Location

NICARAGUA

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and is slightly bigger in area than New York State. The country is bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. The Pacific Ocean provides the border to the west, and the eastern border of the country is on the Caribbean Sea.

Lake Managua is the only freshwater lake where sharks live. Bull sharks enter the lake by traveling up the Rio San Juan river from the Atlantic Ocean. The sharks can adapt to fresh water, but they are now rarely found in the lake.

Many exotic animals are found in Nicaragua, such as toucans, boa constrictors, monkeys, wild boars, jaguars, and sloths. Manatees, sea turtles, and green turtles swim in the Cayos Miskitos Biological Reserve in coral reefs off the remote islands of the Caribbean coast.

There are over 70 protected areas in the country, which help preserve the habitats of many endangered species. The Bosawas Biosphere Reserves has a cloud forest that protects 12 kinds of poisonous snakes.

The local people call themselves Nicas, but most outsiders refer the people as Nicaraguans. They are friendly, happy, and family-oriented people.

Most people are mestizos, or natives and Spanish combined. The British brought black slaves to Nicaragua to work on plantations in the 17th century. Many Nicaraguans are descendants of the slaves.

The earliest settlers were probably related to the Maya and Aztec people of Mexico. One of the largest groups of early people was the Nicarao.

Spain ruled Nicaragua and many countries in Central and South America during the 16th century until the early 19th century.

Nicaragua gained its independence from Spain in 1821 and became part of the Mexican empire for several years. Then it joined a group of nearby countries with a central government in Guatemala City called Provinces of Central America. Nicaragua split from the group in 1838 and became fully independent.


SAN JUAN DEL SUR

Which was once a quiet and picturesque fishing village, it is now one of the destinations most visited by tourists and foreigners. The city of San Juan del Sur has practically everything: hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, language schools, post office, a central park, a municipal market, a port, a police station and the famous bay which gives it its first name. Their celebrations are given in honor of San Juan Bautista and the Vigen del Carmen, on June 24 and July 16 respectively.

This is the obligatory stop for travelers looking for surf and relax on almost virgin beaches. More than a dozen of these are found throughout the municipality, including the most famous: Marsella, Maderas, Majagual, Remanso, El Coco, Las Salinas, El Astillero and the Yankee. In some you can find hotels, private homes or communities that offer lodging options.

Special mention should be two of the beaches of the South: The Wildlife Refuge Playa Hermosa, where every year you can see a natural spectacle which is the arrivals of thousands of Olive Ridley turtles coming to nest, and then the birth of the baby turtles. And El Ostional beach, fishing village, where you can engage in rural tourism in the countryside and the sea.

The infrastructure of the town of San Juan del Sur has changed a lot in recent years. Today, the greater the number of foreigners who visit and decide to buy a property to make it private home (many mansions) or in a hotel. Also, thanks to the level of tourism development of the site, the municipal government has carried out reforms in public areas of the city, such as the boardwalk and downtown city park.

One point that is worth visiting when you are in the city is the statue of Jesus of Mercy, located at the top of the highest hill of the bay and built in 2008. From there you have a beautiful panoramic view of San Juan del Sur and its surroundings. In addition, at the base of the sculpture is a gazebo and a small chapel where the process of building the statue is described.

Semana Santa (Easter) is one of the peak tourist times in place. During this period, hundreds of nacional and foreign tourists - especially young people - visit the city for the many parties that are organized both in the bay and nearby beaches. Also, on December 31st is a good time to visit San Juan del Sur, since year-end holidays are also celebrated with parties everywhere.

Another time that plenty of movement occurs is for the Pitahaya Festival. This is an initiative of a group of foreigners living in the city, who created the event to celebrate cultural diversity, music and sustainability. National and international artists, primarily young scene, are presented during the event. Surfing competitions, games, art workshops and other entertainment activities are also big part of this increible event.


PLAYA HERMOSA

Playa Hermosa is located south of San Juan del Sur.

To get to Playa Hermosa from San Juan del Sur, you have to take the road that goes to Ostional and follow the signs directing to Playa Hermosa. The road from San Juan del Sur - Play Hermosa, this cobbled main entrance to Playa Hermosa (9 KM). Once you arrive at the main entrance to Playa Hermosa, find (3km) of dirt road, with a beautiful flora, exotic animals "Monkeys, Lizards, Guardabarrancos, etc.", this road is handy for any vehicle, except in days very heavy rain.

Hermosa Beach offers a daily shuttle, 2 times a day (San Juan del Sur -Playa Hermosa) Do not hesitate to contact us any time for any information.