November 5, 2008 by sacuanjoche.

Nicaragua’s ‘Golden Route’ to the Caribbean, Rio San Juan

World-class Fishing, Historical Battle Sites and Unexplored Rainforest Make the Rio San Juan a Must-See for Top Adventurers

Last update: 10:32 a.m. EST Nov. 5, 2008

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Nov 05, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — A region rich with historic tales and ancient struggles, Rio San Juan, or San Juan River, which borders Costa Rica on the East, has seen its fair share of pirates, battles and entrepreneurs. Even the most outgoing adventurers will be shocked to find some of the world’s largest tarpon, weighing in at over 400 pounds, alongside Howler and Spider Monkeys, jaguars, anteaters and more in the largest uninterrupted stretch of rainforest north of the Amazon Basin.

According to Joshua Berman, co-author of the just released Moon Nicaragua guidebook (Sept. 2008), “The Rio San Juan is one of Nicaragua’s most alluring and remote regions. From the stunning natural and cultural attractions of the Solentiname Archipelago to the old walls of El Castillo’s 17th-century Spanish fort, Rio San Juan is a rare and serene part of the country … “

Connecting the Caribbean Sea to Central America’s largest lake, Lake Nicaragua, Rio San Juan has been considered on more than one occasion as a possible site for what is now the Panama Canal. Its start in Lake Nicaragua is guarded by the Solentiname Archipelago, a 36-island chain formed by the eruptions of nearby volcanoes, while the river’s entrance to the Caribbean Sea is a tantalizing tangle of smaller streams and estuaries. Spanish explorers first discovered the river’s outlet to the sea in 1525 and immediately realized the importance of controlling access to the massive lake. Used as a major trade connection for Granada, Havana and Cartagena de Indias, Rio San Juan caught the attention of 16th century pirates in search of treasure.

Today, the “Golden Route” as locals know it, is a top destination for travelers looking to explore untouched forest and ancient towns. Tours are offered starting in San Carlos, the town located at the river’s start on Lake Nicaragua, and continue to different points along the river. Two large natural reserves, Los Guatuzos and Esperanza Verde (Green Hope), offer hiking trails, lodging, dining and ecological centers. More popular and much larger, is the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve, named after two smaller rivers that run through it. In the surrounding tropical rainforest it isn’t uncommon to find turtles, crocodiles, manatees and jaguar. Various populations of migratory birds and indigenous monkeys can also be heard in the treetops.

Stepping back in time is easily done while floating down Rio San Juan. The historical village of El Castillo, named after a famous Spanish fortress built in colonial times, was a notorious stomping ground for Spanish conquerors and buccaneer pirates. Boat tours drop explorers off at the village’s port, where they can interact with the community and ascend the ancient military fortress for a sprawling view of the surrounding forest. El Castillo’s interior is now a historical museum with a small library conserving the fortress’ past. Horseback tours, canoe trips and rainforest hikes are all available from this colonial village.

Getting there

There are various ways to get to Rio San Juan-daily flights are available from Managua to San Carlos and take about 45 minutes. By boat, a ferry runs from Granada with stops at a few islands along the way. This takes about 12 hours in total.

Renting a car, hiring a car or taking a bus is another possibility-a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended during the rainy season and takes approximately 9 hours from Managua. Managua’s bus transit is another option and takes about 10 hours.

Where to stay

Monte Cristo River Lodge: Monte Cristo is an eco-tourism lodge boasting trophy-sized tarpon and one-of-a-kind views of the rare Macua bird. Visit www.montecristoriver.com for more information.

Sabalos Lodge: Located along the banks of Rio San Juan, Sabalos Lodge features riverside hammocks for lazy days in the tropics and rainforest dips under trees filled with whiteface monkeys. Visit www.sabaloslodge.com for more information.

South American Fiesta ( www.southamericanfiesta.com ) and Kaiyote Tours ( www.kaiyotetours.com ) both offer tours to Rio San Juan.

Source: marketwatch.com

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October 19, 2008 by sacuanjoche.

BY REGIS ST. LOUIS

Nicaragua’s volcanoes, coastlines and colonial towns are no longer a secret among travelers seeking authentic Central America — and they have fewer crowds than neighboring Costa Rica. Yet despite the growing popularity of Granada, Leon and San Juan del Sur, certain places remain well off the tourist radar.Managua, the capital, is one of Nica’s most overlooked destinations and has long been dismissed by foreign visitors, who linger in the metropolis only long enough to change planes or catch the first bus out of town. Those willing to scratch beneath the surface, though, find a proud and fascinating city with a wild landscape and rich history.

Excellent restaurants and nightlife, cozy colonial hotels and a surreal assortment of sights make for rewarding exploring, and help put this land of lakes, poets and revolutionaries into context.

Perched along the shores of the Lago Xolotlán, Managua is a low-rise city of winding streets. Woven into its geography are picturesque crater lakes, with volcanoes to the north and south and the Meseta de Estrada mountain range to the northeast.

A city of tropical verdure, it’s also one of constant reinvention, an essential quality given the wounds that nature has inflicted. Monstrous earthquakes have twice leveled the city, once in 1931 when it was still a tiny municipality, and again in 1972, when five square miles of the city were instantly wiped out, leaving some 20,000 dead.

RETURNING HOME

Since then, the former downtown near the lakeshore, known as zona monumental, was largely abandoned. This forlorn collection of former museums, plazas and government offices was the bustling heart of Managua prior to the quake. Abandoned for a generation, the neighborhood is slowly being revitalized, and capatalinos (Managua residents) have recently started returning to the area.

The streets end at the lake, where the malecon skirts along a colorful assortment of lakeside kiosks and a rickety theme park. Morning is the best time to visit, when songbirds fill the trees around the parks and a cool breeze blows off the lakefront. Among the highlights here is the shell of the old cathedral, whose hauntingly beautiful facade is decorated with murals and stone angels. Despite promises, it has never been restored.

On a grassy plaza a few blocks south is the country’s most evocative revolutionary monument. The Monumento de la Paz is a lighthouse built atop the destroyed remains of thousands of weapons, including a tank, from the Sandinista-Contra War of the 1970s-80s. These were forever encased in concrete by former President Violeta de Chamorro. The nearby Palacio Nacional de la Cultura has impressive exhibits on the conflict and Nicaragua’s more distant past.

Also in the area are the Casa Presidencial, where current President Ortega works, and the Centro Cultural de Managua, the city’s former Gran Hotel. The first floor contains the Bar La Cavanga, a 1950s-era gem, which stages live folk and jazz shows in the evenings. A few blocks north is the Teatro Rubén Darío, a graceful building that was one of the few in the area to survive the earthquake. The second-floor balcony boasts pretty lake views.

There are numerous ways to experience the dramatic scenery (and perhaps see some wildlife) within city limits. Among four crater lakes in Managua, Laguna Tiscapa is the easiest to reach and offers splendid views over the lushly forested lagoon. A zipline whisks down the hillside (for maximum adrenaline boost, opt for the ”Superman” pose).

A short drive south of the capital, the Montibelli Wildlife Reserve has 162 hectares of tropical dry forest. Along the trails, visitors have spectacular views of nearby volcanoes Masaya, Mombacho and Cerro Ventarrón, and impressive glimpses of birds, butterflies and howler monkeys.

NIGHT SONGS

In the evening, Managua comes into its own, with dozens of lively, music-filled bars and restaurants about town. Not far from the zona monumental is Ruta Maya, an airy thatch-roof bar where a laid-back crowd comes to hear live Nicaraguan folk music.

For a denser concentration of nightspots, head to the Zona Rosa, an upscale district in the south of the city. In addition to trendy bars and restaurants, this is the neighborhood of the intimate Casa de los Mejia Godoy, a club (and nonprofit foundation) started by the legendary Godoy musicians Carlos and his brother Luis Enrique.

The Bello Horizonte rotunda in the northeast corner of town is another great place to head. An epicenter for party people, this area provides premium strolling past discos and bars, grill stands and fast-food joints. Wandering bands of sparkly, big-hatted mariachi musicians add to the fray.

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October 18, 2008 by sacuanjoche.

NicaraguaAlthough Nicaragua is known for its history of political instability and conflict, the previously war-torn nation is desperately trying to attract foreign investment. Government incentives have made Nicaragua real estate appealing to investors, as Nicaragua’s attractions continue to draw more tourists and expatriates.

Nicaragua could become an ideal retirement and vacation destination for millions

“Because Nicaragua has historically been overlooked by travelers and real estate investors [in comparison] to Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico, prices have remained extremely affordable,” Henkel Smith, president of Water’s Edge International Realty, said. “Nicaragua’s real estate market is definitely still in its infancy, but we see things changing as the number of foreign visitors and investors continue to buy up properties.”The country has an abundance of natural resources, beautiful landscapes and a government that claims to be welcoming towards foreign investment and tourism. Assuming the government’s expressed attitude towards foreign investment is genuine, Nicaragua appears to be an investor’s dream, offering an ideal retirement and vacation destination for millions of people, especially Americans and Europeans.

On the other hand, some investors might find Nicaragua’s political structure to be intimidating; those who perceive President Daniel Ortega’s position of power as threatening have been discouraged from entering the market. Nevertheless, optimistic investors believe that Ortega’s personal investment in business and tourism projects around the country are a sign that he plans to take a different path this time in office, and that the President is now trying to make amends for his violent past as a young Sandinista revolutionary.

Nicaragua’s investment hotspots are Granada, a colonial town on the bank of Lake Nicaragua, and San Juan Del Sur, a booming fishing village located on the Pacific Ocean just north of Costa Rica. Although a profusion of new developments are happening along the Pacific coast, most of the country awaits significant advancements in infrastructure, providing investors with opportunities to buy property in almost any price range.

Read the entire story here => nuwireinvestor.com

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