• November 15, 2012
• Adventure, Must See or Do, Places to Stay, The Best of Nicaragua, To Do List, Travel Nicaragua
• alex

This earth conspires to create some natural phenomenon that are truly breathtaking and worth traveling half way across the world just for a glimpse.  Central America contains a number of these features, but one in particular sticks out as a league above the rest.  Protruding violently from the largest lake in the region, Isla Ometepe should be on every traveler’s list that has the pleasure of visiting Nicaragua.  A few hours by bus from the colorful city of Granada lays the launch off point for ferries that service Isla Ometepe a few times per day.  The massive lake Nicaragua is a very blue, freshwater lake that is often a choppy and bumpy boat ride to the beautiful island.  Moyogalpa and Read more

• June 11, 2012
• Gringo Favorite, The Best of Nicaragua
• The Big Gringo

If working for a school is not for you, or you’re just looking for a little extra money on the side then consider private tutoring. You will be able to set the price for yourself, work on your own schedule, and determine the amount of kids that you want to teach.

Over time, you can turn a private tutoring service into a full-time position. In Central America there is a growing demand for teaching the English language so the need for instructors and private tutors is increasing. Private English lessons can be taught after school, on the weekends, and even in the summer. Although this may seem to limit the amount of time that you can tutor students it actually Read more

• January 18, 2012
• Culture
• The Big Gringo

Our first experience with Nicaraguan food came during our stay with a local Nicaraguan family near Ticuantepe. Though they were a relatively wealthy family their food was simple, traditional and delicious.

Every morning started with a big plate of gallo pinto and a fresh homemade tortilla. There were some variables; sometimes there was cheese, egg or sour cream but never all of these. Every time was a slightly different experience but still hearty and tasty.

Gallo Pinto is usually prepared by frying boiled red beans with onions and garlic. As the beans fry, add some rice and combine well. This may seem a little heavy for breakfast but it keeps you satisfied all morning.

Lunch seems to be the biggest Read more

• November 7, 2011
• Relocation, The Best of Nicaragua, Travel Tips
• The Big Gringo

Having to leave the country every three months can really start to get old. Most of us just want to relax and enjoy Nicaragua without having to worry about planning our next visa renewal trip. The answer is simple, become a resident.

You can hire a lawyer to do everything for you and all you have to do is sign the checks, right? Sure but those checks can get pretty steep.  The most cost effective approach is to do it yourself.  Dealing with the government yourself can be a real pain in the neck, believe me I know, but it’s not very hard.

When applying as a retiree you will need the following documents: Read more

Residency application form obtained from
Direccion

• August 16, 2011
• Adventure, Travel Tips
• The Big Gringo

Using public transportation can be our biggest fear when in a country like Nicaragua. We don’t know what to expect, we ask ourselves-will it be safe? How will I know where to get off? Will I get on the right bus? The public transportation experience can be riddled with anxiety. Here’s some information about your options and some tips to make the whole thing easier.

•                  Buses. You’ll see different kinds of buses on the road. Nice, comfortable coach buses are usually only for travel from one border to another or from Managua to either border.  These buses only make predetermined stops so they cannot be used for short distance travel. Most regular buses in Nicaragua are old retired school Read more

• May 31, 2011
• Uncategorized
• Jackie

Masaya is a small colonial town only a half-hour drive away from Managua. At such a short distance from the capital, Masaya is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Managua. A safe, quiet walking city lined with small shops and street vendors Masaya is a tourist magnet. The preservation of arquitecture gives us a taste of Old Nicaragua.

Across the street from the red star pharmacy an old lady spends her days selling pan de leche and cosa de horno. In the afternoon fritanga (street food) vendors start tricling out onto the streets. Always the same familiar faces. People in Masaya have worked hard to preserve their culture and traditions, to be unspoiled by foreign influences.

In one Read more

• April 11, 2011
• Culture, Places to Stay
• The Big Gringo

The city Rivas is full of history and culture. A visit to this town provides some true insight into Nicaragua’s culture and social development. The brick roads are traveled day after day by horse carriages, bicycle taxis, cars and travelers on foot. The bustling Mercado takes up several blocks, each lined with street vendors selling produce, rice, corn, beans, leather shoes and bags amongst other essentials. Only a few blocks away from there is an old colonial missionary home built around a courtyard. This home is now operating as a beautiful, historic hotel called La Misión.

The home which later became La Mision was bought by the owner’s family over 100 years ago. During that time it mainly functioned Read more

• January 24, 2011
• Adventure, Gringo Favorite, Places to Eat, Places to Stay, Travel Tips
• The Big Gringo

In 2009 the World Travel Awards recognized Hotel Barcelo Montelimar as Nicaragua’s Leading Hotel. Beating contenders like the Hilton Princess Managua and the five-time winner Real InterContinental Metrocentro Managua, Hotel Barcelo Montelimar really proved its worth as a world-class resort.

Thousands of guest flock to this resort every year to indulge in the all inclusive Montelimar experience. Located on the beach, the view is spectacular. It’s location is also convenient since it’s only 40 miles from the capital Managua and also close to other popular tourist destinations.

Bungalows and cabins are perfect for family fun or couples seeking a romantic getaway. There are also luxury rooms in the four-story building and a terrace with hammocks available to all guests. Read more

• October 12, 2010
• Places to Stay, Travel Tips
• The Big Gringo

A great vacation starts with a great hotel, but finding a great hotel in an awesome place, at the right price for you can be quite a challenge. So whatever your style is,  here’s two very unique hotels that are sure to please.

The town of Granada sits on the Lake of Nicaragua, also known as Cocibolca Lake. It is a colonial town where the streets are filled with beautiful colonial homes in all colors , shapes and sizes. In Granada on La Calzada road less than a kilometer from the lake, sits a grand colonial home that has been transformed into the breathtaking Hotel Dario. The hotel is equipped with A/C, a pool, jacuzzi, gym, and a ballroom. Read more

• August 15, 2009
• Business, News, Relocation, Travel Tips
• the nicaragua gringo

This information is posted on the US Department of State Travel Page.

To enter Nicaragua as a tourist, all you need to do is purchase a $5 tourist card upon arrival. Technically your passport also needs to be valid for the length of your stay in Nicaragua, not the six months that it does with most other countries. You also must have proof of travel onward, either back to your country of origin or to another country, and evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself while you are in Nicaragua. The funds aren’t exactly something you can prove at the airport, so they don’t particularly check for it, but you should make sure you have a ticket of travel onward, even if you plan on renewing your Read more