2011 ended with a big finish! We explored a land we never imagined we'd visit, yet found to be amazing at every turn. Nicaragua is a land of many contrasts: colonial cities, active volcanoes, and cloud forest canopies. We visited La Isla de Ometepe, our very own \"Christmas Island\" and ended the year on the Pacific beaches surrounding San Juan del Sur. We kayaked, hiked, and even did a little surfing--on the volcano and off the shore.The three of us (Marnie, Steve, and our good friend Sam) documented our adventures and misadventures and are excited to share them with you.
Our Nicaraguan adventure got off to a good, but uneventful start. After an early flight from Phoenix to Miami we met up with our great friend Sam. We had just enough time for a beer and a snack before we boarded our flight to Managua. All of our American Airlines flights were on time and the skies were clear. That's always a sign of a good trip to come. We were even able to juggle our seat assignments so that the three of us could sit together for the 2 1/2 hour flight south.
Upon arrival in Managua we were met by Roberto (Bobby) who will be our guide for the next few days and Sergio, who will be our driver. Both men are English speakers and appear very professional. We feel like we're in good hands. We've got our own van and Bobby and Sergio will accompany us to Leon and Granada, which are our first two stops.
Tonight we are at the Contempo Hotel Boutique, which is a gorgeous, modern hotel in Managua. Adventure Life, our tour company, originally had us booked at another hotel. However, that hotel is under construction and we were moved to the Contempo. What a great move! This place is gorgeous!
As soon as we checked in we headed for the restaurant where we enjoyed dinner of brie, goat cheese salad, and sea bass. Our server Carlos was full of great suggestions and quite a pro. If all of our meals in Nicaragua are like this, we'll be ecstatic. We even like the local beer, Victoria.
We'll post pictures and updates every day of our trip. For now we are having trouble staying awake after our big day of travel.
Buenos noches amigos y familia!
Leon: Old and New
Dec 22, 2011
Today started bright and early with a traditional Nicaraguan breakfast. We are all now fans of gallo pinto (a mixture of rice and beans), queso frita (fried cheese), chorizo, huevos, and tortillas. The Contempo chefs impressed again with a beautifully prepared plate of traditional favorites.
Roberto and Sergio picked us up on time and we headed north to Leon Viejo (Old Leon). Leon Viejo is a UNESCO heritage site that once served, in the 1500s, as the capital of Nicaragua. The old city was the scene of many power struggles between Spaniards which resulted in bloody battles and beheadings. The town was eventually abandoned in the early 1600s and soon after was covered by the erupting volcano Momotombo. We learned about the history of this beautiful country and enjoyed sweeping views of Lake Managua.
From there we headed towards Leon City but not without a stop for a local specialty. Quesillos are a popular snack in Nicaragua and there are quesillo stands/restaurants throughout the country. A quesillo consists of a corn tortilla stuffed with a big slab of mozzarella cheese, a mixture of onion and chiles, covered with crema. It's wrapped up and shoved into a plastic bag. You hold the bag tight at the top and shake it until the creme is covering the entire concoction. Then you eat it like a popsicle, right out of the bag. Yum!!!
The afternoon was spent exploring Leon with our guide Roberto. He showed us the Centro de Arte Fundacion Ortiz Gurdian. La familia Ortiz Gurdian owns the fabulous hotel we'll be in for the next two nights, El Convento. El Centro de Arte is their own private museum showcasing their extensive collection of European and Latin American art. Sam was in heaven and we were pretty impressed too. The art is displayed throughout an amazing colonial home that used to house the family. We're not sure where they live now, but if it's anything like the place where they display their art, it's probably the biggest mansion in Central America. From there we wandered to the Parque Central and the third largest cathedral in the Americas, La Basilica de la Asuncion. It's the burial place of lots of Nicaraguans, most notably Ruben Dario, the famous Nica poet. They are crazy about him here.
Tomorrow we'll spend a leisurely day in Leon, exploring the market and neighborhoods on our own. We might even do a little volcano boarding. Roberto and Sergio will be back to pick us up on Saturday to drive us to our next destination: Granada.
Tonight we wandered through the festive streets of Leon, dining at a great restaurant and enjoying a few local beers. From there we went back to the Parque Central and the Basilica for some holiday entertainment. The square was packed with families enjoying folkloric dancing and music. There were vendors everywhere selling fruit, toys, and just about anything else you might want. We finished our excursion with a little Nicaraguan ice cream, which Sam declared, 'not as good as in the USA.' He didn't realize it but he ordered Mint Tea ice cream!???
More tomorrow!
Volcano Boarding - Who Would Ever Believe It?
Dec 23, 2011
We met our second day in Leon without a plan but we picked up steam as the day progressed. We started with an early morning walk through the streets of Leon and enjoyed the bustle of the city. The combination of motor bikes, cars, taxis, and horse-drawn carts makes this place so special. Leon is beautiful, yet gritty at the same time.
After another traditional Nicaraguan breakfast at the hotel we set out to find adventure. Our first stop was a blind massage. Yes, blind. As a way to put disabled people to work, there is a massage facility that employs blind people. We all got a great massage from Roberto and Sonia and the total cost for all three of us was under $25. The blind massage is located right behind the municipal market and across from the most popular hostel in town.
Next we wandered over to the Bigfoot Hostel and ordered a beer. It didn't take long to learn that Bigfoot is the center of volcano boarding and they had a trip leaving in an hour! We signed up on the spot. Our entire excursion cost $23 plus a $5 park entrance fee and included transportation to Cerro Negro volcano, a 45 minute hike, exploration of the volcano, boarding equipment, and a beer and cookie at the end.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with volcano boarding, it is one of the up-and-coming adventures on the planet. In Nicaragua it's done on the active volcano Cerro Negro. Yes, the volcano is active and last erupted in 1999. You'll see in our pictures that we were able to get right up next to the active vents and up to the lip of the crater. In fact, we scraped a little volcanic soil away and the ground under foot was so hot you could cook on it.
The reason you climb Cerro Negro is to slide down the western slope. On a specially designed board that gets a new formica strip on the bottom after each trip (because the heat burns it away each time it goes down the volcano), you slide down the 1000 foot slope as fast as you can/want. The speed record with Bigfoot Tours is 89 km/hr and a guy in our group tied the record. We are happy to report that the three of us didn't come close to the record but we all made it to the bottom without a scratch (unlike others in our group). Cross that off the bucket list!
At the bottom of the volcano you are greeted with a cold beer and a big congratulations. After the group finished sliding down, the large orange truck returned us to Leon, only to be met with detours and immovable traffic. It seems that the Sandinista-led government supplied Christmas pinatas to every street in Leon. Almost every street in the city was blocked and there were children everywhere whacking away, hoping to get candy. It was a mess in terms of traffic flow but a treat in terms of appreciating the Nicaraguan culture.
After a few complimentary mojitos back at the hostel, we enjoyed much needed showers and a wonderful dinner. Tomorrow we are off to Granada and the next big adventure. We're not sure anything can top today's experience, but we're going to give it a try.
Christmas Eve in Granada
Dec 24, 2011
Feliz Navidad to our family and friends!
Today we continued our Nicaraguan adventure by traveling south to Masaya and Granada. Leaving Leon and the beautiful El Convento, we drove about two hours back towards and past Managua to the Masaya Volcano and National Park. Under the expert guiding of Roberto, we learned that Masaya is another active volcano in the same chain as the others that we've visited. At Masaya you can drive right to the crater rim and look into the smoldering caldera. It really stinks like sulphur. In fact, we climbed to the lookout point and were unable to catch our breath due to the terrible sulphur fumes. It is an amazing sight and worth the trip.
From Masaya National Park we went to the town of Masaya to visit the famed Masaya market. This is the market where the local artisans sell their wares including hammocks, pottery, and weavings. After spending so much time in Mexico, we were not super impressed. We picked up a few things, but nothing too exciting.
Our next stop was the famous El Zaguan Restaurant in Granada. Granada will be our base for the next two nights and this restaurant is THE place to eat. Lunch al fresco in the beautiful garden was worth the trip. El Zaguan is known for churrasco, grilled beef that's seasoned just right. Needless to say, we enjoyed our lunch.
And the day was just getting started! Once we checked into our hotel, Plaza Colon, we met our new guide for the next two days. Eric from Mombotours will be guiding us while in Granada and he got us started in very cool fashion. We drove to the shores of Lake Nicaragua and boarded individual kayaks for a tour of Las Isletas, the collection of 365 islands that surround the shores around Granada. We explored the islands, many of which are inhabited. On some, families live in shacks. On others there are schools, churches, and hotels. At one island we were able to overhear a Christmas Eve mass being conducted. On another, we rocked out to latin music and imagined the party that was going on inside the shack.
On the way back to the dock, it began pouring a warm rain, to the point that it didn't matter whether we were on top of the kayak or in the water. Still, we enjoyed the whole thing.
Our dinner was traditional Nicaragua. We walked a few blocks to Calle de la Cazada, which is kind of like Las Ramblas in Barcelona. It's a pedestrian street that's filled with bars and restaurants with tables pouring onto the sidewalk. We dined at Comida Tipico, a traditional Nicaraguan restaurant. Steve had baho, a concotion of beef, plantain, cabbage, and rice wrapped in a banana leaf. Marnie enjoyed a nacatamale, the Nicaraguan version of a tamale, again, wrapped in banana leaves. Choco flan for dessert topped off our Christmas Eve dinner.
In Nicaragua, Christmas is rung in with fireworks- lots of them. In fact, they've been going off all day, beginning at 6:00 a.m. They to culminate at midnight with a REALLY BIG display, and we were able to enjoy the festivities on our balcony overlooking Granada's central park. Think 4th of July multiplied by ten. Once the baby Jesus arrived, things settled down and we were able to sleep.
Speaking of the baby Jesus, Nicaragua is primarily a Catholic country. In every Nativity scene we've seen so far, the manger was empty. Now that Christmas is here, the baby will be included in the scene. We're not sure who delivers him to all of the nativity scenes throughout the country but we're sure it's divine.
It Was Bound to Happen...Eventually
Dec 25, 2011
Christmas morning in Granada started off much quieter than the midnight fireworks the night before. We had our morning breakfast buffet and met our guide Eric just after 8 for the drive up volcano Mombacho.
We arrived at the Hacienda El Progreso Coffee Plantation about half way up the volcano where it was cool and breezy compared to the city. We toured through the coffee plantation and processing plant and then zip lined through the coffee fields and jungle canopy. The zip line was highlighted by the Plunge, a 13 meter (4 stories) free fall. Of course we were roped and controlled but it was still quite a sensation.
The Mombacho zipline is fun, safe, and includes a variety of platforms with stunning views. Still, it didn't compare to the first zipline we did years ago in the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica. If you are a zipline aficionado, you might not find this one as thrilling as others.
Next, we were driven to the top of Mombacho where we found ourselves in the middle of the cloud forest: windy, foggy, not raining but humidity in the air beyond 100 percent. We couldn't see into the crater nor down towards Lake Nicaragua because we were in the clouds. Visibility was a few hundred meters and this apparently is normal and typical. We hiked around the top of the crater, saw some steam vents from the active volcano and one lone sloth sleeping in a tree. Had the weather been clearer, we might have been more excited about our visit.
Finally, we made our way down the incredibly steep road to the plantation house for a nice lunch before the ride back into Granada. As we entered Granada we met a funeral procession. Eric said that only in Granada are the caskets driven by a black horse drawn carriage. It was yet another cultural experience.
We spent the rest of the day resting and enjoying our hotel and views of the square. The horse drawn carriages stop and start right in front of our hotel. The afternoon rains came and went and didn't slow down the Nicaraguans one bit.
When traveling in a foreign country there is always the risk of stomach problems. Today Marnie experienced it in full force. By the time we got back to Granada for our afternoon of relaxation, she was down for the count. We wouldn't wish this on anyone, but it's short-lived and she is going to be 100% for our next adventure: the Island of Ometepe.
Feliz Navidad, Nicaraguan style.
Why Would Anyone Go to Nicaragua?
Dec 26, 2011
For those of you who may be wondering, 'How did they come up with the idea of going to Nicaragua?' here's the story. Over the years the three of us have traveled extensively together. We spent a month in Costa Rica at a language school and three weeks in Peru and the Galapagos Islands. When we began to plan our next trip it was a good excuse to call the same company who booked our previous trip. Adventure Life is a US-based company specializing in Central and South America travel. Originally we considered going to Guatemala for this trip but Nicaragua offered many of the same kind of experiences (volcanoes, colonial cities, wildlife, etc.) at a lower price. Nicaragua's tourist infrastructure is very young and it is growing rapidly. Adventure Life didn't steer us wrong and they've put us in the most beautiful, convenient, and luxurious accommodations we could imagine and our guides have all been top notch.
This morning we were greeted by driver Sergio and a new guide Raymundo. Sergio and Raymundo drove us for about an hour south from Granada to the port of San Jorge. From there we took a crazy ferry from the mainland to the Island of Ometepe. The ferry was packed beyond imagination and our travel companions included tourists, locals, and a large colorful bus. You gotta see the pictures.
Once at the port of Moyogalpa on the island of Ometepe, we were met by another guide Francisco and driver Fernando. Both men are residents of Ometepe and speak English well. They drove us to the other side of the island, with a stop for lunch at a beautiful beachside restaurant.
Lake Nicaragua is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world. One guidebook says it is as large as the island of Puerto Rico. Ometepe is the largest island in Lake Nicaragua and consists of two volcanoes, Concepcion and Maderas. Maderas is a dormant volcano and Concepcion is active. In fact it was acting up just six months ago! The island's fertile volcanic soil, clean water, wide beaches, wildlife population, and archaeological sites have landed it on the shortlist for the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Our home base for the next two days is the Totoco EcoLodge. Totoco is located on the slopes of the Maderas Volcano and is surrounded by coffee and plantain farms. We each have a private cabin that is 100% eco-friendly. That means that we have a composting toilet, renewable solar energy power, and all the food is organic, mostly grown on site. This afternoon we could hear the howler monkeys as we lay in the hammock on our patio.
Totoco has only four cabins and it appears that most everyone here is either American or Canadian. We are learning a lot from our fellow travelers, most of who are on the same path as we are (Leon, Granada, Ometepe, San Juan del Sur). In fact, we plan to see some of the same people on the beach in San Juan del Sur for New Years. Nicaragua is a pretty small country.
Here on Ometepe our plan is to enjoy the beautiful views of Concepcion from our patio, hike in the cloud forest of Maderas, and enjoy this beautiful natural area. Stay tuned!
A Day of Rest and Exhuastion
Dec 27, 2011
Our full day at Totoco EcoLodge was a mixture of experiences. Marnie, recovering from her stomach 'event' took it easy and rested at the lodge. All day. . . in a hammock. . . with a book. And a dip in the swimming pool. And a nap. The highlight of the day was finding a snake in the cabin that looked like a coral snake. Eric, the receptionist, came to the rescue and helped the snake back to its home in the jungle. Eric says the snake was not a coral snake, but just looked like one. Yeah, right.
Steve and Sam, along with a new friend Karin climbed Volcan Maderas. We left with a guide at 7:30 a.m. and finally returned at about 4:30 p.m. We were told this would be difficult, but nothing we've done in the past (the Inca Trail, Kilimanjaro, and the Tour de Mont Blanc) was as difficult as this hike. The mud was intense, the roots were slippery, and there were areas where you had to use your hands to get through some parts. We've got few pictures of the hike, only because we spent most of the time trying to not fall. This is a hike you can't do without a guide and our guide was expert. He was patient, young, and informative. He was 24 years old and says he does the hike at least 100 times per year. Wow!
Along the way we encountered packs of howler monkeys and colorful butterflies. We hiked through coffee plantations and cloud forests. Everyone returned in one piece and ended the day with a well-deserved beer (or two).
Tomorrow we head back across the lake and to our final destination: the beach. Stay tuned!
Heading to the Beach: San Juan del Sur
Dec 28, 2011
After another wonderful Nicaraguan breakfast of eggs, gallo pinto, fried cheese, and plantains, we headed back to our cabin to pack up and prepare to catch the ferry. On the way we ran into our second snake. Steve spotted it first and he swears it was BIG. As the folks at Totoco continued to remind us, 'Welcome to the Jungle.'
We were sorry to leave the peaceful confines of Totoco but excited to reach our final destination: San Juan del Sur. Before catching our taxi to the ferry on the other side of the island we once again relaxed in the hammocks and enjoyed the roars of the howler monkeys. It would be easy to get used to this, snakes and all.
Once we made the journey across Lake Nicaragua to the mainland, our driver Sergio greeted us with a big smile. It's been nice to have a friendly face at each transfer and we are beginning to make friends that keep turning up at each of our stops. It seems we are on the tourist path: Leon, Granada, Ometepe, San Juan del Sur. When we planned the trip it all sounded so exotic. Now it is just 'what everyone does' when they visit Nicaragua.
San Juan del Sur will be our home for the next four nights. It is the main beach destination on the Pacific coast and is a mecca for surfers. Cruise ships occasionally stop in SJDS and today there was one in the bay. In fact, we were on a holiday cruise two years ago that stopped at this port, but we were only here for a few hours. We are excited to explore this little beach town more than we were able to before.
As soon as we checked into our base hotel for the next four nights, Hotel Victoriano, we found the closest pizza place. Wood fired four cheese pizza with a cold beer at a beachside restaurant never tasted so good! The chef, Maurizio, is world famous and reportedly has cooked for Pavoratti.
Next Steve and Sam continued a ritual they started years ago in Costa Rica of getting a haircut while traveling. For $3 they each got a haircut and Sam got a shave thrown in for a few more dollars.
While sitting the barberia, we met the barber's family. They own and live in the building in which the barber shop is located. Dad used to cut hair and now the son has taken over. Mom came out of the home and welcomed us to Nicaragua. She was playing loud latin music inside the home and when we asked her if they had started the New Year's party early she said, 'No. Solo alergria.' 'No, just happy.' Nicaraguans really are a happy bunch.
After returning to the Victoriano we hit the pool, which overlooks the beach. The beach road runs between the hotel and the beach but we look right onto the action. We were even able to swing an upgrade to our room for the first two nights so that we overlook the pool and beach. It's only for two nights, but it's nice!
Nicaragua is fiercely proud of its local liquor: Flor de Cana rum. We just had to try it and the pina coladas were spectacular. Note the photo of Steve and Sam in the hot tub with their umbrella drinks.
Our plan is to spend the next four nights in this little slice of paradise. It appears to be the center of everything New Years in Nicaragua. The hotels are packed, the crowds are growing, and they are setting up big mobile discoteques on the beach. We are looking forward to just hanging out and watching it all unfold over the next few days. In between we plan to do a little local hiking, hit the beach, and continue to learn what to do with Flor de Cana rum. We're also hoping to meet up with several friends we've met along the way so that we can all celebrate together.
We'll post reports and photos along the way but you can probably predict that they will include the beach and umbrella drinks. Stay tuned and thanks for reading.
A La Playa
Dec 29, 2011
This will be a short report, as there's not much to say when you spend the day hanging out in a beach town. We hiked to the lookout above town which is adorned by a 4 story Jesus Cristo statue. It is really warm here during the day, so a morning hike is the best option. We could see up and down the coast and down onto the beautiful village of San Juan del Sur. Most of the hike is through a very swanky neighborhood and at the top there is a guard who collects $2 per person to enter the site. Under the statue is a cute little church.
When we got back to the hotel we enjoyed another Nicaraguan breakfast, though this one did not compare to the others we've had. After some pool time, a wander through town, a run for Steve, and then a few beers, it was time for a nap. Exciting huh?
Tonight the beach bars and restaurants are packed and the music is pounding. Sam keeps asking, 'where did all these people come from?' The answer for the most part is Managua. San Juan del Sur is the getaway and party location for the Nicaraguans. We've got a front row seat.
Tomorrow we attempt surfing.
Surfing Safari
Dec 30, 2011
Our big adventure today was focused on surfing. Before we met up with our surf instructors we stopped at the local panaderia (bakery) for some snacks to take to the beach. The bakery is located just across from the Parque Central and the church. Sam has fallen in love with the pineapple cookies. The lady at the bakery knows us now.
We booked our surfing lessons through San Juan Surf and Sport. They are known to be one of the best out-fitters in town and they didn't let us down. After a 20 minute drive through the countryside we landed on the most beautiful beach, Playa Hermosa, which means pretty beach. On Playa Hermosa sits the Playa Hermosa Surf Camp, which was our base for the day. The Surf Camp is newly opened and consists of a 'hotel' of dorm rooms, hammocks, an outside bar and grill, and endless waves. Our instructors Saul and Roberto led us onto the wide, flat beach and explained the fundamentals of surfing. We learned the parts of the board and the technique for getting on it. It was a LOT easier to do on the sand than it was in the water!
After about 20 minutes of instruction we hit the waves. Roberto worked with us while Saul worked with the other guys in our group. So, we basically had private instruction. Unfortunately, that's not enough to make us 'real surfers.' Steve was able to stand up once during our two hour session and Marnie chose to stay on her stomach or knees. Nevertheless, we were amazed at how fast you could go on the long board when you caught the wave just right.
We are grateful that we also had our own photographer with us. The photos are courtesy of Sam, who documented the entire experience.
Two hours in the water was enough for us and we headed back to the surf camp for a few beers and our tasty snacks from the bakery. Another hour or two in a hammock and we were ready to head back to the hotel. We'll never be pro surfers, but today was an experience we won't soon forget. Surfing is really fun!
Our day ended on the beach in San Juan del Sur with grilled whole snapper at a popular restaurant, El Timon. We watched the sunset and enjoyed a live Latin band. Steve and Sam finished up the evening poolside at the hotel drinking Flor de Cana, the local favorite.
Evenings and days like this have made us fall in love with this warm, friendly, and beautiful country. Despite its political and economic challenges, Nicaragua is endearing and we are so happy we've spent our holiday here.
Feliz Ano Nuevo
Dec 31, 2011
Nicaragua is certainly the place to ring in the New Year. It's not exactly Times Square but it's close. We intended to 'pace ourselves' through the day so that we could make it through midnight but it's hard to do when the beach is calling. Our morning was spent wandering the four streets that make up San Juan del Sur. A little shopping, a stop for a beer, and some people watching; it's easy to stay 'busy' in this little hamlet.
After a siesta we headed back out for lunch at a little comedor across from the bus station. A comedor is a local restaurant where you can get a big plate of food for about $3. From there we joined the famed Dario at San Juan Surf and Sport for our pre-booked all-you-can-drink fishing, sunset cruise. We probably didn't need to pre-book, as we were joined by another couple from New York and about 25 young partiers. At first we worried that we would be the viejos but Dario is a smart guy. He put us and the other couple on one boat and the wild group on another. We were assured a peaceful, yet age-appropriate cruise (and a lot more alcohol per person).
Our cruise consisted of a quick tour of the SJDS bay and then we headed south along the Pacific coast. With beer and rum drinks in our hands (Sam drank water) our panga anchored off of a beautiful little cove and we were instructed to 'jump.' Marnie went first and Steve quickly followed. The water was crisp, yet refreshing. And then our captain Luis handed us our drinks while we paddled in the ocean! Who could ask for more?
From there we boarded the boat again and enjoyed a cruise further south, viewing the gorgeous Nicaraguan coastline and a few seaside mansions here and there. As the sun began to set, we turned back to the north to return to SJDS. We're not sure how much we drank but our cups were never empty.
We moved on to dinner at the so-called best restaurant in town. Luckily we got the last available reservation and joined the expats in SJDS who gathered at El Colibri to ring in the New Year. Sangria, filet mignon with gorgonzola, and chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream sealed the deal. Around us the fireworks began to explode as the excitement built for the grand finale of 2011. After we closed the restaurant down we wandered the streets once again to take in the New Years festivities.
As on Christmas Eve, New Years Eve is celebrated with copious amounts of fireworks. The streets were filled with families, young and old, lighting sparklers, rockets, and bombs. Above us big colorful explosions filled the sky. Around us children lit firecrackers. In the streets stuffed dolls representing the old year were set aflame. What we didn't realize, but soon learned, was that the dolls are filled with explosives. We stood with a Nicaraguan family outside of their front door and watched the doll, who we named Carlos, blow up.
Steve describes the street scene at midnight as controlled chaos. While Carlos burned, cars drove over him, people on bikes rode by, and couples danced in the street. Down the way hundreds of people danced the night away to pulsating beachside discos.
Our parents will be happy to know we were safely in our room by 1:00 a.m. but could hear the party rage on. We'll never have another New Years Eve like this one.
Tomorrow we head back to Managua to prepare for our Monday flight home. Happy New Year to all of our family and friends!
Where did all the people come from?
Jan 01, 2012
When we awoke on New Year's Day, the beach was packed with children and families. It seems that they arrived during the night by the busload from Managua, Granada, and all across Nicaragua. The beaches of San Juan del Sur provide the perfect playground with ample space to set up camp (literally, with tents) and enjoy the holiday. While last night was filled with young partiers, eager to get into the discos, today was filled with families eager to enjoy a day together drinking Flor de Cana rum and eating traditional foods.
After packing up our very dirty stuff, we walked down to a beach restaurant we'd been eying for days: Meson Espanol. This Spanish restaurant featured fresh paella and the waiter had been encouraging us to join him for the past few days. Today was finally the day. We got a great table beachside and enjoyed a few beers, glasses of wine, and tapas. Steve and Sam went crazy over the paella, which included fresh mussels, shrimp, clams, and fish. The nice waiter even had a gift for us- a large patch that says, 'Made in Nicaragua.' For two hours we sat there and ate and drank and it cost us less than $40.
Once we got back to the Hotel Victoriano, our driver Sergio and guide Raymundo were waiting for us. The service we've received from Adventure Life and Careli Tours has been fabulous. We were driven back to Managua in the same spacious, clean van in which we traveled the entire country. Bottled water was available the entire way and the crew is friendly and fun. When traveling to a country as 'foreign' as Nicaragua, it's nice to have consistency in some ways. Sergio and our guides (and our little van) have been the consistency that we needed.
We've met a lot of other travelers along the way who have not been so lucky to have the kind of luxuries that we've had during this trip. Others have traveled by bus or taxi and searched high and low for available lodging. Some have told stories of crazy nights in hostels. We are grateful that we put our trust in a company that took such great care of us. Traveling is not always comfortable, especially in a developing country like Nicaragua. However, we've felt lucky to be able to stay in nice hotels and travel in air conditioned comfort most of the time.
Upon arrival in Managua we checked into the Hotel Contempo, the same hotel where we spent our first night. Again, it was nice to be at a familiar place with familiar faces who recognized us from two weeks ago.
Our adventure is coming to a close but these memories will last a lifetime. Back to the original question, 'why would you want to go to Nicaragua?' The answers are endless but the best answer is, 'Why not?'
Franny was knowledgeable with just the right touch. Highly recommend.
Bob
3 hours ago
I have been working with the wonderful professionals at Adventure Life for many years and keep coming back because of the friendly, courteous, professional expertise I always receive. I've looked for travel agencies here at home but nothing compares to the service I receive with Adventure Life.
Chris Robinson
1 day ago
I am travelling alone on Bordeaux river cruise. Very prompt and informative responses. No issues.
Cliff Jones
1 day ago
Dealing with Erin is such a pleasure; she makes the planning process extremely easy.
Sue Ryan
1 day ago
Jess has been very informative & cordial.
L TX
2 days ago
Franny was knowledgeable with just the right touch. Highly recommend.
Bob
3 hours ago
I have been working with the wonderful professionals at Adventure Life for many years and keep coming back because of the friendly, courteous, professional expertise I always receive. I've looked for travel agencies here at home but nothing compares to the service I receive with Adventure Life.
Chris Robinson
1 day ago
I am travelling alone on Bordeaux river cruise. Very prompt and informative responses. No issues.
Cliff Jones
1 day ago
Dealing with Erin is such a pleasure; she makes the planning process extremely easy.
Sue Ryan
1 day ago
Jess has been very informative & cordial.
L TX
2 days ago
Franny was knowledgeable with just the right touch. Highly recommend.
We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue browsing the site if you're ok with this. For more info, please see our privacy policy.