Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San Marcos
POP 18,900 / ELEV 600M
On the site of what's thought to be the oldest human settlement in Nicaragua, San Marcos
has a pronounced and festive student presence thanks to bilingual
Ave Maria College
(
www.avemaria.edu.ni
)
, which also offers Spanish courses. San Marcos'
fiestas patronales
(April 24 to 25) are some of the most impressive in the country.
There's no statue for San Marcos' most famous native son: Anastasio Somoza García,
the original dictator.
Sleeping & Eating
There are a few food kiosks on the main plaza.
Casa Blanca
( 2535-2717; parque central, 3c E; r with fan/air-con US$40/50; )
Your best bet in the town
proper, this hotel has big, cool rooms with institutional tile floors, flatscreen TV, firm beds
and a leafy garden area.
HOTEL
$$
LODGE
$$$
La Mariposa Spanish School & Eco Hotel
( 8669-9455;
www.mariposaspanishschool.com
; El Cruce, 50m E, San Juan de la Concepción; r
per week all inclusive US$250-450; )
Just out of San Marcos, on the road to Ticuante-
pe, this is one of the country's prettiest Spanish schools. Set out in the rolling hillside at
the base of Volcán Masaya, this wonderful school-hotel minimizes impact through the use
of solar electricity, grey-water recycling and regular reforestation campaigns. The setting
is lush, and afternoon activities include hikes and horseback rides through the local area.
During the high season, one-week minimum stays are mandatory, and include accommod-
ation in comfy rooms with private bathroom (and awesome views), three meals a day, plus
20 hours of classes.
Cafetería Paladar
(dishes US$2-4)
This is a basic
comedor
at the corner of the park, with a good
fritanga
(grill) that sets up at dusk in front of Farmacia Inmaculada, also by the park.
NICARAGUAN
$
Sabor Azteca
(parque central; dishes US$3-4)
A friendly little bar and Mexican restaurant right on the plaza.
MEXICAN
$
