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From July 6, 2017 to July 13, 2017 I visited different towns of Nicaragua with a family member that grew up in Nicaragua, along with her husband and two cousins of mine. During our stay we visited Esquipulas, Cacoa, Granada, San Juan del Sur, and Managua.
Thursday July 6, 2017
Today I flew from Logan International Airport in Boston to Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua, Nicaragua with a stop at Miami International Airport. The airport in Nicaragua was similar to the airport in Guatemala city, but the city seemed smaller. In just a few minutes we were in the middle of green fields and out of the city. We were headed to Esquipulas, a municipality in the Matagalpa department of Nicaragua to visit my aunt's family and to visit where she grew up as a child. On the way there we stopped in the village of Cacao to see family members there. Immediately I was reminded how warm and friendly people are in Central America. They served us all large plates of food consisting of rice, beans, and plantains right away, despite that they struggled financially and lived in a shack. There was no bathroom, and they grew lots of crops. The family also had pigs and chickens which are very common to have in countries similar to Nicaragua.
Next we went to Esquipulas which contained of about five streets in the village and a small school consisting of grades K-6. Here we saw about fifty kids outside playing soccer together (something you don't see a lot in the United States). We also saw the park in the middle of the village consisting of a playground and some benches. The village of Esquipulas experiences mild temperatures with a rainy season from May to December and dry season from January to April. At night we walked around, saw the church, and had beans and rice for dinner. The five of us traveling together slept in one room consisting of three beds in nets to protect from the bugs. We certainly did not have the best sleep here as the walls are very thin and you could easily hear nearby neighbors, chickens, animals, etc.
https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/
http://www.miami-airport.com
http://www.eaai.com.ni/en
Thursday July 6, 2017
Today I flew from Logan International Airport in Boston to Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua, Nicaragua with a stop at Miami International Airport. The airport in Nicaragua was similar to the airport in Guatemala city, but the city seemed smaller. In just a few minutes we were in the middle of green fields and out of the city. We were headed to Esquipulas, a municipality in the Matagalpa department of Nicaragua to visit my aunt's family and to visit where she grew up as a child. On the way there we stopped in the village of Cacao to see family members there. Immediately I was reminded how warm and friendly people are in Central America. They served us all large plates of food consisting of rice, beans, and plantains right away, despite that they struggled financially and lived in a shack. There was no bathroom, and they grew lots of crops. The family also had pigs and chickens which are very common to have in countries similar to Nicaragua.
Next we went to Esquipulas which contained of about five streets in the village and a small school consisting of grades K-6. Here we saw about fifty kids outside playing soccer together (something you don't see a lot in the United States). We also saw the park in the middle of the village consisting of a playground and some benches. The village of Esquipulas experiences mild temperatures with a rainy season from May to December and dry season from January to April. At night we walked around, saw the church, and had beans and rice for dinner. The five of us traveling together slept in one room consisting of three beds in nets to protect from the bugs. We certainly did not have the best sleep here as the walls are very thin and you could easily hear nearby neighbors, chickens, animals, etc.
https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/
http://www.miami-airport.com
http://www.eaai.com.ni/en
Friday July 7, 2017
Today we drove to Granada, a historic colonial town, on the only highway in Nicaragua, about two hours from Esquipulas. Here we stayed at El Pasado del Sol which was about $40/night. In our room we had four beds (two double, two single), one bathroom, and a small kitchen. Overall the hotel was relatively nice, but do not expect to take a warm shower! At night we walked around Granada, ate dinner, and bought some souvenirs.
Saturday July 8, 2017
Today we went zip lining on Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve. It was about 20 US Dollars per person. There was nine different lines and I felt overall extremely safe. Then we drove even further up the volcano to Cafe los Flores, a cute coffee shop with an amazing view. Before returning to the hotel that night we tried to visit the Tower la Merced Church but there was nobody to let us in. This church, built in 1534, is only a couple blocks away from the central park of Granada and is common for tourists to want to see the view from the Bell Tower for only 1 US Dollar. The La Merced Church is located on the northeast corner of the intersection of the two streets Calle Real and the Agenda 14 de September, and is open from 11 AM to 6 PM.
*Be sure to tip the zip lining instructors!
*Visit The Tower La Merced Church (The best view in the city of Granada)
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/nicaragua/granada/attractions/iglesia-la-merced/a/poi-sig/432722/358491
http://cafelasflores.com
Sunday July 9, 2017
Today we woke up early and went on a run around Granada and shopped for some last minute souvenirs before leaving. Then we were off to San Juan del Sur, about an hour and a half south of Granada, where we checked into the Pelican Eyes Resort which is on the stunning Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. Here we had our own villa consisting of two floors with a full kitchen, living room, two full bathrooms, two queen beds, and a futon. The villa had breathtaking views and was designed like the white buildings in Greece. Pelican Eyes Resort has three infinity pools, two restaurants, and even a spa.
We then walked around downtown San Juan del Sur and saw a lot more Americans than expected. Downtown consisted of lots of restaurants, shops, and hostels. Before heading back to the hotel we checked out Playa Maderas, one of the most popular surfing beaches about twenty minutes from the resort.
*Do not book activities such as surf lessons, horseback riding, or guided trips through the hotel because you will spend more money, as the resort will get a commision.
*This resort has MANY stairs and may not be suitable for all guests. If you require special consideration, consult the reception staff with any questions.
http://www.pelicaneyesresort.com
Monday July 10, 2017
Today we did surfing lessons at Good Times at Playa Hermosa. For only 30 US Dollars for an hour and a half lesson and the board rental for the entire day, we had a blast. The instructors knew English relatively well and were great teachers. Playa Hermosa is a beautiful beach but watch out for sting rays!
Tuesday July 11, 2017
First we went to Playa Marsella and quickly found out that we could not go in the water there because of the abundance of crocodiles. After realizing this we went to Playa Maderas
*You will definitely need a vehicle that has four well drive to get to the beach on the long dirt roads with steep hills.
Wednesday July 12, 2017
Today we saw the statue of Jesus in San Juan del Sur, built in 2009. At 24 meters (77.8 feet) this is one of the ten largest Jesus statues in the world. You are able to drive to the top of the mountain where there is a small parking lot, or you can hike to the top if you're feeling ambitious. The monument is open from 8 AM to 5 PM and there is a 2 US Dollar admission charge for foreigners of 20 Cordobas for Nicaraguan citizens, located at the top of the hill to get to the statue. Under the statue there is a small chapel with information on Christ statues around the world, along with an altar, pews, and paintings of Jesus. After taking in the 360 degree view and taking lots of pictures, we drove to Managua in which we stayed in the Best Western in Managua, directly across from the airport.
*This hotel offers a free airport transportation shuttle, but be sure to tip the driver!
http://www.lasmercedes.com.ni
Thursday July 13, 2017
Today we got up early and headed home to Boston, although we experienced lots of flight delays and arrived home much later than we expected.
*Be sure to keep an open mind when traveling because unexpected things happen frequently!
*Always arrive early to your flights!
https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/
http://www.miami-airport.com
http://www.eaai.com.ni/en