The Dutch travel journalist Robbert Zoon visits during his trip through Latin America several sustainable projects. He keeps us informed of all the beauty of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Ecuador. This is his first weblog: Nicaragua.
Nicaragua, you’re beautiful!
Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. Here begins my journey of three months through Latin America. With my backpack, I visit Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Ecuador. But the first 5 weeks in Nicaragua. And wow, Nicaragua is beautiful!
After a restful night in Managua, the safest capital of Central America, I travel the next day to Laguna de Apoyo. A crater lake only an hour by bus from Managua. The area is beautifully green and the water clean and warm.
“Life here is still simple and the people seem satisfied”
The large Lake Nicaragua is my next stop. In the middle of this lake lies the island of Isla Ometepe with its two mighty volcanoes. The lake is so large, it sometimes seems more like the sea. Also on this island, I think the nature is beautiful and there are many small villages such as Santa Domingo, Santa Cruz and my favorite, Merida. Canoeing on the Rio Istiam from here is an absolute must! A large part of Isla Ometepe has unpaved roads full of holes and large stones. Life here is simple and the people seem satisfied.
The same applies to the Islas Solentiname. An archipelago of 36 islands situated in the southern part of the lake. The difference with Ometepe is that Islas Solentiname has much less tourists.
“Children’s farms are easy to compare!”
Again beautiful scenery with lots of different animals: howler monkeys, chameleons, snakes, colorful birds and much more. And at the houses dogs, cats, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks and parrots. Children’s farms are easy to compare!
Then I went to explore Rio San Juan. This river flows from Lake Nicaragua into the Atlantic Ocean. After two hours by boat from San Carlos I arrive in the town of El Castillo. I have a room on the river side, including the constant sound of running water. Very restful. My highlight here is the jungle trek and boat ride at sunrise.
Then it’s time to visit Little Corn Island, located in the Caribbean Sea. I take the plane from Managua as going by bus or boat is still very primitive and time consuming.
“Tranquilo and many manana manana”
Arriving at this tropical island, the island meets immediately my expectations. Clear blue sea and white beaches. And no motorized traffic, only a single bicycle. I have a simple hut on the beach including a refreshing sea breeze. The most special thing to do here is snorkeling among beautiful coral reefs, sharks and an eagle ray manta, a huge ray.
After a fantastic week on Little Corn Island the boat and airplane bring me back to the mainland of Nicaragua. From there I will travel to the south, where the next country is waiting for me: Costa Rica.
About Nicaragua, I conclude that it is a beautiful country and very pure. The people are very friendly and are not so busy. Tranquilo and many manana manana. The nature is great and very diverse. The only thing I’ve hardly seen is exuberance or parties. Who knows I still encounter this in other Latin American countries I’m visiting. To be continued…
