Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
bundles of cornmeal, meat, vegetables and herbs),
baho
(plantain and beef stew) and
rundown
(seasoned fish or meat cooked in coconut milk with root vegetables).
Nicaragua has a wonderful array of fresh fruits which are often sold cut up in small bags on the side
of the road or as
frescos naturales
(juices in water with sugar)
.
EATING PRICES
Price indicators for eating options in this book denote the cost of a typical main course.
Price Indicator US$
$
less than 5
$$
5-10
$$$
more than 10
Gay & Lesbian Travelers
While consensual gay sex was recently decriminalized in Nicaragua, attitudes may take a bit longer to
change. As in most of Latin America, gay and lesbian travelers will run into fewer problems if they
avoid public displays of affection, and ask for two beds and then push them together. That said, lots of
Nicaraguan gays and lesbians flaunt their sexuality, so you probably won't have much difficulty figur-
ing out the scene.
Get started on the web at
www.gaynicaragua.org
, which has some listings. There are a small selec-
tion of gay and lesbian bars and clubs in Managua and a vaguely tolerant scene in Granada, but apart
from that, it's a pretty straight (acting) country.
Health
Most visitors to Nicaragua travel without incident; however, as a developing nation with poor infra-
structure and a tropical climate there are certain medical conditions to be aware of to avoid an unneces-
sary visit to the doctor.
Stomach problems and diarrhea are the result of bacteria, viruses and parasites which may be present
in contaminated food and water. Many other illnesses affecting travelers, such as infected bug bites,
rashes and heat exhaustion, are the result of Nicaragua's tropical climate.
Other more serious diseases are carried by infected mosquitoes. Bring clothes that provide protection
against bites and repellent.
