Costa Esmeralda, in Rivas, where the Mukul Resort & Spa stands
Huge lakes, volcanoes, colonial cities, beaches bathed by the Pacific and the Caribbean and, above all, charming people, are just some of its many attractions. One of the definitive bets addressed to the most demanding traveler is the sustainable project Mukul Luxury Resort & Spa , developed by one of the largest Central American fortunes, that of Carlos Pellas: industrialist, financier, philanthropist and owner of the best Nicaraguan rum, Flor de Caña (if you are a rum lover, you have to try the black label, 12-year reserve) .
A native of 'nica' Granada, a colonial city next to the huge Managua lake (also highly recommended), Pellas has jumped on the bandwagon of eco sustainable and responsible trend and has created an idyllic destination, Guacalito de la Isla, in Costa Esmeralda , in the department of Rivas. Approximately 1,200 people from the surrounding communities work here. It is the first project with high-level infrastructure in the country, with a spectacular golf course and 12 villas and 23 huts with sea views designed and built with sustainable materials and decorated according to the landscape. In addition, it has a unique spa of its kind in the country.
This is just the first excuse to make the leap to this small Central American country. If you need more, here are some:
The Cathedral of Granada
COLONIAL CITIES
You imagine walk through a colonial city at the foot of the enormous Lake Cocibolca or Lake Nicaragua , full of islets that you can visit by boat? Here you can: this is Granada, which, they say, rivals its Andalusian sister in charm. Cradle of great Nicaraguan poets like Ernesto Cardenal, with whom he really has a pique is with Lion (another great idea if you're into the colonial vibe), which is famous as a university city and the cradle of the intelligentsia of the Sandinista movement. Comparisons aside, if you are in Granada, visiting the mombacho volcano can be an option. To stay in Granada, where the nights are usually very fun, and not lose that colonial aftertaste, we recommend Hotel The Club , although there are hundreds of interesting options and for all pockets.
view of lion
I'M LOOKING FOR A BEACH
The best beaches are on the Pacific, around San Juan del Sur , next to the border with Costa Rica. Don't stay in the village, make your nest somewhere further away. For example in Majagual, where you can surf and camp on a quiet beach (reached down a dirt road in a rented taxi) and where you'll find charming, rustic beachside lodgings tucked away from the madding crowd. Very close, next to the town of Maderas, also in the area, ** Buena Vista Surf Club ** also has a wonderful corner. It is an eco lodge a short walk from the beach run by a Dutch couple.
The beaches of Majagual
NATURAL POWER
The Ometepe Island is a paradise in the heart of Lake Cocibolca, formed by two volcanoes, **Madera (inactive) and Concepción (active)**. The only access to the island is by water. So to get there you will have to take a ferry in the Port of Saint George (an hour and a half to Puerto de Moyogalpa, already inside). Waterfalls, rivers, springs, petroglyphs, the landscape is impressive. If you want to climb the volcanoes, you will have to do it with a guide and reserve a day for each of them. To stay, we suggest you for its spectacular views of the volcanoes, Finca El Porvenir.
Ometepe: natural power
COFFEE ROUTE
Agrotourism has also burst onto the scene in Nicaragua. A route that covers the five departments of the northern region: Estelí, Jinotega, Madriz, Matagalpa and Nueva Segovia They keep the traditions of the Nicaraguan people with their mazurkas and polkas, ceramics, and products such as coffee, tobacco, and Somoteña donuts. The route is most picturesque, the food very tasty (and peasant) and corn is the main protagonist . Do not miss in Estelí the well-known Legal corner bar (with live music to listen to the best revolutionary songs) . A place full of Sandinista memories where you can have a snack and understand the convulsive history of this country.
A street in Granada
I WANT A HAMMOCK
The largest craft market is in Masaya , just 17 km from Managua. Built in a building from 1891, you will find the most beautiful hammocks, tapestries, embroidered dresses, carved leather, wood and clay crafts, masks, etc. It is considered the capital of Nicaraguan folklore. Do not leave here without trying the typical dish, el baho: a mixture of beef, yucca, ripe and green plantain and cabbage salad . One option is the Mi Viejo Ranchito restaurant.
HOW TO MOVE
With an area of 130,370 km2 and 15 departments, Nicaragua makes itself known relatively easily. Transport is safe and the Tica Bus is the company that will allow you to connect practically the entire territory of the country, traveling with comfort and safety.
WHAT TO READ
During the trip and to understand the recent history of the country, the recommended reading is the novel El País under my skin, by the Nicaraguan poet and novelist Gioconda Belli.
A colonial church in Granada