Lured by the attractiveness of its culture, its people, its delectable food, and the low cost travel to Nicaragua, Americans have been traveling to this country in Central America since times immemorial. Back in the mid 1800’s, Tennessean filibuster, adventurer and mercenary William Walker landed in the coasts of Nicaragua looking for soft adventure travels and in a daring act of bravado declared himself its President shortly afterwards. Even after Walker was ousted from his short-lived seat of power, American influence in Nicaragua remained strong, which is precisely what motivated the rise of Nicaraguan most distinguished nationalist, Augusto Cesar Sandino. Today, Sandino’s image is mistaken by that of a communist, which he was not. His cause was only to insist that Nicaragua stay sovereign, free from any “Yankee” influences.
Nicaragua’s history is rich in pain and glory. During most of the 20th century, Nicaragua maintained a fairly decent level of productivity and economic health, at least compared to other Latin American countries. And though the social cost of such progress was high under such strict dictatorship, the Somoza Dynasty was indeed sanctioned by President Roosevelt himself, as he was once quoted saying “I know Somoza is a son of a bitch, but he is our son of a bitch”, proof of the level of American influence in the region.
As pressures mounted and the Somoza’s reign came to an end, the “Revolucion Sandinista” during the 1980’s marked an era of tumultuous transformation and precipitated an exodus of Nicaraguans fleeing mainly to the US, away from the instability, conflict and war. Though the cause was just, wanting food, health and education for all its citizens, the revolution failed miserably in accomplishing these noble ideals. Progress slowed down, way down, and it eventually brought Nicaragua’s economy back to how it had been even before Somoza’s regime –that’s 70 years back! All the happenings of the revolution, full of excitement, threats and even grave danger drew a host of soft adventure travel seekers such as journalists, pacifists, and foreign revolutionaries; all willing to partake in the making of history.
Visiting Nicaragua continues to entice Americans today. There are no self-proclaimed foreign presidents, dictators or revolutions going on; but there certainly is a wide variety of other exotic attractions. Endowed with nature’s beauty that refuses to be obliterated even after years of political and social disarray, as well as devastating natural disasters, Nicaragua proffers paradisiacal resorts such as Monte Limar and Selva Negra Mountain. For Mother Nature lovers, Centro Ecoturistico La Maquina is a true breath of fresh air, while Canopy Tours near the summit of the Mombacho Volcano is one of the best-kept secrets in town. Also, be sure to check out the Markets at Masaya for the most authentic exposure of native art and folklore.
With the advent of the Internet, online sites to find many cheap international flights to Nicaragua abound, as well as extremely inexpensive hotel accommodations, car rentals and travel packages in general. When you check them out, do make sure reputable and reliable traveling authorities have accredited these portals. Low cost travel Central America has never been so easy and accessible. Happy traveling!!
Author Resource:-
Gerardo B. Arenado is the founder of ACA Travel & Tours, which was established in 1978 in Santa Ana, California. Aca Travel & Tours, owner of www.4viajes.com , is recognized in the industry as a premier travel wholesaler. Find more information relating to travel south america archives , and mexico beach vacations here.
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