Photos -- Granada, Nicaragua
Mar 26th, 2008 | 05:24 PM
#1
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Photos -- Granada, Nicaragua
http://tinyurl.com/yu2yzb
At the end of March, I spent a long weekend in Nicaragua (traveling from New York), spending most of my time in Granada, which is stunningly beautiful, and one day in Managua, which is less so.
The dollar goes very far in Nicaragua (e.g., less than $100 per night in very nice hotels, generally converted colonial buildings; meals are less than $10; inexpensive local transport). I didn't think Granada would be in the heart of the tourist trail, but at least over Easter weekend, there were many, many tourists (so the town has all the familiar amenities).
It was my sixth visit to Central America (one trip to each country except El Salvador, where I'll visit next year), and I'd rank Granada near the top of the colonial cities (similar to Antigua, Guatemala, and nicer than Copan, Honduras, the latter of which is particularly interesting for its ruins).
I'd be happy to answer any questions on Granada (since my trip was so short, I have very little knowledge, but I'll try to answer).
For background and advice, I used the new Lonely Planet guide to Nicaragua & El Salvador (I'll use the second half next year).
Michael
At the end of March, I spent a long weekend in Nicaragua (traveling from New York), spending most of my time in Granada, which is stunningly beautiful, and one day in Managua, which is less so.
The dollar goes very far in Nicaragua (e.g., less than $100 per night in very nice hotels, generally converted colonial buildings; meals are less than $10; inexpensive local transport). I didn't think Granada would be in the heart of the tourist trail, but at least over Easter weekend, there were many, many tourists (so the town has all the familiar amenities).
It was my sixth visit to Central America (one trip to each country except El Salvador, where I'll visit next year), and I'd rank Granada near the top of the colonial cities (similar to Antigua, Guatemala, and nicer than Copan, Honduras, the latter of which is particularly interesting for its ruins).
I'd be happy to answer any questions on Granada (since my trip was so short, I have very little knowledge, but I'll try to answer).
For background and advice, I used the new Lonely Planet guide to Nicaragua & El Salvador (I'll use the second half next year).
Michael
Mar 27th, 2008 | 03:57 AM
#2
Joined: Oct 2004
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Michael -
Thanks for posting your very nice pictures of Granada. I visited Nicaragua in November of 2006 (Granada/Leon/Managua) and also enjoyed it very much. I thought the time in Granada was an excellent mix of colonial city and nearby natural attractions.
Thanks for posting your very nice pictures of Granada. I visited Nicaragua in November of 2006 (Granada/Leon/Managua) and also enjoyed it very much. I thought the time in Granada was an excellent mix of colonial city and nearby natural attractions.
Mar 28th, 2008 | 01:30 AM
#5
Joined: Dec 2007
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I really enjoyed your pictures and I think that I would like this city. Colonial cities have so much appeal. Could you tell us how you traveled from Managua to Granada? Did you feel safe while you were there? How far is it to the coast? I priced the flights from Boston and the fares weren't too bad. It might take some convincing my partner about this destination however. I finally, have him sold on Guatemala. We haven't traveled there yet either.
Mar 28th, 2008 | 05:20 AM
#6
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A few answers:
1. From Managua to Granada, I took a minibus (for around US$1.00) from the UCA stand, which was within walking distance of my hotel, Los Robles, and is also within walking distance of the international chain hotels (Hilton, Intercontinental, and Seminole).
2. Safety -- very safe, but I spent most of my time in Granada, perhaps the most touristy city in Nicaragua, with the very noticeable presense of tourist police
3. I didn't make it to the Isletas or any of the volcanoes -- my time was limited and I preferred to spend it wandering around Granada
4. The coast is probably an hour or so from Managua, and there are beaches that run all the way down to Costa Rica. I met plenty of people who combined a visit to Granada with time along the coast, mostly San Juan del Sur.
1. From Managua to Granada, I took a minibus (for around US$1.00) from the UCA stand, which was within walking distance of my hotel, Los Robles, and is also within walking distance of the international chain hotels (Hilton, Intercontinental, and Seminole).
2. Safety -- very safe, but I spent most of my time in Granada, perhaps the most touristy city in Nicaragua, with the very noticeable presense of tourist police
3. I didn't make it to the Isletas or any of the volcanoes -- my time was limited and I preferred to spend it wandering around Granada
4. The coast is probably an hour or so from Managua, and there are beaches that run all the way down to Costa Rica. I met plenty of people who combined a visit to Granada with time along the coast, mostly San Juan del Sur.
