Nicaragua Tourist Traps

Not that developed yet to have Tourist Traps

by Beast

One attractive feature to traveling throughout Nicaragua is that its tourism sector is in its infancy stages. This means there are few, if any, tourist traps. The closest thing I would call a tourist trap would be the horse drawn buggy rides in Granada. Be careful to arrange an exact price and tour time and locations toured before leaving. The biggest recommendation when traveling the typical tourist stops in Nicaragua is prices for services and goods. There has a tendency to be 2 different prices in the colonial cities and popular stops. When in a restaurant, get a menu and pay attention to prices and your bill. Sometimes restaurants will add stuff you did not order or increase the price because they know you are a foreigner. I would suggest gently bartering for artisan works but not too hard. Remember these people struggle to make ends meet every day. Don't beat them up too much on...

It's the backpacker capital of Nicaragua

by BorderHopper

Granada seems to be the mecca for backpackers in Nicaragua. Driving in to Granada you may notice hordes of European and American backpackers plying the crowded streets of Granada. I've done my share of backpacking so I'm not complaining, but I do realize that not everyone enjoys being around hordes of backpackers. First of all this tip is in no way meant to dissuade anyone from going to Granada...that would be foolish. If hanging out with backpackers isn't your thing then avoid the typical hostels and cheap hotels that cater to them.

Local Zoo - more like a cramped prison

by Hermanater

There is a zoo located between Managaua and Masaya. One person I was with wanted to go to the zoo to see the types of resident animals the call Nicaragua home. Seemed like a good Idea. It was nice to see the different animals. While the zoo was spread out, the confinments for the animals were small. A few of the animals looked sick. Not something I would support. If you go to the zoo, it is best to look at it as a learning experience to see the animals. It also provides jobs (at the animal's expense) in a country that is poor.

Managua navigation,this one...

by cosmopolit

Managua navigation,this one can not be avoided by the majority of firsttime visitors I'm afraid to say so. You even fail to tell whether you're taken for a ride or not as you sit in the cab. Lack of landmarks! I arrived at 22.30 at the airport and had to get through town to the other side. I felt lucky I was able to pay what was asked in USD and not in local currency which would have made it even worse.

You should make up your mind,...

by TanjaE

You should make up your mind, before donating money to kids. We've made the experience in Nicaragua, that one boy really became aggressive, when we didn't give him money. Three other kids looked poor, we gave them some coins so they could buy somethng to eat ...well, I must admit now, they used the money to drive with some motorcycles in the nearby amusement park (well, I don't mind them, they're kids...and kids want to have fun). Just to show you, that many already know that it's simple to get money from tourists...

A tourist trap in Nicaragua...

by warlord

A tourist trap in Nicaragua can be defined as a place that has more than one foreign visitor at a time. Let me know if you find any!

Jesus_2001's Tourist Trap Tip

by Jesus_2001