Nicaragua is calling

eTN / Nature has become Nicaragua tourism's best tourism ally. The Central American destination has announced various travel itineraries showcasing its best feature–the environment.
Nicaragua Tourism Board (NITUR) said it will be launching the “Nicaragua Coffee Route” in hopes of providing tourists with the opportunity to "experience the livelihood and traditions rooted in one of the country’s leading exports."

Tourists will be able to witness first hand the way of life of this region via 8 routes being developed in the northern zone, said NITUR. "More than 3000 ft. above sea level, Nicaragua’s cloud- covered mountains offer orchid covered forests of mahogany, cedar and pines, providing an idyllic setting for hiking and eco-tourism. Highlights include boutique mountain hotels (such as Selva Negra), small trails and protected areas."

Another itinerary, billed “Nicaragua’s Sleeping Beauty," is seeking to introduce travelers to the best of Nicaragua’s history, colonial architecture and nature. The private sector 6-day tour combines visits to Managua, Granada and Leon with soft adventure trips to the nearby cloud forests of the Mombacho Volcano and the active volcanoes of Masaya National Park.

Another private sector program, called “A Journey into the Heart of Greenness," is aiming to take travelers on an eight-day expedition through "timeless passageway" down the San Juan River through dense tropical rain forest from Central America’s grandest lake to the Caribbean. According to NITUR, this historic river was the stage for great colonial period battles between the Spanish Crown and British and French pirates and later became the route of Cornelius Vanderbilt’s inter-oceanic steam ship service during the California gold rush.

In another tour, travelers will be guided by a local historian and naturalist on an 8- day journey of Lake Nicaragua (the largest freshwater lake in Central America), a tour of Granada and an expedition to the pristine La Flor Wildlife Refuge to witness massive turtle arrivals.

For the adventurous type, the Central American destination offers “Nicaragua Trekking,” a comprehensive 12-night/13-day tour that uncovers the country’s diverse topography. According to NITUR, the tour ranges from the northern mountainous region to the beaches on the Pacific coast, with accommodations varying from bunk beds to two and three-star hotels.

Access to Nicaragua from the US has never been more easier. Spirit Airlines has announced new non-stop service to Managua from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Service is currently three times per week and will increase to daily flights starting November 15, 2007.

Meanwhile, Aeromexico, Mexico’s largest airline, also announced new service from US gateways in Houston, Los Angeles and Miami with five flights per week to Managua. The award-winning airline offers flights on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

August 31, 2007   Posted in: Central America