Cute posada in Diriamba/Jinotepe

If you're passing through Diriamba and Jinotepe and want a quiet, very pretty place to stay I can recommend Tortuga Verde. Spent 2 nites there last week and plan to return.

www.ecolodgecarazo.com

I think it's the pefect base for day trips to the Pacific Beaches of La Boquita / Casares, the Pueblos Blancos towns which are very picturesque (especially Catarina), and Jinotepe. Tortuga verde is close to all these places by local buses which are fast and cheap.

It's a small posada set in the midst of a very lush tropical garden that doubles as a nursery. Rooms are only $20 to $25 and represent very good value. Each has cable tv with a good satellite connection, a small frig and a large bathroom with plenty of hot water. The rooms are cooled off by a big fan which is all you need because the Diriamba climate is very mild. Very, very clean and very quiet.

The owner, Roberto Rappaccioli, has spent years on planting and pruning and has built up a Nicaraguan version of the Garden of the Eden. Perfect for pulling up a chair with a good book pulling up a chair and reading. Roberto knows the region backward and forward. He has a lot of entertaining stories and knocks himself out to make sure his guests have a pleasant stay.

For a few extra bucks he will serve you a great traditional breakfast with organic coffee, fruit from his own garden and the best gallo pinto I've eaten so far.

He also has lots for sale behind the garden in a beautiful old coffee plantation. Very pretty country, I must say. If you're passing through say hello to him for me.