Nica next week

k guys, i'm heading from Boston to Nica next week and could use a lil itinerary advice. We arrive in Managua @ like 1:00am but intend on heading to Leon rather then spend our first few days in Managua. We plan on spending a few days in Leon ( is it just me or lodging here rather expensive? I've been through Southeast Asia, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico and I always thought Nica was meant to be on the cheaper end of the scale. thoughts? lodging suggestions?) than from Leon to the Pacific coast for a few days, not sure what beach yet. Again, any suggestions are encouraged. Then towards the Esteli/Jinotega/Matagalpa area, and back to Managua. We have 10 days to wrap it up and I was hoping for any info you cared to impart. Also, upon arrival should we crash in Managua and head to Leon in the AM, enjoy the ride in daylight and all, or try to head straight there? I know it's a heap of questions but I know you guys are good for it.

best.

any reccomendations of places to stay near the airport or bus station? I sorta figured las penitas would be the easy choice, I've pretty much crushed most guidebooks and blogs, I'm hoping for some personal opinions and first hand accounts. I'd also like to check out Flor de Cana in Chichigalpa.

good deal. thanks. Mr.Tim....your turn.

DO NOT try to go to Leon at night. Bad idea. I always stay across the street at Las Mercedes but it may be pricey for you. Hard to say as I don't know your budget. I always factor in the fact that I don't need a cab ride which can be expensive too. If you are arriving at 1 AM. You may not get out of customs until more like 2. Maybe you just want to crash in the airport for 3 hours till the sun comes up.

double d. I gave the airport nap some thought it and it really does seem the most logical.

ideal budget = $20 p/n for a room. It's me and my girl.

I think Steve is being sarcastic about Mr. Tim. lol Right, Steve? Anyway, it sounds like you are flying in on Spirit. So, take a nap in the airport and catch a taxi in the morning to the UCA station, then catch a mini-bus to Leon. Las Penitas Beach is a 20 minute bus ride from Leon. It's a great place to visit. We've been there several times and stayed at Hotel La Barca de Oro. Their fish dinners are awesome.
Leon is a beautiful working city. Not touristy at all like Granada. There are some great museums, too. I forget the name of the hostel we stayed at, but do a Trip Advisor search. There are quite a few nice, inexpensive hostels in Leon.
If you visit the Flor de Cana rum factory, please check out my blog and keep this in mind when visiting. These people need much support. http://retirenicaragua.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/the-island-of-the-widows/
Enjoy your trip.

guess i missed the joke. thanks a bunch gypsytoes. i've checked out your blog a few times. looks like life is swell!

If you stay in Tortuga Booluda in Leon, the bus to Las Penitas is only about 10 blocks away. I found it to be very quiet by hostel standards even though there were plenty of people there.

in Las Penitas, Playa Roca seemed to be the gathering spot (the rocks make for some nice photo ops) for locals and tourists alike looking to spend a day on the beach, though I can't speak for their accommodations. I did the daily commute from Leon because of the weather situation (August) plus there was just so much more going on in Leon (at the time).

You'll want to catch some zzs at the airport. You and your girl can do a fire watch if at all apprehensive, but I would say unnecessary. The first shuttles start running at 5AM.