Recommendations for a quick Nicaraguan Visit

Make a reservation with an Hotels in Granada, they will pick up. The good thing about Granada is that you can walk anywhere., Go over and have breakfast where the Local Gringos go or better yet just asked for Beagles and Creamcheese and they will point you in the right direction, One week is not to much time, but we all had a good friend on this site that catered to people like you and showed them a good time while enjoying himself. Another option is rent a car with driver (Optional at the rental car place) and open your map and say, take me here James or Jane....Have fun and stay safe.

Jorge Giraldez-Benard Latin American Advisors Company Ltd Texaco El Cortijo 1/2 C al Sur Casa 300 Res. El Cortijo, Managua, Nicaragua C.A.. e-mail JGiraldezB@yahoo.com Skype, YahooPager & MSN User name: JGiraldezB Managua Office: 011 505 2682874

First, I am curious. What is it you hope to gain from this trip...I understand you wish to find out if you would like to retire in Nicaragua from it but one week is difficult t make a decision like that. What do you enjoy doing in your normal life? What do you like to do when you travel typically? Relax on beaches? Volunteer? Hike? Photograph? Read? Do you wish to see nature? Quiet life? City life? Beaches? Volcanoes? Do you like to hike, walk, photograph? paint, do yoga etc etc...are you independent in nature? Or do you prefer to do group type activities? I think we could all help you more if you let us know more about what you enjoy and would enjoy.

Good luck!

P.S. The Moon Handbook is great. Well written and full of insight. The authors lived in Nicaragua for 2 years as Peace Corps members. Though it is a bit outdated, a brand new edition is coming out soon.

Kathy Adams Director/Founder Empowerment International www.empowermentinternational.org

It is the typical tourist trip, but if you only have a week, I think you will get the most bang for your buck and your limited time by doing the Granada-Pueblos Blancos-Masaya-San Juan del Sur, and Ometepe if there's time route.

I would suggest going straight to Granada, and from there you might connect with others doing the same thing, if you want some company. There are also tour operators there if you decide that going it alone is not your cup of tea. Granada is a good base, and from there you can get info and transport to other areas.

Marlies posted about an English-speaking cab driver here a few days ago, with his cell phone number. While you may (or not) find other English speaking cabbies, it is good to have someone who has been tried and is trusted.

Remember when you ask strangers for directions or answers, they are often inclined to pretend they know what they're talking about and give you bad information, rather than just admit they don't know. Ask a few to be sure.

You will meet real Nicaraguans everywhere, even in Granada and SJDS. I think people make those places out to be more Gringo than the reality.

Go to the top of the volcano Mombacho in Granada!!!! You must!!!! It is magical!!! Cool and misty, away from the summer heat, green and lush, gorgeous!

Catarina, the mirador (overlook), go!

You must go to San Juan del Sur, just because you have to see what all the fuss about. The beach is gorgeous. Piedras y Olas is rather expensive, but everyone has to go there at least once. It is beautiful. First class service, but not pretentious.

I hope this helps. If you'll pay my expenses, I'll take the next flight from Miami and meet you there! Tongue in cheek, well sort of...

Hopefully you'll get some invites from people on this site who are there already.

Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.

and stay here: http://www.elnidobedandbreakfast.com/

if you retire there, i'll rent you my place on a long term lease. no, it's not yuppie...i don't think anyone would say www.piedrasyolas.com is yuppie. that is a great place to stay, but being of the people, i could not afford it.

when government grows, liberty yields, thomas jefferson

While the two comments I have seen so far are "the norm" and probably make sense if you just want to see what one would typically see on a first visit, it sure isn't seeing Nicaragua. If "world traveler" in your bio means the real world, not the tourist world, there are certainly some alternatives.

As you get further away from Gringolandia, the number of English speakers tends toward zero. But, in any fair-sized community there will be a few. More important, as you get into less populated areas, people have more time. That is, they will take the time to try to communicate with you.

So, if you want to see "real Nicaragua" and meet real people you can try a few different options. If you are up for adventure, weather will dictate your choices.

If you like it hot, try León, the beaches nearby and possibly Corinto. León is a big city and you will find English-speakers.

If you like something cooler, Estelí (where, because of the Spanish schools, there are quite a few English speakers), Jinotega and Matagalpa. You might even want to try Somoto.

To get around, take a bus. You will get to know more of Nicaragua by being on the bus--both in what you see and who you meet. Travel light and keep an eye on your belongings as petty theft is a Nicaraguan tradition. But, beyond that, the buses are cheap and, if you aren't in a hurry, entertaining.

The most important thing is to have fun. For me, that comes from meeting the "ordinary" Nicaraguans out there.

If you do not speak much spanish - Granada, Jinotepe, Ometepe and San Juan del Sur are good places to visit. If you have more time, go to Catarina - enjoy the food, the view and shop for handmade artifacts directly from the artisans there. If you can make time also visit Masaya in your way to Granada. In Managua stay near the Masaya's highway commercial areas, hotels and shopping malls. Avoid the downtown and "barrios" (low income - populated areas) and the markets (the "Oriental" market is a no-no for tourists). Be aware that as a woman, does not matter your age, you will get "piropos" (flirtatious/ flattering comments)from men, just ignore it and keep walking. Enjoy your trip,

Is shuttle bus to Granada, a couple days later take the ferry to Ometepe then a few days later head over to San Juan Del Sur...Then back to Managua. Watch yourself in Managua, if you arrive at nite you might consider staying across the street at the spendy but secure Las Mercedes..Paxeos has a web site and a shuttle bus service to Granada...

Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.

Steven Wright (1955 - )