Chairs outside of a hotel in Granada, Nicaragua

Many people ask if Nicaragua is a  safe place for traveling to.  There does not seem to be a great influx of tourists to the country because people fear that Nicaragua is still at war.  It’s not as if one hears about Nicaragua in the news frequently.  The last thing people heard about Nicaragua in the news was that it was at war.  However, Nicaragua’s war end in the late 1970s and has since become a peaceful democratic country.  Nicaragua’s tourist infrastructure is there, but it needs more time to develop.  What has been done in Nicaragua so far, as far as hotels and resorts are concerned, is looking promising.  My vacation in Nicaragua was wonderful and I can’t wait to go back to see more of the country.

At the current time, it is best to stay in the towns and cities and not stray off the beaten path.  Traveling by way of an organized Nicaragua tour is the best way to go.  An experienced guide will know the roads, the ways and can be most helpful.

When traveling to Nicaragua, it is wisest to travel in groups and use all the regular safety precautions you would use in any country you travel too.  Nicaragua has its crime, like any other city around the world. Simple commonsense rules.  Do not walk by yourself after dark.  Traveling on the highway at night time can be dangerous because you might encounter armed bandits.  Watch your passports and travel documents, as you do when traveling anywhere else.  Always keep a photocopy of your passport on you wherever you go.

As far as the best and safest time of year weather wise to travel to Nicaragua, there is a rainy season which lasts from May to November.  During this time, you should also know that it is hurricane season on the Caribbean side of the country.  Other pieces of advice I can give you is that if you plan on hiking through the North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN), you should not go alone because of the remoteness of this area and go only with an experienced guide. It is also risky because there are landmines leftover from the war that have still not been cleared.  Stay away from public demonstrations and be aware of roadblocks. Don’t make an open display of wealth and best not to wear your jewelery in public.

Is Nicaragua safe to travel to?  There’s no official warning on any government site that it’s a dangerous place to go.  Yes, it’s as safe as any other country you may choose to visit.  Common sense rules when traveling.