Southwestern Nicaragua - Nicaragua - page 281

Procession of the Virgin of Carmen
( July 16) The Virgin - patron saint of fishers - is taken aboard a local ship at 2pm,
placed on an altar decorated with fishing nets and poles, and taken on a sailing trip around
the bay to bless the boats; seafood and mariachi music are involved.

RELIGIOUS

Sleeping
This is one of the few destinations in Nicaragua with pronounced seasonal rates: prices
rise dramatically during the December to March high season and double for Semana Santa
and Christmas. Bargain for deals during the rainy season.

Casa Oro Hostel
( 2568-2415; www.casaeloro.com ; Av del Cine, Parque Central, 1c O, 50m N; dm US$8-9, d with
fan/air-con US$28/35, all incl breakfast; ) This backpacker standby has all the amenit-
ies - great info center, discount internet, kitchen, and lounge areas. Rooftop bar (party
ends at 11pm), and good vibes 24/7.

HOSTEL $

Hostel Esperanza
OFFLINE MAP

HOSTEL $

GOOGLE MAP

( 8754-6816; www.hostelesperanza.com ; Av del Mar s/n; dm US$8-9, d with/without bathroom
US$25/18; ) This up-and-coming hostel has a great location right across the street from
the beach. It also has clean, simple rooms, a fun central garden area and a shared kitchen.
You won't go wrong staying here. The dorms are pretty big (14 and nine beds each) so
bring your earplugs.

Posada Puesto del Sol
OFFLINE MAP

GUESTHOUSE $

GOOGLE MAP

( 2568-2532; [e-mail]; Calle Iglesia, Iglesia, 1½c O; r per person US$10; )
Smallish but lovingly decorated rooms in a family home. Some share a bathroom with one
other - ask to look around if this is a problem. It can get hot here.

HOTEL $

Hotel Estrella
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP

( 2568-2210; [e-mail]; Av del Mar, Mercado, 2c O; r per person without bath-
room US$8-10) This high-ceilinged century-old landmark is a basic, atavistic beauty with