Riding through Nicaragua ...a good idea?
 

Simon and I are currently in Panama and need to head north which means heading through Nicaragua.
What are the thoughts out there with regards to entering and travelling through Nicaragua at the moment?
Advice appreciated as we are hearing differing opinions from ex-pats who live there, locals in Nicaragua and local news stations here in Panama.
cheers!

I have no local knowledge as you do. Only a few media outlets in US even mention Nica, but I've heard of strikes and protests recently. I've no details.

I think many here would like to hear what you find out ... and when you do head North, how crossing through Nica went. My guess is the govt. will strive to keep the Panamericana open and flowing as commercial traffic flow is critical not only for Nica but for neighbors North and South.

Best,
bier

Lisa, I’m not prone to alarmism, but Nicaragua sounds iffy at the moment. I’m basing this on regular readings of a couple of threads on ADVrider’s Latin American and trip blog sections—you don’t need to sign in, just navigate past all the middle-finger posturing and read the obvious current thread.

Included are reports from at least one local resident/rider, with a link to a ride report from someone who recently transited heading south. You’ll get a good sense of how things are going by reading from the start, since much is intermittent, including local and widespread flare ups.

Contrary to the above, it has been sounding like the PanAm has been especially problematic for at least the past couple of days—a shame, if you like Grenada and Leon as I do. This might all change in an instant.

Hope that’s helpful.

Mark

Hey Lisa, we are four bikers currently in San Jose in Costa Rica. We were sent back from the Nicaraguan border two days ago due to security concerns of the Nicaraguan officials at Las Chiles. A day earlier and we would have entered. For the time being entering Nicaragua seems highly unlikely (they won't let you). Apart from that the situation in Nicaragua is worsening with not only only all main roads through the country being blocked but as far we are told, also robberies on locals and tourists alike. You will find reports of people who crossed these blockades but we are concerned about how much the situation deteriorated in the last two days only.We are therefore looking into returning back to Panama for transfer of motorcycles to either Mexico or Miami. Crossing into Costa Rica costs you USD 32 insurance so unless you want to spend time here, I recommend to stay in Panama and look for alternatives by boat or air or wait for updates either through this forum or then on the PanAmerican Travelers Association on Facebook where you will find more frequent updates.

Not good. Sorry to hear this.
Will be interesting to see what the "real" issues are and who is behind those forces lining up against Ortega.

That will be an expensive detour, hope things improve!
bier

That's a very informative report, janhaueter; just the sort of info that makes the HUBB so terrific.

real issues? forces lining up? here they are in a nutshell:


1. ortega is an unconstitutionally "elected" dictator that has, over the past 11 years, completely corrupted and deconstructed a fairly fledgling democratic government. he has consolidated ALL power in his hands and controls EVERY facet of governance. the people (see #2) have had it with him.


2. the vast majority of nicaraguans are anti ortega and his entire government. the forces are the people, aside from his paid paramilitary (read: hitler youth inspired, "juventud sandinista") shitheads that now roam the street shooting randomly into crowds, houses and vehicles with ak-47's.


stay out of nicaragua unless you really need to.


p.s. my wife and kids live there full time and i 1/2 time. am seriously considering sending them to panama for the foreseeable future.

you should try crossing at peñas blancas instead. much busier crossing and less likely to be randomly turned away.

I'm in Honduras and have been hearing the same. Bad to worse. Really a shame.

Is it any ferry between Costa Rica and El Salvador ?

Regards,
Boris

no.

Ride through Nicaragua
 

I rode through Nicaragua about a week ago. I felt fairly safe. I was asked to remove my helmet when going past blockades. I am in Costa Rica at the moment and believe the situation has worsene considerably.. The main problem is getting past Managua the road blocks had been taken up and used to blockade the road.

worsening situation.
 

Hi guys
thanks for your input. yes - i have been watching the situation worsen and currently we are looking at shipping or airfreight around.
but this is (im finding out) a very expensive option. but with no options......one we will probably end up having to take.
janhaueter - where are you now? what have you decided to do.
Simon and I are still in Panama (waiting for a part) and would love to hear from you.
will keep you posted on what I find out and what we decide is best.

i know this may sound crazy, but you may wanna look into air canada cargo. they have the very best air rates around.


yes, that would make your tour a bit crazy looking, but if it gets you passed nicaragua for a reasonable sum, no biggie to head back south and do the northern parts of central america and mexico, then back into the US and canada.


of course, i have no clue what your plans are so....

that would be good..
 

that would be good..