Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Jane rooms with itchy sheets, and a couple of swimming pools that may be clean. It's just
across the road from the beach.
Hotel Vista
( 2269-0115; Masachapa; s/d US$35/40; )
New rooms were being built at press
time, but all in all, there was a rather unkempt feel, though we love that you're right on
the beach. Even if it's full, the restaurant has a great deck looking out to sea.
HOTEL
$$
Hotel Vistamar
( 2265-8099;
www.vistamarhotel.com
;
road to Pochomil; s/d incl all meals US$100/150;
)
This is one of the prettiest hotels on this stretch of coast; accommodation is in two-
story wooden bungalows - get an upstairs room for views and breezes. Three swimming
pools, an on-site day spa and a gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach seal the deal. Check
here for turtle tours or volunteer ops with its turtle release program.
RESORT
$$$
Hotel Summer
( 2269-7754; Masachapa; s/d US$58/70; )
Well overpriced, but right on the water,
this has a big pool and smallish, pastel-hued rooms with cable TV. If you eat at the res-
taurant, you can use the pool here, too.
HOTEL
$$$
Getting There & Away
Buses arrive first at Masachapa - if you're planning on staying here, get off at the
em-
palme
(T junction). Buses run from Pochomil and Masachapa through to Managua's Mer-
cado Israel Lewites (US$1.10, two hours) every 20 minutes from 8am to 6pm.
Montelimar
You'll be going the all-inclusive route if you stay around Montelimar. What's the draw?
Amazing beaches, some decent surf breaks and a resort bigger than a city.
Sights
Montelimar Cave
This has several petroglyphs that show traces of red and blue pigment, suggesting that all
these monochromatic carvings were once a bit showier.
CAVE
