After visiting Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras, I had few expectations for my visit in Nicaragua except to visit some volcanoes, lakes, off-shore islands and colonial cities. Because of the injury on my left knee, I opted to skip a couple tourist attractions near the Honduras/Nicaragua border which has some hilly terrain. I went directly from Tegucigalpa to Managua by Tica Bus.
Unlike the majority of independent travellers, I chose to base in Managua and made day trips to Leon, Granada and Masaya National Park. I spent three days exploring Managua. The old cathedral of Managua was structurally damaged during the 1972 earthquake. The ruins of the old cathedral still have a haunting presence at the historical centre. Managua is a city of nameless streets. The shopping malls, markets and universities are often used as reference points. Another distinguishing feature is the “yellow trees” on major throughways of the capital city.
Granada and Leon are colonial cities that most backpackers use as hubs. The younger and more athletic visitors apparently prefer Leon because it offers more activities such volcano trekking & boarding and surfing. Moreover, I liked Granada more because it is heaven for photographers. The structures are better maintained and the buildings are more colourful. The islet dotted lakefront is simply gorgeous. The streets are wide and clean.
I visited Volcan Masaya which is a low, active volcano. The National Park surrounding the volcano is covered by solidified lava flows. Even though the area is not inhabited by people, the park is filled with unusual flora and fauna. I was very impressed with the informative presentation at the on-site museum.
The journeys between Managua and the Corn Islands were adventurous. To travel on a cargo boat is a romantic notion but it could be overwhelmingly challenging in reality. Captain D took 36 hours to travel from El Rama to Big Corn Island and the Isleno D took only 12 hours to go from Big Corn Island to El Rama. In comparison to the Bay Islands in Honduras, I like the Corn Islands more because they are more remote and less built-up. The odd time you could even witness crabs crossing a street to go back to the ocean.
To finish off my Nicaraguan visit, I stayed in Moyogalpa for nine days. I visited different parts of the island of Ometepe. It is a very peaceful place and there are farms and ranches everywhere on the island. The colour of the water is a murky green because the sediments are constantly stirred up by the currents of the lake water.
From Moyogalpa, I made two day trips to San Juan Del Sur and Rivas. San Juan Del Sur is a small beach town on the Pacific Coast. Its main attraction is the sandy beach. Rivas is a transportation hub in the southern part of Nicaragua. I tried to purchase a new carry-on there and found out that the prices were higher than those in Vancouver, Canada but a 2-piece fried chicken combo complete with fries, coleslaw and a soft drink cost only $3.50 USD.
Unlike Honduras, Nicaragua has always been trying to maintain its national identity separate from external influences such as the States, Spain, etc. Silhouette monuments of its national hero, Augusto Cesar Sandino, are erected throughout the country.
Unlike the majority of independent travellers, I chose to base in Managua and made day trips to Leon, Granada and Masaya National Park. I spent three days exploring Managua. The old cathedral of Managua was structurally damaged during the 1972 earthquake. The ruins of the old cathedral still have a haunting presence at the historical centre. Managua is a city of nameless streets. The shopping malls, markets and universities are often used as reference points. Another distinguishing feature is the “yellow trees” on major throughways of the capital city.
Granada and Leon are colonial cities that most backpackers use as hubs. The younger and more athletic visitors apparently prefer Leon because it offers more activities such volcano trekking & boarding and surfing. Moreover, I liked Granada more because it is heaven for photographers. The structures are better maintained and the buildings are more colourful. The islet dotted lakefront is simply gorgeous. The streets are wide and clean.
I visited Volcan Masaya which is a low, active volcano. The National Park surrounding the volcano is covered by solidified lava flows. Even though the area is not inhabited by people, the park is filled with unusual flora and fauna. I was very impressed with the informative presentation at the on-site museum.
The journeys between Managua and the Corn Islands were adventurous. To travel on a cargo boat is a romantic notion but it could be overwhelmingly challenging in reality. Captain D took 36 hours to travel from El Rama to Big Corn Island and the Isleno D took only 12 hours to go from Big Corn Island to El Rama. In comparison to the Bay Islands in Honduras, I like the Corn Islands more because they are more remote and less built-up. The odd time you could even witness crabs crossing a street to go back to the ocean.
To finish off my Nicaraguan visit, I stayed in Moyogalpa for nine days. I visited different parts of the island of Ometepe. It is a very peaceful place and there are farms and ranches everywhere on the island. The colour of the water is a murky green because the sediments are constantly stirred up by the currents of the lake water.
From Moyogalpa, I made two day trips to San Juan Del Sur and Rivas. San Juan Del Sur is a small beach town on the Pacific Coast. Its main attraction is the sandy beach. Rivas is a transportation hub in the southern part of Nicaragua. I tried to purchase a new carry-on there and found out that the prices were higher than those in Vancouver, Canada but a 2-piece fried chicken combo complete with fries, coleslaw and a soft drink cost only $3.50 USD.
Unlike Honduras, Nicaragua has always been trying to maintain its national identity separate from external influences such as the States, Spain, etc. Silhouette monuments of its national hero, Augusto Cesar Sandino, are erected throughout the country.
No comments:
Post a Comment