Hot Spot
Discovering Nicaragua
February 26 – March 6, 2011

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements—For citizens of the United States and Canada no visas are necessary for travel to Nicaragua. With a valid passport, you’re on your way. However, you will need to purchase a $5.00 tourist card upon entering Nicaragua, available at the airport when you arrive.

Immunizations—No immunizations are required, but it is wise to update your tetanus booster.

Exit Requirements—There is a $32 departure tax. Many airlines include this tax in the price of the ticket. If the tax is not included in the ticket, payment can be made at the airline counter upon departure.

WHAT TO BRING

It will be tropical and warm, even in late February and early March. You can expect temperatures to range between 70 degrees for the low and 90 degrees for the high. We suggest you try to fit most of your things in one medium suitcase, and consider bringing another small one if you think you will do a lot of shopping. Electric current is 110 volts, same as in the U.S., with standard plugs and outlets. Pack all medications in your carry-on bag, and leave expensive jewelry home!

Suggested Packing List:

____ Nice, casual outfits for the Welcome and Farewell Dinners.

____ T-shirts (6 - 7).

____ Shorts (2 - 3 pairs).

____ Underwear & socks for 9 days.

____ Comfortable walking shoes / beach sandals.

____ Long-sleeved shirts (2) for evenings / sun protection.

____ Lightweight long pants (1 - 2 pair).

____ Umbrella or lightweight poncho for rain.

____ Jacket or sweatshirt for air-conditioned motorcoach / cool evenings.

____ Swimsuits / beach towel / sun hat.

____ Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses.

____ Moist towelettes / hand sanitizer lotion.

____ Ziploc plastic bags. Small for documents & large for wet items.

____ Day-pack or fanny pack.

____ Anti-diarrhea medicine just in case.

____ Insect repellent / anti-itch ointment.

____ Personal toiletries.

____ Binoculars (optional)

____ Camera / extra batteries / plenty of digital memory (or film).

____ Pocket calculator for money exchange.

____ A good book for the plane or beach.

____ Two photocopies of passport info and photo page (pack one in suitcase and carry-on bag).

MONEY MATTERS

Nicaragua has its own currency: the córdoba (NIO), with bills in denominations of 10, 20, 50 and 100 Cordoba and coins of ½, 1 and 5 Cordoba. On July 18, 2010, the exchange rate was 21.2 NIO to the USD.. The US dollar is also accepted virtually everywhere. Often prices are based on dollars but quoted in córdobas. If you pay in dollars, you will receive your change in córdobas. Prices in córdobas are given using the letter 'c' and a dollar sign (for example, C$100). Credit cards are accepted in most stores, hotels, and restaurants throughout the country (not in little towns and off-road destinations). You can get cash from the ATMs, located in banks and gas stations. Travelers Checks are not advisable as they are difficult and expensive to spend in Nicaragua. Most businesses do not accept them and you may even have trouble cashing them at a bank. Take your passport if you are going to the bank. They will require it to complete any type of transaction including simply exchanging money.

Taxes and Tipping—Sales tax in Nicaragua is 15%. A 10% tip is usually included in your bill at a sit-down restaurant. Leaving an extra 5%-10% is customary if you received good service and is much appreciated. Taxi drivers appreciate (but do not expect) tips. Guides and drivers do expect tips. We will present a collective tip to both during our Farewell Dinner.

LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
     The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 8 participants. Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure.
     We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in Nicaragua! You can apply online by following the link at the bottom of this page.

THE TOTO SPIRIT

Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:

•  fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
•  good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
•  undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
•  willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
•  eager to try new things & test limits;
•  punctual;
•  not whiners!

Be the first in your social circle to experience the wonders of Nicaragua. Here you can enjoy all the beauty and ecological marvels of Costa Rica at a fraction of the price! If you have any questions, please call us toll-free at: 800-565-1241.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase travel insurance with Travel Guard to cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow the link below or call us for more information.