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 meal of the day. This usually consists of a combination of rice, beans, meat and a vegetable.  Dinner was a lighter meal, sometimes we just had beans, cheese and tortillas.
A classic Nicaraguan meal is Indio Viejo. This was my favorite dish we had while we stayed with this family. Meat is cooked slowly with garlic, bell peppers and onions until it shreds easily. Then it is mixed with cooked masa (same kind you would make tortillas out of) and it kind of turns into this thick meaty paste. We had it over white rice. It was the best thing we had in Ticuantepe.

Other typical meals include Baho (Vaho), Nacatamales and Quesillo. Another favorite is Vigoron because who doesn’t like chicharrones. The boiled yucca, cabbage salad and a lime wedge served are the perfect complement for crunchy, greasy, meaty chicharrones. Vigoron is more like street food and the plantain leaf it’s usually served on is the perfect to-go vessel.

Last but not least, dessert. My favorite dessert ever is Tres Leches. This is a white cake with vanilla smothered in a mixture of condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream and a touch of rum. The airy cake with a tall drink of sweetness is rich and light at the same time. This dessert takes a few simple ingredients and elevates them to something luxurious. For a classic Tres Leches recipe, click here.

This is only a taste of Nicaraguan cuisine. Want to share your Nicaraguan favorites? Please leave a comment!

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:

• Residency application form obtained from
  Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria
• Copies of every page of your passport.
  Translated ( only the first two pages).
• Two passport size photos with a white
  background.
• Criminal records
  going back five years, authenticated by the secretary of state, the
  nearest Nicaraguan Consulate and then the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores.
• Birth Certificate authenticated by the
  corresponding secretary of state, the nearest Nicaraguan Consulate and then the
  Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores.
• Health Certificate issued by your doctor,
  authenticated by the secretary of state, the nearest Nicaraguan Consulate and
  then the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores.
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
  authenticated by the secretary of state, the nearest Nicaraguan Consulate and
  then the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores.
• Document from bank or other financial
  institution proving a monthly income of at least $600 USD.
• Document , plus two photocopies, listing
  everything you plan to import into Nicaragua.

ALL documents need to be translated by an official translator in Nicaragua. The best thing to do is to get all your documents ready before you come to Nicaragua.  Communicate with the nearest Nicaraguan Consulate to make sure all documents are authenticated properly. Also remember some documents expire so you don’t want to get them ready too far ahead of time or you’ll have to get them again by the time you get to Nicaragua . Once you get here, take all your paperwork to Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores to get authenticated and then have it translated. Once you do that you take it all to Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria, fill out the application and turn in the paperwork.  For more information you can also contact the US Embassy in Nicaragua.

Once the application is in it’s just a waiting game to see if you’re approved or not. If you do your homework and get everything right the first time, it’ll be a breeze.

Leave a comment and share your experiences requesting residency in Nicaragua, good or bad we want to hear it.

•                  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 buses that have been painted in bright colors. These are very cheap and crowded. These buses make lots of stops so if you board one you should be prepared to spend a lot of time on the bus. Expreso buses are more expensive, ($0.25-0.50 USD extra) but they make less stops and are slightly less crowded. On any bus just tell the bus driver where you’re going and he’ll tell you where to get off.

•                  Minibuses. These cover the same distances as the regular buses for a higher price and added comfort. Get on, tell them where you need to stop along the established route, give them the money and sit down. These are usually much faster than buses but they can get crowded. It’s not rare to see a 20 person van filled with 30 passengers, some even standing.

•                  Taxis. Official taxis in Nicaragua have red license plates. Most are collective taxis which means you won’t be their only passenger. Agree on the price before getting on the taxi and if you’re boarding an empty taxi try to find others going in the same direction to fill the taxi right away. This will lower your fee. Ask locals about prices before you agree on a price with the cab driver.

•                  Caponera (mototaxis). These usually gather at different spots in a town and will pick up other passengers along the way. They usually only fit 4-5 people, although sometimes you can see extra passengers hanging off the sides. Caponeras are very affordable and perfect for short distance travel.

•                  Bicycle Taxis. These are very common in some smaller towns and a cheap option for short distance travel. The driver will pedal you to any destination within the town. These are not usually collective and they fit up to 3 people. A very cheap and fun way to travel.

•                  Horse drawn carriages. Some older colonial towns like Rivas, Granada and others also have many horse drawn carriages. For a small price they will give you a ride around town, take you to all the places to see and finally drop you off at your destination. This is a fun activity and a good way to travel short distances if you have the time.

For more information on the public transportation system click here.

Public transportation doesn’t have to be scary. Now what your options are and ask the locals. It won’t be long before you know how to get around in 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 side of town is the Mercado viejo or mercado artesanal. Here you will find only local masaya art. Anything from wood, leather, weaving and even dolls made out of corn husks. There are few food vendors in this market since it is dedicated to offer local artists a platform to present and profit from their hard work. This market is the most visited by tourists, the artwork is of truly good quality and the prices, though mostly reasonable, negotiable. As with any other market it would be wise to walk around  comparing prices before making a decision. Most artists are willing to offer discounts and will honor their offers when you come back from comparing prices. Many vendors speak a little English.

On the other side of town is the new market which has become the Mercado Municipal. The market covers 4 blocks with 850 covered stands and 1,200 outdoor stands. This is where regular people buy the basics like rice, beans, corn, meats, and vegetables. There is also an arts and crafts section where you can find the same quality work as the artisan’s market at highly discounted price. The catch? The market is much more crowded which doesn’t appeal to many tourists, but the effort is worth it.

Masaya, its markets and its many attractions including nearby Masaya Volcano are well worth a visit. Don’t forget to put it on your vacation checklist, visit Nicaragua’s arts and crafts capital.

The home which later became La Mision was bought by the owner’s family over 100 years ago. During that time it mainly functioned as a boarding house. Thus it became the home of many, including Eloy Canales the first man in Rivas to finish high school. He became a famous figure in Rivas and was later known as “Profesor de Profesores.”

In 2007 the home was completely rebuilt and remodeled , as it had suffered significant damage over the years. Allian Miranda Arcia is the owner, general manager and head chef of La Mision. Allian, his brother and local artisans designed much of the furniture in La Mision. The hotel finally opened in December 2010.

There are three suites, one smaller upstairs suite and a single room. All reservations include a delicious breakfast. Suites are spacious and luxurious, they include air conditioning, cable tv, hot shower, phone, wifi, private bathrooms and large closets. Large suites are $50USD per night and the upstairs suite is $35USD.  The single room is the room where Eloy Canales used to stay. In honor of him the room is available to travelers like himself. This room has a bunk bed, private bathroom, cable tv, fan, wifi and hot shower, all for only $25 USD. La Mision can be reached by calling (505)2563 0384.

La Mision may have opened recently, but they know what they’re doing. Tours are available to the family farm, where you can milk a cow or pick eggs. Which will probably end up in your breakfast! All the meat used in the meals is exportation grade, and even the juice comes from the sour orange trees on the property. Other tours are available to Ometepe Island or San Juan del Sur.  Additional spa services available are manicure, pedicure, massages and professional haircuts.

La Mision is a piece of Rivas history. Spend a relaxing, culturally enriching experience at this wonderful colonial home. Feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to colonial Nicaragua as horses trot lightly outside your window. Experience history, experience La Mision.

Check out what is cooking with the rest of our wandering Gringos at the Gringo Travel Network.

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. The all inclusive packages include buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as several bars open during the day. There are also preplanned activities led by resort staff including water aerobics, dance classes, amongst others.

Water Sports are a huge part of the Montelimar experience. In 2007 the resort was nominated for Central America’s Leading Water Sports Resort. Water sports isn’t the only thing Barcelo Montelimar does well. Massages, excursions, golf and horseback riding can also be added to your vacation plans for an additional charge.

Family-friendly evening shows and activities after dinner will keep the lively atmosphere going even after dark. Others can dance the night away at the discotheque or spend some time at the casino.  Night and day are filled with activities for all. Whether your goal is to rejuvenate or indulge, there is something just for you in Hotel Barcelo Montelimar.

Find out why Hotel Barcelo Montelimar in Nicaragua has been nominated for a World Travel Award six years in a row. Book your vacation now and you will be one step closer to the vacation of a life-time.

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. The Chocolate Cafeteria serves coffee, chocolate and great sandwiches. The Tranvia Restaurant serves gourmet food and great wines. So whatever you’re in the mood for, Hotel Dario is ready to satisfy your needs. Enjoy all of this plus a great view of Mombacho Volcano for only $80-$125USD per night.

If a colonial town is not your style then maybe small family-owned Hotel Sábalos sitting on River San Juan surrounded by the rainforest will peak your interest. There are nine rooms, simple and comfortable equipped with hot water shower heads and ceiling fans. If you want to relax, this is where you want to be. Lay in the hammock, go fishing or take a guided tour trough the forest. Head to the restaurant and enjoy a typical Nicaraguan meal or a fresh catch. This totally stress-free atmosphere is also great for those vacationing on a low budget with room rates, including breakfast, for $20-$36USD a night.

Whether you choose to delight in a frothy hot chocolate in The Chocolate Cafeteria or the day’s catch, make time for that vacation you know you deserve. Vacation with high style for low bucks at these two great hotels that won’t hurt your wallet.

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 tourist card, or applying for residency once in Nicaragua.

The tourist card that is issued is usually valid for 30 – 90 days. If you wish to stay for 90 days, request it right there on the immigration form given to you  most likely by your airline. If you don’t see the box asking for how long you want the visa for, make sure you ask the person admitting you to the country that you wish to get a 90 day visa. The cost is still the same – $5.

A departure tax of $32 is also charged, but most airlines include that in the price of the ticket.

Nicaraguan law stipulates that foreigners must always be in possession of a valid identity document while in Nicaragua. A valid passport with your entry stamp is acceptable, however, it is not advisable that you carry that with you. Instead, make a copy of the photo page and the page with your stamp on it. Carry that with you.

Technically Mombacho is a dormant volcano, and it is has 4 craters, with a summit of approximately 1200 meters. One of the neatest things about the summit is that due to the height and location of volcano, the resulting environment is a cloud forest.

Cloud forests are generally tropical or subtropical evergreen-moist mountain top forests with a high incidences of low-level cloud cover. Because of the moisture and make-up of the forest, they are often covered with moss, both on the ground and on the vegetation.

You can hike on your own, hire a guide from the biological station, or go with a tour company. If you decide to use a company, make sure and ask lots of questions, as almost anyone in Nicaragua feels they can be a tour guide.

To do it without a guide head straight to the volcano itself and enter the reserve. Once you go inside the reserve there is a truck that takes 4 trips up to the summit daily. You can take your own car, but you will want to make sure it is a 4 wheel drive vehicle, and that your driver is comfortable driving up steep hills. The ride takes about a half an hour. Make sure you bring a sweater as it is chilly up top!

There is a tourist center at the summit, with souvenirs and a cafeteria. You can also hire a guide to take you around the volcano.

For more information visit www.mombacho.com.

For hiking tours visit www.toursnicaragua.com

Head down to the Marina Cocibolca, where you can find plenty of rental and tour agencies. At NicarAgua Dulce you can choose between kayaks and electric boats. and go with or without a guide.

Make sure you bring a camera, and hire the guide (they only cost $5 an hour!). They make sure you see all the best sites. With NicarAgua Dulce you have the choice of going to a small private island (Zopango Island in Asese Bay) where you can eat fresh fish cooked on the BBQ, swim with the turtles, and chill out on comfortable hammocks.

While winding in and out of the over 300 little islets you can get some great shots of the Mombacho volcano, and see some amazing sites on the islands themselves. Apart from the animals and plant life, there are some incredible mansions, in contrast to the little houses constructed by the locals who live there.

Check out the NicarAgua Dulce web-site for help planning your trip to this amazing destination.

www.nicaraguadulce.com