by Justin Haring
For over 24 years, one man in the Department of Estelí has been chipping away at the side of a mountain, carving faces, scenes, and images that have shaped his worldview into the tough stone. Today his work stretches across the entire facade of the exposed outcrop of rock covering over a hundred square meters of the mountainside. The place is relatively unknown but still manages to get visits from handfuls of tourists year-round, as the artist’s guestbook indicates.

Don Alberto Gutierrez is a tall skinny man with fair skin and a shock of wild white hair. He smokes cigarettes, which he says is the only vice that he has not been able to overcome, because they help him to see clearly in his mind the things that he has to carve out. His story starts like so many others of his generation, in poverty, destitution and wanton drunkenness. All of this changed for him suddenly when he says he had a vision from God that instructed him to give up the bottle and begin what he calls his “labors” on the cliff face.

by Eric Alberts
Of all possible volcano climbs in Central America, the one up Maderas on Nicaragua’s beautiful Ometepe Island is one of my favorites. It has one of the most unique and breathtaking settings and includes varying terrain and opportunities to see wildlife. The climb is challenging but possible for the relatively fit and has a special reward at the top. Getting to the volcano entails extra effort, but seeing the island of Ometepe is worth the trip.

To make the climb, we start our expedition from Rivas, taking a short taxi ride to the San Jorge dock where my friend and I are to depart for Ometepe via ferry. At the dock we hear “tiburón, tiburón!” being screamed out. No shark attack, it’s a street vendor hawking freshwater shark. The only population of freshwater shark in the world lives in Lake Nicaragua, and at San Jorge, you can devour some. The tiburon is fried like crackling and is dished up like the similar named vigorón, a common dish that consists of a banana leaf piled with boiled yucca, fried pork skin, and a cabbage salad topping.

by Philip B. Hildebrand
Our dugout canoe motored slowly upriver leaving civilization far behind. The sun sank below the trees and all color disappeared. We pushed onward into the increasingly darkening wilderness. No one other than Miskito Indians had been here for at least twenty years. Augustine, rifle at the ready, crouched in the bow, his keen eyes studying the shoreline hoping for some sign of movement. Octavio tried to entice me into shooting a monkey high up in a tree, claiming it would be delicious with the roots we had found earlier.

Nicaragua’s eastern lowlands are a world apart from the rest of the country. This vast mosaic of forests, rivers, lakes, and swamps is the Miskito Indian’s homeland and they are its masters. Having lived for years in Puerto Cabezas, I know the area’s ocean, offshore cays, coastal communities, and major lagoons as do only a handful of foreigners. But these are not the region’s heart; rather they are its genteel fringes. To better understand this land and its people, I had come here to begin learning how to travel, hunt, fish, and live in the wilderness. My tutors were experts for few know this place as do the friends in whose care I was. When we set out, Octavio told me, “Now you are going to live in the bush like a real Miskito.”

by Rebecca Love
Beautiful coastline for sale - $2 an acre. Give me $10,000 to invest and I’ll double it for you. Buy an Island for $3,000. Wow, real estate in Nicaragua is really cheap!!! And then, all of a sudden, “What’s his name just sold his house for $1 million.”

With so many stories and myths surrounding real estate in Nicaragua, it is often difficult to know what to believe. Here is what I found out.

Looking at the more mature property markets in Central America like Belize, Costa Rica, and the Bay Islands of Honduras, it certainly seems logical that Nicaragua’s market be equally as powerful. The coastline, cities, and flora and fauna are as, if not more beautiful than our neighbors. The commercial environment is still so young that surely a good deal must be up for grabs.

by Michiel Brouwer
Corn Island is crazy about music. By day, it’s the background sound to a laid-back lifestyle; by night, lots of it and the louder the better. As owner of Hotel Paraiso on Corn Island, there are two things that would put me out of business fast: run out of ice or a sound system failure.

Corn Island is filled with music from when the roosters crow till the last bar shuts down. The islanders like it booming. The credo is, if you can’t feel the music, it’s just not loud enough. So in most bars the speakers are on full distortion level volume.

by Julio C. Lacayo Gurdian
Baseball is a national passion, as is politics. Nicaraguans have it in their blood.

The volcanic temperament affects all ages, races and classes. Pretty much everyone just loves to sit and discuss government inadequacies. Followed by a few good drinks of rum, these conversations sometimes can get heated.

Nicaraguans are well known for their temper. “Botar la gora” which literally means “drop the hat” is an expression for when someone here loses their cool. It classically represents the “culture” revolving around politics. Nicas can literally blow their top at the drop of a hat. And all it takes sometimes is for someone to take a political stand. Nicaraguans may be allowed to have a political party, but they seldom profit socially from sharing their views in public.

Sacuanjoche Kindergarten, a Waldorf Steiner school, recognizes that it is a young child’s nature to experience, explore and come to know the world through the senses and by physically ‘doing.’ Grasping this premise and using it to guide our work is essential for the practical application of Steiner Waldorf philosophy.

What is the Steiner Waldorf System?
Steiner Waldorf education is a path of self-development and training for responsible and enthusiastic participation in the world. The Steiner Waldorf Curriculum supports the child’s developmental stages and children experience the curriculum through repetition and rhythm, cultivating a sense of beauty, wonderment, and self-purpose through the lessons and the environment created within the school. A variety of academic and arts-integrated experiences develop sensory and motor skills, perception of self and the outside world. This cultivates trust, social skills, consciousness, and spiritual awareness. The social climate and the student’s behavior contributing to that climate are equally important to the students’ academic progress. The individual child is an integral part of the wider school community where adults and children of all ages work together with the older children acting as role models for the younger ones.

Located Between the Waves of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the country of Nicaragua is an intriguing land of dramatic scenery and friendly people. Although its abundance of waterways, volcanoes, colonial cities and tranquil pueblos offer tourists much to explore, Nicaragua’s tumultuous recent history has left it comparatively undiscovered.

Over the past 30 years, the country has endured devastating political upheaval and natural disasters that have caused enormous human suffering. An earthquake in 1972 killed 10,000 people and nearly destroyed the nation’s capital. The 1979 overthrow of Anastasio Somoza and the subsequent war killed tens of thousands and crippled the economy. In 1998, Hurricane Mitch shattered the country’s infrastructure, killed thousands and left one-fifth of the population in refugee camps.

These hardships have, in the past, made Nicaragua seem an undesirable and potentially unsafe place to visit. These perceptions are changing, however, and travelers are learning not only how much the country has to offer but also that it is now considered one of the safest countries in Central and South America. Nicaragua today is one of the fastest growing tourist and investment destinations in the region and offers attractive investment incentives. Nicaragua’s greatest economic promise may lie in its tourist industry, which has already become the country’s second largest source of income.

Despite adversity, Nicaragua’s resilient population is growing at 2.6% annually. The capital of Managua has a population of nearly one million people and the majority of the four million other residents are concentrated primarily in the Pacific lowlands, a region preferred for its rich volcanic soil and cooler, dryer climate.

Nicaragua’s government is a republic that holds elections every five years. The current president, Daniel Ortega, represents the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). He was elected with 38% of the votes in November of 2006, winning over Eduardo Montealegre of the National Liberal Alliance (ALN) 29%, José Rizo of the Constitutional Liberal Party (PLC) 26% and Edmundo Jarquín of the Sandinista Renewal Movement (MRS) 7%.

Nicaragua has one of the lowest per capita incomes in the world and its economy is also one of the weakest. With massive external debt, chronic infrastructure issues, and high unemployment, Nicaragua continues to be dependent on foreign aid and debt relief. Luckily, Nicaragua has some of the most varied and abundant natural resources in Central America. Nicaragua’s volcanoes have only begun to be tapped as sources of geothermal energy and the rich volcanic soil they’ve created is perfect for producing coffee, the country’s largest export. Fish and beef are the second and third largest export commodities and the country has rich forests of commercial timber in addition to petroleum and mineral reserves, including gold.

Banks
Banks accept travelers’ checks, major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) and are available in all large cities. Visitors can obtain US dollars from Credomatic who accept all major credit cards with display of passport (274-4444). Managua, León and Granada have ATMs that accept Visa; however, it does not work with all Visa cards. Tourists should be aware that travelers’ checks can be difficult to cash outside of banks. Money-changers will exchange US dollars and several other Central American currencies for córdobas and are readily available on the street and are used by locals and tourists. The exchange rate has been hovering near 18.1 córdobas to the US dollar.

Telephone
The country code is 505. Enitel, the national phone company, will place calls for you with a three-minute minimum. Phone cards are available in most major tourist destinations. Internet phones are available at Internet cafes and can be used for significantly lower overseas rates. Remember, however, that connection speed can be a significant drawback.

Post Offices
There are post offices, called Correos de Nicaragua, in nearly every town, open standard business hours.

Accommodations
Nicaragua has a range of accommodations from luxury resorts to dormitories. Managua has the widest selection with flashy hotels, international chains, a variety of mid-range hotels and budget options located primarily in Barrio Martha Quezada, west of Crowne Plaza. Granada and León each have beautiful high-end colonial hotels, several mid-range hotels, some with pools, and a choice of budget options. Other towns attracting larger numbers of visitors such as San Juan del Sur, Ometepe, Matagalpa and Estelí, have mid-range hotels offering air-conditioning and cable television.

Budget hospedajes are plentiful throughout the country, providing rooms with fans and private or shared baths with unheated water showers. These can be booked in the price range of US$3-15. The mid-range hotels range in price from US$17-60 and the high-end up to $160 in Managua. If you inquire, some mid-range hotels offer rooms without air-conditioning for a lower rate. The auto hotels along the highways are often discreet love shacks.

The protected areas of Mombacho, San Ramón on Ometepe, Miraflor, Laguna de Apoyo, and Indio Maíz Biological Reserve near El Castillo on the Río San Juan offer over-night stays in their ranger stations. Camping is also available near San Juan del Sur.

The accommodation choice that offers the most cultural immersion is a home-stay with a local family. Many families supplement their incomes through renting rooms in their homes and usually offer meals at minimal additional cost. This option includes the opportunity to learn Spanish, learn more about the country and make new friends. Home-stays are offered throughout the country and are most easily arranged through Spanish schools, primarily in the more popular tourist areas.

Check with local tourist offices to find hotel listings and inquire about prices and services.

One million of the country’s five million citizens reside here-the cosmopolitan hotspot of the country. Managua is an intriguing city and while it may not inspire immediate affection, it can grow on you over time. It may be difficult to navigate within the city. Although it was designated the capital of Nicaragua in 1857, after William Walker was expelled from Granada, Managua has yet to give its streets names. To aggravate matters, Managua has never fully recovered from a devastating earthquake and fire in 1931 and an earthquake that destroyed a 600-block area in the center of the city in 1972. Although many visitors to Nicaragua choose to sightsee elsewhere, the city’s many restaurants, shops, galleries, cultural performances and its active nightlife make it an interesting and entertaining destination.

Activities In Town
Managua is a large city and can be somewhat intimidating. Crimes against tourists are uncommon in Nicaragua but this is the city in which they most frequently occur. Use common sense, take cabs at night rather than walking and remain conscious of safeguarding your valuables as you would in most big cities. For navigation, find landmarks and use them, carry a map, ask for help or have a taxi take you to your destinations.

The Plaza de la República, formerly the Plaza de la Revolución and the old city center, is located on Lake Managua and is famous for the many political events that have taken place here over the decades. On the plaza, the shell of Catedral de Santiago, damaged in the 1972 earthquake after surviving the 1931 disaster, still stands and is, at this time, closed to the public. Also on the plaza, the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura houses the Museo Nacional with natural history and archeological displays, contemporary art and visiting exhibits, and the Rubén Darío National Library. This beautiful building also has an interesting revolutionary history; ask about it from the knowledgeable English-speaking guides. The museum hours are 8AM-5PM Monday through Friday and 9AM-4PM on Sa
turday and Sunday (222-3845). Across from the museum is the new palace of the President, where on occasion former President Enrique Bolaños made speeches on its steps. The country’s most famous and prolific theater, Teatro Rubén Darío, is on the northeast end of the plaza. For a schedule of performances or art exhibits, call 222-4205 or 222-3630. At the south end of the plaza is Centro Cultural de Managua. Visit during the day and you will be able to see artists at work and hear musicians practicing. Performances are also held here. A block north is the Malecón that comes alive and festive on Sundays after 3:00PM with Managuans flocking to the lake’s edge for live music, food and drink.

The Plaza de la República is part of a larger area called Area Monumental. Although one of the first places recommended to see, you will find the area largely unpopulated, in part due to earthquake damage. Just past the Centro Cultural de Managua there are several sculptures that provide an interesting reflection upon Nicaraguan history and development. The first sculpture is of a man reaching skyward with a machine gun and a pickaxe, a monument to the heroes of the Sandinista revolution. If you walk east, you will pass other sculptures and arrive at the Parque de la Paz (Park of the Peace). There is a lighthouse in its center and if you walk to the left, you will see weapons semi-buried in cement. This installation of weapons used during the revolution was orchestrated by ex-president Violeta Chamorro in order to make a statement for change and peace.

You may consider visiting the new cathedral, Nueva Catedral, pictures of which you’ll see in every brochure. For more information call 278-7063. If you climb the hill of Loma de Tiscapa, behind the Hotel Crowne Plaza (in the shape of a pyramid), you will see an enormous Sandino sculpture and be able to enjoy a great view of Managua’s unique geographical setting.

Locals enjoy having drinks after work and joining them for ‘happy hour’ at one of the many nightspots in town makes an enjoyable evening after a day’s sightseeing. You can find live music in a variety of types in clubs around Managua, many on Carretera Masaya.

Shopping
Managua has many opportunities for shopping and has large shopping centers, supermarkets called supermercados, and local markets in each corner of the city.

Shopping Centers
Carretera Masaya - On the highway leading to Masaya is the city’s newest district of development. There you can find restaurants, discos, casinos, offices, banks and stores.

Galerias de Santo Domingo and Multi Centro Las Americas are the two newest of the five modern shopping malls in Managua offering international chain store shopping in a posh setting.

Centro Commercial of Managua - This center consists of individual stores catering to locals and offers a variety of products. Go east from Rotunda Centro América from Carretera Masaya to reach.

Metrocentro Mall - Next to the new Hotel Intercontinental Metrocentro and not far from Carretera Masaya is the newest and largest mall and offering air-conditioning, international chains, a food court and cinemas. The food court is packed at lunch and is considered the place to ‘see and be seen’.

Plaza Inter - Next to the pyramid-shaped Hotel Intercontinental Managua and near Barrio Martha Quezada, this mall includes a department store, small novelty shops, a food court, cinemas, Internet access and air-conditioning.

Price Smart -100 meters before Rotonda el Güegüense heading west. The newest and most comprehensive, however, you need a membership card.

Supermarkets
The following supermarkets have many locations and are easily reached by taxi.
La Colonia -This chain is the most upscale of the markets and has prepared foods, a café, alcohol, books and magazines (with selections in English), clothes and the best selection of Nicaraguan and imported food including organic vegetables, cheeses and meats.
La Unión -This is the mid-range supermarket, similar to La Colonia.
Palí -This is a warehouse-style market with generally lower prices.

Markets
There are four big markets, predominantly offering household items, toiletries, clothing, shoes and more. Mercado Roberto Huembes has the best collection of arts and crafts for sale and is considered the safest market. These markets also serve as bus stations.

Excursions Nearby
Managua is centrally located and most of Nicaragua’s major cites and beaches are within a few hours drive. Pochomil and Montelimar, the largest resort in the country, are beaches located an hour away from Managua. Chocoyero-El Brujo is a waterfall and natural reserve located 23 kilometers south of the city. Masaya is a town famous as a home for arts and crafts. The markets sell a wide selection of Nicaragua’s crafts including ceramics, wooden objects, woven baskets, primitive paintings, hammocks, cigars, coffee and even stuffed iguanas and large frogs. Live traditional music and dance are offered here on Thursday evenings. If you visit Masaya’s villages, particularly Catarina, San Juan de Oriente and Monimbó, you will be able to see craftspeople at work. The nearby Masaya National Park is home to an active volcano and has a visitor center. An excellent scenic drive from Managua heading south is traveling via the western roads through El Crucero, Diriamba and Jinotepe, known as ranching country. This route hugs the foothills and mountains and offers vistas and glimpses of pleasant small pueblos. Coffee tours are gaining in popularity and can be arranged through a tour agency.

Restaurants and Nightlife
Managua’s upscale restaurants and most popular nightspots are located along Carretera Masaya between Centro America Roundabout and Metrocentro or Rubén Darío Roundabout. Zona Rosa in this same area caters predominantly to the young crowd; visitors should be aware of their valuables. The shopping malls have food courts with western style or Nicaraguan fast food. Around Martha Quezada Barrio, you will find budget style comedors and fritangas serving meat, beans, rice, plantains and salad.

Services
Banks, Credomatic and ATMs are located in or near shopping malls and hotels. Tellers will request to see your passport. Internet access is easily found in storefronts, malls and hotels starting at 15 córdobas per hour. Car rental is available at the airport with additional offices in the city and the larger hotels. The majority of tour companies operate out of Managua. Check with INTUR, your local contacts or the phone book to find what is available. Tours, including day-tours and eco-tourist adventures, are offered to destinations throughout the country.
Visa Office 266-0747, MasterCard and American Express Office 278-0500

Transportation Buses and Expresos
Local buses stop every four blocks and riding them is one way to learn your way around the city. Feel free to ask the drivers or conductors for your desired location.
For major destinations, buses leave every half-hour or less.

From Mercado Roberto Huembes: Departures for Granada, Masaya, Rivas (to reach San Jorge for ferries to Isla de Ometepe) and Tipitapa. Expresos and directos depart hourly (from the left/outgoing side of the bus plaza) for Rivas till 5PM with a 4PM expreso to San Juan del Sur.

From Mercado Israel Lewites: Departures for Chinandega, Jinotepe, León, and Pochomil. Expresos depart frequently for Chinandega and León.

From Mercado Mayoreo: Departures for Boaco, Estelí, Juigalpa, Matagalpa, Ocotal, Rama, Siuna, and Somoto. Expresos depart frequently for Matagalpa, Estelí, and Jinotega.

From U.C.A.: Expresos to Granada, Masaya, Jinotepe, and the Carazo towns departing frequently throughout the day.

Taxis
Taxi service is more than sufficient. You can reach most all destinations within the city for 10-50 córdobas a person. Taxis are recommended over local buses because they are faster and only slightly more expensive and to avoid pick-pockets. Always negotiate your price in advance. It helps to have the written address for less well-known destinations. Prices go up at night but you should take a taxi rather than walk. Better yet, hire the cab solo so it does not pick-up other customers.

Founded in 1524, Granada enjoys the distinction of being the oldest colonial city in the Americas. Situated on the edge of Lake Nicaragua and in the shadow of Mombacho volcano, Granada is a romantic city of colorful colonial homes and churches. In this relaxed and mellow city, you can enjoy one of the most pleasant central parks in Latin America, festive outdoor concerts every Friday night, visits to local museums, lively discos by the lake, and a history that includes the exploits of the infamous William Walker, who attempted to burn the city down in 1856. Granada is a great place to use as a base to explore many of Nicaragua’s popular highlights.

Activities In Town
You can wander in the buildings and stores around parque central, also known as Parque Colón, including the Palacio de Cultura Joaquín Cuadra Pasos, on the west side. On the south east corner La Gran Francia, a building dating back to the founding of the city and which has been reconstructed to reflect the finest colonial architecture of that period. On the north end of the plaza on the right side, you’ll see a stone portico with lions, the only surviving portion of the original building burnt by William Walker. Today it is Casa de los Tres Mundos, an arts and cultural center where you can catch an exhibition or arts rehearsal (Monday through Sunday, 8AM-6PM). If you walk north to the edge of the park, then one block east, you can visit the museum located in the oldest church of Central America. Convento e Iglesia de San Francisco, founded in 1529, houses archeological treasures from Isla de Ometepe, a primitive art exhibit, and historical displays, some with English information (Monday through Sunday, 9AM-6PM). Horse-drawn carriages, called los coches, are another way to tour the city. Look for the Spanish tiles marking the city highlighting historical sites and events, including the homes of past presidents and the exploits of William Walker. On the west side of the city, you can explore an interesting old cemetery with tombs of both the rich and poor dating back more than a century. One block east is Fortaleza La Pólvora, built in 1749. If the fortification appears to be closed, knock at the gate. Once inside, you can climb a turret for a good view of the city.

Walk by Lake Nicaragua for the cool breeze and views. Just off Granada in the lake is Las Isletas, made up of more than 360 islands created when the Mombacho volcano exploded 20,000 years ago. This is a beautiful excursion in a setting of tiny tropical islands richly covered in vegetation and many with holiday mansions. In addition to the interesting flora and fauna of Las Isletas, on one island there are the remnants of a fort, El Castillo San Pablo, built in 1784. Boat trips can be easily organized for US$10-15 per hour, per boat. There are three points with excellent views from which to dine, fish or explore Las Isletas -Puerto Assese, Club Nautica, and the docks at the end of Centro Turístico. You can reach the ports via a short cab ride from the center of town. Antique, craft and artisan stores are increasing in number and one can find pleasing items to take home along Calle La Calzada. Locals and tourists enjoy great music at the few modern bars in town, or you can visit one of the popular discos near the lake and experience one of Nicaragaun’s greatest passions – dancing.

Excursions Nearby
Laguna de Apoyo is a volcano crater lake that can be seen from Mirador de Catarina. Only a half-hour drive or bus ride away from Granada, you reach the mirador by going through the village of Catarina, known for its nurseries of wonderful flowering plants and for local crafts. From one of the crater-side restaurants, you can enjoy cool wind, an amazing view and often, musicians performing. On the crater’s edge, accessible via a different road visitors can hike, swim, kayak and windsurf. An alternate route for reaching Laguna de Apoyo is hiking there. Leaving from the northeast corner of Granada’s cemetery, visitors can enjoy a 2 1/2 hour round-trip predominantly level walk to the craters edge. Stay straight on the path and after the road curves south, cut across a fenced field that will take you to the craters lip. Feel free to ask locals for directions and remember your sunscreen.

On the road from Catarina heading south towards Nandaime, turn right at the entrance of San Juan del Oriente. You will find a pleasant pueblo, easily walkable, where you can tour the workshops and stores of local ceramic artisans. The Mombacho Volcano Reserva, with its thick cloud forest, cool climate, well-marked trails, biological station, and wonderful views of Granada and Las Isletas, is an hour drive from Granada and shouldn’t be missed. It can be reached by car, public transport or by tour. Zipping through the trees on lines, a canopy tour on the slopes of Mombacho is popular for the fun factor. If you’d like to experience the sights and smells of an active volcano, you can visit Masaya Volcano National Park, which has walking trails and a visitor center. Combine your visit to the park with a visit to El Coyotepe, both of which are just north of Masaya on the highway. The fort was built in the 1890s and later was a Somozan prison. The fort offers an incredible view of the volcanoes, lagoons and lakes of this region. The Masaya markets are known as the center of Nicaraguan arts and crafts and are in the town of Masaya. The most popular of the markets is Mercado Viejo.

Services
There are banking facilities and ATMs; Internet access is available for as low as 20 córdobas per hour; tour companies; book exchanges at several hospedajes; laundry service; real estate sales; cinema; clothes; toiletries; supermarkets; and cars, bicycles and kayaks available for rental.

Transportation
Buses: Managua: Departures every 15 minutes from near the old hospital, 4AM to 7PM; a one-hour trip arriving at Mercado Roberto Huembes. Managua Expresos: Microbuses depart every 20 minutes from near BAC, Monday through Saturday, 5:00AM to 8PM, and Sunday until 5PM; 45-minute trip arriving at UCA.
Masaya: Departures every 25 minutes from the market, 4:20AM to 6PM, 45 minute-trip. These buses go into the town of Masaya but do not pass Masaya Volcano National Park. To reach the park, take a Managua bus and ask to be let off at the entrance.
Rivas: Departures from the market next to the Shell station, direct buses 5:45, 6:30, 7:10, 8, 9:30, 11:30AM, 12:30, 1:30PM; 90-minute trip. Sundays 7:30 and 11:30AM
Mombacho: Take a bus going to Nandaime or Rivas and ask to be let off at Mombacho, after which there is a 20-minute walk.
Jinotepe: Departures from the market 6:00AM, 7:30AM, 8:30AM, 10:15AM and 12:00PM
Diriamba and the Carazo towns: Departures every 20 minutes from the market, 6AM to 5:05PM; 35-45 minute trips.
Nandaime: Departures every 20 minutes from the market, 5AM to 6PM.
Catarina and San Juan del Oriente: Buses to Niquinohomo can take you there. Departures every 20 minutes from the market, 5:00AM to 5:50PM; another common route is to take a bus to Masaya or Managua, ask to get off at the Catarina turn-off, then cross the street and catch a bus heading for Catarina.
Ometepe: Depart via bus to Rivas, then take a short taxi ride to the dock at San Jorge, a small town next to Rivas. Catch a ferry to Moyogalpa, departures daily, almost hourly until 5PM, with fewer departures on Saturday and Sunday. Several ferries are able to take vehicles over to the island. To arrange, call 459-4284.