After you’ve spent a sufficient amount of time admiring Mombacho Volcano from the islets, it’s time to get a closer view. Hiking up the volcano.
Technically Mombacho is a dormant volcano, and it is has 4 craters, with a summit of approximately 1200 meters. One of the neatest things about the summit is that due to the height and location of volcano, the resulting environment is a cloud forest.
Cloud forests are generally tropical or subtropical evergreen-moist mountain top forests with a high incidences of low-level cloud cover. Because of the moisture and make-up of the forest, they are often covered with moss, both on the ground and on the vegetation.
For some beautiful adventure and action packed travel in Nicaragua, head to the islets of Granada. If you are more into relaxing, take a boat, but if you want to get your heart pumping then rent a kayak!
Head down to the Marina Cocibolca, where you can find plenty of rental and tour agencies. At NicarAgua Dulce you can choose between kayaks and electric boats. and go with or without a guide.
Make sure you bring a camera, and hire the guide (they only cost $5 an hour!). They make sure you see all the best sites. With NicarAgua Dulce you have the choice of going to a small private island (Zopango Island in Asese Bay) where you can eat fresh Read more
The food at Las Nogueras in Managua is known for being some of the best in Central America. The main menu items represent a variety of international cuisine with a Spanish style influence. The atmosphere is great, especially on the outdoor patio, which is almost always full (call ahead if you like). Even if you get stuck inside the food is worth it.
The service is good as far as the waiters being attentive and accomodating. The only complaint that has registered is that sometimes there are errors on the bill (additional items, a double tip) and so on. Make sure you keep your guard up when it comes to money and dishes. Waiters often recommend the more expensive items, Read more
The Huellas de Acahualinca, the ancient footprints, are one of the most interesting things you can see in Managua. This historical site has attracted attention since is was uncovered by workers quarrying in the area. The prints were buried under more than 12 feet of compacted volcanic material. The Huellas de Acahualinca originally from researchers of ancient cultures, and now from groups of tourists looking to see into Nicaragua’s past.
Truly a testament to time, the footprints, which were discovered in 1874, are estimated to be between 6000 and 7000 years old. The footprints were made by a group of 12 different individuals that included men, women and children. The group was traveling together; the prints all lead in one Read more
For a fun day trip from Managua head to Laguna de Xiloá, also called the Jiloa Lagoon, a crater lake located about 20 km Northeast of Managua. The water is clean and clear, and perfect for swimming.
If you want to make a day out of it, you can either pack a picnic lunch, or buy food from the vendors walking around selling things to eat. When the wind is good, in addition to swimming you can enjoy windsurfing and kiteboarding. There are also arrangements for scuba diving excursions in the Laguna de Xiloá.
To get to Laguna de Xiloá in a car, take the highway to León, pass the Ciudad Sandino and look for the Read more
Los Chiles, on the northern coast of Costa Rica, is a launch pad for those looking to take a trip along the beautiful River Frio and across the border into Nicaragua. If you have the opportunity to sail this river in either direction, it is well worth it. Most boats dock in the small town of San Carlos, on the banks of Lake Nicaragua.
The ride down the river is full of different types of wildlife, including many species of birds, capuchin and howler monkeys, and loads of turtles. San Carlos is a quiet little town, with exquisite scenery. Lake Nicaragua is simply immense, majestic in its own right.
Most definitely off the beaten trail, and most definitely worth the extra effort is Bahia Majagual, one of the most beautiful beaches in Nicaragua. Getting there is an adventure in itself! Located just 12 kilometers from San Juan del Sur, you can either take the rough, muddy road, or jump on a water taxi that will run you up the coastline.
Recently the Bahia was purchased by the Cruz Pellas family, one of the richest in Nicaragua. Thank goodness they have left the beach open for public access! Despite the fact that they are building their own compound, complete with a huge wall, this still remains one of the Gringo’s favorite places to spend the day. Read more
Guitarists traveling through Nicaragua will most definitely want to add the little shop of Guitarras Zepeda in Masaya to their list of stops. For years Sergio Zepeda and his family have been making beautiful handcrafted guitars of the highest quality. The shop produces a wide range of guitars, from cedar to rosewood and mahogany. They don’t keep a stock to buy from, so make sure you call at least two weeks in advance to place your order.
Guitarras Zepeda makes standard and short scale, as well as regular and cut-away styles. The cost ranges depending on the wood, frets, inlays and other custom options. Generally, the cheapest guitars cost no less than $100 dollars and Read more
If you’re looking to reel in some fish while on Little Corn Island, there are a number of routes you can take. For a guaranteed catch you can call on the friendly guides at Casa Iguana. A two person trip of about two hours will cost you 45 dollars (US). Of course, whatever you catch is their property, so if you don’t want to see your fish sold at 7.50 a plate to other guests, perhaps you might want to go about your fishing venture in a different way.
Make friends with the locals down on the beach. They will tell you who can take you out and ensure you, not only a rockin’ good Read more
Kayaking from Mérida across the lake and down the Istián River takes about an hour, but you won’t regret the trip. From the lake you can see the Maderas Volcano, which is dormant, and the taller active Concepción Volcano. The river runs between the two islands that the volcanoes call home, and is a great place to observe the wildlife of Nicaragua.
The main stars of the trip are the monkeys, but be careful! They are wild, and they will bite. Birds such as egrets, herons, stilts and herons abound, and the narrow river affords plenty of up close viewings.
You can rent a kayak in Mérida; remember to bring your Read more
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