Travel Answers

I am planning on going to Managua to intern for Oxfam during the month of June. I am a 20 year old female and will be traveling alone. I got a scholarship to do this internship, but after doing some research on the region, I am reconsidering whether to go. Would I be better off not going? Or if I do decide to go, what areas would be recommended to rent an apartment in?

I am planning a December vacation with my blended family. All but one are very happy with the basics and hostels are not a problem for us. All but one are older than 20 so surf, hike etc. is good. My 13 yr old loves to swim. Is this area safe for swimming? Which hostel or hotel would be recommended for this area.

My brother and I are thinking of traveling to Nicaragua this June for a week to ten days. Considering the time of year, are there better places than others to visit? Ideally, we'd like to see Granada, Leon, volcanoes and rain forests. Any thoughts? Suggestions? Oh, and should we rent an SUV? Thanks!!!

I was thinking of going to Nicaragua sometime between May and October, but I see this is rainy season. Is this a problem for travelling ? In other words, does it rain for most of the day, or do the rains come heavily for an hour or two, but the rest of the day is sunny ? Are there some of the months from May to October that would be ok for travelling, and others not ?

Hola, quería saber si las Islas del Maiz tienen plazas rocosas con coral que hay que caminar con sandalias cuando me meto en el agua o si son toda arenosas. Hi, I'd like to know if Corn Islands are sandy or rocky that you must enter in water with sandals.

Is there any transport from San Carlos to Bluefields? Is there a road to Bluefilelds like google maps say or you have to go to Rama and take a boat?

Just booked the airfare for x-mas eve flight to Managua. Like Honduras, the rental car looks like the best way to go for an 11 day tour, but after that I am just beginning research. Suggestions from those who have been there or live there would be greatly appreciated.

need information again--how do i get from managua airport to mini bus depot that go to granada--or airport bus to mini vans to granada or leon--thanks duncan

Anyone have 1 0r 2 atv,s for rent in Jan-Feb 2013?

Considering a trip this April to Little Corn Island, Nicaragua and was hoping to get some feed back from anyone who has visited recently. In particluar, any recommendations on where to stay? Thanks in advance.

Are there any places to go deep sea fishing in Pochomil?

There are 4 of us flying into Liberia, CR and have reservations in Granada for 4 nights. What is the best transportation from Liberia to Granada?

Hi there, My Family (wife and two children ages 15 and 11) are planning to make a short trip to Granada from Miami this April and I wondered how safe the city is for an obvious non Nicaraguan looking family to walk around in? we have been torn between Cartagena in colombia and Granada for this short break so any views on either would be great. Many Thanks

Can anyone tell me if the Cafe Ben Linder in Leon is now closed? I will be in Leon in 10 days, and wanted to go there to support the work of the art program & the local coffee roaster. Thanks!

Hi all, My wife, 8 yearold girl, parents, 2 friends and I will be going to Leon, Ometepe island, and Saun Juan Del Sur, any tips on saftey would be great. Also we are looking for things to do and prices we are up for just about any thing we are moderate adventures but will be trying cerro negro lol. Thanks all

I'm going to San Juan del Sur with a couple of friends mid November for a little over a week. We were thinking of basing there, then visiting Leon, Granada, Bluefields, and Somoto Gorge. We are renting a car for the period we are there. I was curious if anyone can tell me what the gasoline costs are currently to help us estimate our trip costs. We plan to drive to Leon for a day stopping in Granada with an overnight stay, maybe more on way back to San Juan del Sur. I was wondering if Masaya or any where between Granada and San Juan del Sur would be good to see. As Somoto Gorge and Bluefields are long drives from there and our time is short, I thought flying to them would be the best idea. I was wondering if someone can tell me the name of any small prop planes flying between San Juan del Sur (looks as Rivas is closest airport) and Bluefield and San Juan del Sur and Somoto (looks as Esteli is closest airport). Also if anyone can tell me the typical weather mid November (looks as though it is end of wet season/start of dry) - what would be the day temperature compared to night temperature? Thank you in advance for any information anyone can provide.

Next year I am planning on incorporating the Corn Islands in Nicaragua into my Central America itinerary and wanted to know if anyone had any advice on whether I should take the plane or ferry? I read that the flight is an hour and should be about160 return whereas the ferry is 9 hours and costs9. Time isn't really an issue but I have been on some pretty scary ferries in Indonesia and though I don't get seasick easily, I got pretty violently ill. Is the journey via ferry really rough? It should be late May/early June. Also, will we be able to just show up and find budget accommodations? Thanks!

Hi What's it like? Humidity? Day time highs? Is it a safe place? Thanks john

I'd like to rent an ATV for about a month 1/6/2012 to 2/3/2012 to use while we stay near Pochomil for our 50th. Aniv. I have found hourly rentals only. Could be 3 or 4 wheel. Would also consider purchasing and then selling a unit.

Anyone know of a phone card that can be purchased in the US to be used in Nicaragua to call the US? My daughter is traveling to Nicaragua and I'd like to have that taken care of before she leaves the States.

So, a little background first. I am a young woman in her 20's who will be traveling to Nicaragua this upcoming July for 3 weeks. I am planning on going there by myself, primarily to learn Spanish (I do speak a little already), but I also want to get to see the country. Also, I am doing a homestay in each of the cities I will be in and the program I am working with will be providing my transportation between cities. My plan right now is to stay in Esteli, Matalgapla, and San Juan del Sur for a week each and in that order. My first question is, would people who have traveled in Nicaragua before recommend San Juan del Sur or Leon more? I need to choose between these 2. And secondly, of the cities I have choosen, will it be safe for me to be there pretty much by myself? Like I said I have some Spanish experience, but I am by no means fluent, so I was a little concerned with being put in a situation where I could not effectively communicate since this is really my first time traveling solo. Any information would be greatly appreciated!!!

I'm visiting Nicarague in March and i was wondering the weather conditions in San Juan Del Sur at that time, i'm going the 19-27 and would really like to know what to bring! please get back to me

I am planning a possible walk across Nicaragua (coast to coast) this upcoming July. I have pretty extensive experience traveling solo in South America and my Spanish is good enough to get around and communicate. I plan to get most of my walking (20-30 miles/day) done in the morning and early afternoon. I've gone on similar hikes from town to town in Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, and Bolivia, but nothing this long. I have a few questions for anyone who might live in or who have traveled in Nicaragua: I am hoping to go solo from the west coast, through the Segovias and Boaco, and then likely hire a guide in Rama (if necessary). Is it possible to hike from Rama to Bluefields or the Pearl Lagoon on dirt roads, or is it only possible by boat? Are the volcanoes north of Lago de Managua more impressive than those around Masaya / Granada? How heavy is the traffic on the "main" roads in Nicaragua? I am looking to stay off the beaten path -- dirt roads are ideal, but I know how difficult directions can be. I'd rather not take a tent, but it looks like I might have to, and then arrange stays on locals' land when I can't find hotels. In bigger towns, I'd prefer to stay in hostels and cheap hotels, but how common are basic accommodations in smaller towns?

Can anyone advise any information on a direct bus from Grenada, Nicaragua bus to Liberia, Costa Rica? Does anyone know where I can find the schedule? How I can book tickets? Everywhere I look on the internet gives information on how to get to Grenada from Costa Rica, but I need information on the reverse.. Ideally what I would like to do is arrive in Managua (by flight from New York) on Thursday 6 January 2011. Take private car service or shuttle from Managua airport to Grenada. Price is not an issue, safety is! Spend 3 nights in Grenada, Nicaragua Take a bus from Grenada to Liberia, CR on Sunday. Arrive in Liberia, and take a local taxi to airport, or car rental location. Pick up my rental car that same day and drive to Arenal / La Fortuna and stay there Sunday night. After that I have a week in Costa Rica and already an itinerary planned there.. Really the most important thing I would like to know is can I take an early morning direct bus from Grenada to Liberia, and then pick up a rental car in Liberia in the same day..? I am sure this can all be done very easily.. but just want to confirm.. Again, only direct bus only Grenada to Liberia. I definitely do not want to back track to Managua, and don't want to take the bus all the way to San Jose either! Many Thanks!! George

Planning to spend some time in Nicaragua, and though I have other communications alternatives I hope to be able to use my Verizon global phone. Verizon's map and customer service representatives indicate that there is fairly complete coverage in most of Nicaragua, but I'd like to get some first person accounts. Aside from the outrageous roaming charges, can anybody give me feedback on voice, texting and email with Varizon? Thanks

Is this city a good place to retire? Is it safe? Is it costly or is it very reasonable to live ,eat shop here. Is there nice places to live for long term, 2-years or more? Please get back to me soon.... TRULY Ramon

Hi everyone - I'm considering spending about 6 months there and will almost certainly want a car. Has anyone driven from the US to Nicaragua? Aside from the usual, what might be the problems for a barely-Spanish-speaking female driving down alone? No road signs in Honduras? The odd kidnapping? Does it make sense to bring a 2000 Subaru Outback, or are they so rare and precious it would just be a target? On the other side, what kinds of problems might there be with buying a car there? Insane red tape? Nothing to buy that won't kill you? I don't need to decide on this until about July 2011, so any input until then will be much appreciated. Thanks!

My wife and I are trying something different (for us). I'm a consultant and do most of my work on-line, so why not do it, at least part-time, from somewhere unique? We're 60-ish, don't consider ourselves "seniors" but we're a bit beyond back-packing and surfing. (a hike up one of the volcanos will probably be on our list) So we want some place charming where we can be internet-connected, but is not resort-like. Renting an apartment in Grenada seems intriguing. I like what I hear of the colonial feel. Then maybe a week in San Juan del Sur for pure vacation. We would probably rent a small car for the full time. I would love to hear anybody's comments, warnings or suggestions. Thanks

Hi its been twenty years since i've been to nicaragua. going back with a friend and i would like to know if anyone has ever rented a car. just wondering if anyone could help on giving me some tips or recomend a reputable car rental name.

My wife and I are planning a surf trip to the Nicaraguan South Pacific coast from Ireland. We want to travel as freely as possible which means not booking into surf camps etc. We have been advised against this for security reasons. We'd appreciate advice on safe places to visit where accommodation is simple and possibly remote (we like to get away from cities)- we prefer to travel off the beaten track. Anyone with similar preferences who can offer advice on how to avoid trouble and enjoy the surf please enlighten us. Many thanks!