Nicaragua

Nicaragua is underrated as a cycling country. It is a beautiful and quiet country for cycling. The landscape is varied: volcanoes, mountains and lowlands with two large lakes. Only the capital Managua is not particularly beautiful, and is notorious for its crime.

It is less prosperous than neighboring Costa Rica, but just as beautiful. A lot of work is being done on the construction and improvement of roads, so maps may be outdated.

The people are friendly and welcoming, not intrusive. They also cycle a lot, but on simple bicycles. People simply take a bicycle inside, also in restaurants and even in church.

The population often only speaks Spanish. Outside the real tourist locations - Managua, Granada and Masaya - it is difficult to communicate without Spanish.

Quite a numerous amount of nationalities can enter Nicaragua without a visa.

Nicaragua

Visa-free access to Nicaragua

Visa on arrival access to Nicaragua

May not enter on Canada/Schengen/US visa

Source: Wikipedia.

The fact that the Nicaraguans cycle a lot also has the advantage that the (many) dogs are used to it and do not move, you are not interesting! With exceptions of course....

You can eat anywhere. There are not as many food stalls as in Costa Rica. Rudy: "Dining and supplies are not a problem in most larger towns. Lots of chicken, beans, rice, tortillas etc. In most restaurants you can get a full meal for USD 8-10 pp."

Preferably buy bottled mineral water. In many places the tap water is fairly reliable and sanitisers are not immediately needed, but you are taking a risk. Drinking water is also available at roadside stalls.

Common Diseases

Like the surrounding countries, this is a dengue area. Nicaragua has an active rabies vaccination policy for dogs, so the risk of rabies is relatively small.

Mandatory vaccinations

Additional vaccination obligations apply from certain countries.

Useful vaccinations for cyclists

Rabies, Hepatitis A and B. Depending on the region also malaria prophylaxis.

Useful things in the travel pharmacy

Disinfectant for dubious (tap) drinking water.

Nice routes

Between Managua and Leon you can cut off quite a bit of the highway by looking for the old train station at La Paz Centro, and from there follow the old rail route towards Leon. Unpaved, but perfectly flat road, and also a lot shorter.

Disparate de Potter: The road between Jinotega and Matagalpa is a must. Beautiful views, with steep climbs but not too steep.

Best time to cycle

December is the dry season and therefore suitable for cycling. September is the rainy season. It is then warm, 30-35oC, and humid. Rain is very local, heavy and short. After half an hour the shower has passed and the weather is a bit cooler. You suffer more from wet dirt roads than from the rain showers themselves. The dry season from November to March is more suitable.

Spare parts

There are many workshops, but good parts are scarce. Tire and valve size can be an issue. On their trip we brought inner tubes and spokes.