Nicaragua Fast Facts

Nicaragua Nicaragua

Population: 5,966,798

Capital City: Managua

Climate: Tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

Time Zone: GMT-6

Language: Spanish (official)

Country Code: 505

Coastline: 910km

Nicaragua: Beautiful and Affordable

Along Central America’s Pacific coast you’ll find rocky outcrops, world-class surf, and some of the most jaw-dropping views in the world. If it’s natural beauty you are after, Nicaragua is the jewel of this stretch of coast.

Today’s Nicaragua is like a newborn child, eyes bright with hope with a smile promising a great future. The country stuns with its physical beauty, something that surprises every newcomer. Majestic volcanoes pepper the horizon along the Pacific Ring of Fire, some with billows of white smoke, proclaiming the life within, while others sleep, protecting their sparkling crater lakes for you to enjoy.

Lake Colcibolca, the 19th largest lake in the world, houses Ometepe Island, a magical place that soothes the soul with its own lakes, volcanoes and verdant green forests. White sand beaches and turquoise water with low-hanging palms greet you on the Caribbean side of Nicaragua. Bosawas National Reserve offers a dense rainforest, second only to the Amazon in the Western Hemisphere. Hiking, rock climbing, floating down crystal clear rivers, surfing a volcano and more are only some of the adventures in Nicaragua.

Pacific Coast, Nicaragua
Pacific Coast, Nicaragua

Because Nicaragua is just emerging as a tourist and retirement destination, many take advantage of the economical real estate and rental prices to retire early. Ocean-view condos for under $100,000 still exist, as do fully-furnished apartments to rent for $400 to $500 a month with all amenities and a block’s walk to the beach. Don’t despair if you want “more” of a house, as upscale mansions with a 240-degree view of the ocean exist for those with deeper pockets. The truth is, you can easily build your dream house and your dream life in Nicaragua, for about an 8th of the price of what it would cost you back home.

Still lacking a strong infrastructure, Nicaragua, like Costa Rica maybe 40 years ago, offers people from the U.S. and Canada and elsewhere the role of true pioneers. These expats are helping to shape Nicaragua into the tourist mecca it will become. New government laws with unparalleled tax benefits help expats form corporations and open businesses with ease.

Nicaragua is not for everyone. It’s more primitive and wild than its Central American neighbors. It’s for the young-at-heart, who don’t worry if the electricity goes off, who don’t stress over guests arriving late, and who don’t want to sit around just watching TV when they retire. It’s for those with vision, who want adventure, want to feel young again, and who want to create their ideal retirement. Don’t wait any longer. Let Nicaragua surprise you.

Find Out More From Our Nicaragua Correspondent

From the Archives of Nicaragua

Retire in Nicaragua

Retire in Nicaragua

Countries
By |
April 10, 2017

Today, Nicaragua is a premier destination for Americans, Canadians, and Europeans thinking about retiring overseas. Driven by an early-in real estate investment opportunity, low property taxes, and a low cost of living tied to an increase in quality of life, Nicaragua is a hot destination for would-be expatriates looking to flee a rising cost of living in their home countries.

Travel to Nicaragua

Travel to Nicaragua

Countries
By |
February 3, 2017

There is a wealth of amazing sites and activities awaiting those who come to travel in Nicaragua. This Latin American gem, which is slightly smaller than the state of New York, is the largest of the Central American republics and boasts a wonderfully diverse landscape dotted with volcanoes and freshwater lakes. Nicaragua is flanked on its sides by the warm, blue Caribbean waters to the east and the striking Atlantic-made cliffs to the west.

San Juan del Sur vs Matagalpa: Which Part of Nicaragua Should you Retire To?

San Juan del Sur vs Matagalpa: Which Part of Nicaragua Should you Retire To?

Where to Retire
By |
September 29, 2016

Nicaragua is an economical paradise. Imagine your dream location, with your favorite views, the best weather you can imagine, plenty of things to do, lots of new friends, and all for only $1,500 a month. That works out at just $18,000 a year to live in this beautiful country including everything: a furnished place to live, food, WiFi, electricity, water, trash, entertainment—everything! And you can enjoy a higher quality of life to boot.

The 5 Best Towns in Latin America

The 5 Best Towns in Latin America

Slideshow
By |
July 13, 2016

What makes for a good retirement destination? For those on a budget (and those who aren’t) a place with a lower cost of living is key. But it’s not only about the money. You want to be comfortable and feel safe. Modern services like high-speed internet, top-notch medical care, and good value real estate are also important. And if you’re from a northern climate, the benefit of warm weather year-round (no more coats, no more snow tires) might be the biggest motivator.

Moving overseas with pets: best destinations?

Moving overseas with pets: best destinations?

Seriously considering an overseas move but we have 4 dogs and 2 cats, and I noticed that many places have small apartments / condos as their primary form of housing. I’d like to be near / on water, reasonably near a town of some size, and in a dog-friendly community where aI can get a Read more...: Moving overseas with pets: best destinations?

Is This the Perfect Ocean-View Retirement?

Is This the Perfect Ocean-View Retirement?

Beach Living
By |
July 17, 2015

“I go into my kitchen and look out over my pool to the ocean. I can see all the way to the mountains in neighboring Costa Rica. On my terrace are beautiful potted plants including orchids hanging from coconut trees. I feel blessed,” says Lawrence. Lawrence and Jeanne were living a high-powered life in the Big Apple, working and raising three children.

Climate in Nicaragua

Climate in Nicaragua

Nicaragua enjoys a tropical climate in the lowlands and is cooler in highlands. It has two distinct seasons, wet and dry. The wet season lasts from mid-May to November, with May and October being the wettest. Temperatures in this season usually range from 80° F to 90° F (27° C to 32° C). Expect short daily showers and a lush, green environment during the wet season. The wet season coincides with the best surfing months, as this is when swells from the southern hemisphere make their way up to Nicaragua.