Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Catarina
POP 5700
At the crossroads of Los Pueblos Blancos, Catarina is known for its
viveros
(nurseries)
that supply ornamental plants for households across Nicaragua
It's easy to visit Catarina, and almost any regional tour from Masaya or Granada in-
cludes a quick stop at the lookout over the Laguna de Apoyo.
Sights & Activities
Mirador
(car parking US$1)
Catarina's real claim to fame offers views across the startling blue waters
of Laguna de Apoyo to Granada and Lago de Nicaragua all the way to Ometepe. Today
lined with inexpensive restaurants and souvenir shops connected by windy walkways, this
spot is rumored to have been youthful Augusto C Sandino's favorite place to meditate,
and appropriately so, for this is also the gravesite of Benjamín Zeledón, whose burial
Sandino witnessed. There's a half-hour trail to the water, with excellent views.
LOOKOUT
Horse Rides
(Mirador; per 30min/1hr US$3.50/5)
Rides can be arranged at the small farmyard to the right
of the
mirador
.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Sleeping & Eating
Hotel Jaaris
( 8640-5427; Iglesia, 1c O, 20m N; s/d/tr US$12/ 16/19; )
This is a decent-enough budget
deal - rooms sleep four. There is a cool tiled porch with rocking chairs, hammocks and a
veritable pack of dogs of all sizes.
HOTEL
$
Casa Catarina
( 2558-0261;
www.hotelcasacatarina.com
; parque central, 1c O; d/ste incl breakfast US$70/80;
)
The best digs in town are well overpriced. But you get big business-hotel-style
rooms and a central garden evergreened by a million and one ferns.
HOTEL
$$$
Los Faroles
NICARAGUAN
$$
