Nicaragua is a country of many lakes and volcanoes. Some breathtaking views can be seen throughout the entire country. The northern part of the country is mountainous and chillier than the flat southern part. Nicaragua has some of the best kept old Spanish colonial architecture. The town of Granada just southeast of Managua is entirely built in such style. Although Nicaragua has all of that and much more to explore there are certain hazards visitors should beware of.

Traveling info

All tourists traveling to Nicaragua are required to have a valid passport. Certain nationals are exempt from obtaining a visa but are required to purchase a tourist card upon arrival for 10 (USD). Visitors who choose to drive in Nicaragua will be required to have a valid license and an international driving permit that may only be issued by the same organ that issued a national driving permit. Citizens of Southern and Central American nations are not required to obtain an IDP.

Traveling hazards

Road conditions in Nicaragua vary greatly. Major highways are generally in good condition however rural roads and other roads of lesser importance are poorly paved and maintained with a lot of potholes or not paved at all. These roads also tend to be narrow with few guardrails. Road signage ranges from poor to non-existent. Heavy rains take their toll on the roads damaging the bedding. It is advised to avoid using public communication as it is generally overcrowded and unsafe. (see crime).

Environmental hazards

Nicaragua has the second largest area of rainforest right after Brazil granting the country a rich flora and fauna. Jaguars and cougar might pose a threat to humans however these avoid urban areas and hide deep in the jungle. Attacks are very rare however may be fatal. Nicaragua has some particularly nasty insects one of them being the Chagas bug also known as the kissing bug. This nasty critter usually bites around the lips sucking blood and transmitting the Chagas disease. First symptoms include swelling and fever up to a week after the bite. The disease goes into a 5 to 30 year remission period. If reappearing the disease causes the lining of the heart to swell sometimes resulting in death. There is no cure for the disease. There are several other poisonous insects like the giant centipede or scorpions although their bites are not deadly for an adult however may be fatal for allergic people, small children or the elderly. It is important to remember to shake out clothes and shoes before wearing them and check the bed for the presence of any of these. There are several venomous snakes in Nicaragua. Among them are 11 species of pit viper and the Central American rattlesnake however these are not commonly seen unless wandering deep into the bush. Waters of Nicaragua both the coasts and the large lakes are home to dangerous creatures. Bullhead sharks can survive both in fresh and saltwater. Although shark attacks are not common it is advised not to swim after dusk as these creatures are most active around that time. Other dangers include jellyfish that might sting the swimmers. The western coast of Nicaragua can be dangerous due to the strong undertow. Swimming there is recommended only for the experienced swimmers.
Nicaragua is one of many nations lying inside the ring of fire. It has 7 active volcanoes with the last major eruption happening in 2015. The country also suffers from frequent seismic activity resulting in many earthquakes. Due to vast deforestation some areas are are extremely prone to landslides caused even by a mild rain. Nicaraguan coasts are also affected by the hurricane season which begins in June and ends in November. Although the damage is not as extensive as in the Caribbean, it still may or not be severe.

Health hazards

There are no required vaccinations to enter Nicaragua however there are several that are recommended. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies vaccines. There is a risk of contracting malaria through mosquito bites. Unfortunately, there is no approved vaccine against it. There is however medicine on prescription and alternative ways such as mosquito repellents. The healthcare system in Nicaragua isn’t ideal. Although hospitals and clinics in and around Managua operate on a somewhat high level, in the country the situation is bad with almost 50% of the population not receiving any treatment. Some facilities are underfunded, understaffed and undersupplied. Private clinics and hospitals operate on a higher level than the public sector however these are only to be found in major cities. It is vital to supply before departure if taking prescribed medicine as it may not be readily available on the spot. In case of emergency dial 128 (Red cross ambulance) or 101 (24h tourist line in English and Spanish)

Crime

Nicaragua is one of the safest Central American countries however this does not mean it is an entirely safe place. Homicide rates are high although significantly lower than those of its northern neighbors. Theft rates are still quite high and increased vigilance is advised. Following some simple steps will greatly reduce the risk of being a victim of crime. Sticking to tourist areas is the best way to stay safe however this does not mean non-tourist areas are certain death. The darker it gets the more dangerous it is. Wandering around at night is not advised and if doing so it is best to stick to popular tourist areas. Wearing flashy jewelry and exposing signs of wealth greatly increases the chances of an armed robbery or theft. Wearing a money belt is a good way of keeping money out of sight and out of reach of pickpockets. It is also advised to avoid traveling by public buses as these very often are a place where pickpockets thrive.

Summary

Although Nicaragua is a large nation with both beautiful beaches and scenic mountains it is not as popular due to widespread poverty and crime. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
http://www.nicaragua.com/visas/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nicaragua