Nicaragua, located in the heart of America, is the ideal destination for those that seek something truly different.

There are countless reasons, in addition to the warmth of its people, that visitors fall in love with this land: two oceans, dozens of spectacular volcanoes, enormous lakes, magical lagoons, fabulous rivers, myriad plant and animal species, colonial towns, archeological treasures, natural wonders, brilliant thinkers, lively music, intense nights and delicious traditional cuisine.

Getting There :
Several international airlines such as American Airlines, Continental, Copa, Grupo Taca, Iberia and Sol Air operate into Managua International Airport. There are also national airlines such as La Costeña and Atlantic Airlines that operate domestic flights.

Clothing:
Nicaragua is a warm tropical country; therefore you should include fresh and light clothing. If you visit the Northern Area (Matagalpa, Estelí, Ocotal, etc) or plan to hike, you will need a light jacket. When you visit cloud forests such as Mombacho Volcano or Maderas, or humid zones such as the San Juan River, you should use waterproof clothing and shoes.

Do Not Forget:
Do not forget to bring a photo camera, sun protector lotion, bathing suits, caps and insect repellant to avoid mosquito bites that are typical in a tropical climate.

Shopping:
When visiting Nicaragua, reserve space in your luggage for Arts and Crafts that you will purchase: hammocks, hand-carved wood or other souvenirs. Do not forget to visit our shopping centers: Centro Commercial Managua, Metrocentro and Plaza Inter, the Roberto Huembes Market and the Masaya Arts and Crafts Market.

Music and Dance:
The marimba is the national instrument. It is made from strips of wood placed upon bamboo or metal tubes of varying lengths and is played with one, two or four soft hammers. It is usually accompanied by guitars and other percussion instruments. The marimba is very common in the central and western regions of the country.

In the Atlantic Coast region, there is a strong Afro-Caribbean influence on the music and its rhythms are intense, sensual and frenetic. One of the best occasions for enjoying this facet of our culture is during the Palo de Mayo or Maypole Festival in Bluefields.

There is also a significant theatrical heritage from our indigenous ancestors. These performances are accompanied by beautiful music that transports audiences to another era. Many of these works are performed during festivals and may also be enjoyed at the Ruben Dario National Theater.

Some of the most important of these theatrical works are Los Caballeros Elegantes del Toro Guaco (The Elegant Gentlemen of the Guaco Bull),La Burla del Güegüense (The Satire of the Güegüense) and El Drama Epico del Gigante (The Epic Drama of the Giant).

Carlos Mejia Godoy is one of the most important representatives of our music, and has composed a large number of songs inspired by Nicaragua, its people and its customs. It is not surprising, then, that Mejia Godoy’s work is part of almost all collections of Nicaraguan music. He and his brother, Luis Enrique, also a composer, recreate and give life to Nicaraguan music in their own establishment, La Casa de los Mejia Godoy (the House of the Mejia Godoys) in the Los Robles neighborhood of Managua.

There are other important composers, groups and performers that have contributed to the wealth of Nicaraguan culture. These include: Camilo Zapata, the band Dimension Costeña, Luis Enrique, "The Prince of Salsa", Salvador and Katia Cardenal and Lia Barrios. Their recordings may be found in most music stores.