Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Moyogalpa is very light on for sights of its own, but there are some rippers just out of
town. The most obvious is the trek up Volcán Concepción. People based in Moyogalpa
quite often take a bus or bike ride out to Punta Jesús María, which makes a good day trip.
There are numerous tour guides operating on the main drag, charging around US$20 per
day for excursions.
Sala Arqueológica & Cyber Ometepe
(Muelle, 4½c E; museum US$1; 8am-9pm)
The past meets the future…well, the present,
anyway, at this combination internet cafe and family-operated museum. Your fee includes
a Spanish-language guided tour of
metates
(flat stones on which corn is ground) and lots
of beautiful ceramics, including what may be the best collection of ceramic funeral jars in
Nicaragua, emblazoned with bats, snakes and other emblems.
MUSEUM
Fundación Entre Volcánes
( 2569-4118;
www.fundacionentrevolcanes.org
;
frente Enitel)
A grassroots, locally founded
NGO involved in education, health, nutrition and environmental projects on the island. It
accepts volunteers with an intermediate level of Spanish and a two-month minimum com-
mitment. For more on volunteering in Southwestern Nicaragua
Click here
.
VOLUNTEERING
Festivals & Events
Moyogalpa's
fiestas patronales
( July 23 to 26)
are famous for the Baile de las Inditas, a
celebration of both Spanish and indigenous culture, as well as several ceremonies timed
with the solar calendar that have nothing at all to do with Catholicism. Patron Santa Ana
leads a long walk to Punta Jesús María, where there are fireworks and drinking.
Sleeping
The most atmospheric sleeping options are elsewhere, but there are a few perfectly ac-
ceptable hotels in town.
Hotel Escuela Teosintal
( 2569-4105; Muelle, 2c E, 1½c S; s/d US$12/18; )
Run by an agricultural cooperative,
these are by far the sweetest rooms for the price. They're spacious and spotless, with cable
TV, modern bathrooms and a lush little garden out back. Organic preserves and coffee
beans are for sale at reception.
HOTEL
$
