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Is Nicaragua safe to travel right now? MAY 2018

Managua, Nicaragua
41 posts
Is Nicaragua safe to travel right now? MAY 2018

You decided you wanted to visit Nicaragua, and have heard really good things about it, you bought your tickets, planned your holidays, but all of the sudden it looks like a war zone in the news and now you are probably wondering, is it safe to travel to Nicaragua right now? This post is for you.

Even though I work in the tourism industry, what you are about to read is my most honest opinion and real facts, the purpose of this post is to give you information, so you can make your own decision.

Nicaragua is currently experiencing a political crisis, after the reform of the social security law, students and other sectors raised in protest in the main cities of Nicaragua. These protests were severely repressed by the police resulting in 63 deaths. Something that at least my generation has never experienced before.

After this, many sectors of society reacted with multiple pacific manifestations, that still go on every day until this day. And I don’t think is going to stop any time soon.

US government has issued a level 3 travel alert which means “reconsider travel”.

But you are here because you wanna know if it really affects your travel, and if it’s safe for you to be in Nicaragua right now.

I firmly believe that at any point of your travel you will not be in any physical danger related to political violence, you are a tourist in this country and not a real target for any of the sides. Unless you wanna participate on the protests, is safe to say that no, you are not in danger.

The situation it’s actually very calm in all the beaches, volcanoes (except the active ones, those you never know), lagoons, Ometepe, Río San Juan, Corn Island, Little Corn Island; nothing is really happening over there. In the bigger cities like Managua, Granada, Masaya, León, Matagalpa, Estelí, you need to be aware of where the “hotspots” are in case there is one, but no necessarily avoid visiting these places, just be aware.

What I think could be your worst case scenario, is getting your mobility compromised by a road block or something like that. Which actually happened to me at the peak of the protests. If you are in this situation execute common sense. If you are safe where you are, stay there. But keep in mind is your worst-case scenario.

I think you can still have a great experience in Nicaragua, especially if you are a fan of lonely beaches and want to learn about Nicaragua’s history in the making, it’s the perfect time to be in Nica.

I’ll keep this post updated in case the situation changes.

https://casaluciamanagua.com/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-nicaragua-right-now/

Washington DC...
191 posts
9 helpful votes
1. Re: Is Nicaragua safe to travel right now? MAY 2018

I appreciate you posting this. I bought a ticket to go to Nicaragua for three weeks in July today and had been going back and forth on it, reading news and other information outlets (like this one), and in general being hesitant about buying a ticket. This definitely puts me more at ease; please keep the post updated, though, in case anything changes, and I hope the country finds a peaceful resolution soon.

Washington DC...
191 posts
9 helpful votes
2. Re: Is Nicaragua safe to travel right now? MAY 2018

Could you tell me if a hotel I have booked in Granada would be in a "hotspot" area?

Chatham, Canada
2 posts
3. Re: Is Nicaragua safe to travel right now? MAY 2018

thank you , I love Nicaragua, I was there a week before this started, and I WILL be visiting again the first week of July !

Managua, Nicaragua
41 posts
4. Re: Is Nicaragua safe to travel right now? MAY 2018

Well this on day by day basis, at the worst of the protest 2 weeks ago it was in the central park area and the municipality building. But if for example, yesterday, nothing happened in Granada.

Chester
426 posts
3 helpful votes
5. Re: Is Nicaragua safe to travel right now? MAY 2018

And I’ve been in Leon, Matagalpa and Masaya over last 8 days and also nothing has happened. All is normal and feels very safe, relaxed and comfortable.

Pleasant View...
5 posts
6. Re: Is Nicaragua safe to travel right now? MAY 2018

Thank you for this. We have tickets to fly into managua in July as well and plan to visit Tipitapa, Matagalpa, Las Penitas, and Granada. My son served an LDS mission in Managua and is so excited to meet up with many friends and to introduce them to us. I hope things continue to improve and to be safe for tourists!

Managua, Nicaragua
41 posts
7. Re: Is Nicaragua safe to travel right now? MAY 2018

July is way ahead in the future, just be monitoring the situation in case there is a major change , i'll of course say it. Tipitapa is a little bit sketchy even without the current context, but i'm sure if your son served there, he sure knows people there and knows his way around.

Princeton, New...
90 posts
23 helpful votes
8. Re: Is Nicaragua safe to travel right now? MAY 2018

I also just got back. I travel to NI often.

Just keep an eye on the news (La Prensa in Nicaragua) to see what's happening.

If you want a local person with good information and who can tell you how things are near the hotel you reserved in Granada (or Masaya), Nelson at Samaritan Tours is a good friend and good resource.

Also good if you want to explore...Managua, Masaya, Granada...or take an outdoor adventure. My friend Nelson is great. Find him on Facebook @ Samaritan Tours or 505 8550 8133 on WhatsApp

I'm asking anyone who is in Nicaragua and is able, to use local guides and support local small and individual businesses. They have taken a really hard financial hit since the unrest in April.

The Dalles, Oregon
118 posts
15 helpful votes
9. Re: Is Nicaragua safe to travel right now? MAY 2018

https://fusion.tv/story/590043/nicaragua-has-discovered-a-vaccine-for-fake-news/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

I have lived in Nicaragua, still live in Central america, have friends down there that I am in in contact with.

Demonstration today, and it is a potential powder keg is what people, that are not connected to a business, are saying. They want a change in government.

Rio de Janeiro, RJ
1 post
55 helpful votes
10. Re: Is Nicaragua safe to travel right now? MAY 2018

Thanks for the info

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