Many people forget, but in the 1970's Nicaragua had a larger economy than both Costa Rica and Panama.  The beautiful Central American country had a prosperous and bright future.  Then in 1972 a destructive earthquake leveled the capital city of Managua followed by the crippling revolution in 1979.  Overnight international investment withdrew and tourism dried up.  Fast forward to 2018 and Nicaragua has again become a fashionable tourist destination.  The lowest violent crime rate in Latin America and the emergence of a handful of five star resorts; most notable Mukul Resort and Spa, had Nicaragua back on track as one of the hottest vacation destinations.

 

2008 - 2018 was a beautiful ten year run for Nicaragua with tourism and exports nearly doubling and unemployment at its lowest since the early 70's.  It didn't take long for travelers to fall in love with the people of Nicaragua, their 'salt of the earth' values and a rich and vibrant culture full of laugh and dance.

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In early May 2018, Nicaragua's Social Security System announced bankruptcy. Students lined the streets of the capital city of Managua in protest and were met with resistance. Conflict persisted over the following few months and Nicaragua once again found itself with a stagnant economy.

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Today, Nicaragua is safe and orderly.  Tourists have began to return and on the surface all is back to normal. Fundamental ground root issues still exist but as a tourist, one would be hard pressed noticing a change.