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| Old train track on Ometepe Island. |
We’re wrapping up week four in beautiful Granada, Nicaragua. By the weekend, we will have arrived in San Juan del Sur, a go-to beach destination competing with near-by Costa Rica at a fraction of the cost. This after having spent a handful of nights on twin volcano island, Ometepe. These three spots, and the country’s capital of Managua, are a small glimpse of the entire country. More of the county’s best destinations still hover well below many traveler’s radars.
Nicaragua is full of scenic towns both on the interior of the country covered in green landscapes and lake views and the exterior with beaches only visited by locals and seasoned surfers. There’s something for all types: couples, backpackers, surfers, families, and first-time travelers to Central America. Problem is once the word gets out on Nicaragua it could turn into another overrated tourist trap. I’ll hope for the best and share our journey ensuring news of this gem continues to spread. News that counters preconceived notions of Central America and claims Nicaragua is impoverished and unappealing.
Here’s the deal when you populate a generic list of the most impoverished countries in Central America: Nicaragua is number one on that list. However, poverty doesn’t equate unappealing and making that comparison is unfair. I have felt more safe in this country than the many we visited before. That safety seems to resonate all over the region as Nicas take pride in their mutual identity of tolerating peace over violence, safety over insecurity, and community upkeep over disarray.
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| Horse-draw carriages pepper Granada. |
We’ve experienced this firsthand not while living in a hotel surrounded by foreign tourists, but while living in a home on a block full of humble families and merchants. We shop like locals, shuffle around town as they do, and engage in daily tasks interacting with community members who have been cordial, polite, and welcoming.
The next time someone tells you they wouldn’t visit Nicaragua because of poverty, nod, smile, and visit anyway. Poverty is a very real issue across Central America, but don’t let that stop you. When you visit Nicaragua you help boost tourist dollars generating revenue for a beautiful country striving for progress.
Visit Granada for the colonial architecture, delicious international cuisine, beautifully clean city streets, monuments, and countless churches. We love walking the city streets either at day or night, riding in horse-drawn carriages and dinning out. I literally didn’t have one bad restaurant meal in Granada and we ate out maybe 2 to 3 times per week in four weeks.
Vista Managua for the city life, large scale commercial appeal, and lakefront attractions. Managua does an amazing job keeping its city clean and inviting. Security guards in public spaces are quick to correct patrons disturbing the landscape or cleanliness.
Visit La Isla de Ometepe for the outdoor appeal, slower-pace way of life, or to enjoy a romantic and rural destination. Kayaking at sunset or renting ATV’s is a MUST! If you love nature you’ll find it hard to leave Ometepe.
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| Three of five Queventurers ready to jump into Lake Nicaragua at Sunset. Photo taken from Ometepe Island. |
San Juan del Sur: for the beach scene, oceanfront accommodations, and as an affordable Costa Rica alternative. We look forward to spending a handful of days tanning on the beach and swimming in the clear blue sea. Planning to also take in the amazing view from “El Cristo de Misericordia” overlooking the beach…
