Conflict in Nicaragua – Traveling in a Time of Crisis

When I chose Nicaragua as the destination of my big trip in 2018, I was far from predicting that the country would be in conflict at the time of my visit. With the airline tickets purchased in January and some booked stays, I began to hear about the conflict in Nicaragua weeks before departure.

When President Ortega announced the increase in taxes and cuts in the social reforms, it was the drop of water for the Nicaraguan people. Demonstrations against the ruler and his executive began at the hands of university students but soon spread throughout the country.

Roadblocks found in the capital, Managua

Taking the pulse of the conflict in Nicaragua

On the eve of the trip, I was contacting our expat’s friends who live there or whom we knew and who were in the place on vacation. The information was that there were demonstrations in various cities and roadblocks, but nothing indicated that the situation was aggravating. We decided to go ahead.

What I found was a country in turmoil, but I never felt insecure. The trips were longer because the roadblocks were too many, just letting vehicles pass from time to time. But leaving the road and the main cities, like Managua, to the shoreline, we almost weren’t aware of what was happening. Except for comments that were often exchanged between tourists and locals.

A wonderful people…

The topic of conversation couldn’t be another: the conflict in Nicaragua. Of those responsible for the lodgings where I stayed, to the gentleman with whom I sat down to have a coffee by the side of his small shop, everyone with whom we spoke regretted the situation. “We are sad about what’s happening, and we don’t want you to get a bad impression of us or our country. We want you to return one day to visit us, “said the man with the cup of coffee in his hand, stressing his fear that this whole situation will become the same as in Venezuela.

At the barricades were we stopped, we got out of the car, and we approached the men who were stone (literally) and lime cutting the road. With frowned faces and grave expressions — for many, even scary — they began to explain calmly and correctly that they couldn’t let us through. They were defending their rights, fighting against a dictatorial government and asking for our understanding. “For a free Nicaragua!” we could read everywhere.

In one of these road barriers, near Granada, they distributed a small piece of paper apologizing to the drivers for the inconvenience caused.

Paper distributed on one of the roadblocks

Although the protests are peaceful, the truth is that dozens of Nicaraguans have died or been injured in situations of conflict with the police.

… but in danger

Although this black count is one of the saddest results of the entire conflict in Nicaragua, another aspect is making people worried.

During the last years, Nicaragua has affirmed itself as one of the best tourist destinations in Central America, even surpassing neighboring Costa Rica. Tourists have begun to turn to this country for its natural beauty, cultural past, safety, and of course for the surf. A whole economy began to develop around this sector.

However, the current internal situation has alienated foreigners, and this has been reflected in the business, with terrible consequences for the people and their families who take their income from here.

During my stay, I became aware of several lodgings that decided to send many workers home because the influx of clients didn’t justify their presence and their expense. This, coupled with the fact that everything is happening in the rainy season (low season), affects, even more, the businesses and the Nicaraguans.

One of the many sessions spent inside the car on Nicaraguan roads

Conflict in Nicaragua without end in sight

At this moment I can’t guarantee that a trip to Nicaragua will be calm and free of danger. Demonstrations, roadblocks, clashes with the authorities continue and, to date, no end in sight.

You can always venture out and, from what I have experienced, you’ll be welcomed by the Nicaraguans. Their “war” is with the government and not with the tourists. And then there’s always the advantage of being able to visit the country with fewer tourists than usual.

I decided not to stop writing the articles I have in mind about Nicaragua. It’s my way of helping the people and ensuring that their country continues to be seen as a travel destination. A small contribution so that people continue to have jobs and that the last events aren’t the only image that we have of that place.

One thing I assure you: the country is beautiful and well worth visiting! And even if it’s not now, let it be soon, when, hopefully, things will be calmer.

[Tweet “”We do not want to reach the point reached by Venezuela “- Inhabitant of Nicaragua”]

My Advice for a Trip in Time of Conflict

• Before the trip, find out what’s happening. Read the news, check out the situation with official authorities (e.g., in Portugal: Foreign Affairs). Try to talk to someone who’s in the country or who have been recently
• Let your family and friends know about your itinerary
• Give frequent news back home about your wanderings in the country
• Take your embassy or consulate number
• Keep up to date with the latest news and places to avoid
• Talk to locals. They can advise you better or even help in case of danger
• Don’t confront demonstrators or authorities. Have a humble and understanding presence about the situation
• Always keep your passport at hand. Or have with you a copy and keep the original in a safe place.
• Don’t walk around with all your money in one place. Divide it into parcels and store it in different areas (in yourself, in the luggage, in the car…)
• Always have some amount at hand if you need to get out of a more complicated situation
• Depending on the case, you can always choose to interrupt the trip. Ensure your safety above all else.

These are just a few tips that I think are important. Well, some of them are essential regardless of the country you’re visiting. If you have others to share, please write in the comment box below, and if you’ve ever been to a conflict country, tell me all about your experience. I’ll love to know more!

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