Nicaragua

Hi,
my husband will be in Nicaragua soon and is trying to figure out the best way from Leon to San Juan del Sur.
Comfort and directness is the main priority, are there private taxis, shared vans or modern mini-bus type things? And is it usually necessary to go through Managua? He figures he can ask at his hotel once he's in Leon but I thought I'd check with the experts on Thorn Tree, so if anyone knows an approximate price and likelihood of any of those types of transit, much appreciated…

Hello,

I'm going to Nicaragua soon, and my plane will land in the evening at Managua Airport. I'm supposed to be picked up by a taxi sent by the place I am going to in Nicaragua, but in case they don't show up, I would be reassured if I have a plan B. Does anyone know a safe hotel (with private room+bath), preferably cheap, not far from the airport, to spend 1 night at without reservation? Thanks

I've Googled and searched these forums up and down but I've not found much info regarding taking very young kids (our daughter is 17 months old) on the pangas in between the Corns. I keep reading how rough it can be, and that even on relatively calm days is still a pretty uncomfortable ride.....I've also read here and there about an alternate mode of crossing? A slower, covered boat? Is this accurate?

I wouldn't mind a slightly bumpy ride for our little one, and a splash of sea water never hurt…

and what is the price range?

Just a quick update as people have been mentioning it recently. I've been in touch with a couple of tour agencies in León and apparently it is back to normal, and the evening/overnight tours are the same as they always were, BUT it's unlikely you'll see lava now. I'm still planning to go, when I'm there in July! But more for the hike and the night skies than the lava, sadly.

Does anyone have leads on furnished rooms by the month, preferably in a house with cooking privileges? Looking to be there in July, August or Sept. for a few months.

I'm planning a trip for the end of the year and was wondering whether things like scheduled boat services (San Carlos area) and bus transportation run on regular schedules Christmas Day and New Years Day. The ferries are of particular concern because infrequent services to/from San Carols fall on both holidays this year.

I'm assuming that air and through bus service continues as normal, but local buses, collectivos, and the like are cut back or may not run at all. Is this true?

Im trying to decide to fork over another $400 on a trip back to Guate City to fly home. After traveling for almost two months through Central America, I am nearing my last two weeks....looking at flights back to Guatemala City to return home to US I either have to buy another expensive ticket to Guatemala from Nica or Costa Rica or just let go of the flight from Guate and buy a hole new exit from here...any suggestions? If I have to Tica bus back for two days to Guate, will I have to pay exit…

Hi,

I've been quoted 100 USD for two people to hike up Volcan Maderas, leaving from Moyogalpa with a guide. This seems pretty steep, especially by Nicaraguan standards. Is that the standard price that you'd expect to be paying for such a hike, or can anybody recommend a way to get it more cheaply? We're on a tight schedule so I'm somewhat wary of staying anywhere other than Moyogalpa, where our boat arrives and departs from.

Thank you!

My family is going to Mombacho, specifically Mombacho Lodge in a few weeks. They have a meal plan which is $35pp for lunch and dinner or $25pp for just dinner. This seems expensive. We are a family of four. Are there other places to eat there? We are also supposed to preorder our meals so there will be no flexibility. The owner (super nice woman) says her prices are typical. In addition, she said just to take the truck to the top of the mountain is $25pp. Is everything really this expensive…