Increase in Nicaragua’s Tourism Options

In response to the growing number of tourists visiting Nicaragua, a number of new hotels have opened and tour operators have increased the number and choices of tour packages. In an interesting new initiative, Nicaragua’s Minister of Tourism, Mario Salinas, has signed an agreement with farmers in Nicaragua’s northern tobacco and coffee farming areas with the aim of developing the region’s tourism infrastructure.

While details of the tourism program still need to be finalized, thirty farms and haciendas in the areas of Nueva, Esteli, Segovia, Matagalpa, Jinotega and Chontales have been selected for this tourism development. A number of new touring options are already proving successful, including: “Sierra Club’s Nicaragua and Costa Rica: Historic Cities, Islands and Volcanoes”, a fifteen day/fourteen night tour featuring climbing active volcanoes and white water river rafting, all accompanied by an experienced Sierra Club guide. The tour includes visiting colonial Granada and Ometepe Island, as well as the exquisite cloud forest of Monteverde.

Another option available to tourists in Nicaragua is “RoadScholar’s Tradition and Coffee Tour”. This multi-country tour visits the very best of Central America’s coffee farms, one of which is Nicaragua’s Selva Negra plantation. The ten day/nine night tour includes a visit to Jinotega and the historic colonial city of Granada.

Situated along the Bay of San Juan del Sur, the Villas de Palermo Hotel and Resort, which opened in 2007, offers visitors an unsurpassed view of the ocean and the bay. This family friendly resort features superb accommodation with internet and cable television in each room. Guests can enjoy the large pool and restaurant area, as well as a host of outdoor activities including horseback tours, canopy tours, sunset cruises, fishing trips and turtle tours.

The beautifully renovated 1800s home which is now the Hotel La Posada Azul, also opened its doors in 2007. Located about a half a block away from the ocean and within walking distance of many places of interest, the Hotel La Posada Azul features six beautifully decorated rooms with all the modern amenities guests could want, including wireless internet access.

Situated in San Juan, the 20-roomed Hotel Victoriano opened in 2008. Offering single rooms and suites, this oceanfront hotel features an on-site restaurant specializing in local delicacies, as well as a large swimming pool overlooking the beach. In Granada the Hotel Dario overlooks the renowned Calle de la Calzada pedestrian walkway in central Granada. Guests will appreciate the inner courtyards, flowing fountain and magnificent swimming pool, while the social life of Granada is just a short walk away.

Certainly, there is plenty to see and do in Nicaragua and the friendly people who live in this fascinating country are waiting to welcome you.