Nicaragua

So we came to Leon one day early. Leon is the intellectual capital of Nicaragua and it has traditional colonial features plus the volcano related activities that are typical to the region. Most of our group went for volcano boarding which is basically downhill sliding on a board on a volcano. This went terribly wrong as one of the girls in our group had a bad fall and ended up in the hospital. Fortunately long story ends well and she is now recovering without any permanent injuries. This is also a good reminder that activities always always always include some level of risk.

Later the same day I went for a Telica volcano hike to spot lava. It was a 1,5h drive from Leon as we arrived to the Volcano. Hiking up an hour or so and we saw a nice and dramatic view of an active crater. After dark we lay down on the edge and see lava 120 m below through heavy sulfur smoke. Hike was ok although I somehow had in my mind something even more spectacular.

From Leon we traveled on to Granada which has very similar features to Leon. Additionally, Granada is located by the Lake Nicaragua which is a huge freshwater pool that might not exist anymore in few years as Nicaragua is planning to boost its business by building its own canal through the continent. This would basically mean that all the natural diversity in Lake Nicaragua would probably take an irreversible hit as fresh water would turn into salt water.

In Granada we did a (bit too long) full day tour and I might recommend Las Isletas which are the Hollywood of Nicaragua. Summer houses of really wealthy locals are located on these very small islands in the lake. My favorite thing on our tour was probably volcano Masaya which offers really nice views to two craters. Additionally you might enjoy a swim and a lunch in La Laguna area.

From Granada we made our way to Ometepe Island within Lake Nicaragua. We spend two nights in a homestay in the community of Puesto del Sol. Families offer this bed & breakfast style of thing with only basic necessities in the accommodations. My family seemed really nice and genuine. I just hope my Spanish was a bit better to get a bit deeper than just the small talk. On the second day in Ometepe I did a nice island tour but that is not what I recommend. You should definitely hike at least one of the volcanoes there. Both if you have time and fitness. My current condition did not allow this so I was better of trying to get my fluid & food intake working again.

I’m also waiting a response from the airline(s) – nothing so far. So I’m a bit afraid that it will be a new year before this case is closed.