Hello
Just returned from another visit in Nicaragua. this time with the entire family.
Few changes that I wanted to report that happened in the last 3-4 years since my previous visits:
1. We were asked twice on Chicken buses to pay for our bags- this only occurred on two touristic routes- SJDS to Rivas and RIvas to Granada, never experienced this elsewhere or in the past. the first one caught me by surprise and we paid. to the second one I just gave the entire exact amount (no bags included) and he said nothing ( there were 5 of us, maybe he didn't want to calculate). this is definitely a tourist fee.....
2. Los chiles (CR)- San carlos border crossing through the rio frio- is down to one boat a day, to my opinion - soon to be gone, as the border crossing in San Pancho is built already- and you can cross there ( however this border closes at 4:00pm, no regular bus or even taxi service, no place to change money.. etc')- but prepare for a really deserted border crossing...
3. Crossing from CR to Nicaragua- CR started to charge 7$ for exit by land. their machine is for credit cards only, I don't know what happens if you don't have one....
4.Esteli- this is the only city we have felt uncomfortable to visit. there were so many guards on the street- for banks I understand, and you see them all around Nicaragua, but in Esteli- it was even in local restaurant. to us to much guard with weapons around means something is unsafe around here ( and we were followed by someone all the way from the restaurant to the hostel- the kids got to some stress....)
We also have one place not recommended to stay in Esteli- Luna international hostel, who gave us a room in their Bar/coffee place, not in the hostel itself, the noise was horrible till late at night...
5.Sunscreen- it has been two quite dry years in Nicaragua. it's very hot and sunscreen cost a lot- so bring enough from home !
6. The bottom line- it is a safe and interesting country, we had more conclusions on backpacking with kids there.. but this is for a completely different summary...
Don't get me wrong
for a 2.5 weeks trip
those were the only "big" things I have found that changed from a backpacker point of view, from my earlier visit 3 years ago. things I could use if I knew earlier- and that's why I've added them.
all the rest went almost as planned, we had seen a lot and did surf class, Spanish class, nature tours, released baby turtles to sea, and watch them lay eggs, climb to Telica and more... but this information is much more handy for everyone :) ....
Thanks for the trip notes! I too was charged extra for bags, on the chicken bus from Masaya to Granada. It was only a few cordobas and it's still so cheap compared to shuttles or taxis, but it might annoy some people - I agree it's basically a tourist tax.
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