Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
treme western end seeps into an 800m-long stretch of wetlands that nurture fish and turtle
hatcheries and are teeming with migratory waterfowl.
Internet access is available for a small fee in the
Biblioteca Ernesto Cardenal
(admission
free; 8am-noon & 1-5pm Mon-Sat)
. This is the only public internet access in the ar-
chipelago.
Sights
Nuestra Señora de Solentiname
(admission US$1)
Mancarrón's greatest human-made gift is Nuestra Señora de Solentiname,
where populist priest Ernesto Cardenal ran a rather enlightened parish. Constructed by the
community in 1979, it features a beautiful whitewashed nave from within which you can
still hear the lake, and feel the trees. The altar spares the usual golden idolatry and instead
is graced with a colorful yet humble mural depicting life in the archipelago.
CHURCH
El Refugio
(Comunidad El Mancarrón)
The highest concentration of craft workshops on the islands are
just inland from the dock in Comunidad El Mancarrón (also called El Refugio). Feel free
to wander and watch as families carve balsa-wood figures in their homes and front yards.
Children sand the pieces smooth, and the most talented adult paints. Wooden animals cost
US$1 to US$50; prices rise with size and quality.
VILLAGE
Museo Arqueológico
(admission US$1; 8am-noon & 1-5pm)
Recently renovated, this polished museum up the
hill from the church houses a small but intriguing collection of pre-Columbian metates,
pottery and idols unearthed in the archipelago.
MUSEO
Activities
The flash new
Centro Información Turística
(
9am-noon & 2-5pm)
to the left of the dock is
able to organize guides for local treks.
Alianza de Solentiname
KAYAKING
