Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hotel Limón
OFFLINE MAP
HOTEL
$$$
( 2552-2115;
www.hotellimongranada.com
; Calle Corrales, Convento San Francisco, 2c E; s/d incl
breakfast US$50/60; )
Broad, clean and airy, this cheap boutique has modern rooms
with hand-painted walls and a cozy garden area with a burbling fountain. It lacks a bit of
the soul you get at other historic hotels, but self-caterers will be happy that you get use of
the shared kitchen.
WORTH A TRIP
BIKING THE PENINSULA DE ASESE
The Peninsula de Asese, jutting out into Lago de Nicaragua and surrounded by the famous
isletas
is a chunk of largely untouched wilderness - a world away, but only a few kilometers from down-
town Granada.
It would make for a long walk but is perfect biking distance. There are a few bike-rental places
in Granada. For a bit less pedaling, you can catch a cab to Puerto Asese and ride from there.
There have been a few reported assaults here, so it's best to go in a large group or with a guided
tour, and allow plenty of daylight to get back.
From downtown Granada, zip downhill toward the lake and take a right, entering the Centro
Turístico. This is a good little ride in itself, along the waterfront under the trees. After a couple of
kilometers, you'll pass Inuit Kayaks on your left. Shortly after, there's a turnoff to Puerto Asese
on your right. Take that road, heading toward the lake. From here it's simple - follow the signs
for Puerto Asese (turning left at the T intersection), then be on the lookout for a road veering to
the left, with some hand-painted signs for Balneario El Rayo. Take that left - this road goes out
along the peninsula, all the way to the end. The condition of the road deteriorates pretty quickly -
be alert for monster-sized potholes but also keep an eye out for wildlife. Depending on the time
of day, you may spot anything from a variety of birds to iguanas and maybe even a rattlesnake.
The forest here is also full of orchids and some very exotic-looking mushrooms.
Where the road ends at Punto Ceiba look for the dirt track leading down to the beach: this is
one of the cleanest swimming spots around, with views of Mombacho and - on a clear day - all
the way to Isla de Ometepe. There's nothing out here, so bring everything you need - water, sun-
block and a packed lunch. We recommend sandwiches from the Garden Café.
Eating
The classic Granada dining experience is relaxing over a light meal in a shady corner of
the Parque Central. Four cute
kiosks
(vigorón US$2)
anchoring the plaza serve
vigorón
(yucca with fried pork skin and slaw)
,
best washed down with
chicha
. In many other res-
