Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
discouraged). Public transportation is inconvenient. Take any Nandaime bus from
Granada and ask to be let off at the entrance. From here, you'll walk two steep kilometers
(stay left where the road splits) to where the jeep picks you up.
Several operators in Granada arrange tours to Mombacho. There are two
Canopy Tours
on-site that take you across more than 1.5km of platforms and cables each for US$28.75
per person.
The beautifully maintained 45°C (113°F) Aguas Termales La Calera
( 2552-6330;
osorio@invernic.com)
hot springs replete with sulfur, calcium and other minerals quasi-sci-
entifically proven to keep you radiant and healthy, are hidden away on Finca Calera, in-
side the reserve and right by the lake. They're easiest to visit on a day trip from Granada
(about US$15 per person, including transport and entry). You can also call or write ahead,
then arrange the boat trip yourself.
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Nicaragua Libre
Mombacho is part of the UCA community-tourism project. It offers guided trips through
organic coffee farms, horseback rides to San Juan de Oriente and walks to Mombacho. A
concerted effort has been made to rescue the art of traditional handicrafts here, and no
doubt you'll be offered some of the results by the young artisans at some point during
your visit. A basic, community-run
lodge
( 8880-5848; r with/without 3 meals US$15/5)
serves for accommodation and meals are available for around US$3. Arriving is easy - it's
a 1km walk from where the bus drops you on the Granada-Nandaime road, or you can
contact UCA's Granada office by phone for more details.
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La Granadilla
A bit further down the road from Nicaragua Libre, La Granadilla (a member of the UCA
project) is quite rustic and its electricity is iffy, but you're only 20 minutes from the en-
trance to Volcán Mombacho. You can arrange guided hikes up the mountain, visits to
farms in the area, oxcart rides and bicycle tours. A basic, community-run
lodge
(r with/
without 3 meals US$15/5)
has accommodation; meals are around US$3.
