Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping
Barceló Montelimar Beach Resort
( 1800-2200;
www.barcelomontelimarbeach.com
; Montelimar; r from US$200 all inclusive;
)
Formerly the Somozas' summer home, this resort does it right: it's got well
stocked rooms and bungalows, four huge pools, tennis courts, discos, restaurants, beauty
parlors, and even miniature golf. Prices are all inclusive - food, beer, rum and most activ-
ities. Day-trippers can visit the casino for free, or pay US$50 per person for use of all fa-
cilities. If you just want to use the ATM, tell the gatekeeper 'casino.' Works like a charm.
RESORT
$$$
Los Cardones Hotel Ecológico
( 8364-5925;
www.loscardones.com
; s/d from US$99/150 all inclusive)
North of Monteli-
mar, this rustic eco-lodge has great food and some of the best surfing in Nicaragua just
steps away from your hammock. Owners also offer fishing, snorkeling and horseback rid-
ing, and sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. The whole operation is not only low im-
pact (solar energy, composting) but also family friendly, with breaks for kids under 12.
They want you to stay at least three nights, and prices are very all-inclusive - check the
website for details. An expert left point break, a right reef point, and beach breaks just off-
shore make this a surfing paradise. From Managua, head toward the beach until Califor-
nia, then follow the signs 15km to Los Cardones. Or, take the bus from Managua's Mer-
cado Israel Lewites to San Cayetano (US$0.70, one hour, every 45 minutes, 4am to 9pm),
get off in California and stick your thumb out.
LODGE
$$$
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ticuantepe
POP 10,300 / ELEV 360M
Just 19km from Managua, Ticuantepe is a refreshing escape from the sweltering city, with
temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C (71°F to 82°F). It's on the western rim of the
Complejo Ventarrón Volcanic (Ventarrón Volcanic Complex), across from Nindirí and
Masaya.
Occupied for at least 2500 years by the Matagalpa nation, Ticuantepe is today the ser-
vice center for an enormous and productive agricultural region, colloquially known as the
Valle de las Piñas (Valley of Pineapples).
