travelling the outback of Nica

[Mrtqtpbl]

Hola , I am a Montreal photographer and will be travelling to Nicaragua this coming December, (for aprox. 8 weeks)I hope to be travelling mainly in the northern, and coffee growing regions of the country(although i will be in Managuaand surrounding area as well).
I was wondering if anybody has any tips for travelling in those areas, or if there are any dangers i should be aware of??
Furthermore, if anybody knows any community organizations with whom i can get in touch with while i'm there it would be greatly appreciated. Please post reply here

[juan carlos]

How you today? Veni!
Well, wishing that I could be there personally to guide you throughout our beautiful country side but unfortunately I'm not!, so here are some info.
Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, is known as "Tierra de Lagos y Volcanes" with the region's largest lake, Lago de Nicaragua o "COSIBOLCA"! located right on the belly bottom of the continent.
Nicknamed "The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes" for very good reasons. Overall, there are fifty-eight original volcanic peaks in the country. ... can you imagine?
Here you have some site that might be able to help you…
well I hope so...say hi to my people, and good luck to you in your journey!...Ronaf!.


Union Nacional de Agricultores y Ganaderos (UNAG)
National Union of Small Farmers and Ranchers. It is an independent, non-governmental self-help organization of farmers and ranchers working to support development in agriculture through sustainable farming methods, by providing technical agricultural services, through construction of homes, schools, and basic community services, and through coordinating international assistance to cooperative small farms in Nicaragua.
Tel. (505) 2774888 / 2707942
Fax.(505) 2774676
e-mail: Unag@unag.org.ni
Repto. San Juan, UNIVAL 1/2 c al Sur Casa # 523

http://www.guideofnicaragua.com/0602/index.html

http://www.toursnicaragua.com/

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinat...ica/nicaragua/


Is Nicaragua a safe country?
Although the hard time lived in Nicaagua some years ago, Nicaragua is considered the most peaceful and safest Central American country. However as in any other country, you must attend some basic cautions. Do not walk through dark places in the nights, keep attended all your belongings when you are out, do not carry large amounts of cash. If your credit cards are losen, give immediate notice to the local representative. It is better to use the hotel taxis. You can also ask for a taxi by phone with some companies you will find on the local yellow pages. You should use red plaques taxis as they are officially recognized. White plaque taxis are any people how use their car as a taxi.

Can I use my driver license in Nicaragua?
You can use your driver license for 30 days after entering the country. Staying longer requires you get your Nicaraguan driver license at the "Policia de Tránsito" office.

How to exchange my currency into Córdobas?
You can exchange your money in the BanPro bank branch at the airport (Mon to Fri 8:30 to 12:00 - 13:00 to 16:00, Sat 8:30 to 11:45). In front of the airport, you can exchange money at Las Mercedes Hotel. Most banks (Mon to Fri 8:00 to 12:00 - 13:00 16:30, Sat 9:00 to 12:00) exchange American Dollars. You can change other currencies in some banks but at less convenient rates.

Can I exchange Traveller Checks?
You can exchange traveller checks in the next banks branches: Bancentro, Banco de Finanzas (only American Express) and Multi-Cambios. Other banks also exchange traveller check with some restrictions. Remember your receipt but never keep it in the same place you keep the checks.

Can I use credit cards in Nicaragua?
Most places accept MasterCard and Visa credit cards. American Express is not prevalent although there is an office in Managua. In the Visa and MasterCard local offices you can get cash advances as well.

How can I call abroad?
Most hotels offer long distance calls through the local telephone company (ENITEL). There are some other operator and collect services. AT&T 164, 174 - MCI 166,167 - SPRINT 161, 171 - Canada 168 - Germany 169 - The Netherlands 177 - United Kingdom 175

Should I keep my passport with me all the time?
It is better to carry a photocopy instead of the passport except for entering or leaving the country of course.
What happen if I decide to stay longer than the visa allows?
You must apply for a visa extension at the "Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería" office (Tel (505) 249-2981). Bring your passport and previous visa.

Are there tropical diseases in Nicaragua?
As Nicaragua is a tropical country you are exposed to tropical diseases when you visit hot humid selvatic and remote zones. Is not common to get infected of these diseases when staying in cities and towns. If you plan to visit rainforests, bring fresh clothes that cover most of your body and an insect repellent. It is also recommendable to visit your doctor or a traveller's clinic before leaving for more complete advice, specially if you plan to visit remote zones or rainforests.

What kind of clothes should I use?
Nicaragua is a hot country, bring fresh clothes. If you plan to go to the mountains zone (north), bring a pull over or light jackets as it becomes colder, specially in the night. It is necessary to bring a raincoat and water-proof boots when visiting rainforests. When going to tracking it is better to use trousers and long sleeves shirts to avoid scratchs caused by bushes.


Good Bye...

[Mrtqtpbl]

Hola Ronaf

muchas gracias por tu ayuda.
Conoces alguien que trabaja con o por Unag???

Anyhow, thank-you very much once again, and i look forward to the trpi very much.
I'll let you know when i get back..
Y tu eres Nicaraguense viviendo afuera??

Ciao
Vincenzo