Year-round surf, warm waters, stunning landscape, a rich history and friendly local culture—these are just a few of the charms that await you in the magical country of Nicaragua. A vacation at Two Brothers Surf Resort offers the best that Nicaragua has to offer—for the surfing enthusiast, for the adventurer, and for the whole family.

To make the most of your Nicaraguan adventure, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the country’s culture, currency, food, climate, history and regions. Browse the following links to start, or visit your local library or bookstore to learn more about Nicaragua—a beautiful Pacific gem, a remote tropical getaway and a surf destination extraordinaire.

www.nicaragua.com
www.experiencenicaragua.com 

Natural Beauty
A true adventurer’s paradise, Nicaragua is a country filled with rivers, lakes and lagoons and bordered by the waters of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Nicaragua boasts one of the most impressive volcanic chains of Central America, with over seven active volcanoes. Nicaragua’s abundant eco system ranks this Central American country as one of seven regions of the world recognized for its intense biological diversity.

Extraordinary Nature & Exotic Wildlife

• Impressive rain forests
• Incredible dry tropical forests
• Enchanting cloud forests
• Vast wetlands bordering the San Juan River Valley
• Lake Nicaragua, largest tropical lake on the American Continent:
• Home to 365 islets
• Habitat for the Jurassic lizard fish
• Home to the rare freshwater Caribbean Bull Shark
• 236 species of birds including the rare and colorful Lapa Rojo Macaw
• More than 90 species of rare orchids
• Chococente, protected nesting site for thousands of Paslama Sea Turtles
• Giant Ceiba trees and bright red Flamboyant trees
• Howler monkeys with a call said to be the second loudest on Earth

People
Most Nicaraguans are of both European (mostly Spanish) and Indian ancestry, a diverse and culturally mixed population with many people in Western Nicaragua descended from Mayan and Aztec societies.  The Miskito Indians of the East Coast of Nicaragua are thought to have migrated from northern Columbia and eastern Venezuela some 4,000 years ago. More recent history has added Afro-Caribbean and British culture into the mix. Nicaragua is considered a true mestizo culture, with a blend of European and indigenous cultures that still exists today, as most of Nicaragua is only beginning to be exposed to globalization. Hopefully low-impact tourism will allow the natural beauty, warmth, simplicity, and authenticity of the Nicaraguan culture to be experienced yet preserved.

With an appreciation for simple things, a wealth of authenticity, and the kindness and generosity of its people, a visit to Nicaragua is an unforgettable experience. 

Politics
It has been more than 16 years since the fighting ended in Nicaragua between the Sandinistas and Contras and more than 28 years since the Somoza family dynasty was overthrown.  Daniel Ortega led Nicaragua’s Sandinista government (Front Sandinista for Liberation National, FSLN) from 1979-1990, during which time Nicaragua unfortunately became a battleground of the cold war struggle between the US and the Soviet Union and Cuba.  Daniel Ortega was defeated in the 1990 Presidential election, with Nicaraguans electing Violeta Chamorro, as the first woman president of the Americas.

In November of 2006, Nicaragua held its fourth free election. This time, the Sandinistas won, and the people appointed Daniel Ortega their leader once again.

Daniel Ortega, the newly elected president of Nicaragua, is undoubtedly, a unique historical figure. The political climate in Nicaragua is stable as the country looks on with optimism.  There seems little chance that the Sandinista victory of 2006 will lead back to the chaos of the past.

While historically Nicaragua has been one of the poorest countries in all of the Americas, earnest strides are now being taken to develop a tourist industry and encourage international investments. The future looks brighter for Nicaragua as the infrastructure improves and more jobs and opportunities are created in the rural areas of Nicaragua.

Colonial Cities
Leon
Once the Capitol of Nicaragua for over than 200 years, Leon is now infamous as the resting place of Nicaragua’s most renowned literary figure, Ruben Dario. This famous Nicaraguan poet lies beneath the grand entrance to the Famous Cathedral de Leon, which took over 113 years to construct. Leon is lined with cathedrals and universities and surrounded by the majestic Maribios volcanoes. It has long been the hot seat for political discussion and volcanic activity.

Granada
Founded in 1524, Granada is one of the oldest colonial cities on the American continent.  Situated on Lake Nicaragua, Granada was the main port for trading and a major destination for travel during colonial times. Granada is full of wonderful examples of colonial architecture, presenting houses with fabulous inner courtyards. As in most Latin American countries, the central courtyard is the heart of the home, providing shade, green foliage and a place to relax in the mid-day heat.

Rivas
With a rural population of around 40,000, Rivas is the nearest major town to Las Salinas and Two Brothers. Home to a large cathedral, a central park and brightly painted buildings, Rivas offers a glimpse of colonial life and architecture minus the tourists. While it is possible in Rivas to find Internet cafés and make international calls, the main draw to visit Rivas is to experience the chaos of the market along the cobblestone streets, where vendors sell everything from fruits and vegetables to pigs, saddles, dishcloths and dinner plates. Rivas is truly a slice of daily Nicaraguan life. 

Art & Markets
Masaya
Close to Managua, Masaya is the cultural heart of Nicaragua, where visitors can experience the evening festival known as “Vamos a Masaya” each Thursday night. Watch cultural dances and listen to traditional music while shopping for native crafts, hammocks and leather items.

Catarina and San Juan De Oriente
These smaller towns, close to Masaya and Granada, offer a chance to see the artists at work making their wares in a more intimate setting. Working mostly with clay, villagers sell pots for plants and storing water, the type still used today around the Nicaraguan countryside.

Reasons to Love Nicaragua

• Ox carts slowing traffic
• Laundry drying on barbed wire
• The hot languid pace of a long tropical day
• Impeccably-swept dirt lawns
• Piles of fresh, sweet mangos
• Dusty bumpy potholed roads
• Red tile roofs on brightly painted houses
• Rice and beans and pico de gallo
• Buses delivering people, pigs and mattresses
• Candlelight dinners when the electricity fails

Advance reservations are necessary to ensure availability.