general and specific info about Nicaragua :)
Replies: 8 - Last Post: Dec 8, 2012 9:40 AM Last Post By: danielbozi
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general and specific info about Nicaragua :)
Hi there!Me and my girlfriend are going to Nicaragua now in december, we are budget backpackers!! :) and we would like to know which volcano and/or jungle/nature trek is the best one, and obviously from where it can be purchased etc... prices??
Secondly, we would like to chill out by a beach in or near a village or something, which would be the best place for hanging out with nice restaurants (can be with other backpackers and/or locals, doesnt matter) We read so much on the internet about different places but we don't know which info is reliable... and we'd like to avoid the crazy tourist traps (every country has them), so I'm wondering what your recommendations would be??
Finally, my girlfriend is into diving so we thought on going to the Corn Islands for that... is it easy to find accommodation there without booking, and how would be the best way of arriving there from Managua?? (which is quite far away)... local buses or local flight?
ANY INFO is greatly appreciated!!
oh,two more questions... how is the malaria situation? I thought of using DEET-repellent all the way during the trip so to avoid mosquitoes altogether...
currency: we will come from canada, but are figuring to change to USD before leaving, since we might get a better exchange rate to the local currency... where is it best to exchange once in Nicaragua? Are there good exchange rates already at the airport or should we head into town?
ok thats it for now - many questions!! thanks a million!! /Daniel
1
Hi, Try to stay out of Managua. Granada is a much better option. You can visit Ometepe Island where there are two volcanoes that you can climb. Little Corn island is really nice. You should have no problem getting a cabin without reservations. You can fly from Managua for about $167US round trip. Don't worry about malaria. Save some money for taxis as they really come in handy for getting around and for safety.2
Actually you will need to make reservations for a trip to Little Corn Island in December, though I can tell you that if you haven't already, you probably won't find anything available.Coincidentally there was a fire at Graces Place a couple of weeks ago and now there are 17 rooms less on the island (nobody was hurt).
But I concur with everything else Greggo said, howeverI have to admit I know much less about the Pacific side than the Caribbean side.
Have
a
good
trip!
3
An option for chilling by the beach is Poneloya and Los Penitas, outside Leon. Easy to get to by bus. I spent a couple of days at the Barca de Oro lodge a couple of years ago, and would recommend it. There are other choices there too. From Leon there are some volcanos to climb not too far away.I've found it pretty easy to use USD in many places, w/o having to change a lot into cordobas.
Edited by: la_vache
4
Hi Again, I had no problem at Carlitos in December but too bad about the fire at Graces. The Iguana had rooms though a little bit more. Then there are the hotels in town. I really don't think the whole place will be booked up any more than any other place in Central America. I don't like to book in advance.5
If you are looking for a quiet beach spot that is not a tourist trap, check out Jiquilillo Beach. Jiquilillo is located 36km north of Chinandega (1.5 hours by bus via Chinandega, 2 hours by public transport from Leon, and 3-3.5 hours from Managua) located on quiet virgin beaches. If you enjoy quiet beaches without all the hoards such as San Juan, without strong currents and long stretches of beaches, this will be your choice. Great surf available for both beginner and intermediate levels. Miles of untouched beaches, turtle projects, horse back riding, kayaking and boating in Padre Ramos Central America's largest estuary system, and authentic Nica life in a working fishing village. You won't find lots of tourists but will always have local restaurants to choose from. If you want to get your groove on, there is a local party every Saturday night at Hotel Roma where you can dance with the locals. There is also great hiking at Volcano Cosiguina. Personally its one of my favorite hikes in Nica. An easy climb, takes about 4 to 5 hours round trip with great views of El Salvador, Honduras, and Nica. The crater lake is beautiful and I would recommend anyone to visit it.For pictures of the beach check out www.rancho-esperanza.com and on their facebook page. You will find pics of all of the activities mentioned above and the last turtle release last week. Turtle season is coming to a close, you have two weeks left to check it out!
6
hey thanks guys!! so what I was thinking is to spend one night in managua due to late arrival p.m. but then head out to the beaches and volcanoes of the northwest (Leon, Chinandega)... afterwards we were thinking to go south to the Ometepe Islands and from there SOMEHOW (how?) to the Corn Islands towards the end of our journeys...How do you get to the Corn Islands in a cheap but still practical way?
Flights from Managua or taking a bus across the countryside? Like taking a bus from Rivas (Ometepe) to the Corn Islands? Anyone has got a clue as to how long that would take?? We are kinda on a budget so would like to avoid national flights if possible....
Thanks for your help!
Cheers, Daniel
7
I love answering this question!How to get from Managua to the Corn Islands
Let me know if you have any others :)
8
haha wow!! that's what I'd call a complete answer!!! ::)))Thanks a million! -- I guess we'd have to come back to Managua before going to the Corn Islands then....
