillo | Bluefields | Masaya | Ometepe | Esteli |
| Managua | - | 47 | 25 | 148 | 169 | 16 | 63 | 67 |
| León | 47 | - | 72 | 194 | 212 | 62 | 109 | 57 |
| Granada | 25 | 72 | - | 123 | 148 | 10 | 39 | 85 |
| El Castillo | 148 | 194 | 123 | - | 81 | 133 | 87 | 195 |
| Bluefields | 169 | 212 | 148 | 81 | - | 158 | 128 | 190 |
| Masaya | 16 | 62 | 10 | 133 | 158 | - | 48 | 79 |
| Ometepe | 63 | 109 | 39 | 87 | 128 | 48 | - | 122 |
| Esteli | 67 | 57 | 85 | 195 | 190 | 79 | 122 | - |
A Brief History of Nicaragua
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
500
The beginnings of settlementPeople settle in the region.
1522
Country name etymologyGil Gonzalez Davila, a Spanish explorer, names Nicaragua for Nicarao, a local chief.
1524
Spanish conquestFrancisco Hernandez de Cordoba completes the Spanish conquest of Nicaragua.
1821
Mexican EmpireNicaragua declares independence from Spain and joins the Mexican Empire. In 1823, it becomes part of the United Provinces of Central America.
1838
Independent republicNicaragua becomes fully independent.
1893
Zelaya's presidencyGeneral Jose Santos Zelaya takes control. In 1909, U.S. troops help overthrow him.
1937
Somoza familyGeneral Anastasio Somoza Garcia becomes president. His family holds power for more than 40 years.
1972
Managua earthquakeAn earthquake in Managua kills 5,000 to 10,000 people.
1979
Sandinista revolutionA rebel group called the Sandinistas overthrows the government. President Anastasio Somoza Debayle flees the country.
1981
ContrasThe U.S. suspends aid to Nicaragua and supports fighters known as Contras. Fighting continues until 1988.
1984
President Daniel OrtegaSandinista leader Daniel Ortega is elected president. The Sandinistas rule for six years.
1988
In debt to disasterHurricane Joan leaves 180,000 people homeless. Hurricane Mitch kills thousands and further weakens the economy in 1998.
2006
Ortega's second presidencyOrtega wins the presidential election and returns to power in 2007.
2010
Border disputeTensions rise between Nicaragua and Costa Rica over a disputed river border.
Best Ways to Experience Nicaragua
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreCordoba Oro (NIO)
- EUR
- GBP
- NIO
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- NIO
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Nicaragua.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- Spain
visiting 
Nicaragua for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
Electricity
120V (60 Hz)
In Nicaragua the standard voltage is 120V and the frequency is 60 Hz. Type A sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type AFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 109 / 231 Ranking | 6 624 554 mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Amerindian 5% |
Area | 99 / 230 Ranking | 50.3 thous. mi² It is approximately 26% of the territory of Spain. |
Life expectancy | 115 / 196 Ranking | 74.5 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 72.3women 76.9 |
Median age | 56 / 157 Ranking | 27.3 Average age of population expressed in years.men 26.4women 28.2 |
Population growth | 91 / 172 Ranking | 0.93% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 78 / 131 Ranking | 82.6% Ability to read, write and count.men 82.4%women 82.8% |
GDP | 139 / 194 Ranking | 5 568 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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