Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dances, mock battles and plays that satirize their Spanish invaders. The biggest bash is on
April 24 to 25, in San Marcos.
Diriamba
POP 35,200 / ELEV 576M
Already a bustling Chorotega settlement when the Spanish arrived, Diriamba has a pleas-
ant central plaza and some good neighboring ecolodges. But on the whole, most will find
little to do in town other than bop around checking out the European-style architecture
that dates back to the coffee boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; the remains of
the region's revolutionary roots as seen in the statue of Cacique Diriangén that welcomes
you to town; and a small museum that leaves a lot to be desired.
Sights
Museo Ecológico Trópico Seco
( 8422 2129; parque central, 4c S; admission US$2; 8am-noon & 1-4pm Mon-Fri) This was
Nicaragua's first natural-history museum (sort of), with informative, if low-budget, dis-
plays that focus primarily on the ecosystem of the Río Grande de Corazo and turtles of the
Refugio de Vida Silvestre Río Escalante Chacocente. The admission fee includes a
Spanish-language tour, which really brings the rainforest mural to life.
MUSEUM
Sleeping & Eating
There are several simple comedores clustered close to the market.
Hospedaje Diriangén
( 2534-2428; Shell station, 1c O; s/d US$6.50/10) On the road to Managua - rooms are a bit
more cramped and slightly cleaner than other budget digs in town, but with older beds.
GUESTHOUSE $
Abundance Farm
( 8217-8873; www.abundancefarm.com ; dm all inclusive US$10) This organic farm about
an hour out of Diriamba offers inexpensive lodging in simple dorm rooms. Ask about vo-
lunteering on the farm or in the local school. There's a very cool waterfall here. Reserva-
tions are generally not accepted, so you are running a bit of a risk in coming all this way.
LODGE $
 
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