Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Adventurous souls could take the short hike to
Cascadas Cailagua
and
petroglyphs
. Start
at the cemetery close to the Nindirí
empalme
(junction): take the road through the
cemetery until you get to the three green crosses; make a right and follow the trail through
the gap in the fence and across the field. The waterfall would be more attractive without
the litter (and raw sewage), but check out the wall of petroglyphs nearby.
Unfortunately, there are no hotels in Nindirí, but tour operator
Harold Ramos
(
8629-1983)
can be found in the
Colegio Oreana Teresa
(parque central, 2½c O)
. He can arrange
lodging in the city (per person US$6) or countryside (US$5). Meals cost US$3 extra.
In Nindirí, the best eats in town are at
La Llamarada
(parque central, 3c S; dishes US$4-7;
closed Tue)
, where you can gorge yourself on huge set meals - the
bistec encebollado
(beef with fried onions) truly is worth writing home about.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Reserva Natural Laguna de Apoyo
A vision in sapphire set into a lush forest crater, this 200m-deep, 200-centuries-old crater
lake is said to be the country's cleanest and deepest. The warm undersea fumaroles feed
the healing and slightly salty waters, howler monkeys bark overhead every morning and
there's a cooled-back air that make this a favorite respite for peace-seeking travelers.
While technically considered a natural reserve (free for foot traffic, US$1 entrance for
cars), this wild area has plenty of hotels dotting the lake's shore and limited environmental
protections from the various agencies that claim jurisdiction. Tread lightly.
Many visitors are content with just taking in the view from the crater's edge in Catarina
or Diriá. But it's worth making your way to the bottom for one of the finest swims you'll
ever enjoy. A tiny town lies at the bottom of the paved road into the crater, accessible via
an often unsigned turnoff about 15km north of Granada along the Carretera a Masaya. All
directions given here are from El Triangulo - the T intersection where the road splits once
it hits the waterfront, either heading to the right (south) or left (north).
Activities
There's a free
beach
at the bottom of the road; look for the trail just to the right of the T in-
tersection. Otherwise, pay a few dollars to any of the hotels for day-use privileges at their
docks.
