Typical Nicaraguan Dish: Nacatamal:

Date: December 28 2011

A nacatamal is a delicious Nicaraguan dish made from corn dough, which is spread on a plantain leaf, then filled with pork, rice, a slice of potato, bell pepper, tomato, and onion. The dough and filling are then wrapped in the plantain leaf, tied with a string, and then boiled for several hours as seen in this photo.

Nicaraguan painter Armando Morales dies at the age of 84:

Date: November 17 2011

The ORO Travel team is very sad to hear about the loss of the famous Nicaraguan painter Armando Morales. Originally from Granada, he is an internationally prominent painter and one of the most important figures of Latin American art. Morales has received many awards for his works including his first award at the Central American Painting Contest "15 de septiembre" which was held in Guatemala in 1956, where he received the award for a painting which he named "Spook-Tree". After his stay and work for many years in New York, Paris and Madrid, he returned for about ten years to Granada, his favorite town.  In 1982, Morales was awarded the order of Ruben Dario from the Nicaraguan government. His diverse collection of paintings has been showcased all over the world. His name and work will remain immortal in Latin American culture and art, after his passing on November 16th in Miami at the age of 84.

Medical Tourism in Nicaragua:
Destination: Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador
Date: November 09 2011

According to Mr. Marios Salinas, Head of the Nicaraguan National Institute of Tourism (INTUR), the medical tourism has grown 100% in the last two years in Nicaragua. Current figures provided by (INTUR) states that over one thousand foreign travelers visited last year national clinics and just the year before they were approximately five hundred. If we compare this number of tourists coming for medical care to the country with the number of tourists that visit Nicaragua (around one million) is very small, but it is a potential sector that keeps growing. Just recently (INTUR) promoted Nicaragua medical services offered by Metropolitan and Central Hospital in the United States.


Masaya’s Traditions “Aguizotes and Torovenado”:
Destination: Masaya • Source: ORO Travel
Date: October 13 2011

Masaya, a small town settled in the pacific region of Nicaragua and just half an hour from Granada, is celebrating this month its patron saint “San Jeronimo”. This colorful festivity is regarded as the largest celebration in the country, from September to November. A remarkable feature of this important event is the performance of “Los Aguizotes”, where thousands of people wear costumes and mask featuring spirits of the dead and characters from indigenous horror stories, mainly originated during the Spanish conquest including the “Oxen Chariot of Death”, “the Headless Priest”, “La Mocuana”, “La Cegua”, etc..


Turtles’ arrival by thousand in Nicaragua’s Pacific coast:
Destination: Granada • Source: La Prensa
Date: September 29 2011

The largest Central American country, Nicaragua, is privileged to welcome every year thousands of Olive Ridley Turtles in its south pacific coast. “La Flor Wild Refuge” expects this year the arrival of more than 200 thousand turtles, especially between the months of July and January. At this moment some 70 thousand have already arrived and laid their eggs.

Granada is noticeably improving its infrastructure:
Destination: Granada • Source: La Prensa
Date: September 21 2011

A recent funding from the Central Government of Nicaragua was released to improve chiefly the main streets of the historical colonial city of Granada. Such mayor work has been coordinated by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation along with the city hall of Granada. The damaged paving streets by rain and time are being re-asphalted, this includes the streets of Xalteva, La Libertad, San Juan del Sur, Shell Palmira, Calle Nueva and other major avenues. According to the local authorities 40% of the re-paving work has been executed.


US$ 1.9 million for Granada:
Destination: Granada • Source: La Prensa
Date: September 16 2011

Next October Granada will start facing an architectural renovation that will improve the promotion of the city. A total amount of US$1.9 million will be invested the next coming months on the restoration of several important touristic sites. The purpose of these meaningful projects is to lure more travelers to the city, which at the moment receives fifty percent of the tourists that travel to Nicaragua every year. According to the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR) 460 thousand tourists came in 2010 to Granada.


Nicaragua rural community preserves wildlife sanctuary:
Destination: San Juan del Sur • Source: La Prensa
Date: September 03 2011

Many years ago the idea about protecting the natural resources of the country did not have a great impact on peoples’ mind. Today this mentality is changing and the “Nicas” are becoming more aware about the importance of preserving the environment for the future generations. There is a rural community in the central pacific region of Nicaragua, situated chiefly in the Department of Carazo, which has been able to live in harmony with nature. “La Chota”, a community inhabited by approximately 600 people and based in the buffer zone of “the Escalante river – Chacocente wildlife refuge”, is currently preserving this dry tropical forest sanctuary.

The benefits of clean Energy:
Destination: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua • Source: La Prensa
Date: July 25 2011

Two years ago the consortium “Amayo” opened up operations in Nicaragua to generate clean energy in the country. This very important wind mill project is located in the isthmus of the department of Rivas, a 20 kilometer strip of land that divides Lake Nicaragua and the Pacific Ocean. This region holds constant and quality wind allowing a great production of energy. Amayo first started operating with 20 wind mills; today they have expanded the investment to 30 wind mills producing 63 megawatts.

Granada will receive an investment of US$1.5 millions:
Destination: Granada • Source: La Prensa
Date: July 05 2011

The Spanish Agency of International Cooperation for Development, the European Union and the Inter-American Bank for Development approved an investment of US$1.5 millions for 5 different important projects in the colonial city of Granada. This money will be invested on the completion renovation work of “La Calzada” street, the restoration of San Juan de Dios old hospital, the renovation of the Spanish fortress, “La Polvora”, the construction of small scale docks for boats that provides tours around the “isletas” and the renewal of the “Parque Azul” by Lake Nicaragua.

Leon’s Cathedral is appointed World Heritage by UNESCO:
Destination: Leon • Source: El Nuevo Diario
Date: June 29 2011

The whole country of Nicaragua is celebrating the recently announcement by UNESCO which declared Leon’s Cathedral a World Heritage. The construction of this magnificent building began in the middle of the XVIII century and was finished at the beginning of the XIX century. Such temple, regarded as the largest cathedral in Central America, posses an extraordinary historical value. Its rich architecture is a well performed blending of two different styles, a transition between the baroque and neoclassical.


Ometepe, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, achieves the ninth convention of tourism:
Destination: Ometepe Island • Source: El Nuevo Diario
Date: June 25 2011

This last weekend the paradisiacal island of Ometepe became the natural site for accomplishing the ninth convention of tourism. This event was organized and sponsored by the Tourism Committee of the Nicaraguan Congress, the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) and the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR). They all concluded that Ometepe needs to strengthen its promotion based on community rural tourism, adventure activities and beach.

Central America So small....So big:
• Source: La Prensa and CANATUR
Date: May 20 2011

Central America is a small piece of land located in the middle of North and South America. It only occupies 1% of the globe but it posses about 8% of the biodiversity of the planet. Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama are the seven countries that constitute Central America with a total space of 500, 000 square kilometers and almost 40 million people. More and more travelers feel attracted for these new destinations. Rich in history, geography, culture, gastronomy and friendliness, Central America is gaining more popularity among tourists from all over the world.

“Air Nicaragua” starts operations in July.:
• Source: La Prensa
Date: May 18 2011

In order to facilitate and increase the number of travelers to Nicaragua, “Air Nicaragua”, the new Nicaraguan airline will start operations next July. According to Mr. Adolfo Membreno, Air Nicaragua Business coordinator, the airline will be flying to/from Cuba, Venezuela and Mexico. The Europeans, Canadians and Americans will have the chance to fly from these destinations to Nicaragua. In this moment “Air Nicaragua” is also having conversation with Aeroflot airlines to establish a connection with Russia through Habana Cuba.


Nicaragua will celebrate its “Second International Tourism Fair”:
• Source: La Prensa
Date: May 01 2011

As a part of the strategy to promote Nicaragua as a tourist destination, the Nicaraguan Tourism Board (INTUR) and the tourism private sector have announced the presentation of the “Second International Tourism Fair”. Such big event will take place this May 27th and 28th at the Crown Plaza Hotel Convention Center with the participation of more than 50 international tour agencies from 12 different countries. Mario Salinas, Head of INTUR, informed that approximately 130 local companies will also participate in the fair, including domestic tour operators, airlines, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, among others.

Nicaragua expands its flying offers through “Nicawings” airline:
• Source: La Prensa
Date: March 12 2011

Last January the Canadian company “Alliance Air Support Inc”, operating in Nicaragua under the name Nicawings, opened up its services to the public by the first “hydroplane” or seaplane flying through Nicaragua. The hydroplane will be flying to different destinations including San Juan river, Corn Island, Pearl Lagoon, Isla de Ometepe and other important tourist attractions. A second water plane is due to arrive this year with more passenger capacity. The inauguration trip departed from “Asese Port” in Granada to “San Juan de Nicaragua”. Canadians, Germans and Americans were among the first participants in the opening.

Nature air, a reputable regional airline, opens operation in Nicaragua:
• Source: La Prensa
Date: March 04 2011

This March the regional airline “Nature Air” re-opened operations in Nicaragua, flying from San Jose-Costa Rica to Liberia, Costa Rica and then Liberia to Managua. Nature Air is a premier Central American airline for adventure travel, luxury vacations and eco-tours. Due to the world crisis Nature Air stopped flying to Nicaragua two years ago, but with the economy on recovery and the increasing of travelers to Costa Rica and Nicaragua, they decided to start off operation again.Nature Air will operate two aircrafts in Nicaragua with four flights during the week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday).

Nicaragua visited in 2010 by “One million travelers”:
• Source: La Prensa
Date: December 30 2010

Nicaragua is a new up and coming tourist destination and is continuously gaining more popularity with travelers from all over the world. Last December (29th) Mrs. Dani Lathan-Reid, coming from the United States, became the number “one million tourist” who entered Nicaragua to visit the cultural and natural wonders of the country. Lathan-Reid along with Mr. Gerald Frederick both were welcomed at Managua International Airport by Minister of Toursim, Mr. Mario Salinas. “This is our first time in Nicaragua, we were told that the country is lush, the beaches are beautiful and its people are warm and welcoming,” stated Lathan-Reid.

Major tourist investment on paradisiacal Nicaraguan Pacific Coast.:
• Source: La Prensa
Date: November 02 2010

 “Grupo Pellas”, one of Nicaragua’s largest capital conglomerates, has announced recently the initiation of the most significant private investment on the south pacific coast of Nicaragua. The total amount of the venture is $250 million dollars. This important project is divided into two different phases. A first phase is to be completed in three years with the construction of a world class 35 bedroom boutique hotel, residential areas and a golf course. The name of this project is “Guacalito de la Isla” constituted by Manzanillo and Guacalito beach, greatly acknowledged by their natural surroundings, beautiful beaches, waves for surfing and other water sports.

First International Tourism Fair in Nicaragua FENITUR:
Destination: Managua • Source: ORO Travel
Date: June 26 2010

The National Tourism Chamber of Nicaragua (CANATUR), AC Events and the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism organized the first international tourism fair in Nicaragua (FENITUR 2010). The main goals of the fair was to contribute with the promotion of the country as a local and international tourist destination, to establish important commercial relationship among the participants, to introduce new destinations and to consolidate networks of regional and international markets. This important event had a significant support from the international agency USA-AID with the program “Enterprise and Job”, the Enterprise Center Pellas Foundation with funds from the government of Holland and tour companies affiliated to CANATUR.


“Ometepe” is designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO:
Destination: Ometepe Island • Source: La Prensa; El Nuevo Diario; ORO Travel
Date: June 03 2010

The impressive volcanic island of Ometepe was added to the list of world biosphere reserves network of UNESCO. The island was nominated unanimously during the twenty second session of the Council for International Coordination of Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB-UNESCO). This program was established in 1977 to promote an interdisciplinary approach to research, training and communications in ecosystem conservation and rational use of natural resources. Biosphere reserves are protected areas that are meant to demonstrate a balanced relationship between man and nature.


CBS announced "Survivor" in Nicaragua:
Destination: San Juan del Sur • Source: La Prensa
Date: May 18 2010

American broadcaster CBS announced in New York that Nicaragua has been chosen as the next destination for the filming of “Survivor”. The beaches on the South coast of the Pacific Nicaragua will become the new stage of one of the most successful TV series during the 21st and 22nd season, after a careful process of selection of producers including assessing the ability of the country to host a program of this magnitude. Some of the factors taken into account when evaluating the potential of Nicaragua as host were the climatic conditions of the country, the capacity to accommodate the production of the series, access to areas of filming and the existence of spectacular natural beauty.

Vaccination campaign for America and the Caribbean:
Destination: Nicaragua
Date: May 03 2010

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) selected Nicaragua to launch the Vaccination campaign for America and the Caribbean. Masaya became the headquarters of the launch of the eighth week of vaccination in the Americas last 24th of April, a campaign launched by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) which expects to reach 45 million people in the countries of America and the Caribbean. Mrs. Mirta Rosses, Director of PAHO, accompanied by President Daniel Ortega as well as authorities of the Ministry of health (Minsa), stated that they chose Nicaragua this year because the country has almost a hundred percent coverage in all vaccines and set an example to others nations.

Nicaragua's unique Easter festivities:
Destination: Granada, Leon • Source: La Prensa
Date: April 06 2010

Every year the Nicaraguan people celebrate with great passion “Easter”, becoming probably the most important religious festivity in the whole country. Certainly colorful processions are the most popular way to show the spiritual fervor of the nation during this time of the year. But there are some traditional and unique approaches which turn this significant event into an unusual one. One of these curious activities is the extraordinary horse and oxen cart procession that each year depart from the Departments of Carazo, Masaya, Granada and Rivas and arrive at the national sanctuary of “Jesus del Rescate” in Popoyuapa, a small community in Rivas.

The Nicaraguan Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will benefit 89 thousand citizens:
Destination: Rio San Juan • Source: La Prensa
Date: December 18 2009

 The paving of this road will indeed bring a lot of benefits to local transportation service. Mr. Luis Gonzalez, major of the Almendro municipality, stated that this type of development project had been expected for many years by the local inhabitants and they feel so happy and proud that they will have a new paved road that will eventually improve the social and economic situation of this region. This significant work is financed by the Inter-American Bank of Development. The total pavement will cover a distance of 125 kilometers (78 miles) and it has been divided into four phases.

Nicaraguan cigars are ranked among the best in the world by magazine “Cigar Aficionado”:
Destination: Nicaragua, Honduras, Cuba, Dominican Republic • Source: Nuevo Diario
Date: July 16 2009

The international acknowledged magazine Cigar Aficionado selected eight different Nicaraguan cigar brands among a list of 25 for 2008. Two out of the eight Nicaraguan brands got a grade of excellence, “Casa Magna” and “Colorado Robusto”; they used the best tobacco leaves from Esteli, Madriz and Nueva Segovia. In order to be positioned above traditional cigar producing countries such as Cuba, Dominican Republic and Honduras, the Nicaraguan companies needed to implement strict and unique norms of quality as well as the traditional use of women hands in the cigar manufacturing.

The nicaraguan “Elba Rivera”, a symbol of women’s rights, will be face to face with G8:
Destination: Nicaragua • Source: La Prense translata and review
Date: June 20 2009

Elba Rivera will be the only woman delegate from the American continent to take the voice of millions next July in Italy before the assembly of “Group of Eight”. She is a member of “Women8”, an organization of eight women from different regions of the world who were selected by Oxfam International which promotes health and education through projects. They were chosen because they are the heads of these projects and have made positive impacts on women’s lives. These women have in common their undeniable leadership; work on education, and improving essential services as water and health.


Nicaraguan Community Movement received an award from the Organization of United Nations (ONU).:
Destination: Nicaragua • Source: La Prensa
Date: June 18 2009

The non-governmental organization Nicaraguan Community Movement and Egyptian doctor Mahmud Fathalla received the Organization of United Nations 2009 People Award for their commitment on medical assistance and social service to the less favored people. The award ceremony was held at the headquarters of the United Nations by the General Secretary Ban ki-moon. This important prize was given to Mr. Enrique Picado, representative of the Nicaraguan Community Movement. Mr. Ban stated that we all know that people’s problems are not a matter of figures but about people. When we talk about maternal mortality, we are not talking about statistics, we are talking about tragedies.


Nicaraguan Telecommunication has been expanded to 8 digits:
• Source: ORO Travel News
Date: May 10 2009

Nicaragua telecommunication has expanded and improved its telephone service by adding another digit to cell-phones and conventional phones since April 22nd of this year. Before all telephones were operating with 7 digits. This important change has been made with the purpose to improve the service to the customers and keep up with the rest of the countries in Latin America. This new digit number structure has better capacity to administer effectively the current national numbers of telecommunications. This change took into account the future needs of the Nicaraguan telecommunication and anticipates the demand growth, customer’s service and technological innovation.

Central American countries will promote their regional tourist brand in Europe:
• Source: www.intur.gob.ni
Date: May 09 2009

The Central American ministers of tourism agreed on the meeting of the Tourism Council of Central America in Panama about promoting the Isthmus in Europe. During a press conference, Nicaraguan minister of tourism and interim president of The Central American Council of Tourism (CCT), Mario Salinas, stated that starting from May a marketing study will be put into action to know about the impact of the central American brand in counties like Italy, France, Germany, England and Spain.

Ometepe could become one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world.:
Destination: Ometepe Island
Date: May 08 2009

One of the most natural precious jewels of Nicaragua is Ometepe, a volcanic island formed by two imposing volcanoes located on the second largest freshwater lake in Latin America. Today Ometepe, a native Nahuatl word, which stands for “Two Hills” is competing along with others islands of the world to become one of the new 7 natural wonders of the planet. This tough competition is being carried through the website of “The New7Wonders Foundation & Campaign” established in 2001 by the Swiss-born Canadian filmmaker, author and adventurer Bernard Weber to contribute to the protection of the world’s human-built and natural heritage and to foster respect for the cultural diversity on our planet.

International Tourism fair in Nicaragua:
Destination: Managua, Ometepe Island
Date: November 03 2008

The Central American Travel Market (CATM) is the official tourism fair in this region created in 2003. This is a very important event where whole seller travel agencies from Europe, Asia and the United States participates and visit the different interesting attractions of Central America. Each nation agreed that every year this significant fair would take turns in different countries. This year (CATM) was held in the city capital of Managua, Nicaragua in the Crown Plaza convention center. This is the fifth edition; the first one was in Guatemala in 2004, the second one in Panama, the third edition in Honduras and Costa Rica last year.

Somoto's Grand Canyon...:
Destination: Esteli
Date: July 10 2008

Somoto's Grand Canyon or Namancambre Canyon.  Somoto, meaning The Valley of Geese, is a municipality of Madriz a northern department of Nicaragua. Located at 216 kilometers from Managua.The Somoto Canyon (Cañón de Somoto) is an enormous geological formation that stretches for over one kilometer with steep walls that reach at certain points over 200 meters in height. . The Canyon has around 10 ponds (pools) in which you can go through using inner tubes. There is also a beach in the bottom of the Canyon, where the waters of the Tapacali and the Comali river come together forming the Rio Coco or Wangky (Coco River).


Nicaragua is proud to have one...:
Destination: Chinandega
Date: July 10 2008

Nicaragua is proud to have one of the best rums in the world with unique smoothness and flavor. Flor de Caña that stands for “flower of sugar cane” is the Nicaraguan rum produced in the fertile soils of Chichigalpa and it was first produced in 1890 in the San Antonio sugar mill. Flor de Caña produces the finest rum sticking to the tradition of slow-aging method, thus offering a wide range of choices of 4,5,7,12,15 and 18 years. This delicate process happens in small white oak barrels, making it into exceptional high quality rum. Flor de Caña has been awarded with 72 international medals and 13 recognitions in the last five years.

ORO Travel joins the Rain Forest Alliance...:
Destination: Granada
Date: July 10 2008

With more than 800 million travellers each year, tourism is a growing source of revenue for people living in areas that are especially rich in plants, animals and beaches, yet threatened with destruction. While tourism can lead to problems such as waste, habitat destruction and the displacement of local people and wildlife, it also has the potential to provide incentives for conservation. Based on that important fact, ORO Travel decided to join the Rainforest Alliance, a non-governmental organization (NGO) working to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.


The Fortress with lots of history...:
Destination: Masaya
Date: June 13 2008

The cold and dark cells of this place hold a lot of stories, episodes that marked the political life of Nicaragua. This remarkable site is still standing as a witness of the past, but now the fortress is preserved by the boy scouts and visited by tourists who come to learn about the events that converted it into an icon in our country. Walking through the paths of this place is like going back in time to real Nationalism and revolutionary spirit. Imagining about the life conditions of the inmates in this type of place, it makes us think about insurrections and battles on which many Nicaraguan and foreigners left behind their legacy written with blood in the history of our homeland.


Nicaraguan Coffee a “Cup of Excellence”...:

Date: April 28 2008

Have you ever tried a cup of coffee with explosions of flavor such as chocolate, peach, honey, citrus, orange, tangerine, vanilla or caramel? Well, these are some descriptions of the winning coffees in the “Cup of Excellence” competition. “Taza de Excelencia” meaning “Cup of Excellence” is a competition that started in Brazil 11 years ago through the initiative of Alliance Coffee Excellence. This is a non-profit organization that selects the best coffees from the harvest each year. Soon after, the competition was replicated in Colombia, Bolivia and Central America, becoming one of the most renowned events in the coffee world.