Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
During rainy season, roads flood, wash away and close. Some roads are never recommended for cas-
ual drivers, including the Río Blanco-Bilwi road, easily the worst in the country.
Road Hazards
Driving in Managua (heck, driving period) is not recommended after dark; even if you've rented a car,
consider taking taxis instead. Most sizable towns are mazes of unsigned one-way streets that prove a
boon to police officers in search of a bribe.
Your biggest danger on Nicaragua's highways isn't other cars (although gas stations selling liquor is
a worry), but rather everything else that uses the roads: from bicycle rickshaws to drunk, staggering
pedestrians and wandering wildlife. It's best to keep an eagle eye out and keep speeding to a minimum.
Road Rules
Nicaragua's traffic laws are pretty standard and universally ignored, although driving on the right, giv-
ing way to anything bigger than you, wearing a seat belt at all times and keeping speeds well below
50km/h in cities should keep you out of trouble.
There have been reports that traffic cops target foreigners, looking for a quick shakedown. Officers
may wave drivers over and accuse them of something as vague as 'poor driving.' Drivers should never
initiate a bribe - it may be an honest officer who just wants to give a warning. When a bribe is reques-
ted, prudent drivers pay it and are done with it.
In the event of a real ticket being issued, you'll need to surrender your license and then pay the fine
at the bank before picking up your documents at the departmental police station (which may be a fair
distance from where you were actually pulled over). The procedure may take several days and is more
than a little inconvenient.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is very common in Nicaragua, even by solo women - just stick out your thumb. Foreign
women, particularly those carrying all their bags, should think twice before hitchhiking solo. Never
hitchhike into or out of Managua.
In rural areas where bus service is rare, anyone driving a pickup truck will almost certainly stop for
you. Climb into the back tray (unless specifically invited up front) and when you want to get off, tap on
the cabin roof a couple of times.
You should always offer to pay the driver, which will almost always be refused.
Hitchhiking is never entirely safe, and we don't recommend it. Travellers who hitchhike should un-
derstand that they are taking a small but potentially serious risk.
