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Trip Report
Fall in love with Nicaragua!
An enriching experience both in discovery of local nature and in social exchange !
+ 7
North AmericaNicaragua22 days / May 2022
Highs & Lows
The beauty of the landscapes (jungle, volcanoes, beach...) despite a very poor country trying to recover from the civil war
Being a blonde tourist (Nicaraguans don't know respect and limits sometimes...)
Itinerary Overview
Nicaragua was a country in strong tourist development just before the 2018 war. The country is struggling to recover but tourism is picking up and it is for our greatest pleasure because (from what I have seen), this country is absolutely beautiful! The locals are for the most part all kind and want to have real discussions (important to have a not too bad level of Spanish...).
A very hot climate everywhere (especially just before the rainy season), little or no altitude in the cities, roads not completely finished but a rather well done transport service !
Without any organization, I let myself be guided by the locals to discover a part of this country and fell in love with it.
The simplicity and the desire of the locals to connect to my universe and learn new things (like English!)
Q & A
What would you have changed?
I would have rented a scooter to make the most of every corner of the ometepe island, and I would have stayed longer to acclimatize to the heat and then climbed the volcanoes !
How was the food?
- Los chinitos in Léon : a buffet restaurant for 50/70 quetzal with a full plate ! - The garden cafe in Granada : a little high price but excellent breakfasts - El Burrito Loco in Granada : the best burrito in the country for really cheap !
What tips would you give a friend?
Negotiate all prices, buses, activities (unless organized) taxis, markets...
Packing tips?
Rain jacket even before the rainy season, Lavender essential oil for mosquito bites or other insects.
Transportation Tips?
The country is well served by chicken buses, for the less patient, many shuttles are available (faster but for a much higher price)
Lodging
Big foot hostel : really cheap but very noisy and crowded. 18 beds in my dormitory and despite the fans, it was way too hot... I swich the next day to Lazybones : much calmer a nd more pleasant ! A very useful swimming pool (the 30 degrees and the humidity are hard to bear in the city), comfortable beds and friendly staff !
Casa Lucy hostel for 4 nights : really cheap and the family that runs this hotel is adorable and the included breakfast is excellent ! Hostal Mochillas for 3 nights : not Many people and a Big kitchen El caite hostel for 3 nights : the best place I've been. Comfortable beds, swimming pool (very important given the heat of the city) and very well placed.
Finca mystica for 4 days, on the sides of the Madeiras volcano, this hostel is lost in the jungle, surrounded by mango trees (which are home to many howler monkeys) and other fruit trees. A peacefull place with an amazing staff, double bed, but far from any activity. El zopilote for 3 days, ecological hostel on the other side of the Madeiras volcano. This hostel as its own restaurant and is near to the lake and shops. Nature, chill and hippy place ! There are many activities offered for free or for a small fee, such as yoga, cocoa ceremony, temazcal (sweat lodge), breathework !!