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Exploring Nicaragua: Colonial Towns to Countryside

Program Number: 18125RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/28/2013 - 10/4/2013; 10/26/2013 - 11/1/2013; 1/14/2014 - 1/20/2014; 2/18/2014 - 2/24/2014; 3/11/2014 - 3/17/2014;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Nicaragua
Price starting at: $1,375.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Natural History
Meals: 14; 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 3 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Emerging from decades of political transformation, the tiny nation of Nicaragua is on the brink of even greater change. For now, it still offers a window into the simpler past of Central America a generation or two ago. Downtown Granada is a city in restoration mode with emerging musicians, poets and artists, while León showcases its Spanish past and intellectual leanings. In these towns and in a beautiful countryside of volcanoes, cloud forests, hot springs and plantations, learn about the historical complexities and energetic spirit that are inseparable from Nicaragua’s identity.




Highlights

• Discover the striking colonial architecture and lovely natural surroundings of Granada, a city on the verge of a cultural revival.
• See where your morning cup of coffee comes from at a local coffee plantation high in the hills of Matagalpa.
• Experience Nicaragua’s spectacular natural beauty and power at Masaya Volcano National Park.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to one mile per day; some uneven terrain.



No single supplement for limited number of rooms.




Date Specific Information

9-28-2013

Can be taken in conjunction with #16394-09/17/2013 or #19243-09/18/2013.
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10-26-2013

Can be taken in conjunction with #16394-10/15/2013 or #19243-10/16/2013 or #20774-10/19/2013 or #11586-11/03/2013 or #20774-11/03/2013.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



1-14-2014

Can be taken in conjunction with 8577-01/20/2014 and 11586-01/21/2014
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2-18-2014

Program #11586-02254 or # 8577-02244 can be taken directly after this program date.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



3-11-2014

Can be taken in conjunction with 8577-03/17/2014and 11586-03/18/2014
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Managua, 1 night; coach to León, 2 nights; coach to Jinotega, 1 night; coach to Granada, 2 nights; coach to Managua for departure.



Arrival Managua
1 night
Coach to León
2 nights
Coach to Jinotega
1 night

Delve into the history and poetry of Nicaragua here in the country’s progressive university town, León. See a successful community project at work during a visit to a local women's cooperative. Witness the earth boiling at the San Jacinto hot springs. Visit a gourmet coffee plantation in the lush Matagalpa hills.



Coach to Granada
2 nights
Coach to Managua
Departure

Marvel at Masaya Volcano National Park and learn to identify its geological features. In Granada, interact with locals at the Masaya Market, where food, artwork and goods are for sale. Learn the history of this classic colonial city on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, a story of overcoming imperialist designs, dictators and internal strife.




Nicaragua

After declaring its independence from Spain in 1821 and briefly a part of the Mexican Empire, this agricultural economy has become renowned for its strong folklore, music and religious traditions. Locked between Honduras and Costa Rica, the people of Nicaragua reflect the Indian and Spanish-European heritage, among others, and is home to over 450 volcanic origin islands, including the world's largest volcanic lake island, Isla Ometepe.
Accommodations
Managua: Modern hotel with views of Lake Xolotlan. León: Colonial-style hotel with lush gardens. Jinotega: Small, comfortable hotel. Granada: Hotel in a restored, elegant colonial home.
Meals and Lodgings
   Holiday Inn Select Managua
  Managua, Nicaragua 1 night
   Hotel El Convento
  León, Nicaragua 2 nights
   Hotel Cafe
  Jinotega, Nicaragua 1 night
   Plaza Colon Hotel
  Granada, Nicaragua 2 nights
 Holiday Inn Select Managua
Type: Hotel
  Description: Excellent view of Xolotlan Lake. Only 20 minutes from Managua International Airport, this intelligent and ecological building offers comfort and fulfills the highest security standards for guests.
  Contact info: Autopista Juan Pablo II Avenue
Managua,  212 Nicaragua
phone: +505-2255-6010
web: www.holidayinn.com.ni/
  Room amenities: AC, Internet connection, security box, electric locks, cable TV, phone with data port, coffee maker, blow dryer.
  Facility amenities: Casino, Executive floor, 24 hr. room service, AC, dry cleaning, money exchange, pool, safety deposit box, gym. Guests wishing to use the hotel's airport shuttle service (this amenity is provided at an additional cost) should contact the hotel directly to set-up a pick-up/drop-off time.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Subject to availability Please contact you travel provider - Holbrook Travel, for additional information at 1-800-866-7111.

 Hotel El Convento
Type: Hotel
  Description: This historical hotel in the heart of the magical city of Leon, is a true colonial jewel. San Francisco's Convent was the first and most ancient convent in Leon, with its church being founded in 1639 by the Reverend Fray Pedro de Zuniga. Because in the 1830's religious groups were expelled from Nicaragua, San Francisco’s Convent became the Intituto Nacional de Occidente. Now it stands completely refurbished in its original state. A true marvel of a hotel, the one to stay at in Leon.
  Contact info: Next to San Francisco's Church
Leon,  00000 Nicaragua
phone: +505-031-17053
  Room amenities: 31 beautiful double rooms (each with two queen beds) and one suite (king size bed), all equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, hot water, international dial tone, internet access, 24 hr room service
  Facility amenities: laundry service • Full service restaurant and coffee shop • Beautiful garden and fountain • Elegant conference and event rooms accommodating up to 250 guests • Free parking for guests
  Smoking allowed: No

 Hotel Cafe
Type: Hotel
  Description: Hotel Café is located in Jinotega, 160km northeast from Managua. Coffee is the most important economical activity, and the weather is quite warm from June to December. The mountains are always green with a wide variety of birds and animals. We offer tours to coffee states. The hotel is located downtown in Jinotega. You can walk around the city safely, buy typical black ceramic, corn bread and a delicious cup of coffee.
  Contact info: Texaco gas Station 1 Block East and 1/2 Block Nort
Jinotega,  0000 Nicaragua
phone: +5057822710
web: www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/HotelCaf-Jinotega-3560
  Room amenities: The rooms are nicely decorated and have private bathrooms with warm water, cable TV, direct dial telephones and air conditioning.
  Facility amenities: Laundry service, internet connection, room service, conference room, bar and restaurant, money exchange and private parking. English spoken.
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Plaza Colon Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Hotel Plaza Colon is located right in front of Parque Colón, known as Parque Central in the historical city of Granada. The hotel is set in an elegant antique colonial house that has been restored to its original style and architecture, with interior courtyards and balconies overlooking Central Park and the Cathedral. Granada has a cheerful night life full of bars and lounges; at the Hotel you can visit El Bar and enjoy your welcome cocktail “El Macua”, the national drink of Nicaragua. Right t the front of the Hotel you can take a horse drawn carriage and tour the city around. Don Simon Cafeteria, just aside from the Hotel, will offer you a taste of the best Nicaraguan coffee.
  Contact info: Front of Central Park
Granada,   Nicaragua
phone: +50525528489
web: www.hotelplazacolon.com
  Room amenities: 2 Queen beds, AC, hot water, cable TV, safety deposit, hair dryer, minibar, ceiling fan and telephone
  Smoking allowed: No


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
All-day arrivals at Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua, Nicaragua. Hotel check-in begins at 3 p.m. You will be staying at Holiday Inn Select Managua that night.
  End of Program:
Departures from Managua's Augusto C. Sandino International Airport. Hotel check-out by 11 a.m. You will be staying at Plaza Colon Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Participants will need to purchase a $10 tourist card (price subject to change) at the airport upon arrival in Nicaragua. The $32 departure tax is usually included in the price of the international airline tickets. In the event it is not, the fee will need to be paid at the international airport prior to leaving Nicaragua. Please note that these prices and requirements are subject to change without notice. For more information, please contact the Embassy of Nicaragua in Washington, D.C. at tel:202-939-6570/6543.
  Parking availability:
Not applicable.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Managua
  Transportation to site: The Holiday Inn Select in Managua offers airport shuttle services for a fee. Interested participants should contact the hotel directly. www.holidayinn.com.ni/eng/ Taxi services are also available at the Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua, Nicaragua.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Granada
  Transportation from site: Taxi services are available at the hotel. Participants wishing to hire a taxi should ask for assistance at the hotel's front desk.
Elevation Note: Mombacho Volcano is over 3,000 feet in elevation.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrive to Managua.
(Tuesday, March 11)
   
 Arrive To: Arrive in Managua.
Transfer to hotel.

Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day. Hotel check-in usually begins at 3PM.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Select Managua

Day 2: León -
Las Huellas de Acahualinca & Historical Sites.
(Wednesday, March 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Program Orientation.

Excursion to the archaeological footprint of Las Huellas de Acahualinca estimated to be over 7,000 years old. Site lecture: Evidence of Early Human Presence in Central America.

Many thousands of years ago, the soft ground near Lake Managua's southern shores captured impressions left behind by animals and Paleo-Indian humans. Over time, the mud and volcanic ash solidified, creating a permanent record of the people and animals who once roamed the area. The Museo Sitio Huellas de Acahualinca, located in the Acahualinca neighborhood, showcases the footprints found at the site and archaeological finds from other areas in Nicaragua.

Visit to the Plaza de la Revolucion, the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura, the old and new Cathedrals, the old Somoza bunker, and the Sandino Statue.
 Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Transfer to Leon.

The liberal counterpart to conservative Granada, Leon is known as the intellectual and academic center of Nicaragua. The city's buildings serve as fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture; the Cathedral of the Assumption in particular. Despite Leon's importance as an industrial and commercial center, it is surrounded by lush natural beauty and is only 11 miles from the Pacific coast.

Arrive at the hotel and check-in.

Lecture: Overview of Nicaragua.
Presentation of a poem by Ruben Dario.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel El Convento
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: León –
History of the Colonial City/Local Women's Cooperative.
(Thursday, March 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Excursion to the Spanish colonial city of Leon.
Return to the hotel.
 Lunch: Lunch at hotel.
 Afternoon: Field trip to a local women's cooperative that grows and prepares peanuts and cashews for export. Learn about the NGO and its efforts to improve the lives of local women while also getting a closer look at the farming and processing of cashews and peanuts.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore local fare in León.
   
Accommodations: Hotel El Convento
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Jinotega –
Boilers of San Jacinto/Matagalpa Region/Local Coffee Plantation.
(Friday, March 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Morning transfer to Jinotega.
Excursion to the boilers of San Jacinto. An excellent place to explore the geothermal activity of the area, this reserve has exceptional boiling mud fumaroles and hot springs.

Visit the village of Matagalpa en route. Enjoy an on-site overview of Matagalpa's history.

Situated along the Rio Grande, coffee farms surround the lofty village of Matagalpa in northern Nicaragua. In the mid 1800s, Ms. Katharina Braun Elster pioneered coffee production. Today, coffee is the mainstay of Matagalpa’s economy. Matagalpa is built on a hilly terrain that is surrounded by mountains and receives a higher average of rainfall each year, making the surrounding areas green and lush.
 Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Field trip to a local coffee plantation and processing facility.

Lecture: The History of Coffee Production in Nicaragua.

Arrive in Jinotega and check-in at the hotel.
Free time to rest before dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Cafe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Granada –
Masaya Volcano National Park/Historic Granada.
(Saturday, March 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Transfer to Masaya Volcano National Park and the Volcanic Interpretation Center.

Field trip to Masaya Volcano National Park with site lecture. The volcano is one of the most active in the country with gaping craters and a continuous stream of sulfurous gas visible from far away. The Chortegas, who most Masayan inhabitants today trace their ancestry back to, feared the volcano and understood the grumbling eruptions to be signs of anger that required sacrifices, often human.

Visit to Volcanic Interpretation Center.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Transfer to Granada.
Arrive at the hotel and check-in.

Guided exploration of the colonial center of Granada and its colorful history.

Granada is one of the oldest cities in Central America. In the nineteenth century, it played host to the likes of William Walker and others intent on taking control of the nation. Present day Granada offers its visitors copious amounts of charm and an excellent view of Central America's colonial past.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore local fare in Granada.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Colon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Granada -
Boat Ride on Lake Nicaragua/Masaya Market.
(Sunday, March 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Morning boat ride on Lake Nicaragua. As you navigate around the islets, enjoy on-site instruction about the geology and natural history of Central America's largest lake.

Approximately 365 small volcanic islands can be seen spread out at the foot of Mombacho Volcano; formed when the volcano erupted more than 20,000 years ago. Today, a number of the small islands are inhabited by families who make their living from fishing, while other islands play host to extravagant villas owned by Nicaragua's rich and famous. Additional items of interest are the San Pablo Fort (built in the 18th century to protect Granada against English pirates) and Monkey Island.

Excursion to Catarina Outlook on Apoyo Lagoon.
 Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Excursion to Masaya Market - home to some of the best craftsmen of Central America.

Masaya, also known as the “City of Flowers,” is Nicaragua’s folk culture and artisan center. Explore the colorful market and view the handicrafts from all over the country. Also visit a ceramic factory for a pottery demonstration to learn how the pottery found throughout the market is created.

Horse and carriage ride around downtown Granada.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Colon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Depart from Managua.
Return to the U.S.
(Monday, March 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel (dependent on flight times).
 Morning: Transfer from Granada to Managua's international airport.

Flight to the U.S.

Note: Participants with independent travel arrangements and/or scheduled on later flights can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day. Except for breakfast, all other meals are on your own on this day.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Moon Handbook Nicaragua


Author: Moon Handbooks


Description: A handy, practical guide to Nicaragua, this book is a good resource for planning a trip, featuring extensive, up-to-date listings, maps, volcano hikes, and other background information.



Nicaragua In Focus, A Guide to the People, Politics and Cu


Author: Hazel Plunkett


Description: Essential reading for Nicaragua, this compact, illustrated travel guide focuses on politics, economy, history and culture. It's especially strong on the difficult history of relations with the U.S. but also includes a good short summary of traditional culture and history from colonial times to the present. It's an excellent overview, strong on facts and unabashedly left-of-center in outlook.



The Jaguar Smile, A Nicaraguan Journey


Author: Salman Rushdie


Description: Rushdie's account of visit to the country at the height of the Contra war goes underneath the headlines. It's a cultural portrait – simple, straightforward and "Written with a novelist's eye for irony," wrote the "New York Times."



Coffee and Power, Revolution and the Rise of Democracy in Central America


Author: Jeffery M. Paige


Description: Panoramic in scope, this scholarly history examines the emerging democracies of Central America and especially the political impact on powerful families who control coffee production.



Forgotten Continent, The Battle for Latin America's Soul


Author: Michael Reid


Description: Economist editor Reid draws on his years in the cities, presidential palaces and shantytowns of Central and South America in this portrait of a region rich in oil, farmland and culture and its prospects in the face of globalization.



Nicaragua, Living in the Shadow of the Eagle


Author: Thomas Walker


Description: The fourth edition of Walker's invaluable portrait of Nicaragua with a focus on its recent political history.



The Country Under My Skin, A Memoir of Love and War


Author: Giaconda Belli


Description: The memoir of a young, upper-class Nicaraguan woman who joins the revolutionary Marxist Sandinistas while continuing to work her bourgeois day job at an advertising agency.



Selected Writings, Ruben Dario


Author: Ruben Dario


Description: This anthology of the beloved Nicaraguan modernist poet includes his best-known work presented in English and Spanish, along with short stories, fables, profiles, travel writing, journalism and letters.



The Naturalist in Nicaragua


Author: Thomas Belt, Daniel Janzen


Description: A reprint of the 1874 original by Thomas Belt, trained as an engineer, who lived four years in Nicaragua. Praised by Darwin and other Victorian luminaries, his classic account is a richly detailed natural history of the region.



Central America Map


Author: ITMB


Description: A detailed map of the Central American isthmus at a scale of 1:1,100,000.



Tropical Nature


Author: Adrian Forsyth, Ken Miyata


Description: A lively, lucid portrait of the tropics as seen by two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists. Its 17 marvelous essays introduce the habitats, ecology, plants and animals of the Central and South American rainforest





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