Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.spanishnicaragua.net
; Parque Morazán, 1c S, ½c E; per hr US$10)
This popular school in-
side Matagalpa Tours offers one-on-one Spanish classes, plenty of cultural activities and
volunteer placements for students. Packages including 20 hours of classes per week plus
homestay and all meals cost US$308.
Festivals & Events
Anniversary Party
( Feb 14)
A fireworks-splashed extravaganza with live music, parades, beauty contests
and lots of
chicha bruja
(fermented corn liquor).
CULTURAL
Fiestas Patronales
( mid-Sep)
Even more beloved than the Anniversary bash, this is a weekend party of
old-school horse shows, promenades and the all-night Fiesta Huipil. At daybreak, linger-
ers converge on the social club for tamales.
CULTURAL
Festival of Polkas, Mazurcas and Jamaquellos
( 28-30 Sep)
A wink at coffee country's German roots. Think: Oktoberfest, but with
chicha bruja
instead of beer and
güirílas
instead of sausages.
DANCE
Sleeping
Hotel El Castillo
( 2772-0034; hotelelcastillomt@gmail.com; Parque Morazán, 3c E; s/d/t US$15/17/24; )
This
excellent-value new hotel set on a hillside has great views but is only three blocks from
the park. All of the rooms are bright and modern, but those at the front have small private
balconies overlooking the cathedral.
HOTEL
$
Hotel Central
(
HOTEL
$
2712-3140; Av José Beníto Escobar, Parque Rubén Darío, 2½c N; s/d/t US$11.50/15.50/21;
)
Vacillates between dumpy and bright depending upon the rooms, which all come with
cable TV, plump pillows and new spring mattresses regardless of the paint job. It's sur-
prisingly quiet considering the central location.
