Gringobook final pdf by Edwar Machado

Introducción Welcome to the Survivor’s Guide to Granada Welcome to the Survivor’s Guide to Granada, also known as the Granada Gringo Guide. This informational booklet was developed in response to the need for up-to-date, accurate information for visitors and newcomers to this part of Nicaragua. Often the tourist books or pamphlets are simply a collection of flashy advertisements placed and paid for by businesses, which may or may not fit the reality of the services actually. For the short-term visitor, this can mean a disappointing or even disastrous Nicaragua experience. To avoid this, we have independently investigated the vast majority of the places listed in this guide and will continue to check up on them in order to stay current and accurate. While our booklet also has paid advertisements, the information in our General Directory comes from our own research. It should be noted that just because a business is not listed here does not mean that it is not a good one; it probably just means that we have not had the time or the opportunity to investigate it yet. If you know of a business that you think should be listed, just email us at gringoguide@ yahoo.com and the next time that we are in that geographic location, we will stop by and speak with the manager or owner. Conversely, the fact that we have listed a business or allowed

them to place an ad in this publication doesn’t guarantee that your personal experience will be positive – things may have changed since our visit or your perspective and expectations may just be different from ours. We welcome and encourage your feedback, comments or suggestions, which we will utilize when putting together our next edition. This guide strives to include the information that visitors need to have but sometimes don’t know they need. When planning a vacation, there is natural tendency to focus on what to see and do; concerns such as health, safety or the laws of the foreign country tend to stay in the background unless circumstances force us to zero in on them. Nonetheless, this type of information is important to a safe and enjoyable visit. This guide warns visitors about the common concerns and potential problems that may be encountered by visitors and provides suggestions for precautions you can take to avoid them. We do our best to provide information in a succinct and practical format, avoiding information overload which has a tendency to leave readers more confused than when they started. We try to get right to the point with little or no verbiage. The booklet is also small enough to fit comfortably into your back pocket or purse and offers a convenient table of contents in the front in order to help you pinpoint the information you need quickly. While this Survivor’s Guide focuses on Granada, we have also included listings for other areas when appropriate. We realize, for instance, that while you may be spending the majority of your stay in Granada, you will likely also go to Managua, for instance, to see some of the sights there or to run necessary errands. Finally, our booklet is unique in that we make every effort to keep up with changes throughout the year and will publish regular updated editions. It is important to note that both of us authors are foreigners who have spent considerable time in

Nicaragua. As such, we have lived through the exciting but sometimes bewildering experience of getting to know Nicaragua. Both of us have written and published information for visitors to Nicaragua before. In short, while there other worthwhile English-language tourist books; we believe that ours has a unique blend of accurate, practical, up-to-date and downright frank information provided in a succinct and accessible format. We hope you enjoy this booklet and your Nicaraguan experience. Lastly, we would like to thank Ingrid Cerda who has helped us throughout this entire project. Do drop us an email when you get a chance. Regards, Mat & Pat

Index

Emergency Information Gringo Guide

Welcome

to the Gran Sultana

Granada Emergency Information

Granada

Fire Data Fire Department 115 Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm. Emergency 24/7. Comments

From Karawala Cinema, one block west and one block north.

2552-8014 2252-9291 8740-5336 (Voluntary)

Highway to Masaya, Kilometer 44 陆.

2552-2022 2552-7049 2552-7050

Ambulance service 24 hours a day.

Hospitals Data Amistad Jap贸n * Hospital Nicaragua (Japanese Hospital) Hours of operation 24/7

Comments This hospital was designed and is reviewed by Japanese medical professionals. We would recommend that you

Bilingual services available sometimes.

consider using this hospital for most of your medical needs while you are in Granada.

Privado Cocibolca * Hospital (Private Hospital) Hours of operation 24/7

Comments

Kilometer 45 on the highway to Masaya.

Many people in Granada consider this

2552-2907 2552-4092

Bilingual

hospital to be reliable, too.

services available sometimes.

Pharmacies To find out which pharmacy is open at night, call the Red Cross at 2552-2711.Â Otherwise, refer to the listing for Pharmacies under the Health section.

Police Data Hours of operation 24 hours. www.policia.gob.ni

Highway GranadaNandaime, Kilometer 50.

118 2552-2977 2552-2929 (Voluntary)

Red Cross (Ambulance) Data

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 11 pm, closed on Sun. 14

La Calzada Street. In front of the Hotel Granada.

2552-2711

Data Ambulance, every other day, 24 hours.

Comments Red Cross provides many of the ambulance services within Nicaragua.

Utilities Data

* DISSUR Electricity

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm, Sat, from 8 am to11:30 am, closed on Sun.

Comments Here you can pay your electricity bill;

East side of Fire Department.

125 2552-6115

www.disnorte-dissur.com.ni

make claims or request a service.

* ENACAL

Water Supply

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5:30 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments Here you can make your claims, pay your water bill or request a service.

Atravesada Street. From the Fire Department one block north.

2552-6115 2552-2097

granada@teranet.com.ni 15

* ENITEL (CLARO) (Telephone Company)

Hours of operation Mon to Sun, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 1 pm.

Comments Here you can pay your telephone bill and buy cell phones. Enitel (Claro) offers internet and cable TV service too.

Central Park. In front of the Plaza Los Leones.

121 2552-6676

www.claro.com.ni cliente@claro.com.ni

* Telephone Assistance Directory assistance 113

Long-Distance Operator 116

Tourist Police Data Hours of operation 24 hours.

Comments

From Sandino Park Â˝ block to the east.

8845-6705 2552-4665

Tourist police were added to the streets of Granada in order to offer better

Bilingual Services

protection for the tourist visiting the

www.policia.gob.ni

main areas of Granada. Upon request, they will also chaperon groups of people to their destination if it is within close proximity.

Managua Emergency Information

Blood Center Data Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm Comments

South highway, Kilometer 7

2265-1406 2265-2081 2265-1517

From Bautista Hospital, three blocks west

911 2228-1079 2228-1080 115 120

Kilometer 9 他 highway to Masaya, 250 meters west

2255-6900 2255-6909

Here you can also make your blood donation

Fire Data Hours of operation 24/7 Bilingual Services www.migob.gob.ni dgbn@migob.gob.ni

Hospitals Data Hospital * Metropolitano Hours of operation 24 hours Comments

This hospital has high quality service and uses U.S. standards. Many staff members are bilingual.

Bilingual Services www.metropolitano.com.ni info@metropolitano.com.ni

Police Data Hours of operation 24/7

Plaza El Sol.

118 2270-0226 2270-0221 2277-4130

South Highway, Kilometer 7.

128 2265-2081 2244-3180 2265-1419 2265-1643 2265-2087 2265-1519

South highway, Kilometer 5 Â˝.

2252-7100 2252-7888

www.policia.gob.ni info@metropolitano.com.ni

Red Cross Data Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Emergency 24/7.

U.S. Embassy Data Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7:30 am to 4:15 pm.

Bilingual Services www.nicaragua.usembassy.gov consularmanagua@state.gov 19

History of Granada Founded in 1524, (either before or after León) Granada has been the scene of five centuries of wild and woolly events.

Few places in the Americas have been inhabited by Europeans as long as Granada. Founded in 1524, (either before or after León) Granada has been the scene of five centuries of wild and woolly events. For starters, the Indianist priest (a priest sympathetic to the Indians), Bartolome de las Casas preached a sermon in the San Francisco Church in 1536, calling the governor, Rodrigo de Contreras, his wife Maria de Peñalosa, and his two delinquent sons. The next day Father Bartolome mounted the fastest horse he could find and hot-rodded to the Honduran border, never to return to Nicaragua. Contreras filed a detailed lawsuit, which still exists, accusing Las Casas of criminal slander. Fourteen years later those same delinquent sons of Rodrigo de Contreras rose up against the Spanish Crown, killed the Bishop of Nicaragua, Antonio de Valdivieso, in Leon, and sent an army to attack loyalists in Granada. The rebels killed 120 loyalists, probably all that lived in Granada, and went on to burn Panama City. One of the sons, Hernando, may have died in the fight, and one, Pedro, was listed as wanted by the Spanish Crown. He probably got away. His parents retired to Lima, Peru, where they were accepted into the most elite Peruvian society. During the seventeenth century, English pirates attacked and sacked Granada several times over a 25 year period. The 22

first time, in 1666, the second-in-command was the redoubtable Henry Morgan, who reported that the pirates had to stop the Indians of Jalteva from slaughtering the Spaniards. There is also a nasty rumor that the pirates stole many of the women in Granada, which must have made most of the inhabitants sad. Maybe, however, this made some people happy. Granada was the base of operations in the war between Spain and Great Britain from 1778 to 1783. The British wanted to cut the Spanish Empire in two at Granada and so they attacked the Inmaculada Fort, located 40 kilometers (km) downriver on the San Juan River. They won the fort but got no farther as the crafty old Captain General Matias de Galvez set up his headquarters in the city hall of Granada and set up a blockade in San Carlos, at the beginning of the San Juan River. The British began dying of disease and finally just faded away. The future Lord Nelson lost an eye – nobody seems to know how and Galvez did not have to expend one musket shot. Granada next saw the development of the largest uprising for independence which centered in the main plaza of Granada in 1812. The Captain General of Central America, General Bustamante, sent 1,500 troops to attack the rebels. After a fight, the rebels surrendered. Two of the ringleaders, Antonio de la Cerda and Juan Arguello, were shipped off to prison in Cádiz, Spain, where they were released in 1817. This duo, reportedly cousins, became the first two presidents of Nicaragua. Arguello succeeded de la Cerda in 1827 by shooting him. These events, however, pale by comparison with the fiery days of William Walker. This native of southern United States (U.S.) came to Nicaragua as a mercenary in 1855, Granada was the base of operations in the war between Spain and Great Britain from 1778 to 1783 23

and by October he had conquered the main conservative town, Granada, with a slick trick. He attacked Granada by water when the defending army was 50 km away. Walker got doubly lucky when he attacked the town at dawn when everyone was celebrating a military victory with much liquor. Shortly less than an hour after taking over Granada, Walker began shooting the opposition, usually while sitting in a chair in front of the Parroquia Church on the main plaza. This did not make him popular, and a coalition rose up against him. By November, 1856, he was pushed out of Granada. But to let the Central Americans know how he felt about all of this he burned Granada to the ground. What you see today in Granada is not a colonial town, really, but a Republican-era town re-built on colonial foundations. With the passing of Walker and the ensuing civil wars, Nicaragua and Granada settled down to peace and some prosperity. Between 1868 and 1893 Granada was the political and economic center of Nicaragua, ruled by the conservative party. The strikingly beautiful cemetery of Granada is a testament to its prosperity of the late 19th century. Granada’s appearance has remained colonial, with the exception of some French Second Empire buildings, including the train station and municipal market. Granada became a hotbed of opposition to the Liberal government of Jose Santos Zelaya and some of his successors, but it never lost its colonial charm. Even during the War with Sandino, 1927-1933, a Marine contingent, using the San Francisco Convent as a barracks, lazed away the days, probably enjoying some of the native booze and other cultural activities. And so it is, the charm of Granada is a sort of time-warp that has preserved its colonial atmosphere and appearance. There is no other place like it in Nicaragua.

Sightseeing and Activities Granada

A good place to start is the city’s central park (Parque Central or Parque Colón) and its adjoining Plaza de Independencia. There are several historic buildings in this area including the Cathedral, the Bishop’s Residence, and the Palacio de la Cultura Joaquín Cuadra Pasos on the west side. La Gran Francia, a renovated hotel and restaurant is located on the southeast corner and dates back to the founding of the city. On the north side of the plaza adjoining the park is a stone portico with lions; this is the only surviving portion of the original building burnt by William Walker. Casa de los Tres Mundos or Casa de los Leones, an arts and cultural center, occupies much of the present building. For a small entrance fee, you can catch an exhibition, performance or arts rehearsal at this arts and culture center. The museum is open Monday through Sunday, 8 am to 6 pm. The plaza is also the site for the free concerts on Friday nights. If you walk north to the edge of the plaza, then one block east, you can visit the museum located in the oldest church of Central America. Convent and Church San Francisco was founded in 1529 and boasts a small but impressive collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts as well as exhibits and information on native life prior to the Hispanic epoch. 27

The museum is open Monday through Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. The modest entry fee includes a knowledgeable Spanish speaking guide. Limited information in English is. Horse drawn carriages, called los coches, are another way to tour the city. These are from the park and will take you to a specific location or on a tour of the city. Rates should be agreed upon in advance and are around $ 10 per hour. The drivers are knowledgeable, but do not speak English. Interesting sights that one can see include Iglesia Guadalupe, Iglesia la Merced, Plaza de Xalteva, Capilla Maria Auxiliadora, Fortaleza de la Pólvora, and the old train station. Be aware that some of the historical buildings are closed for repairs due to damage from earthquakes. You can also walk through the city on your own, keeping an eye open for the Spanish tiles marking the city’s historic sites and events. A pleasant evening walk is along the shores of the lake, Lago Nicaragua. The lake contains over 300 isletas, or islands of different sizes, created by explosions of Volcan Mombacho 20,000 years or so ago. Many of the isletas are privately owned and have holiday homes on them. On one island there are the remains of a fort, El Castillo San Pablo, built in 1784. The Parque Nacional Archiépelago Zapatera is located on a group of islands further out in toward the lake and is worth visiting for its interesting ecosystems as well as pre-Columbian artifacts, such as the intriguing petroglyphs. Local tour companies offer guided tours. Boat trips in toward the lake are from the docks and cost about $10-15 per hour, per boat. The docks are a short taxi ride away from the center of town. Granada also boasts antique and artisan stores. It is known for its exceedingly fine wicker furniture. The central park also has stalls selling crafts suitable for mementos or souvenirs.

Nearby Attractions de Apoyo is a volcano crater lake, and has hiking *areasLaguna as well as swimming, kayaking and windsurfing. There is a resort there named Norome which offers dining and overnight accommodations. To get to the laguna, one travels along a 5 km road accessed from the highway between Granada and Masaya. Parts of the road are in rough condition. Mirador de Catarina is a beautiful lookout point, *only The a half-hour drive from Granada. There are a number of restaurants along the bluff from which one can enjoy the view of the lake and mountains. The town of Catarina is famous for its nurseries of flowering plants and shrubs. San Juan del Oriente, just south of Catarina, has ceramic *workshops and stores. Some of the items offered here are unique and not in other markets. The Mombacho Volcano National Park is just 10 km *outside Granada and has five craters, a cloud forest with inte30

resting flora and fauna, hiking trails, and terrific views on clear days. Masaya markets, located in Masaya, sell interes*tingThe wood and ceramic crafts as well as hammocks. The “old” market (Mercado Viejo) is geared toward tourists and has a more accessible and pleasing layout, while the “new” market is geared to locals, is more crowded, but has a wider variety of goods. It is also not completely safe. It is not recommended to go there unless one’s Spanish is adequate and one’s wallet is safely guarded. Guides are in the Mercado Viejo. It is always a good idea to agree on a price for their assistance before they are engaged.

General Directory Gringo Guide

Banks and Money Transfer

Granada

Data

* BAC Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Sat, from 8:30 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments 24 hours ATM.

Atravesada Street. North side of Central Park, one block west

2552-3352 2552-3353

on web site www.bac.net

* BANCENTRO Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Sat, from 8:30 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

Atravesada Street

2552-6555 2552-6566 2552-6567

Comments

Bilingual Services

24 hours ATM.

info@bancolafise.com.ni www.bancentro.net

Procredit * Banco Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Sat, from 8:30 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments 24 hours ATM.

Atravesada Street, from Karawala Movie Theater one Â˝ blocks north

Bilingual Services www.procredit.com.ni 34

on web site

2552-6055 2552-2093

Bank * Citi Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Sat, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, closed on Sun. on web site

Atravesada Street. North side of Central Park, one block west

2552-8370 2552-8371

Atravesada Street

2552-2723

www.citibank.com.ni

* BANPRO Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Sat, from 8:30 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments 24 hours ATM.

* BDF Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Sat, from 8:30 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

soluciones@banpro.com.ni www.banpro.com.ni

Atravesada Street, across La Curacao

2552-4005 2252-2814

Comments

on web site

24 hours ATM.

www.bdfnet.com.ni

Union * Western Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7:30 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 7:30 am to 4 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments Wire money transfer.

From La Merced Church, Â˝ block north

2552-3422

www.westernunion.com 35

Granada

Bars

Price Range

Data Café * Conchis´s Hours of operation Wed to Mon, from 7 pm to 2 am, closed on Tue. Restaurant open from 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm.

Comments Conchis’s Café offers Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, salads and meat. Offers Wi-Fi, dancing and live music at night.

La Libertad Street. From the Central Park 2 ½ block west

2552-7376 2552-7399

Bilingual Services laconchis@hotmail.com

C$180-C$260 Club Lounge & Dance * ElHours of operation Wed to Sat, from 7 pm to 3 am.

Comments Lady´s night all Thu.

Plaza Inmaculada

2552-4245 2552-0871

Bilingual Services info@hotelelclub.com www.elclubdiscotec.com

C$180-C$300 Lounge Karaoke * Be Hours of operation Wed from 7 pm to 3 am, Thu from 7 pm to 4 am, Fri to Sat, from 7 pm to 5 am, Sun from 7 pm to 2 am. 36

Atravesada/ La 2552-4209 Libertad Street Bilingual Services info@becoolture.com

Price Range

Data Comments Be Lounge Karaoke offers dancing, Wi-Fi, dinner and drinks. Take credit

www.becoolture.com

U$30-U$50

cards.

Nuit * Café Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7:30 pm to 12 am, Sat, to Sun, from 7:30 pm to 2 am

La Calzada Street

2552-7376

Comments

Bilingual Services

Café Nuit offers live music, Nicaraguan

laconchis@hotmail.com

and European food. On Friday and Sat,urday there is an entrance fee of 20 Córdobas.

Quijote * ElHours of operation Mon to Fri, from12 pm to 12 am, Sat, to Sun, from 12 pm to 2 am

Comments El Quijote bar offers cocktails, cold beer, rum, dancing and food.

Ojo * ElBarTercer & Restaurant Hours of operation Daily, from 11 am to 11 pm

Comments El Tercer Ojo offers a good atmosphere, live music, Wi-Fi, Fusion Cuisine. Happy hour from 5 pm to 7 pm.

es-es.facebook.com/pages/ Cafe-Nuit/246498574849

El Caimito Street. From the Mayor Hall one block east.

8959-5353

Bilingual Services

El Arsenal 2552-6451 Street. Across front San Francisco Convent. eltercerojo_granada@yahoo.com www.eltercerojo.com.ni Bilingual Services 37

Bar & Restaurant * Zoom Hours of operation Daily, from 11 am to 12 am

Comments Zoom Bar offers cocktails, beer, rum, music and food.

La Calzada Street, three blocks east of Central Park

8915-0178

Bilingual Services nicatinck@hotmail.com www.zoombargranada.com

* Encuentros Hours of operation From Mon to Wed, from 7 pm to 1 am, Thu from 7 pm to 2 am, Fri to Sat, from 7 pm to 3 am

Comments Encuentros offers Wi-Fi, live music and Happy hour from 3 pm to 8 pm. Takes credit cards.

El Caimito Street. From the Mayor Hall Â˝ block toward the lake

8873-9269 88760682

Bilingual Services erik@encuentrosclub.com www.encuentrosclub.com

Disco Bar * Cesar Hours of operation Daily, from 7 pm to 6 am

Comments Cesar Disco Bar offers dancing, cocktails, beer, rum, music and food.

At Touristic Center

2552-6803

Boricua * ElHours of operation Mon to Thu from 10 am to 9 pm and Fri to Sun, from 10 am to 4 am

At Touristic Center

2552-8547

At Touristic Center

2552-6803

La Calzada Street. From the Central Park three blocks toward the lake

2552-2457

At Touristic Center

2552-6695

Comments El Boricua offers dancing and live music.

Bar & Restaurant * Cocibolca Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 6 pm

Comments Cocibolca Bar & Restaurant offers his specialty in Fish.

Bar & Grill * Coyote Hours of operation Fri to Sat, from 12 pm to 2 am, Sun to Thu from 12 pm to 12 am. Closed on Mon.

Kayak * Inuit Hours of operation Fri to Sat, 24 hours, Sun to Thu, from 7 am to 7 pm.

Comments Inuit Kayak offers Nicaraguan food and dancing. 39

Beach * Granada Hours of operation Thu to Sun, from 3 pm to 3 am.

Comments Granada Beach offers on Thu Karaoke and Fri to Sun offers Live Music. Nicaraguan food served.

Cero * Barro Hours of operation Thu to Sun, from 7 pm to 5 am

Comments

At Touristic Center

8915-0178

El Caimito Street. From Central Park, one block toward the lake

8825-1078

Barro Cero offers Nicaraguan food and dancing.

Bar * Kelly’s Hours of operation Daily, from 11 am to 2 am

Comments Kelly’s Bar offers Nicaraguan and TexMex cuisine, happy hour from 3 pm to 7 pm. Free Wi-Fi and Sport TV.

Bilingual Services

Bar & Restaurant * Zoom Hours of operation Wed to Mon, from 11 am to 2 am, closed on Tue

Comments Zoom Bar offers cocktails, beer, rum, music and food.

La Calzada Street. From Cathedral, one and ½ blocks toward the lake

8327-2118 facebook.com/ Melys.BaryRestaurante

melys.bar@gmail.com Bilingual Services 40

Hacienda Bar & Grill * La Hours of operation Daily, from 12 pm to 2 am

Comments La Hacienda Bar & Grill offers TexMex and steak cuisine, happy hour from 3 pm to 7 pm. Free Wi-Fi, Sport TV, live

In front of San Francisco Convent

8449-9064

Bilingual Services

music. Beer cost one dollar.

Restaurant & Bar * Imagine Hours of operation Daily, from 4 pm to 10 pm

Comments Imagine Restaurant & Bar offers International and Nicaraguan cuisine. Live Music, Tue to Thu 8 pm.

Restaurant & Bar * Imagine Hours of operation Daily, from 4 pm to 10 pm

Comments Imagine Restaurant & Bar offers International and Nicaraguan cuisine. Live Music, Tue to Thu 8 pm.

La Libertad Street. From Central Park, one block toward the lake.

Artistas Bar & Restaurant * Las Hours of operation La Calzada Daily, from 9 am to 1 am

Comments Las Artistas Bar & Restaurant offers fusion cuisine. Has happy hour from 3 pm to 10 pm.

Street. From Central Park, two and Â˝ blocks toward the lake.

8842-2587

Bilingual Services

8842-2587

Bilingual Services

8461-3657

Bilingual Services 41

Granada

Church/Clergy

Price Range

Data of Granada * Cathedral Comments Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss it - a beautiful neoclassical-style building by the central park.

In front of the Central Park.

2552-7235

Real Xalteva Street.

2552-4663

This cathedral was rebuilt three times.

Merced Church * La Comments This church was built in the 16th century. You can enjoy a great lookout from the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tower for one dollar.

Xalteva Street * Real Comments Xalteva Church was built in the 17th century. The Church has in front a small

Bilingual Services

Real Xalteva Street.

and beautiful park.

Church * Guadalupe Comments This church has a Colonial Style.

La Calzada Street. From the Central Park, for blocks toward the lake.

2552-7601

Francisco * San Convent Church Comments This is another Granada’s oldest Colo-

Cervantes Street.

nial Church.

Managua Metropolitana * Cathedral Comments This is the new cathedral, built in modern style. The old Cathedral is at a different location and is no longer in

In front of Metrocentro Mall.

2278-2077

use due to severe damage from the 1973 earthquake.

brenes48@yahoo.com Mons. Leopoldo José Brenes Solórzano Archbishop of Managua

Domingo Parish, * Santo Las Sierritas

* San Agustin Parish

Masaya highway, kilometer 8 ½, Sierritas de Santo Domingo.

2276-1818

Altamira de Este, from the Vicky 1 ½ blocks west.

2277-2897

Christ Parish * Agonizing Comments Contact Fr. Aurelian Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Dowd. American Bilingual Priest.

At Christ of the Rosary neighborhood.

2266-3015

Bilingual Services aurelian@enitel.net.ni www.encuentrosclub.com

Granada

Couriers Data EXPRESS * DHL Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments DHL offers express service and other courier services.

Bodan Avenue. From the Fire Department, one block north, one block west and Â˝ block north.

2552-1389

Bilingual Services www.dhl.com

Granada

Dining

Price Range

Data Delieth * Café Hours of operation Daily, from 7 am to 10 pm

Comments Here you can sit on the porch and watch the goings-on in the square. Café de Elieth offers International and Nicaraguan cuisine. Take credit cards.

www.hotelalhambra.com.ni

At Alhambra Hotel. West side of the Central Park.

2552-4486

Bilingual Services hotalam@tmx.com.ni

C$50-C$320 Decarte Pasta Pasta * Café Hours of operation Daily, from 11 am to 10 pm, closed on Tue.

Comments Café Decarte offers an interesting variety of both traditional and trendy dishes. For lunch be sure to try one of the hefty sandwiches with homemade potato

La Calzada Street, across from the Cathedral.

2552-6461

Bilingual Services gpsnic@cablenet.com.ni

salad. Dinner is appetizing too, but save room for their superb desserts and coffees. Delivery service is available.

Bar & Restaurant * Charly´s Hours of operation Wed to Mon, from 6 pm to 11 pm, closed on Tue.

From Petronic, gas station, four blocks west.

2552-2942

Comments Charly’s Bar & Restaurant offers German cuisine, soups, salads, barbecue, venison dishes and bar service with

Bilingual Services charly.steinmaier@ffm-granada.org www.charlys-bar.com

national and international drinks. Free Wi-Fi.

Waffle House * Kathy’s Hours of operation Daily, from 7 am to 2 pm.

Comments Kathy’s Waffle House offers a variety of

C$50-C$320

Across from San Francisco Convent.

2552-7488

hearty American breakfasts including waffles, pancakes, smoothies, omelets,

Bilingual Services

fruit plates, oatmeal, free coffee (with

kathypercof@yahoo.com

breakfast) and much more. Free Wi-Fi.

C$85-C$120 Jarochitas * Las Hours of operation Mon to Sun, from 11 am to 11 pm.

Comments Mexican cuisine. Great Mole!

C$50-C$200 Claraboya * La Hours of operation Daily, from 12 pm to 3pm and, from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Comments La Claraboya offers Gourmet fusion cuisine. Free Wi-Fi. 46

From the Mayor´s office/ city hall, two blocks north. El Caimito Street.

2552-8304

El Caimito Street. From the Mayor’s office, ½ block toward the lake.

2552-2775

Bilingual Services

Lisa * Monna Hours of operation Fri to Tue, from12 pm to 10 pm, Thu from 4 pm to 10 pm.

Comments The Monna Lisa makes a thin pizza with a variety of toppings. They also offer Italian dishes, national and international drinks. You can get there by taking a longish walk from the Central Park area.

Don Luca * Pizzeria Hours of operation Fri to from 12 pm to 11 pm, Tue to Sun, from 12 pm to 10 pm.

Comments All varieties of pizzas, salads, breadsticks and natural juices.

Bilingual Services

La Calzada Street. From Central Park, three blocks and ½ toward the lake.

2552-8187

Bilingual Services pizz_monna_lisa@yahoo.com

C$60-C$170

From La Calza- 2552-7822 da Street. From Central Park, three blocks toward the lake. acul_ilrac@hotmail.com

C$60-C$150 Mediterráneo * Restaurante Hours of operation Tue to Sun, from 11 am to 3 pm, and from 6 pm to 10 pm, closed on Mon.

Comments Spanish and Mediterranean Cuisine. Los Angeles Times rated the Mediterráneo as the number one restaurant in

El Caimito 2552-6764 Street, from Mayor’s office / city hall, one ½ blocks toward the lake. nurix@tmx.com.ni 47

all of Nicaragua. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave Granada without stopping here and experiencing a fantastic lunch or dinner. Free Wi-Fi.

House * Road Hours of operation Daily, from 12 pm to 2 am.

Comments The Road House has a sports bar ambience and a small air-conditioned section, Wi-Fi, Sport TV, happy hour from 4 pm to 8 pm. Offers grilled dishes, fast food, salads, pastas and cocktails. Take all credit cards.

C$120-up plus tax Bilingual Services

From Central Park, two blocks toward the lake. La Calzada Street.

2552-8469

alvarourbina24@hotmail.com

C$60-C$150 plus tax. Bilingual Services

* TelePizza Hours of operation Daily, from 10 am to 10 pm.

Comments TelePizza offers great pizza, spaghetti, salads, sandwiches, desserts, gourmet pizzas, wines. If you want an inexpensive but good pizza delivered to your room, give them a call.

El Arsenal Street. From San Francisco Convent, Â˝ block to the west.

2552-4219 2552-7702

Bilingual Services ventas@telepizzagranada.com www.telepizzagranada.com

C$39-C$95

* Zaguan Hours of operation Daily, from 12 pm to 11 pm

Comments While we have not eaten there, we have been told that they offer really good

East side of the Cathedral

2552-2522

mariajose_marenco@yahoo.com

steak as well as Nicaraguan food. Live

C$165-C$200 plus tax

Music on Fri. Free Wi-Fi.

Bilingual Services

Steak House & Grill * Rodeo Hours of operation

La Calzada Street. From Comments Central Park, Rodeo Steak House & Grill has happy two blocks hour from 5 pm to 7 pm. Free Wi-Fi. toward the lizethe_sandoval@yahoo.com lake. Daily, from 9 am to 1 am

2552-7729 8953-5488

C$120-C$200 Bilingual Services

El VolcĂĄn * CafetĂn Hours of operation Daily from 7 am to 7:30 pm.

Comments The best Quesillos in town.

From La Merced Church, one block south.

8397-2648

C$25-C$60 Bilingual Services

Ho * Te Hours of operation Daily, from 11 am to 10 pm

Comments Te Ho offers Taiwanese cuisine. Has Delivery service.

C$85-C$115 Tabaskeña * La Hours of operation Daily, from 11 am to 9 pm

Comments La Tabaskeña offers Mexican cuisine. Has Delivery service.

Bilingual Services

Nuevo Chino * Año Hours of operation Daily, from 11 am to 11 pm

Comments Año Nuevo Chino offers Chinese cuisine. Free Wi-Fi.

C$ 60-C$170

Café * Garden Hours of operation Daily, from 7 am to 9 pm

Comments Garden Cafe offers Coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Free Wi-Fi. 50

El Caimito Street. From the Mayor’s office, two blocks toward the lake

2552-2667

Bilingual Services

Barricada Avenue. From La Merced Church, one block west and ½ block north

8326-3571

El Martirio Street. From Central Park, three blocks toward the lake and ½ block north

2252-8150

La Libertad Street. From Central Park, one block toward the lake

2252-8582 Bilingual Services

Café * Euro Hours of operation Daily, from 7 am to 5:30 pm

Comments Euro Cafe offers European style coffee, breakfast, lunch, free Wi-Fi and poker on Thu at 6 pm.

Top Restaurant * Tip Hours of operation Daily, from 10:30 am to 10 pm-

Comments Tip-Top Restaurant offers chicken,

La Libertad Street. In front of Central Park

2252-8732

Bilingual Services

Plaza Independencia.

2552-8610

hamburgers, sandwiches, delivery servi-

Bilingual Services

ce. Take credit cards.

www.restaurantestiptop.com

U$5-U$20

* Hamburloca Hours of operation Daily, from 10 am to 10 pm.

Comments Hamburlooca offers delicious hamburgers.

Irish Pub * O’sheas’s Hours of operation Daily, from 8:30 am to 12 am.

Comments This restaurant offers full breakfast,

El Caimito Street. From the Mayor’s office, one block toward the lake.

2552-0124

La Calzada Street. From Central Park, two blocks toward the lake.

8854-1140

International, Nicaraguan and Irish

tgmeadowbrook@yahoo.com

cuisine. Free Wi-Fi.

www.osheaspubgranada.wordpress.com

Vallarta * Tequila Hours of operation Daily, from 11 am to 11 pm

Comments Tequila Vallarta offers Mexican cuisine. Free Wi-Fi. Has happy hour from 6 pm to 8 pm.

TĂpicas y MĂĄs * Comidas Hours of operation Wed to Mon, from 12 pm to 2 am, closed on Tue

Comments This restaurant offers Nicaraguan cuisine. Free Wi-Fi. Has happy hour from 6

La Calzada Street. From Central Park, one block toward the lake.

2552-8488

La Calzada Street. From Central Park, one block toward the lake

2552-4414

Los Corrales Street. Plaza Independencia, one block north and 75 meters toward the lake

2552-8235

pm to 9 pm.

Chocoyos * Los Hours of operation Daily, from 7 am to 10 pm

Comments Los Chocoyos offers International, vegetarian and fusion cuisine. Free Wi-Fi. Has happy hour from 4 pm to 8 pm. Full breakfast daily.

Café * Choco Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7 am to 12 pm, Sat and Sun, from 7 am to 1 pm

Comments Choco Cafe offers coffee and breakfast

Atravesada Street. In front of Bancentro

2552-4678

Bilingual Services

buffet. Free Wi-Fi.

* Nectar Hours of operation Daily, from 11 am to 11:30 pm

Comments Nectar offers International cuisine. Free Wi-Fi. Has happy hour from 3 pm to 7 pm.

Gran Francia * La Hours of operation Daily, from 7 am to 10 pm

Comments La Gran Francia offers International cuisine. Free Wi-Fi. Has happy hour from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Boca * La Hours of operation Tue to Sun, from 7 am to 11:30 pm, Mon from 7 am to 11 am

Comments La Boca offers International cuisine, billiards and free Wi-Fi.

La Calzada Street. From Central Park, one and ½ blocks toward the lake

2552-6095

El Caimito Street. From the Mayor’s office, ½ block toward the lake

2552-6000

Real Xalteva Street. From Xalteva Church, 75 meters toward the lake

2552-2900

Estrada * Bistro Hours of operation Daily, from 10 am to 10 pm.

2552-7393

Arsenal Street

Comments

www.bistroestrada.com

Takes credit cards.

U$6-U$22

Bilingual Services marketing@bistroestrada.com

Lounge * Ciudad Hours of operation From Thu to Sun, from 6 pm to 12 am.

Comments Gourmet cuisine, wine and tobaccos. Gift certificates available.

La Libertad Street. From Central Park, five blocks west.

Bilingual Services

2552-1543

www.ciudadlounge.com

info@ciudadlounge.com

Granada

Embassies, Consulates and Immigration Data y Extranjeria * Migraci贸n Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 4 pm.

Comments

North side of Sandino Park.

2552-4059 2552-4529

Immigration services such as visas, provisional and permanent residence renewals, IDs, and other services. 54

www.migob.gob.ni

Managua Embassy * Argentina Hours of operation From 8 am to 12 pm.

Comments Immigration services such as visas, provisional and permanent residence renewals, IDs, and other services.

Embassy * Brazil Hours of operation From 8 am to 12 pm.

Comments

Las Colinas, Prado Ecuestre 235 B Street.

2255-0062

embargentina@alfanumeric.com.ni

South highway, kilometer 7 他.

2265-0035

Immigration services such as visas, provisional and permanent residence renewals, IDs, and other services.

Consulate * Canadian Hours of operation Mon to Thu, from 8 am to 4 pm, Fri, from 7:30 am to 1 pm.

Comments The Canadian Consulate takes credit cards.

www.embajadadebrasil.org.ni ebrasil@ibw.com.ni

Bolonia, west side of Casa Nazaret.

2268-0433 2268-3323

www.canadainternational.gc.ca mngua@international.gc.ca Bilingual Services

Embassy * Chile Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 2 pm.

Comments Immigration services such as visas, provisional and permanent residence renewals, IDs, and other services.

echileni@amnet.com.ni

Embassy * China Hours of operation Mon to Thu, from 8 am to 4 pm, Fri, from 7:30 am to 1 pm. nic@mofa.gov.tw

Reparto Los Robles, Main entrance, ½ block west, one block south, 15 meters west.

www.chileabroad.gov.cl/nicaragua/sobre-la-embajada/

Planes de Altamira.

2277-1333 2277-134

www.taiwanembassy.org/NI/

* Consulate of Costa Rica www.rree.go.cr

Reparto Serrano, Police consuladocrmanagua@yahoo.com Plaza El Sol, 4 blocks north.

* Consulate of Austria Rotary Coopaustriaca@turbonett.com.ni El Güegüense, 1 block north. In front of Italy Embassy.

2278-0619 2270-1103

2251-0429 2251-0443

2266-0171 2266-3316

* Colombia Embassy Santo Domingo, Altos del Mirador, from the entrance 1 block south, 1 block east, 40 meters south. House No. 52

2255-1753 2255-1742

Plaza EspaĂąa 1 block west, 2 blocks north, Â˝ block west.

2268-0253 2268-0250

Las Colinas Embassy of Spain 3 blocks west. www.consuladord.com/directorio.aspx

2276-2029

emanagua@minrelext.gov.co www.taiwanembassy.org/NI/

Embassy * Denmark Hours of operation Mon to Thru, from 8 am to 4 pm, Fri, from 8 am to 1 pm. nic@mofa.gov.tw mgaamb@um.dk

* Dominican Republic embdom@cablenet.com.ni

* El Salvador Embassy Masaya highway.

2276-0712 2276-2134 57

kilometer 9 ½, Residencial Las embajadanicaragua@rree.gob.svv Colinas, Pasaje embelsa@cablenet.com Los Cerros, 142

Consulade: 2276-2134

www.embajadanicaragua.rree.gob.sv/

* France Embassy info@ambafrance-ni.org www.ambafrance-ni.org

Embassy * German Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 9 am to 12 pm, closed on Wed. Bilingual Services

Neighborhood El Carmen, from El Carmen Church 1 ½ block west.

2222-6210 2222-3126

Bolonia. Plaza España one and ½ blocks north.

2266-3917 2266-3918 2266-7500

Masaya highway, kilometer 11 ½.

2279-9609 2279-9834

alemania@ibw.com.ni www.managua.diplo.de

* Guatemala Embassy embanic@minex.gob.gt

* Honduras Embassy embhonduras@cablenet.com.ni www.ambafrance-ni.org

Gym Hercules 1block South ½ blocks east No. 312.

2278-3043 2270-4133

From Rotonda El Güegüense, one block toward the lake.

2266-4319, 2266-2961

* Italian Embassy

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 9 am to 2:30 pm, closed on Wed. Bilingual Services

ambasciata.managua@esteri.it

www.ambmanagua.esteri.it

* Japan Embassy http://www.ni.emb-japan.go.jp

Rotary El Güegüense, Plaza España, 1 block west, 1 block north.

2266-8668 2266-8566

Street Erasmus de Rotterdam, Masaya highway, kilometer 5.

2276-8630 2276-8632

of the Netherlands * Kingdom Embassy Hours of operation

Mon to thru, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, fri from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Bilingual Services

www.nicaragua.nlembajada.org mng@minbuza.nl

From Teresiano .College, 1 block south, 1 block west

Embassy * Mexican Hours of operation

Kilometer 4 ½ highway to Masaya. Across embamex@turbonett.com.ni from Óptica Matamoros.

Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 12 pm.

* Panama Embassy

embdpma@ibw.com.ni

www.panamaenelexterior.gob.pa /nicaragua

Reparto Villa Fontana, from Club Terraza, 1 block east, ½ block north.

2277-0501

Central Av. No.13, Las Colinas.

2276-0966 2276-0967

Swiss Cooperation Office .

2266-3010

* Spain Embassy espana@cablenet.com.ni emb.managua@mae.es

2278-4919 2278-4921

embespnic@turbonett.com.ni

* Switzerland Consulate 60

managua@sdc.net www.cosude@org.ni

Embassy * U.S. Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7:30 am to 4:15 pm. consularmanagua@state.gov

in Central America â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nicaragua, Rotary Jean Paul Genie, 900 meters west, 100 meters north.

South highway, kilometer 5 Â˝.

2252-7100 2252-7888

Bilingual Services

www.nicaragua.usembassy.gov

Granada

Grocery Stores Data Colonia Supermarket * La Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 8:30 pm.

Comments

La Inmaculada Street.

2264-9400 2266-7070

El Comercio Street. Central Market west.

2552-7110 2552-7131

Stores can be found throughout Nicaragua. Take credit cards.

Supermarket * Pali Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to7 pm.

Comments Pali is a popular supermarket chain; stores can be found throughout Nicaragua and offer your basic groceries and household supplies. Pali does not take credit cards.

Union Supermarket * La Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 8 am to 10 pm, Sun, from 8 am to 9 pm.

La Inmaculada Street.

2266-7070

La Calzada Street. From Central Park one and ½ block toward the lake.

2552-6989

Comments Stores can be found throughout Nicaragua. Take credit cards.

Calzada Mini Supermarket * La Hours of operation Daily, from 11 am to 11 pm.

Comments La Calzada Mini Supermarket offers basic groceries and household supplies.

Granada

Hardware Stores Data Lugo S.A * Ferretería Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7 am to 5 pm, from 8 am to 1:30 pm, Sun from 8 am to 1 pm.

Atravesada Street. From the Central Park, one block west and ½ block south.

2552-3220

Bilingual Services

Comments This is a very busy store with a variety of hardware supplies.

y Materiales de * Ferretería Construcción Hermanos Briones

Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sun from 8 am to 1 pm.

Arellana Avenue. In front of bus station.

2552-2909 8810-4618

From the Central Market, one block west. In front of Valencia.

2552-1170

Comments Ferreteria y Materiales de Construccion Hermanos Briones offers a great variety of hardware supplies.

La Union * Ferretería Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 7 am to 7:30 pm, Sun from 8 am to 1 pm. Bilingual Services casadelcarpintero_6@yahoo.es

Health Data

* Ambulance Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 11 am, closed on Sun.

La Calzada Street. In front of the Hotel Granada.

2552-2711

Comments Ambulance is every other day for a 24 hour period.

Managua

* Ambulance Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm

Comments Emergency 24 hours.

South Highway, Kilometer 7.

128 2265-2082 2244-3180

Granada

Doctors Dr. Francisco Blanco Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 3 pm to 5:30 pm, Sat,, from 9:30 am to 12 pm. Bilingual Services

Surgery

2552-5989

Piedra Bocona Clinic, La Inmaculada Street

Dr. Manuel Urcuyo (Japanese Hospital) Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 2 pm to 6 pm

Comments Sat, hours by appointment.

Bilingual Services

Cardiology and internal medicine

2552-3058

In front of Divino NiĂąo Laboratory

Dr. Edgar Javier Vallejo F. Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Comments

Dentist

8850-1414

jvallejo@cablenet.com.ni

Sat, hours by appointment.

Bilingual Services

Cine Karawala Â˝ block west. In front of Camas Lunas

Dr. Baldizon Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 9 am to 3 pm, closed on weekend.

Eye physician and surgeon

2552-6354 8881-4823 8857-9322

Bilingual Services drabaldizon@yahoo.com

Real Xalteva Street

Managua Dr. Alejandro Ay贸n Lacayo Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 9 am to 3 pm, closed on weekend. www.metropolitano.com.ni Bilingual Services

Pediatrics

At Metropolitano Hospital.

2255-6900 ext.84161 84109 Home: 2276-0412 8879-1020

ayon@metropolitano.com.ni

Dr. El铆as Vega Hours of operation

Hematology

2266-5132

Mon to Fri, from 10 am to 12:30 pm. Bilingual Services

Bolonia. From San Francisco Church, 63 meters south.

Dr. Enrique Vega González Hours of operation

Neurosurgery

Mon to Wed and Fri, from 10 am to 12 pm. From 3 pm to 6 pm, Sat,, from 10 am to 12 pm.

Comments Call for appointments.

Bilingual Services

2255-6900 ext. 84300 8850-2182

Hospital Metropolitano, third floor. Clinic number 302. rvega@teranet.com.ni

Dr. Jorge Isaac El-Azar Hours of operation

Orthopedics

Mon to Fri, from 9 am to 12 pm, from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

2255-6900 8883-2171

Bilingual Services

Hospital Metropolitano. Clinic number 306.

www.metropolitano.com.ni

jel_azar@cablenet.com.ni

Dr. José Alejandro Pereira M Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 1:30 pm. Bilingual Services centrovp@enitel.net.ni

Optometry

2266-6163 2266-4761 (Centro Visual Pereira)

Rotonda El Güegüense four blocks down.

Dr. Juan Herrera Salazar Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm

Comments Call for appointments.

Allergies and Asthma

2278-1169

Reparto Serrano. In front of Consulate of Costa Rica Bilingual Services

Dr. Leandro Chamorro Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 2:30 pm to 5 pm

Comments Call for appointment.

Ophthalmology 2266-5852, 2266-5853 (Clinic), 2278-4142 (Home)

Bilingual Services

Plaza Espa単a. From Rotonda El G端eg端ense, 遜 block down

www.metropolitano.com.ni

doclch@cablenet.com.ni

Dr. Mario Lacayo Lugo Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 9 am to 5 pm

Comments Call for appointments.

Dermatology , plastic and reconstructive surgery

2278-6604 8883-1388

www.drlacayo.com

From Alke Store, highway to Masaya, one block west, one block south

plasticsurgery@drlacayo.com

Bilingual Services

Dr. Dora Kontorovsky Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 9 am to 1 pmt

Comments Call for appointment. Take credits cards.

Orthodontics

2252-4424 8850-4342

Los Robles. From Funerary Monte de los Olivos, one block east, one and ½ blocks north

Bilingual Services

Drs. David and Martha Madriz Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 9 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 9 am to 12 pm,

Comments Both doctors speak English and can understand and fill out insurance forms.

Dentist

2276-1603 8883-4562

First entrance Las Colinas, second floor of building on right, past the gas station ESSO

Bilingual Services

drmadriz@cablenet.com.ni

Health Clinics

Granada

Data Granada Clinic * Alabama Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, closed on weekend

Comments Different foreign doctors offer their services here.

From Datisa Hardware, ½ block toward the lake on Corrales Street

2552-7983

Bilingual Services

There is a good chance of finding an 69

English-speaking doctor here, as well. clinicaalabamagranada@gmail.com clinicaalabamagranada@turbonett.com.ni

wwww.fornicaraguanhealth.org

Matamoros (Eye Clinic) * Optica Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5:30 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 1 pm, closed on Sun.

Across of Farmacia Praga

Comments

Bilingual Services

Optica Matamoros offers contact lenses and computerized exams.

Munkel (Eye Clinic) * Optica Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5:30 pm, Sat and Sun, from 8 am to 1 pm

Comments Optica Munkel offers lenses and contact lenses.

2264-9220 Ext. 202

Real Xalteva Street

2252-5321

Bilingual Services www.grupomunkel.com

Managua Visual Pereira * Centro (Eye Clinic) Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun. centrovp@enitel.net.ni 70

Rotonda El G端eg端ense 4 blocks down

2266-4761 2266-6163 Bilingual Services

Matamoros * Optica (Eye Clinic) Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5:30 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 1 pm, closed on Sun

Highway to Masaya Kilometer 4 ½

Comments

2264-9220 Bilingual Services

Optica Matamoros offers contact lenses and computerized exams.

Nicaragüense * Optica (Eye Clinic) Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 10 am to 7:30 pm, Sun from 11 am to 6 pm

Comments This clinic has 50 years of experience.

At Metrocentro

2271-9154

Bilingual Services www.grupomunkel.com opticani@datatex.com.ni

Profamilia * Policlínicas Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun. profamilia.org.ni

Colonial Los Robles. From Shell Gas Station, Plaza El Sol, one block south

2270-1531 Bilingual Services

Granada

Hospitals

(Some of the information here is also listed under the Emergency Information section.) Data Amistad Jap贸n * Hospital Nicaragua (Japanese Hospital) Hours of operation 24/7

Highway to Masaya, Kilometer 44 陆

2552-2022 2552-7049 2552-7050

Comments

Bilingual

This hospital was designed and is

services available

reviewed by Japanese medical profes-

sometimes

sionals. We would recommend that you consider using this hospital for most of your medical needs while you are in Granada.

Privado Cocibolca * Hospital (Private Hospital) Hours of operation 24/7

Comments Many people in Granada consider this hospital to be reliable, too.

Kilometer 45 on the highway to Masaya

2552-2907 2552-4092

Bilingual services available sometimes

Managua Bautista * Hospital Hours of operation 24 hours

Comments Hospital Bautista is considered to be another decent hospital.

Largaespada neighborhood, south side of Campus Carlos Fonseca Amador (RUCFA)

2264-9020 Bilingual Services

www.hospitalbautistanicaragua.com mercadeo@hbautista.org.ni

Hospital * Metropolitano Hours of operation 24 hours

Comments This hospital has high quality service and uses U.S. standards. Many staff

Kilometer 9 他 highway to Masaya, 250 meters west

2255-6900 2255-6909

members are bilingual. Pharmacy,

Bilingual Services

radiology, emergency and laboratory

www.metropolitano.com.ni

open 24 hours.

info@metropolitano.com.ni

Hospital * Military Hours of operation 24 hours

Comments The Military hospital provides quality services (private service) and is well equipped.

Lomas de Tiscapa (Hills of Tiscapa)

2222-2763 2222-2764 2222-2765 2222-2766

Bilingual Services www.metropolitano.com.ni info@metropolitano.com.ni

Granada

Laboratories Data Clínico * Laboratorio La Merced Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 6:30 am to 5 pm, Sat. from 6:30 am to 1 pm, closed on Sun.

Fire Department two ½ blocks north.

2552-2554

Atravesada Street No.605.

25252-5658

* MEDILAB

Clinical Laboratory

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7 am to 5:15 pm, Sat, from 7 am to 11:30 am, closed on Sun.

Bilingual Services

Comments

rhrinamiranda@yahoo.com

MEDILAB is a U.S. certified laboratory.

medilab@cablenet.com.ni

* Xalteva

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 6 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 6 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

From Xalteva Church, ½ block west. Next to Doña Elba Cigars.

2552-5656 8886-5931

Bilingual Services rhrinamiranda@yahoo.com medilab@cablenet.com.ni

Managua

* Bio Analysis

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7 am to 5:30 pm, Sat, from 7 am to1 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments The technicians seem to have high safety/hygiene standards. There are other

2278-6350 2277-1049

Highway to Masaya, kilometer 4 1/2.

Bilingual Services bioanalisis@bioanalisis.com.ni www.bioanalisis.com.ni

locations throughout Managua.

* Bio Analysis

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7 am to 5:30 pm, Sat, from 7 am to1 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments The technicians seem to have high safety/hygiene standards. There are other

2278-6350 2277-1049

Highway to Masaya, kilometer 4 1/2.

Bilingual Services bioanalisis@bioanalisis.com.ni www.bioanalisis.com.ni

locations throughout Managua.

Pharmacies

Granada

Data La Merced * Farmacia Hours of operation Daily, from 7 am to 9 pm.

Comments The Red Cross keeps track of which pharmacies are open on different ni-

Corrales Street, two blocks west from Central Market.

2552-5869

ghts. The Red Cross telephone number is 2552-2711.

* Farmacia Praga

Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 7 am to 9:30 pm, Sun, from 8 am to 7 pm.

Comments

Real Xalteva Street. From La Merced 75 meters west.

2552-5726 2552-7679

From the fire department, one block north and Â˝ block west.

2552-4690 8886-7307

Takes credit cards.

* Farmacia Santa Rosa

Hours of operation Daily, from 6 am to 11 pm.

Granada

Veterinary Data

* La Finca

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12:15 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments

Barricada Street, Close to La Merced pharmacy.

2552-3705

From La Merced Church, two blocks south.

2552-4808

La Finca sells supplies.

Fletes Clinic and * Veterinary Pharmacy Fletes Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 7 am to 5 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments This veterinary clinic and pharmacy sells 76 supplies.

Household Supplies Services Granada

Furniture Data

* Casa Elena

Hours of operation

Tues to Sun, from 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Mon.

Comments Casa Elena offers international furniture and takes credit cards.

Xalteva Street, two blocks south, Â˝ block west.

2552-6242

Bilingual Services

* Artesanic

Hours of operation Tue to Sun, from 10 am to 6 pm, Sun from 10 am to 12 pm, closed on Mon.

Comments Artesanic offers reproductions of 18th & 19th century colonial style furniture antiques. Make appointment for a

2552-1543

La Libertad Street. Puente Papa, one block west.

Bilingual Services www.artesanic.com info@artesanic.com

personalized and private Viewing.

* Bali Bagus

Hours of operation Mon from 10 am to 5 pm, Tue to Fri, from 10 am to 8 pm, Sat and Sun, , from 10 am to 7 pm.

Comments Bali Bagus offers furniture imported from Indonesia, India and Morocco.

Arsenal Street. South side of San Francisco Convent.

2552-0278 8814-6662

Bilingual Services ww.granada-ni.cityseekr. com/bali-bagus/shopping/ venue/39527

Masatepe There are dozens of small furniture factories on the main road between Masatepe and Catarina. It will take an afternoon to visit all of these factories, which display their wares right along the 10 kilometers stretch of main road.

Granada

Insurance Data

* INISER

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments INISER offers different types of insu-

From La Mer2552-2780 ced Church, one block south. www.iniser.com.ni

rance and good service.

Granada

Laundry Data

* Laundry Service Mapache Hours of operation

Mon to Fri, from 7:30 am to 6 pm, Sat and Sun, from 8 am to 4 pm.

Comments This laundry service is inexpensive, fast and professional and offers free pick-up and delivery as well as basic mending.

La Calzada & El Cisne Street, two blocks from Central Park.

Bilingual Services

* Fernandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laundry Service Hours of operation

Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat and Sun from 8 am to 4 pm.

2552-6711

La Libertad Street. From the Central Park, two and Â˝ blocks.

8378-0520 Bilingual Services 79

Comments Fernandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laundry Service offers

toward the lake.

pickup and delivery. ropa@LaLavanderiaGranada.com

Granada

Locksmith Data Ferreteria Lugo * Cerrajeria S.A Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 1:30 pm, Sun from 8 am to 1 pm.

Comments While more expensive than other locksmiths, this locksmith has a good

Atravesada Street. From the Central Park, one block west and Â˝ block south.

2552-3220

Bilingual Services

reputation.

Granada

Real Estate Data

* RE/MAX Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am 12 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments RE/MAX offers rental services, property

La Libertad Street.

2552-3199 Bilingual Services

www.remaxcolonialproperties.com

management and contracting services. info@remaxcolonialproperties.com 80

Managua

* Territorio

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Comments Territorio have partnerships with BAC, BDF, BANCENTRO and BANPRO. etefel@turbonett.com.ni

Villa Fontana north. Across to Borckmann Clinic.

Mon to Thu, from 8 am to 6 pm, Fri from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 9 am to 1 pm, closed on Sun.

Bilingual Services

www.territoriorealestate.com.ni

* Discover

Hours of operation

2270-5728 8886-6363

Villa Fontana. Discorver building, first floor. In front of Club Terraza.

2270-4000 8883-2200 Bilingual Services

info@discovernica.com

www.discovernica.com

* Momotombo

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am 12 pm, closed on Sun.

gerencia@momotomborealestate.com

Villa Fontana. From Enitel, one and Â˝ blocks toward the lake.

2270-8177 8882-1770

Bilingual Services

www.momotomborealestate.com 81

Granada

Lawyers Data & Associates * Miranda Attorneys-at-Law Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am 12 pm, closed on Sun.

La Libertad Street.

Bilingual Services

Comments RE/MAX offers rental services, property management and contracting services.

2552-3199

www.remaxcolonialproperties.com info@remaxcolonialproperties.com

Enrique AgustĂn Huete Zepeda Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Comments He is for emergency services.

San Marcos

From the Football Stadium, one block south and Â˝ block west.

2535-2216 8820-1475

despachoagustinhuete@hotmail.com

Diriamba

* Patrick Werner Hours of operation by appointment.

Comments

South highway, Kilometer 35.

Bilingual Services

Mr. Werner possesses a U.S. law degree but does not practice law in Nicaragua. He has an extensive knowledge of U.S.

2534-3035

patrick.werner@avemaria.edu.ni

and Nicaraguan law, understands the working of the Nicaraguan legal system and has many years of experience as a legal consultant.

Granada

Lodging Data

* Casa San Francisco Comments Casa San Francisco offers rooms with a/c, cable TV, private bath and hot water, Wi-Fi, computer station. Facilities include full service restaurant, bar

Corrales Street. In front of San Francisco Convent.

2552-8235 Bilingual Services

service, pool, laundry service, spa & massage, gym, rooftop view terrace and tours of Granada city. Take credit cards. 5% discount with cash.

US$ 65-US$80 plus tax includes continental breakfast

www.hotelcasasanfrancisco.com csfgranada@yahoo.com

* Hospedaje La Sonrisa Comments A hostel that offers rooms with private bath, air conditioning, hot water, fan, cable TV, emergency lamp, wardrobe. Services include Internet, souvenir store, net2phone 24 hours, tourist information, private parking and airport shuttle service.

US$ 15-US$30 tax not included, includes breakfast.

El Martirio Street. From the Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, three blocks toward the lake and 25 meters south.

2552-8237 Bilingual Services

hospedajelasonrisa@yahoo.com hospedajelasonrisa@hotmail.com

* Hospedaje Samarcanda Comments

A hostel that offers private rooms with bath, hot water, fan, music, international calls, internet, tourist information and airport shuttle service.

US$6-US$39 includes tax and breakfast.

La Libertad Street. In front of the bridge Papa Q.

2552-8069

www.hospedajesamarcanda.com

hospedajesamarcanda@yahoo.com info@hospedajesamarcanda.com

* Hostal La Floresta Comments

Hostal La Floresta offers a cafeteria serving breakfast, lunch and smoothies. Open daily from 7 am to3 pm. 84

US$7 dorms

El Consulado Street. No. 209.

8322-4431 investnic@gmail.com

www.granadafloresta.com

* Hotel Alhambra Comments Hotel Alhambra offers 60 rooms with a/c, hot water, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and telephone. They have bar service, res-

West side of the Central Park.

taurant with national and international cuisine, cafeteria, laundry service,

2552-4486 Bilingual Services

hotalam@tmx.com.ni

travel agent and car rental services, horse drawn carriages, conference room, swimming pool, indoor gardens, souvenir shop on site, and airport shuttle

www.hotelalhambra.com.ni

US$60-US$90 plus tax.

service, fax services, bilingual tours and business guides.

* Hotel Casa San Martin Comments

Hotel Casa San Martin offers rooms with a/c, TV, internet, private bath and hot water. Airport shuttle service.

US$45-US$65 includes tax and continental breakfast.

From the Cathedral, one block toward the lake.

2552-6185 8882-6050 Bilingual Services

javier_sanchez_a@yahoo.com

www.hcasasanmartin.com

* Hotel Cocibolca Comments

Hotel Cocibolca offers 27 modern rooms centered around an inner garden that also houses a fountain. All rooms are equipped with a/c, TV, Wi-Fi and private bathroom. The hotel also has a

From the MayorÂ´s office, two and Â˝ blocks east. El Caimito Street.

2552-8519 Bilingual Services 85

small swimming pool in the open air,

US40-US$55 include tax.

and a conference room with capacity up

www.hotelcocibolca.net

to 40 people. Facilities include laundry, transport and breakfast.

hotel@hotelcocibolca.com

* Hotel Colonial Comments

Hotel Colonial provides rooms with queen or king size beds, private bath, hot water, A/C, cable TV, radio, clock, direct phone, internet access, bar. Facilities include pool, restaurant (only for

La Libertad Street. From the Central Park, 21 meters north.

2552-7581 Bilingual Services

breakfast), bar, conference room, beauty and massage salon, boutique, car rental and tours.

reservations@hotelcolonialgranada.com

US$60- US$120 plus tax. www.hotelcolonialgranada.com

* Hotel El Patio del Malinche Comments

Capacity for 31 people, hotel rooms with a/c, hot water, cable TV and WIFI. There are two interior patios in the hotel. One patio is in colonial style and allows visitors to enjoy the tranquility of the

From the MayorÂ´s office, two and Â˝ blocks east. El Caimito Street.

2552-2235 Bilingual Services

place. The other one features a pool and a great setting for relaxation. Breakfast included.

info@patiodelmalinche.com

US$67-US$100 86

* Hotel Granada Comments

Hotel Granada offers rooms and suites with king or queen size beds, a/c, cable TV, direct dial phone, free WI-FI, radio, private bath with hot water, hairdryer.

End of La Calzada Street. In front of Guadalupe Church.

Hotel facilities include conference

Bilingual Services

rooms, bar service, room service, restaurant, laundry, swimming pool and tour services.

US$45-US$105 tax not included.

2552-2974 2552-2178 2552-6990

info@hotelgranadanicaragua.com www.hotelgranadanicaragua.com

Plaza Colon * Hotel Comments Hotel Plaza Colon offers rooms with a/c and ceiling fans, private bathroom, hot water, internet access, mini bar, hair

Across the Central Park.

dryer, alarm clock, safety deposit, cable

Bilingual Services

TV and telephone. Breakfast included. Facilities include swimming pool, business center, private parking lot, laundry

2552-8489 2552-8492

info@hotelplazacolon.com

service, car rental, coffee shop, wheelchair accessible room. Recommended

www.hotelplazacolon.com

on trip advisor.

US$89-US$199 plus taxes.

* La Gran Francia Comments

La Gran Francia Hotel offers luxurious and comfortable rooms with a/c, cable

Southeast side of the Central Park.

2552-6000 Bilingual Services

TV, internet access, direct access to international telephone lines, and safety

www.lagranfrancia.com

box. Facilities include laundry service, 2 bars, restaurant, and airport shuttle service.

reservations@lagranfrancia.com

US$80- US$126 plus tax. Include full breakfast.

* Hotel Villas Mombacho Comments

Hotel Villas Mombacho offers comfortable cabins with a/c, cable TV, internet access, private bathroom. Hotel faci-

Marina Cocibolca 100 meters south.

lities include bar, restaurant and boat tours C$350 an hour.

US$50- US$80

2552-8552 8356-0256 Bilingual Services

josesandino1@hotmail.com

* Hotel Backpackers Inn Comments

Hotel Backpackers Inn offers cafeteria, restaurant, laundry, hot water, tours, Wi-Fi and pool.

US$34.50 roomsUS$13.80 dorms, includes tax. backpackers_inn@hotmail.com

Corner of Real Xalteva Street and Barricada Avenue, 25 meters south.

2552-4609 8991-0909 Bilingual Services

www.backpackers-inn.com

La Casona de los Estrada * Hotel Comments Hotel La Casona de los Estrada offers comfortable rooms with a/c, cable TV, Free Wi-Fi and hot water. 88

El Arsenal Street

2552-7393

US$55- US$80. Include breakfast. hotel@casonalosestrada.com

Bilingual Services

www.casonalosestrada.com

* Hotel La Bocona Comments

Hotel La Bocona offers 6 rooms. Facilities include breakfast and afternoon snack, full concierge services, spa, gym membership, private parking lot and

La Libertad Street, two blocks west of Central Park.

Wi-Fi.

US$90-US$150 plus taxes.

2552-2888 Bilingual Services

www.hotellabocona.com www.facebook.com/hotellabocona hotellabocona@yahoo.com

* Casa de Do帽a Pilar Comments

Facilities include bar, restaurant, laundry service, pool, Wi-Fi, wake-up call, Sat,ellite TV, tour activities, free pick-up from Ticabus and Transnica, airport shuttle service.

US$ 25-US$35 includes tax and breakfast.

Next to the Japanese Hospital.

2552-1667 8823-6818 8848-0188

Bilingual Services info@granadanicaraguahotel.com www.granadanicaraguahotel.com

* Hotel Econ贸mico Comments

Hotel Economico offers rooms with

Cemetery Street.

2552-0697 8771-7572 89

A/C, private bathroom, cable TV. Facilities include pool, Wi-Fi, laundry, international calls, and spa, shuttle service.

US$ 40 plus tax. Include breakfast.

From Salesiano College, one and Â˝ blocks south Bilingual Services hotel_economico@yahoo.com www.hoteleconomicogranada.com

* Hotel Casa Capricho Comments

Hotel Casa Capricho offers Colonial Style rooms with private baths, hot water, A/C, TV and Wi-Fi. Facilities include kitchen and pool.

US$ 45-US$ 70 plus tax www.casacapricho.com

El Arsenal Street. Three blocks from Central Park

2552-8422 8484-2589

Bilingual Services casa-capricho@hotmail.com

* Hostal Mochilas Comments

Hotel Mochilas offers private rooms with hot water, A/C, cable TV and Wi-Fi. Facilities include kitchen and laundry service.

US$ 6 dorms, US$9-US$ 20 rooms, includes tax. www.hostalmochilas.com

From La Gran Francia Hotel, 100 meters south

2552-7442 8816-3669

Bilingual Services hospedajemochilas@gmail.com

* Hotel El Club Comments

Hotel El Club offers private rooms with hot water, A/C, cable TV and Wi-Fi.

US$35-US$ 70, plus tax. Include breakfast www.elclub-nicaragua.com

La Libertad Street. From Central Park, three blocks west.

2552-4245

Bilingual Services info@hotelelclub.com

* Hotel La Pérgola Comments

Hotel La Pérgola offers orthopedics beds, rooms with A/C, ceiling fan, cable TV and private bathroom.

US$39.50-US$ 55 rooms, plus tax. Include breakfast.

El Caimito Street. From the Mayor’s Office, three blocks toward the lake.

2552-4221

Bilingual Services

www.lapergola.com.ni lapergolanic@yahoo.com

Marinas/ Boating Granada

Data

* Asese Port

Comments Asese Port consists of a marina with a large restaurant. You can take a onehour boat ride around the islands.

info@aseselasisletas.com

At the islands sector. Asese Bay.

2552-2269

Bilingual Services: sometimes

www.aseselasisletas.com

* Dock Granada Comments

Dock Granada offers boats rides to several places, including Ometepe.

At the end of La Calzada Street.

2552-6618 2552-4605 2552-2966

* Marine Cocibolca Comments

Marine Cocibolca offers tours of the many islands and has a restaurant and

At the Asese Bay.

2552-6330

a little convenience store.

Bilingual Services

gerencia@marinacocibolca.net www.marinacocibolca.net

El Viejo, Chinandega

* Marina Puesta del Sol Comments

Marina Puesta del Sol is a resort with a full service marina and recreational activities such as fishing and tennis. It is rather remotely located.

Pacific Coast of Nicaragua 9 Kilometers north of Corinto.

info@marinaps.com

8880-0019 8883-0781 8880-0013

Bilingual Services

www.marinapuestadelsol.com

San Juan del Sur

* Pelican Eyes Sailing Adventures Comments

Pelican Eyes offers gourmets restaurants, swimming pool, daylong sailing trips and has a licensed captain &

From Church one Â˝ blocks east.

2563-7000

experienced crew. Prices start at $65 per person. Special event packages and

Bilingual Services

group rates are.

www.pelicaneyesresort.com reservations@pelicaneyesresort.com events@pelicaneyesresort.com

Moving Service Data

Managua

* Mudanzas Mundiales Hours of operation

Daily, from 8:30 am to 5 pm, closed on weekends.

North highway, Kilometer 6 Â˝.

2252-2828

Comments Mudanzas Mundiales offers local and international moving, industrial packaging, temporary storage and logistic services.

Bilingual Services info@gmm.co.ni www.mudanzasmundiales.com

* Transcargo Ltd

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments Transcargo LTDA offers local and international moves to, from or within Central America, Mexico and Panama.

North highway, Kilometer 2 Â˝.

2248-4363

Bilingual Services info@transcargoltd.com www.transcargoltd.com

Personal Grooming Data

Granada

Barber * 007 Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 7 am to 7 pm, Sun from 7 am to 2 pm. Bilingual Services

Real Xalteva Street. Opposite corner of La Merced Church.

8687-8627

* Special Letty Beauty center Hours of operation

Mon to Sat, from 7:30 am to 6 pm, Sun from 8 am to 12 pm Bilingual Services

La Libertad Street. From Central Park, two blocks toward the lake.

2552-6882

La Concepcion Street. From La Merced Church, one block west, two blocks south and 75 meters west.

2552-6259

Corrales Street. From San Francisco Convent, 300 meters toward the lake.

2552-0216

* Lesman Studio Beauty center Hours of operation

Mon to from 8 am to 6 pm, Sun from 9 am to 12 pm.

* Zaula Beauty center Hours of operation

Mon to Sat, from 8 am to 5 pm, closed on Sun.

Public Services / Utilities Granada

Data

Cable Service

* Sky

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun

Comments Sky doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an office in Granada so you should contact the central office

(Managua Office): From Monte EspaĂąa Hospital, 70 meters toward the lake.

2255-8585

in Managua. Sky offers all the U.S. channels.

Bilingual Services

www.sky.com.mx/program/int/centroamerica/

on web site 97

* Claro TV

Hours of operation Mon to Sun, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 1 pm.

Comments

Central Park. In front of Plaza Los Leones.

2552-7335

Claro TV offers 94 channels.

cliente@claro.com.ni www.claro.com.ni

Energy

Managua

* DISSUR

(Energy Company)

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun. www.disnorte-dissur.com.ni

North Highway, Kilometer 5 Â˝.

125 2248-6561 2248-6841

cliente@claro.com.ni

Gas Store

Granada

* Esso GAS

Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 8:30 am to 5 pm, closed on Sun. 98

Arellano Street. From the

2552-8337

Comments Esso Gas offers delivery service.

* Tropigas de Nicaragua Hours of operation

Daily, from 8 am to 6 pm.

Comments

Radio Sultana, 25 meters south.

Arsenal Street. Next to Post office.

2552-3839

Tropigas de Nicaragua offers delivery service.

cliente@claro.com.ni www.claro.com.ni

Mail/ Post Office

Correos de Nicaragua (Post Office) Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, closed on weekend.

Comments Post office for regular mail. You can cer-

Granada

Corrales Street. From San Francisco Church, 陆 block toward the lake.

2552-2776

tify your mail for 10.00 C贸rdobas extra.

Bilingual Services atencion@correos.gob.ni www.correos.gob.ni

Mail/ Post Office

Granada

MINSA (Ministry of Health) Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 4 pm, closed on weekends. silaisgr@yahoo.es www.minsa.gob.ni

Across from the Shell Palmira (Gas Station), From Professional College, Â˝ block south.

2552-2759 2552-5831

Bilingual Services

Telephone

ENITEL (CLARO) (Telephone Company) Hours of operation Mon to Sun, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 1 pm.

Comments Here you can pay your telephone bill and buy cell phones. Enitel (Claro) offers internet and cable TV service too.

cliente@claro.com.ni www.claro.com.ni 100

Central Park. In front of the Plaza Los Leones.

Granada

121 2552-6676

Bilingual Services

Water

Granada

ENACAL (Water Supply) Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5:30 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments

Atravesada Street. From the Fire Department one block north.

2552-6115 2552-2097

Here you can make your claims, pay your water bill or request a service.

Recreation

granada@teranet.com.ni

(Note: Please also see “Activities in Town”)

Granada

Mombacho VolcanoCanopy Tour Hours of operation Daily, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Comments Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and jeans and bring your camera. Va pues Tours take credit cards.

(Va Pues Tours’s office) South side of Cathedral, Central Park.

2552-8291 8408-0131

Bilingual Services granada@vapues.com www.vapues.com

101

* Carriage Rides Hours of operation Daily, from 10 am to 6 pm.

At Central Park

Comments The carriage rides depart from Central

2552-8291 8408-0131

Bilingual Services

Park. Rides cost around U.S. $ 10-15 an hour.

www.vianica.com/activity/32/ carriage-ride-in-granada

* Central Park

Hours of operation Daily, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Comments You can enjoy a delicious Nicaraguan dish called Vigorón or sample one of

At the corner of Plaza La Independencia.

the country’s typical drinks, such as chicha de maiz or cacao.

* Cinema Karawala Hours of operation Fri to Sun, from 6:45 pm to the end of the last movie.

Comments

Atravesada Street. From Central Park, one block west.

2552-2442

The theater has U.S films with Spanish subtitles.

Bilingual Services

102

www.vianica.com/activity/32/ carriage-ride-in-granada

* Island Boat Trip Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Comments

At Asese Tourist Complex.

2552-2269

Asese Las Isletas offers cultural package and fishing trips to the beautiful Zapatera Island. Pedal boats are for

www.aseselasisletas.com

rent.

Bilingual Services : Sometimes

info@aseselasisletas.com

* San Francisco Convent Museum Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat and Sun, from 9 am to 4 pm.

Comments San Francisco Convent offers art exhi-

Cervantes and Corrales Street.

2552-5535

Bilingual Services

bits, 8,000 volume collection of Nicaraguan books, fascinating scale model of Granada. Admission cost US$ 2.00.

www.vianica.com/activity/37/cultural-center-convento-de-san-francisco

* Sister Maria Romero birthplace Museum Hours of operation Tue to Sun, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Comments Small museum honoring the life of Sister Maria Romero. Free admission.

Estrada Street. From Xalteva Church, one block toward the lake, one block south.

2552-6069

103

http://vianica.com/sp/atractivo/80/museo-casa-natal-sor-maria-romero

* My Museum Hours of operation Mon to Sun, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Comments

Atravesada and El Arsenal Street.

2552-7614

Real Xalteva Street. From Xalteva Church, three blocks west.

2552-7614

Atravesada Street. Across from Bancentro.

2552-4678

My Museum has one of the most important Nicaraguan collections of rare pre-Columbian artifacts. Free admission.

* La Polvora Fortress Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Comments La Polvora is a Colonial fortress in Granada. Climb the towers for wonderful views of Granada. Admission cost US$ 0.50.

* Choco Museum Hours of operation Daily, from 9 am to 6 pm.

Comments Choco Museum offers Chocolate workshops, where you can create your own chocolate, from bean to bar. Learn how to roast, winnow, grind, blend and 104

mold. Discover a real tropical cacao plantation and the chocolate factory.

ChocoMuseo@gmail.com

Chocolate making workshops cost US$ 17, cost of the cacao farm tour US$ 55. 4 people Minimum.

www.ChocoMuseo.com

* DoñaElba Cigars Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Comments Doña Elba Cigars offers a tour of cigar

Real Xalteva Street. From Xalteva church ½ block west.

2552-7348 8860-6715 8893-4227

factory. The first cigars master in Granada, since 1991.

Bilingual Services elbacigars@yahoo.com.mx www.elbacigars.com

* Nica Action Sports Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm.

Comments

Marina Cocibolca.

2552-7030 8999-2427 8660-2224

Nica Action Sports offers Jet skies, wakeboards, towable tubes, party island swimming.

Bilingual Services Contact@NicaActionSports.com www.NicaActionSports.com

105

Jinotepe

* Hertylandia Amusement Park Hours of operation Wed to Sun, from 9 am to 5:30 pm.

Comments The amusement park offers bumping boats, bar and restaurant, a fantasy castle, aquatic park, jungle, grand prix, camping grounds and other activities.

2532-2155 2532-2156

Highway Jinotepe-San Marcos, Kilometer 47.

Bilingual Services Contact@NicaActionSports.com

Food and drinks from the outside are not allowed.

http://es-es.facebook.com/pages/Hertylandia/120722761311278?v=info

Managua

* Barcel贸 Playa Montelimar (Masachapa-about an hour from Managua)

Hours of operation 24 hours.

Highway to Masachapa, Kilometer 67.5.

2264-9310

Comments You can get a day pass to use the faci-

Bilingual Services

lities or stay overnight. Both options include meals. Facilities include beach, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, tennis and volleyball courts, mini-golf, mini zoo, kayaking, casino, bars and discotheque, etc.

106

montelimar.comercial@barcelo.com www.barcelomontelimarbeach.com

Movie Theater * Cinemark Hours of operation Mon, from 9:30 am to 10:10 pm, Tue to Fri, from 12:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Sat, from 9:30 am to 10:05 pm, Sun, from 8:30 am to 10:05 pm.

Comments There are six movies salons, 3D salon,

2271-9402

2nd floor of Metrocentro Mall.

Bilingual Services on web site

showing movies in English and Spanish. Seating is very comfortable.

www.cinemarkca.com/ metrocentro-managua/portada

Cinemas GalerĂa

* Hours of operation Daily shows between 11 am and 10 pm.

Comments

GalerĂas Santo Domingo.

2276-5064

Bilingual Services

There are 10 movies salons, including a VIP lounge, 3D salon, showing movies

on web site

in English and Spanish.

www.cinemas.com.ni

Cinemas Inter

* Hours of operation

Daily shows between 11 am and 10 pm.

Comments Cinemas Inter has eight movies salons

3rd floor of Plaza Inter.

2222-5122

Bilingual Services

showing movies in English and Spanish. It allows customers to bring in food

on web site

www.cinemas.com.ni

from the food court. 107

* La Ruta Maya Hours of operation Thurs to Sat, from 5:30 pm to 12 am, closed on Sun. Daily buffet, from 12 pm to 2 pm.

Comments La Ruta Maya consists of a cultural center, video library, and restaurant.

From Montoya, 1 ½ blocks east.

2266-4912 2268-0698

Bilingual Services on web site www.rutamaya.com.ni

* Ruben Darío Theater Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 9 am to 6 pm, Sat, to Sun, from 10 am to 3 pm. Special schedule for shows.

Comments

North side of Managua’s Central Park.

2222-3632 2222-4340 2222-7426

Bilingual Services

The Ruben Dario National Theater was officially inaugurated in 1969 and one was of the few building in Managua to survive the 1972 earthquake. It is one of the premier cultural icons in Nicaragua and is used for fashion shows, art shows, book presentations, dancing, concerts, conferences and other cultural activities.

108

on web site www.tnrubendario.gob.ni

Masaya

* Apoyo Lagoon Hours of operation Daily, from 7 am to 11 pm.

Comments Apoyo Lagoon is a giant volcanic crater-lake filled with blue, slightly salty

4 kilometers from Granada and 37 kilometers from Managua.

water, ideal for swimming and other

Bilingual Services

aquatic sports.

http://vianica.com/go/specials/25-laguna-de-apoyo-nicaragua. html

8883-9093

noromeresort@yahoo.com

* Masaya Volcano, National Park Hours of operation Daily, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Comments The Masaya Volcano features a crater 500 meters wide and 200 meters deep.

www.nicatour.net/en/nicaragua/ volcan-masaya.cfm

Kilometer 23, highway to Managua-Masaya. Across from Masaya Volcano Hotel.

2522-5415

Bilingual Services on web site

109

* Mercado de Masaya Hours of operation Daily, from 9 am to 6 pm.

Comments This is the biggest Nicaraguan crafts

Masaya city. In front of the National Police.

2522-6000

market. Vendors here sell handmade crafts and souvenirs.

www.vianica.com/activity/3/ souvenir-shopping-in-masaya

* National Zoo Hours of operation Tue to Sun, from 8:30 am to 5 pm, closed on Mon.

Comments You can adopt an animal here.

Kilometer 16, highway to Masaya-Granada.

2279-8806 2279-8782

Bilingual Services sacasamarina1@yahoo.com www.manfut.org/zoologico. html

110

United States Universities and Colleges, Bilingual

Ave MarĂa University Latin American Campus (AMULAC) Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 4 pm, closed on weekends.

Comments Ave Maria is the premier United States university in Central America and adheres to accreditation criteria and

San Marcos

From Texaco 2535-2314 (Gas Station), two blocks to the south. San Marcos, Carazo. Bilingual Services

standards. AMULAC attracts some of the best faculty from around the world including places like Harvard and Oxford.

admissions@avemaria.edu.ni www.avemaria.edu.ni

United States Language Institute

Ave MarĂa Language Institute (AMLI) Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 4 pm, closed on weekends.

San Marcos From Texaco (Gas Station), two blocks to the south. San Marcos, Carazo.

2535-2314

111

Comments

Bilingual Services

Offers English, Spanish and other language courses at its San Marcos and Managua locations. The institute is an integral part of Ave Maria University Latin American Campus and is internationally recognized as the leader of language instruction in Central America. One of their programs, the Academic English Program (AEP), is an intensive, eight-month course designed to prepare its participants for success in any English-language institution of higher education.

112

admissions@avemaria.edu.ni www.avemaria.edu.ni

Shopping Granada

Data

Arts and Crafts

* El Parche Gift shop Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 7 pm.

Comments El Parche Gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs handmade by Nicaraguan artisans.

Between The Bearded Monkey & La Libertad.

8473-7700

Bilingual Services elparchegiftshop@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100000118600498

* Casa El Recodo Hours of operation Mon to from 10 am to 5:30 pm.

Central Park, La Libertad Street, 4 blocks

8473-7700

113

Comments Casa El Recodo offers Colonial furni-

west and ½ block south.

ture, hammocks, sacred art, ceramics, local crafts, books, t-shirts & caps and

Bilingual Services

paintings.

elparchegiftshop@yahoo.com www.casaelrecodo.com

* Mujeres Virtuosas Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Comments

West side of the Central Park.

2552-2790

La Calzada Street. From the Central Park, two and ½ blocks toward the lake.

8983-4893

La Calzada Street. From the Central Park, one block toward the lake.

8833-4352

Mujeres Virtuosas offers clothes and souvenirs.

* Artesanía Laineth Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Comments Artesania Laineth offers crafts and souvenirs.

Bilingual Services

* OLE

Hours of operation Mon to Wed, from 9 am to 7 pm, Thu to Sat, from 9 pm to 8 pm, Sun from 2 pm to 7:30 pm.

114

Comments

Bilingual Services

Ole offers clothing and local crafts.

* Centro Social Tio Antonio Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 7 am to 12 pm.

Comments Centro Social Tio Antonio offers beauti-

Real Xalteva Street. From La Merced Church Â˝ block toward the lake.

8773-0742

ful hammocks.

* Tiangue

Comments Offers all kind of craft and souvenirs.

Central Park.

* Galeria Ubago Hours of operation Daily, from 9 am to 9 pm.

Comments Galeria Ubago offers fine artwork, home decor, leather goods, rattan, National

Real Xalteva Street, Barricada Avenue.

8388-7447

Bilingual Services

products, ceramics and hammocks. Take credit cards. Delivery service is available.

115

Masaya

* Souvenir “El Costeño” Hours of operation Daily, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Comments Takes cash and credit cards.

Centro Cultural Old Market, module C-6.

2522-6694

Bilingual Services hotel_elcosteo@yahoo.com

Managua

* Códice Gallery Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 9 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 9 am to 1 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments

Los Robles from Hotel Colon, one block south, two ½ blocks east.

2267-2635

Códice Gallery offers a great variety of handcrafted products.

galeriacodice@gmail.com

www.galeriacodice.com Bilingual Services

Roberto Huembes * Mercado Hours of operation Daily, from 6 am to 6 pm.

Comments This market has the biggest selection of items. Be aware of petty theft. 116

From Manolo Morales Hospital three blocks up.

2270-4416

Granada

Antiques Data

* Casa Elena

Hours of operation Tues to Sun, from 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Mon.

Comments Casa Elena offers international furniture and takes credit cards.

* El Antiquario

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 6 pm.

Comments Bilingual Services

Xalteva Street, two blocks south, Â˝ block west.

2552-6242

Bilingual Services

From Sandino Park, 1 Â˝ blocks south.

2552-4457 2552-4677 8686-6787

anticuariofelicia@gmail.com

Diriamba

* Patrick Werner

Hours of operation by appointment.

South highway, Kilometer 35.

2534-3035

Comments Mr. Werner specializes in art, antiques, orchids, and vintage firearms.

patrick.werner@avemaria.edu.ni Bilingual Services

117

Granada

Book Stores & Office Supplies Data

* Librería GonPer

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Sat, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments

Atrevesada Street. In front of BANPRO.

2552-4489 2552-4748

Bilingual Services

Libreria GonPer offers a great variety of school and office supplies, delivery

on web site

service. Offers books in Spanish.

www.gonperlibrerias.com

* HISPAMER

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 1 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments Hispamer offers books in English and Spanish.

El Arsenal Street. Plaza Independencia, ½ block toward the lake.

2552-4352

Bilingual Services on web site www.hispamer.com.ni

118

* Casa de los 3 Mundos Hours of operation

Mon to Sun, from 7 am to 6 pm.

Comments Casa de los 3 Mundos offers books in

Plaza Independencia.

2552-4176

Bilingual Services

Spanish.Â

on web site www.c3mundos.org

* Mockingbird Books Hours of operation

Mon to Sat, from 9 am to 5 pm, Sun from 11 am to 5 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments

La Libertad Street. Across to Central Park.

2552-8732

Bilingual Services

Mockingbird Books offers used books.

Granada

Clothing Data

* Variedades Sofia

Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 9 am to 6 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments Variedades Sofia offers clothes and accessories.

Corrales Street. From Plaza Independencia, one block north and 30 meters west.

2552-5572

Bilingual Services 119

* Artesanias Adonay Hours of operation

Daily, from 8 am to 6 pm.

North side of Central Park.

8427-9863

Comments Artesanias Adonay offers a variety of clothes and accessories.

Granada

Malls Data

* Centro Comercial El Portal Hours of operation

Daily, from 9 am to 9 pm.

Atravesada Street.

2552-5572

Comments This little mall has two dining and more

Bilingual Services

than five stores. Here you can buy and repair cell phones. Recharge minutes on your cell phone and repair guitars.

Managua

* Centro Comercial Managua Hours of operation

Daily, from 9 am to 9 pm.

Comments Over 100 stores of various types are located in Centro Comercial Managua.

Centro America Colony. In front of Salvador Mendieta College.

2278-7390

Many of the stores offer items at inexpensive prices. 120

admin@ccmanagua.com

* Galerías Santo Domingo Hours of operation

Mon to Sat, from 10 am to 8 pm, Sun from 11 am to 8 pm.

Comments This is the newest mall in Managua

Highway to Masaya, next to Hiper La Colonia Supermarket.

2276-5080

with lots of open space to walk around. It is the most exclusive in the Country,

on web site

over 130 stores, cinemas, Zona Viva, restaurants, sport bars and Moods.

* Metrocentro

Hours of operation Daily, from 10 am to 9 pm.

Comments This is a nice shopping mall with a lot

www.galerias.com.ni

Highway to Masaya, by the Ruben Darío Rotonda.

2271-9450

of brand-name items.

on web site www.metrocentro.com/inicio-Ni

* Plaza Inter

Hours of operation Daily, from 10 am to 10 pm.

Comments Plaza Inter is a three-level shopping

Bolivar Avenue. Across from the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

2222-2611

mall with a food court and movie theatre. A lot of discount stores are located

on web site

here.

www.plazaintermall.com.ni 121

* Multicentro Las Americas Hours of operation Daily, from 10 am to 8 pm.

Villa Progreso, one block west.

2277-7673

Comments Multicentro Las Americas offers 159 stores, cinemas, restaurants, banks and supermarket.

on web site www.lasamericas.com.ni

Jinotepe Comercial * Centro Avenida Central Hours of operation Mon to Thurs, from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm, Fri to Sun, from 10:30 am to 9 pm.

Comments While this is a small mini-mall, it is clean and offers inexpensive items.

Where Gonzalez Theater used to be, Â˝ block south or from BANCENTRO, three blocks north.

8884-1271 (Ramon Gutierrez)

on web site www.lasamericas.com.ni

122

Granada

Photography Data

* Foto Estudio Martínez Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5:30 pm, from 8 am to 2 pm.

Comments Foto Estudio Martínez will take pictu-

From Gonper Library, ½ block south.

2552-4222

Bilingual Services

res for passports and other identification cards. Accepts contracts to take pictures and make video recordings of weddings, baptisms and other events.

* Fotografia Nicaragua Hours of operation 24/7.

Comments Fotografia Nicaragua offers advertising photography. Accept contracts to take

From Gonper Library, ½ block south.

8885-0178 8744-5234

Bilingual Services

pictures for all type of event. Contact Mr. Antonio Diaz.

fotografianicaragua@gmail.com www.fotografianicaragua.com

123

Granada

Tobacco Data

* DoĂąa Elba Cigars Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 8 pm.

Comments

From Xalteva Church, Â˝ block west.

2552-7348 8860-6715 8893-4227

This is the major cigar producer in the region. Silvio, the owner, sells to many celebrities throughout the world including General Tommy Franks, George Tenet, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mathew Anderson.

Bilingual Services elbacigars@yahoo.com.mx www.elbacigars.com

* Sultan Cigars Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 7 pm.

Comments 100% handmade.

Next to Alhambra Hotel. West side of Central Park .

8671-2416 8633-7175

Bilingual Services eddyreyes78@yahoo.es www.sultancigars.es.tl

* Mombacho Cigars

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 9 am to 7:30 pm, closed on weekends. 124

La Calzada Street. Across

2552-7804

Comments Mombacho Cigars offers free rolling

from Carlos Abravo School. Bilingual Services

demonstrations and tour. Cigar Lounge with world class cocktails and appetizers.

sales@mombachocigars.com www.mombachocigars.com

Tax Preparation (U.S.)

Managua

Data

* Alberto Suhr Hours of operation Daily, from 9 am to 5 pm, Comments: Mr. Alberto Suhr was recommended to us. Bilingual Services

MonseĂąor Lezcano. From Correos de Nicaragua (Post office), Â˝ block south.

2279-9959 2279-9960

asuhr79@hotmail.com

125

Technology Granada

Data

Cellular Phone Vendors

* El Gallo mรกs Gallo Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 7 pm, Sun from 8 am to 12 pm.

Comments El Gallo mรกs Gallo offers Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Nokia cell

El Comercio Street. From Optica Matamoros, 20 meters south.

2552-3804 2552-7859

Bilingual Services

phones.

servicioalcliente@grupom.com.ni http://es-es.facebook.com/ pages/El-Gallo-M%C3%A1s-Gallo-Nicaragua/355860934870?sk=info

* ENITEL (CLARO)

(Telephone Company)

Hours of operation Mon to Sun, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 1 pm.

Comments Here you can pay your telephone bill and buy cell phones. Enitel (Claro) offers a variety of service plans. 126

Central Park. In front of the Plaza Los Leones.

121 2552-6676

cliente@claro.com.ni www.claro.com.ni

* La Curacao

Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 8 am to 7 pm.

Comments La Curacao offers a variety of cell phones from Movistar or Claro.

Inmaculada Street.

2252-4032 2552-4009

curacaogranada@unicomer.com www.lacuracaonet.com Bilingual Services

* Celulares Anneth

Hours of operation Daily, from 9 am to 6 pm.

Comments Celulares Anneth offers cell phones and

Centro Comercio El Portal.

8849-3604

Centro Comercio El Portal.

8690-0319

a variety of accessories for cell phones. Here you can make a recharge from Movistar or Claro minutes.

* Aye Celular

Hours of operation Daily, from 9 am to 6 pm.

Comments Aye Celular offers cell phones and accessories. Here you can repair your cell phone.

127

Granada

Computer Repair Data

* CompuStore

Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 8 am to 9 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments CompuStore offers installation, repairs and maintenance.

In front of Praga Pharmacy.

8864-7205 8676-3051

Bilingual Services cliente@claro.com.ni www.claro.com.ni

* Voice 2 Free

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 9 pm.

Comments Voice 2 Free offers maintenance, repairs and installation of software and hardware.

daniel.flores@voice2free.com

Real Xalteva 2552-3243 Street. From 8632-3740 La Merced Church, 25 meters toward the lake. Bilingual Services

Granada

Computer Shops Data

* La Curacao

Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 8 am to 7 pm.

Comments La Curacao offers good deals. 128

Inmaculada Street.

2252-4032 2552-4009

Bilingual Services curacaogranada@unicomer.com www.lacuracaonet.com

Internet Cafés

Granada

Data

* Alhambra Internet Café Hours of operation

Daily, from 8 am to 9:30 pm.

Comments The cost of Internet service here is roughly 20 Córdobas per hour. Alhambra Internet Café offers international calls, scanning, faxing, printing and a

North side of Hotel Alhambra. In front of Colonial Hotel.

2552-2008

alhambragranada@hotmail.com

cafeteria.

* Voice 2 Free

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 9 pm.

Comments The cost of Internet service here is roughly 15 Córdobas per hour. Voice 2 Free offers national and international calls, scan, photocopy and much more.

Real Xalteva 2552-3243 Street. From La Merced Church, 25 meters toward the lake. Bilingual Services daniel.flores@voice2free.com

129

* Llamadas Heladas

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 9:45 pm.

Comments

East side of Central Park.

The cost of Internet service here is roughly 10 C贸rdobas per hour. Llamadas Heladas offers national and international calls, fax and recharges of minutes for Claro.

* Genesis

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 10 pm.

Comments This Internet caf茅 offers national and international calls.

Atravesada Street. From Central Park, one block west and 陆 block north.

* El Kiosko

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 8 pm.

Comments The cost of Internet service here is roughly 10 C贸rdobas per hour.

130

West side of Central Park.

8365-5521

Transportation Granada

Data

Airlines and Airport Air * Nature Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments Nature Air offers service from the Granada area to two Costa Rican cities - Liberia and San Jose, with departures three times a week. There is a shuttle to the airstrip.Â Inquire at Oro Travel.

2552-4568 (Oro Travel)

Corral Street.

Bilingual Services info@natureair.com reservations@natureair.com www.natureair.com

Managua Caribbean * Aero Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Altamira. Lozelsa semaphores two blocks north, 20 meters west.

2277-5191

Bilingual Services 131

* American Airlines

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 5 pm, closed on Sun. Bilingual Services on web site www.aa.com

From Rotonda El Güegüense, 300 meters south. Also at the International Airport and Galeria Santo Domingo.

2255-9090

Ofiplaza El Retiro. Building 5, suite 521.

2276-8129

* Continental Airlines Hours of operation

Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Sat, from 8:30 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun

Comments Continental Airlines offers great vacation packages.

Bilingual Services geninfo@coair.com www.continental.com

* Copa Airlines

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun. For reservations 24 hours.

Comments Copa Airlines accepts cats and dogs in the cargo area.

Across from the Central Bank. Highway to Masaya, Kilometer 4 ½, building CAR No.6 .

2267-0045 2267-3976

customerservice@copaair.com Bilingual Services 132

www.copaair.com

* Delta Airlines

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 9 am to 6 pm, closed on weekend. Bilingual Services on web site www.delta.com

Rotonda El G端eg端ense, 150 meters east. Plaza El Retiro. North side of Price Smart store.

2254-8130 2254-8136 2254-8137

At the International Airport.

2263-2142 2263-2143 2263-2144

* La Coste単a

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments

Bilingual Services

This is a dependable line to travel to places in the Caribbean.

jcaballero@lacostena.com.ni

* TACA Airlines

Hours of operation Mon to Sat, from 8 am to 6 pm. Reservations by phone, 24 hours.

Comments Offers service to all of Central America, South America and parts of the United States.

Plaza Espa単a.

2266-3136

Bilingual Services servicioalcliente@taca.com www.taca.com

133

* TACA Airlines

Hours of operation 24 hours.

Comments Call for specific flight arrival and departure times.

Bilingual Services

North highway, Kilometer 11.

2233-1027 2233-4252

webm@eaai.com.ni www.eaai.com.ni (for online verifications of flights)

Granada

Data

Buses (International)

* Transnica

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 7 am to 4:30 pm, Sun from 7 am to 12 pm.

Comments Transnica offers bathroom, TV, snack bar, air conditioning and comfortable

Arellano Avenue. From Guapinol Shell gas station, 1 Â˝ blocks south.

2552-4301

Bilingual Services

seats. It serves Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Prices are $28.75 one-way or $57.50 round trip to San Jose, Costa Rica. Call for schedules and first-class rates. Contact Karen Acevedo Blandon and Isora Blandon.

134

on web site www.transnica.com

* Tica Bus

Hours of operation Mon to from 7 am to 7 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments Tica Bus offers air conditioning, comfortable seats, television, video, bathroom and courier service. It serves Central America, Panama and Mexico.

Arellano Avenue. From old Hospital, Â˝ block south.

2552-8535

ticabus@ticabus.com www.ticabus.com

Bilingual Services

Managua

* Tica Bus

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Comments Tica Bus offers air conditioning, comfortable seats, television, video, bathroom and courier service. It serves to Central

Bolonia neighborhood. From the old Dorado Cinema, two blocks up.

222-6094 222-3031

America, Panama and Mexico.

Bilingual Services

ticabus@ticabus.com www.ticabus.com

* Transnica

Hours of operation Daily, from 7 am to 7 pm.

Comments ransnica buses offer bathroom facilities, TV, snack bar, air conditioning and

Rotonda de Metrocentro 300 meters north, 25 meters east.

2270-3133 2270-3147 2277-2104

135

comfortable seats. It serves Honduras,

Bilingual Services

Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Prices are $28.75 one-way or $57.50 round trip to San Jose, Costa Rica. Call for schedules and first-class rates.

Data

on web site www.transnica.com

From Granada

Buses (Inter-City)

* Tica Bus

These towns can be reached by taking the buses going to Niquinohomo. These leave every 25 minutes from the market, 5 am to 5:50 pm. Another more circuitous option is to catch a bus going to Masaya or Managua, get off at the Catarina turn-off, cross the street and get on a bus heading to Catarina.

* Diriamba and other towns in the Department of Carazo

Every 25-30 minutes leaving from the market, 6 am to 5:05 pm, 35-45 minute trips.

* Jinotepe

From the market: 6 am, 7:30 am, 8:30 am, 10:15 am and noon.

* Managua

Leaves every 25 minutes from near the old hospital, 4 am to 7 pm. The trip from Granada lasts about an hour and terminates at Mercado Roberto Huembes in Managua. Express buses (microbuses) depart from near BAC bank every half-hour or so, Mon through Sat, 5 am to 8 pm, and Sun from 5 am until 5 pm. This 45-minute trip arrives at UCA.

* Masaya

Departures every 25 minutes from the market, 5 am to 6 pm. This is a 45 minute-trip. 136

* Masaya Volcano National Park

To reach the park, take a Managua bus (not the express) and ask to be let off at the entrance of the park. Note: The Masaya bus does not pass the park.

* Mombacho

Take a bus going to Nandaime or Rivas and ask to be let off at Mombacho, after which there is a 20-minute walk.

* Nandaime

Leaves every 20-30 minutes from the market, 5 am to 6 pm.

* Ometepe Island

Take the bus to Rivas, and then a short taxi ride to the dock at San Jorge. The ferry to Moyogalpa departs roughly on the hour until 5 pm during the week and less frequently on weekends. Some boats are able to accommodate vehicles. Call 2552-2966, 2552-4305 to make arrangements or obtain information.

* Rivas

Departures from the market next to the Shell gas station, buses depart Mon through Sat, at 5:45, 6:30, 7:10, 8:00, 9:30, and 11:30 am and 12:30 and 1:30 pm. The Sun schedule is abbreviated and only offers 7:30 and 11:30 am departures. This is a 90-minute trip.

Granada

Data

Car Rentals

* Alamo

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 6 pm.

La Calzada Street. From

2552-8723 137

Comments Alamo Rent a Car offers a wide variety of cars.

Bilingual Services

Central Park, two blocks toward the lake. alamonicaragua@anccar.com www.alamonicaragua.com

* Armadillo

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 4 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 3 pm. Bilingual Services

Shell Guapinol gas station, four blocks north.

8833-8663

Inmaculada Street. Shell Guapinol Gas Station.

2552-1789

* Budget

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 8 pm.

Comments Budget Rent a Car offers home service, optional driver service, cell phone rental, free tourist map, tourist guides and much more.

Bilingual Services

granada@budget.com.ni www.budget.com.ni

* Dollar

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm. Bilingual Services

Hotel Plaza Colon. West side of Central Park.

2252-8515

on web site www.dollar.com.ni 138

* Nicaragua Rent-a-car Hours of operation

Daily, from 8 am to 5 pm. Bilingual Services

Hotel Alhambra. West side of Central Park.

2552-2955

From Military Hospital, 100 meters up.

2277-1117

* Alamo

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Comments Alamo Rent a Car offers a wide variety of cars. Alamo has office also at The International Airport.

alamonicaragua@anccar.com www.alamonicaragua.com

Bilingual Services

* Auto Express

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 6 pm. Bilingual Services

ventas@aexpress.com.ni

Rotonda Plaza Inter, one blocks north, two Â˝ blocks down.

222-3816 222-4844

Statue of Montoya Â˝ block west.

2268-1839 2233-3013 2250-3366

www.aexpress.com.ni

* AVIS

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 1 pm, closed on Sun.

139

Comments

Bilingual Services

You can make your reservation online. Avis has also office at International Airport.

reservations@avis.com.ni www.avis.com.ni

* Budget

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 8 pm

Comments Budget Rent a Car offers home service, optional driver service, cell phone rental, free tourist map, tourist guides and much more.

From Montoya Statue, one block south and one block east.

2255-9001

Bilingual Services central@budget.com.ni www.budget.com.ni

* Dollar

Hours of operation Daily, from 5 am to 9:30 pm.

Comments Dollar Rent a Car offers optional professional driver service, tour guides, child safety seats and cell phones.

Rotonda El G端eg端ense, 300 meters south.

2255-7979 2233-2192

Bilingual Services on web site www.dollar.com.ni

140

* Hertz

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 3 pm, closed on Sun.

John Paul II track, Julio Martinez seat.

2260-1292 2266-8399 2253-9533

Comments Takes credit cards.

Bilingual Services hertz.central@gmail.com www.hertz.com.ni

Granada

Data

Taxi Service The cost is between 7 and 20 C贸rdobas per destination within the city proper, depending on distance traveled.

* Elena Transporte

Hours of operation 24 hours/7.

Comments Elena Transporte offers shuttle service and long-distance trips.

La Libertad Street. From Central Park, 20 meters west.

8960-3207

Next to the Cathedral.

2552-8291

* Paxeos Hours of operation 24 hours/7.

141

Comments

Bilingual Services

Paxeos offers shuttle service, private vehicles with drivers and long-distance trips. Take credit cards.

info@paxeos.com www.paxeos.com

Managua

* Express Taxi Service Hours of operation 24 hours.

Comments Contact CĂŠsar Rodriguez.

Bilingual Services

Colonia Nicarao, from Kia Motors, two blocks down, 20 meters toward the lake.

2248-3407 8837-7119

Colonia Periodista. From semaphores Julio Martinez, one block east, one block south and one block west.

2278-5907 8819-6507 8380-7680

* Tours Nicaragua

Hours of operation 24 hours/7.

Comments Contact CĂŠsar Rodriguez.

Bilingual Services toursnicaragua09@gmail.com

www.empresadetransporteturisticohotelerotoursnicaragua.com

142

Data

Granada

Tour Operators

* Oro Travel

Hours of operation

Mon to from 7 am to 6 pm, Sun from 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Comments Tours are offered in English, German, French, and Spanish. Other services include car rentals, tourist information, tours, travel reservations, Nature Air reservations and much more.Â

Corrales Street, From San Francisco Convent, 25 meters west.

2552-4568

Bilingual Services information@orotravel.com www.orotravel.com

* Tierra Tour

Hours of operation Daily, from 8 am to 6 pm.

Comments Tierra Tour can help you with kayaking trips, canopy tours, Caribbean diving, historical tours of the city, hiking, bird watching, biking, car rental, island rental, tours, and much more.

From the Cathedral, two blocks toward the lake. La Calzada Street.

2552-8723 8862-9580

Bilingual Services tierratour@turbonett.com.ni www.tierratour.com

143

* Va Pues Tour

Hours of operation Mon to from 8 am to 6 pm, Sun from 9 am to 5 pm.

Comments

Next to Cathedral, Central Park.

Bilingual Services

Va Pues Tour offers tourist information, car rental, airport transfers, domestic flights, discount packages, free city

2552-4835 8408-0131

granada@vapues.com www.vapues.com

maps and corn island tickets.

* Leo Tours

Hours of operation Daily, from 7 am to 10 pm.

Comments Leo Tours offers canopy tours, shuttle service, International bus tickets,

Calzada Street. From Central Park, one Â˝ blocks east.

Bilingual Services

tickets to Ometepe, turtle expeditions, fishing trips, city tours, kayak, bikes, cars, horses, raw boats and souvenirs.

8829-4372 8422-7905

info@leotourscomunitarios.com www.leotourscomunitarios.com

* De Tours Viajes y Cultura Hours of operation

Daily, from 8 am to 6 pm.

Comments De Tours Viajes y Cultura offers tourist information and discount packages.

Caimito Street. 2552-0155 From Majorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8837-0559 office, 50 meters toward the lake. Bilingual Services info@detour-ameriquecentrale.com

www.detour-ameriquecentrale.com 144

Granada

Data

Travel Agencies

See Tourism heading for companies offering tours.

Managua

* Viajes Atlántida Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Sat, from 8:30 am to 12 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments Book flights, hotels, cars and vacation packages online.

From Rotonda El Güegüense, one block east and ½ block north.

2266-8720

Bilingual Services info@viajeSat,lantida.net www.viajeSat,lantida.net

* Aeromundo

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 6:30 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 2 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments Aeromundo offers excellent service with 25 years of experience.

Camino de Oriente. Highway to Masaya.

2270-2030

Bilingual Services info@aeromundo.com.ni www.aeromundo.com.ni

145

* MP Travel Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5:30 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12:30 pm, closed on Sun.

Comments MP Travel agency offers National and International Hotel, flight tickets and touristic packages reservations,

Ofiplaza El Retiro. Building 7, Suite 712.

2254-7997 2270-5179

Bilingual Services reservas@mptravel-agency.com www.mptravel-agency.com

cruises, European circuits and vehicles reservations.

* Mundo Ventura Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 1 pm, closed on Sun.

Plaza Espa単a, Rotonda El G端eg端ense 350 meters south.

2268-6888

Bilingual Services info@mundoventura.travel www.mundoventura.travel

146

General Tips Gringo Guide

147

148

Banking Also see Money

Some banks will cash traveler’s checks, usually charging a commission. Foreigners trying to cash local checks, even with proper identification (passport), can experience a difficult time. With a foreign check (other than traveler’s check), you have to deposit the check in an account and wait up to three weeks for the funds to become. Establishing a bank account in Nicaragua generally requires some manner of residency in the country. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) or bank machines are in major cities and some smaller towns. Usually, they are able to dispense either U.S. dollars or Córdobas. However, not all bank machines accept all types of bank cards or credit cards. This means that you should not let your cash supply run too low, especially if you will be outside of a major city. Banks offering Credomatic service will also be able to make cash withdrawal from your U.S. bank account using your U.S. debit card. You can also get cash using your Visa or MasterCard credit card. These services are offered at the counter and facilitated by a teller. Generally, you can withdraw a greater sum of money this way than you would have been able to with bank machine/ATMs. Banks also exchange currency, mainly U.S. dollars. You do need to show your passport for all transactions. Be aware that banks are usually busiest on the 15th and 30th of the month (pay days) and right before a bank holiday. In these cases, you could face an interminable wait. Money changers on the street are a convenient way to exchange U.S. dollars and they usually 149

offer a good rate. Be cautious, however, as some of them are masters of bait and switch fraud. Be careful of street money changers and watch their hands closely so that they don’t change a $1 dollar bill, all folded up, for a $100 dollar bill. The current exchange rate (as of August, 2012) is about 23.42 Córdobas to the dollar.

150

Emergency Preparedness Nicaragua experiences hurricanes, tropical storms, flash floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tidal waves. The risk of these events varies by location. Most often, these occur on a mild scale, though occasionally, as in any country, a natural disaster can result. The main concern in the aftermath of a large-scale event is the disruption of normal services. The following can help you get through such an experience: First of all, stay informed of the weather forecast, as storms and hurricanes can be predicted. When planning excursions, keep the weather forecast in mind. Second, have a supply of local cash, some canned food, water, a flashlight and essential medication with you. This is especially crucial if you suffer from a chronic illness or have a child traveling with you. Third, avoid driving in or after a storm since you do not know the terrain and could wander into a flooded area. Fourth, identify a safe area in your hotel or house to which you can retreat during a severe storm or hurricane. Fifth, know the location and phone number of your embassy.

151

Entertainment Tipping

In addition to the 15% tax (I.V.A), sometimes a 10% gratuity (propina or service) is added to restaurant bills. It is not mandatory to pay this but most people do. As in other countries the amount you tip reflects the quality of service you received.

Tips Movies Movie schedules for Managua are in the national newspaper and online at: www.cinemas.com.ni/n_cartelera.asp. Most American movies have Spanish subtitles (listed as “subtitulada”) but sometimes movies will be dubbed in Spanish (listed as “doblada”). This is especially true of movies geared toward children.

Food (Also see Health) Check the expiration date on food, especially North American specialty food that sells more slowly here, since the stock is rotated less frequently. Homemade cheeses in the market are 152

often made out of non-pasteurized milk. Almost all fruit juice has added sugar. Mexican salsa is called Salsa Casera or less frequently Salsa Mexicana. The word Salsa is a general term for various types of sauce. For example, Salsa de Tomate (Ketchup), Salsa Inglesa (Worcerstershire Sauce) and Salsa China (Soy Sauce).

Health (Also see Safety) Don’t eat peeled or cut-up fruit and salads from the market. On rare occasions, there is a “red tide” and at such times, mollusks (clams, mussels) are unsafe to eat. They have concentrations of neurotoxins in them. The media usually advises about this. Gatorade is widely and is good for rehydrating during bouts of stomach distress. Ice is almost always made from tap water. Fuente Pura is a good brand of bottled water and is widely. Mosquitoes are everywhere in the rainy months and carry Dengue and Malaria. Dengue is very painful and there is no vaccine, so it’s imperative to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. If you did not bring a DEET containing mosquito repellent, you can buy some in any of the major cities. Mosquito nets are also sold in the market. A surprising array of medication is without prescription, including antibiotics. Some pharmacists are more knowledgeable than others in terms of recommending treatments for particular ailments. If you start a course of antibiotics, be sure to complete it. Check the expiration date of medications purchased. Some medications deteriorate more rapidly due to the heat and humidity. Vaccines you may want to look into are: typhoid, tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, and Rubella. 153

Laboratory medical tests also do not require a prescription for the most part. Hygiene at labs is variable and use of gloves virtually non-existent. Disposable syringe/needle packs are used in most places and the technician should open them in front of you. Bioanalysis is the most reputable laboratory, with branches all over Managua. The lab at the Hospital Metropolitano in Managua is open 24 hours a day, though extra off-hour fees apply. If you need urinalysis, don’t be surprised if you are handed an old baby food glass jar in which to produce your specimen. These are commonly used and are sterilized by boiling.

Mental Health It helps to be flexible and not to expect things to be like they are in your home country. Finding a few reputable charities to donate to rather than trying to help everyone who approaches you is generally less taxing, especially if you plan an extended stay in the country.

154

Holidays The following are the main national holidays. Each town also celebrates its patron saint’s feast. This means noisy fireworks and parades through the town accompanied by a brass band.

New Year

Holy Week

December

January

Labor Day

Wednesday afternoon to Easter Sunday

Anniversary of the Revolution May

July

Battle of San Jacinto

Independence Day

September

15 155

All Soul’s Day (Día de los Muertos)

Purísima

November

December

7-8

Christmas

The December festivities continue

December

through most of the month. Interestingly, Nicaraguan labor laws require that employees working on the major

24-25

holidays receive double pay.

Granada also celebrates Feast of St. John the Baptist June

June

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin August

14-15

156

Feast of Saint Peter

Our Lady of the Rosary October

Month of the Rosary Celebrated every Saturday in October

Money Money can be exchanged (Dollars to Córdobas) by using money-changers in the street, sometimes at a more favorable exchange rate than in the bank. Tell the money changer how much you want to exchange and ask for the rate. Only hand over your cash when you have the Córdobas in hand. Many stores and restaurants will accept U.S. dollars, but will give you a lower rate. Other currency is difficult to exchange outside of a bank. It is generally difficult to exchange large U.S. bills for smaller ones. Try to get the denominations you need when you make a withdrawal at the bank (they may not make change for you later even if you got the big bills from them to begin with).

Phones/Communication Pay phones are few and far between and usually require you to use a phone card. Certain types of phone cards are only good from certain public phones. For example, a PubliTel phone card for calling the U.S. can only be used from certain Publitel telephones. All kinds of phone calls can be made from Enitel’s many public call offices. A cheaper option is Net-2-Phone which most of the Internet cafes provide on their premises. To call the 157

States just dial 1 + area code + phone number. Be aware that you don’t have much privacy at these places. Nicaragua’s country code is 505. Nicaragua underwent a major change in the prefix codes for all areas except Managua in 2005. Therefore, ensure that the phone directory you are consulting is up-to-date.

Cell Phone Service Many stores sell cheap pre-paid cell phones. You can re-charge these with more pre-paid minutes directly into your cell phone through minute’s transfers. You can get minutes transfers from an authorized retailer, online, or by using credit or debit cards from 10 Córdobas up to the amount you desire. Claro (Enitel) and Movistar are the most popular companies.

Safety • If you are looking for a house to rent, be sure that there are iron bars over all the windows and doors. • Never leave your valuables in an empty house or car. • Don’t leave your car unlocked or leave your possessions in sight. • Use a fanny pack or front pocket for your wallet. Only carry what you need: Passports, driver’s licenses etc. are hard to replace! Consider taking Xerox copies of documents with you, if you want to carry them with you. • In crowded places, keep a firm hold of your valuables. Be aware of people who “accidentally” bump into you but are actually pick-pockets. One scam involves 158

two confederates, one of whom bumps into you or spills something on you, thereafter holding your attention with apologies etc. while the other comes up behind you and quietly divests you of your wallet. • Before you leave an area, look around to make sure you have all your belongings. If you leave an umbrella or hat somewhere, it will be gone before you miss it and come back to retrieve it.

Be Prepared Always have bottled water and a small flashlight with batteries. Note down your passport number somewhere, along with the phone number for the embassy of your country. This will help a great deal in case of theft or loss of your passport. If you anticipate an extended stay, register at the embassy of your country. This is a good idea for many reasons: The embassy has a notification network in case of civil emergencies; it helps you to establish residency in Nicaragua for income tax purposes (U.S.); and finally, if you need to replace your passport you will already be a known entity with the consulate.

159

Shopping Crafts markets

The most dangerous market is the Oriental Market in Managua. It is said that over half of the crimes committed in all of Nicaragua occur here (pick-pocketing, etc.) Huembes market in Managua is safer. Masaya has two good markets. The “new” market is less expensive and has a wider variety of goods. The drawback is that the stores are crowded together and the atmosphere somewhat claustrophobic. There are pickpockets and there is no security. You are on your own. The “old” market is geared toward tourists, has a more accessible and attractive layout, and does have police who regularly circulate throughout the market. Some bargaining is possible in the markets but typically you will end up knocking off no more than 5 - 10% off the original price. At any market, you should keep a firm hold on your money and refrain from wearing valuable jewelry.

Groceries

Palí is a reputable discount supermarket chain. They have safe meat and a selection of staples. Plastic grocery bags are not provided free but can be purchased at the cash register. You bag your own groceries. Only cash is accepted. In Managua, La Colonia and La Union have a wider variety of foreign foods and good selections of meat and fish.

160

Many large grocery stores accept credit cards for payment, especially Visa. Local markets are often the best source for cheap fresh fruits and veggies. General Household

A wide variety of household goods are in the markets such as plastic goods, household items, clothes and shoes.

Travel Buses and Taxis

You can get practically anywhere on the Pacific Coast by bus (see Transportation heading in the directory section) but the buses are often packed sardine-tight. City buses in Managua are reported to be rife with pick-pockets. In Managua, use registered taxis (red and white license plate). With taxis, negotiate the price before getting in. Hotels

Ask to see the room you will be assigned in the hotel before you pay for the room. In smaller hotels, you typically have to pay up-front for your room. Hotels generally will ask to see your passport and will record you passport number in their ledger. They are required to do this by law. Air Travel

You need to have your passport with you for domestic flights. 161

The Managua airport has a nice VIP lounge which you can use for $30.00. This is a good way to avoid the long check-in lines. The lounge is a comfortable place to wait for your flight and light refreshments (one sandwich and two beverages) are offered. Reservations may be made in advance. Driving

You can rent a vehicle in Managua and other select cities. Some companies also offer the optional services of a driver. An unexpired driver’s license from your home country is valid for driving in Nicaragua. If you choose to drive yourself, you should be prepared for adventure. In addition to the condition of secondary roads, the lack of street names and street signs as well as the ubiquitous presence of pedestrians, bicyclers and variety of animals on the shoulders of the roads and highways make driving a challenge. In Nicaragua, addresses rarely contain a street name or number. Rather, addresses are directions to the site in question beginning from a well-known landmark. For example, an address might be “two and a half blocks west from the central park, 8 yards north”. This means you start at the city park, go 2.5 blocks west, turn left so that you are heading north and proceed another 8 yards in the north direction. Meters, yards and varas (roughly a yard) are used along with blocks (cuadras) to measure distance in the city. On the highway, kilometer markers serve as a convenient and reliable reference point for directions. Kilometers markers are often painted onto small concrete poles alongside the highway. The most confusing thing about directions is that they sometimes refer to landmarks that no longer exist. This is where having a local driver or gui162

de helps because chances are good that he or she knows where “the old recreation center” used to be! Finally, one of the more mysterious methods that directions are given involves the words “arriba”, or “up”, and “abajo”, or “down”. Since the Sun rises in the east, “arriba” means “east”. Since the Sun sets in the west, “abajo” means “west”. It is really quite logical, once you get used to it. But in Boaco, which is a mountainous town, many times “abajo” means down the hill, not “west”. The law regarding traffic accidents is a bit stricter than the U.S. version. The practice is more or less similar to strict liability in tort. As they say, “El que pega, paga”, or, he who hits, pays. If there is an accident where someone is injured, it is probable that the driver of the culprit car will spend a night in jail. Being a foreign national makes no difference. The good side is that Nicaraguan police tend to be the most polite in Central America and often times go out of their way to accommodate an unfortunate foreigner as best as they can. But this element of the law is why many well-to-do Nicaraguans have chauffeurs rather than drive themselves. They figure that is better for them to spend time getting their chauffeur out of jail than to have their chauffeur trying to get them out of jail. When you add up all the above factors, you may decide to stick with public transportation, despite the crowded old vehicles and lack of published schedules. Another alternative is to hire a taxi. You can negotiate a reasonable rate for a long-distance one-way or round-trip or even arrange a day-rate for sightseeing. If you hire a taxi to take you to another city, you may want to switch to a local taxi once there as the local driver will be more familiar with the area (remember, no street signs and often no street names or numbers). 163

Utilities For all utilities, it is important to review your bill carefully, pay it promptly, and keep receipts as proof of payment. Failure to pay your bills on time can results in termination of services and you will face additional fees and hassles to establish reconnection.

Cable T.V.

Claro TV carries over 50 channels, including all-English and all-Spanish channels. CNN World, BBC World, NBC, Discovery, Discovery Kids, Fox and Fox News are among the channels provided. Satellite T.V. is through other companies, but is more expensive and requires dish installation. Claro TV charges U.S. $19 per month for cable. There is a modest installation fee and a one-year contract must be signed to being services. You will receive a receipt at the time of payment. Payments can also be made at ClaroÂ´s office (half a block east of La Merced Church, in front of Sherwin Williams). Note that of all the utilities, cable is the most prompt to terminate your service for non-payment. Electricity

Electricity is not cheap. Also, the more electricity you use, the higher the cost per kilowatt hour (the opposite of the bulk-buying principle). Electricity is reported to be billed at a lower rate during the night hours. So if you must use an electric stove, cook at 2 am! Bills, based on meter reading, are delivered to your home each month and payment may be made at most bank branches.

164

Garbage Disposal

Trash is picked up by the city on specified days. Leave your trash on the curb on the curb on the specified mornings. Be aware that stray dogs and the occasional passing beggar will break into your bags looking for food or salvageable items, leaving a mess for you to clean up. Under no circumstances, however, should you leave your trash cans at the curb, unless, of course, you wish to replace them with new ones every week. A good option is to have a raised, metal trash receptacle with lid built into your side-walk. That at least keeps the four- legged foragers away. Garbage is picked up from residential neighborhoods according to the following schedule: Calzada Street, Carmen Noguera School area- Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Guzm谩n Street, Carazo Street, Lucia Street, La P贸lvora areas- Tuesday, Thursday and Sat,urday mornings. Main streets/ central area of town (which are mostly commercial): 7 am and 2 pm, every day. The cost of this service for residences is five C贸rdobas a month. Someone is sent to your house to collect this fee every so often. You will receive a receipt at the time of payment. Gas

Gas for cooking is sold in tanks, not piped directly to your house. The most common tank sizes are 25 pounds (which last most people about a month) and 100 pounds. Tanks are usually installed in a secure, outdoor location and connected to your stove via tubes or pipes. It is a good idea to get a professional to connect your stove and tank or to check the pre-existing installation. You do not want a gas leak. Tanks can be purchased from Tropigas or 165

from one of the many distributors in town. Once your tank is empty, you can take it to the closest dealer and exchange it for a full one, paying only for the gas itself (prices fluctuate considerably- currently about 297.25 Córdobas for a 25 pounder). For the big 100 pound tanks, one normally pays for a gas truck to come and refill it at your home. Most people elect to have two tanks to avoid disruption in their ability to cook. Phone

If there isn’t an active phone line in the apartment or house you are considering, you should know that it takes a very long time to get one. Monthly bills are delivered to your home and can be paid at most banks, the post office or by phone (telepagos): 1-800-1524 for Credomatic payments and 1-800-1122 for payments through Citi Bank. You should examine your bill to ensure that the charges are accurate. Some people have reported problems with charges for calls to cell phones (i.e. being charged for calls they did not make). If you need to, you can ask the phone company to put a block on your phone so that cell phones numbers cannot be dialed. You can still receive calls of all types. Water

Bills are delivered to your home and can be paid at most banks.

166

A Few Thoughts on Hiring a Maid, Gardener, or Driver

Life in Nicaragua in some ways resembles living in the United States in the past. It is typical for many families to employ a maid, and also perhaps a gardener or driver. Foreigners who hire domestic help should understand the legal ramifications of doing so under the present Nicaraguan Labor Code so that there are no hurt feelings, or financial penalties, at the end of the employment period of the hired help. The Nicaraguan Labor Code provides that Nicaraguan law covers all employment situations of Nicaraguans, including maids, gardeners, and drivers. A person can work on a trial basis for up to 30 days; if the work is not Sat,isfactory the worker can be let go without any adverse results, as long as they are paid in full for their work up to that time. After 30 days the Labor Code goes into effect. That means that each worker is entitled to a mandatory Christmas bonus, called an “aguinaldo”, after one year of service; they are also entitled to severance pay and to a paid vacation every six months. These are basic rights given by the Labor Code and they are mandatory in all situations. Moreover, they cannot be renounced by the worker in any fashion, and if the worker renounces any of these rights in writing, he or she can file a claim in the local Labor Tribunal the next day claiming those renounced rights, and will win. The Christmas Bonus, or aguinaldo, is defined as one month’s full pay, the so called 13th month, that the employer must pay to all workers, in addition to the regular 12 months of pay. If the worker has been in employ less than one year the aguinaldo will be the prorated share of a month’s pay. That bonus MUST be paid to the worker 167

between December 1 and December 10 of each year; in the event that it is not paid it accrues a penalty at the rate of one day’s pay for EACH day it is late. Paid vacation must be taken every six months, or in the alternative the employer may pay the worker the value of the vacation. Severance pay is due and payable within 10 days of the worker quitting or being let go. After one year the severance pay accrues at the rate of one full month’s pay for every year worked for the employer up to a maximum of five years. The worker is entitled to a severance payment, plus accrued or prorated Aguinaldo, and any unused but accrued vacation. You may have only one employee, but the Labor Code applies. In disputes at the Labor Tribunals, the Labor Code has a built in presumption that the worker prevails. What this means is that one should never take casual household labor for granted and one must keep excellent WRITTEN records at all times. At the very least the employer should keep records of: the day, month, and year when the worker began work; the pay scale, and dated, signed receipts for all payments made. When a worker leaves the service of the employer there should be a final liquidated amount broken down that clearly shows that all employer requirements have been met. This should be signed and dated by both parties at the time the final payment is made. In order to fire an employee and not pay ANY of their labor rights you have to get a prior order from the local labor inspector, which is just about impossible. The normal work week is Monday through Saturday, eight hours per work day.

168

Finally, the customary pay periods are weekly or the 15th and last day of the month. It is also a good idea if one reads Spanish to pick up a copy of the Nicaraguan Labor Code, promulgated in 1997, as a handy reference.

Other Tips On Owning a Car If one comes to Nicaragua to stay a while, it becomes obvious that owning a car is a decided advantage. Public transportation is not always convenient and figuring out routes and timetables, almost none of which are published, can be confusing. The alternatives are to bring the family vehicle to Nicaragua, or, a much better idea, to bring along money and buy a vehicle down here. Importing a car, unless one has duty free importation privileges, can be an expensive and time consuming process, especially if one is not conversant in the Nicaraguan dialect of Spanish. In addition, some imported cars may not be up to the rigors of Nicaraguan roads. A decidedly easier proposition is to bring money and buy a new or used car already nationalized. The time period for processing the paperwork on a new or used car is usually a day or two at the most. Unless one is going to spend most of the time in Managua, owning a SUV with four wheel drive, air conditioning, and diesel engine, is a very good idea. There are dealerships for most brands in Nicaragua, but the Asian brands are the most common and easiest for which to find spare parts. Diesel currently sells for $4.36 per gallon and gasoline for $4.62 per gallon, so diesel has its advantages. The matter of driver’s licenses is much easier to accommodate now than in the past. In the old days a foreigner had to get a Nicaraguan driver’s license, which was time consuming and usually 169

meant spending several hours in long, hot lines behind the Huembes Market in Managua. Recently, the traffic code was changed and now a foreign license that is not expired is valid in Nicaragua. A suggestion for people coming to Nicaragua is to check out their driver’s license and if it is close to expiring renew it so that the domestic process of obtaining a driver’s license can be avoided. Presently all vehicle owners are required to maintain a small amount of insurance to protect third parties. A very good idea is to obtain adequate coverage to protect the value of the car and cover at least minimum liability for each passenger. Automobile insurance is from many different companies and is usually cheaper than in the US.

Living and Working In Nicaragua If one gets the itch to spend more time in Nicaragua doing more than just ‘touristing’, the idea will sooner or later develop to live long-term in Nicaragua and maybe even get a job or do something to make money. But as soon as one begins to work, two Nicaraguan laws kick in: the law of immigration and the law of income tax. Unlike Costa Rica, Nicaragua does not have an active group if immigration inspectors who maintain vigilance over wayward Gringo wetbacks. But the laws now in effect can be quite unforgiving. For starters, a tourist card, the immigration documents that allow most foreigners to enter Nicaragua, does not grant any rights to work. A tourist stay for 30 to 90 days, depending on nationality, only grants the right to be a tourist and travel and spend money within Nicaragua. If you overstay your tourist visa, nothing will happen to you until you try to leave Nicaragua, when you will be charged a fine of 25 Córdobas for every day your tourist visa was expired. You will have to pay this in order to leave Nicaragua. 170

In order to work in Nicaragua, you must have resident status or be in the process of getting it and have a temporary work-permit from Immigration. The process to become a legal resident is not difficult, but takes some time and costs about U.S. $100. Residency is for a one-year period, but after several residences you may apply for a five-year residency. Retirees may be eligible for a longer residential visa based upon their status as a rentista, or person with a retirement income. The other legal effect of working is that it generates income tax. Like immigration matters, collection of the Nicaraguan income tax, called the Impuesto sobre la Renta, is lax. On the other hand the tax rates are more progressive than those in the United States. Nicaragua is not a tax haven.

A Few Thoughts on Nicaraguan Cuisine Nicaragua’s typical cuisine is a savory mix of Indian and Spanish culinary traditions. Take two examples of stew-like dishes, Mondongo and Baho. Mondongo is a thick, brawny, tripe soup with all ingredients - cabbage, pumpkins, pieces of cow stomach and an occasional cow’s hoof - in large chunks. It is best eaten in Masatepe, where it is world-famous. Somoza’s late wife, Doña Hope Portocarrero, was known to partake of Mondongo in MaSat,epe. It is served in a very large bowl and makes a full meal, especially when eaten with the thick Nicaraguan tortillas. It was undoubtedly an import from Spain, as it resembles nothing so much as the tripe soup that is popular in the Madrid area. Baho, another savory stew of plantains, quequisque, yucca, tomato, and salt beef, was a widely consumed delicacy in pre-Columbian Nicaragua, though there is reason to believe that the original recipe called for human meat. We can thank the old pirate, embezzler, and intercontinental gossipist, Fernando de Oviedo y Valdes, for preserving the recipe after interviewing a chief, who supposedly knew that of what he spoke in 1529. As with the Mondongo, it is 171

a meal in itself and invites repetition. Its succulent ingredients blend into a taste that is truly Nicaraguan. Other delicacies bear mention. It is the tradition in many Nicaraguan homes to eat the Nacatamale for Sunday morning breakfast. This is native tamale, in the shape of a human fist, wrapped and steamed in banana leaves. The contents of the Nacatamale include pork, more recently chicken, a bit of rice, a slice of potato, corn meal, spearmint, and a little chili pepper, very hot, in the shape of a pea. It is a Sunday morning game to see who bites into the little hot pepper, called the chile congo in Nicaragua and chile pequín in Mexico. The Nicaraguan Nacatamale does not represent the well-known Mexican tamale, which is similar to the Salvadoran tamale, and more resembles the tamales produced by the Huastecan Indians of San Luis Potosí: they are big and fat and wrapped in banana leaves. Another creation of exquisite delight is Moronga, the delicate sausage made up of pork blood, natural casing, chilies, and a lot of rice for binding. It is sold wrapped in banana leaves, and when fried crispy it fills the kitchen with its delicate but slightly earthy aroma. All creatures big and small are attracted to its sizzling flavor. This delicacy has no Indigenous analog and it may be European in origin. Much more investigation must go into the subject of Moronga. A further dish of distinction is boiled beef tongue in a sweet tomato sauce. This is another probable Spanish import. It is done up with a sweeter flavor than in Spain, and it is delectable. Finally, it is mandatory, if one is in Granada, to sample their famous salad, called vigorón, sold in the central park. Vigorón is a mixture of fried pig skin, or chicharrones, cooked yuca, shredded cabbage, a really sour-flavored fruit called mimbres, and a few hot chile congos, all in a light vinaigrette. A nice accompaniment is the native chocolate drink, called cacao. One other drink sold in the Plaza is chicha, a Pepto-Bismo -colored drink, here called rosada chicha, and at other times chicha rosada, made out of slightly fermented corn kernels, which are chewy and take getting used to. Clearly, there is nothing else like chicha.

172

173

Investing in Nicaragua The Delicate Art of Purchasing Land Buying land in Nicaragua is a strong personal statement about one’s attitude toward the attractiveness and stability of Nicaragua. Buying land in Nicaragua however, is not without its risks. Several steps can be taken to minimize risk and to obtain valuable land at much less expensive prices than in either the United States or neighboring countries such as Costa Rica. Some practices here are quite different, however, and must be understood to be able to navigate in the land market. For starters, the basic land unit is the manzana, about 1.71 acres, which is made up of 10,000 square varas, a unit of measure of the Spanish colonial times that equals 33.21 inches. The manzana is about halfway between an acre and hectare in size. Construction costs are usually calculated by the square meter, which is about 10.25 square feet. Sometimes land is sold by the square meter, so you just have to do the conversion to get an idea of land value. Easements exist, here called servidumbres, and work like easements in the U.S. Land titles are recorded in each department (province) at the land registry office (Registro de Terrenos). Recording practices are a bit informal and recording of liens are much less systematically done than in the U.S. Getting a lien abstract at one Registro de Terrenos may not find all liens, for example, no matter where the land is located. The usual practice is to obtain a lawyer’s opinion about the land title. These only go back three transfers, as opposed to in the U.S. where title opinions may go back to the original land 174

patent. A much better idea is to obtain title insurance, now in Nicaragua. At least one company offering title insurance in Nicaragua says that in order to get this insurance, the company requires local attorneys to search the titles backwards in time until at least 1978. But as with any title insurance policy, be sure to take a close look at the exceptions. One must also keep in mind recent history. The Sandinista Revolution and its aftermath, including the so-called Gran Piñata of February - April 1990, had a great effect of clouding the title to much of Nicaraguan land, both agricultural and urban. A rule of thumb is that it is almost always safer to purchase a parcel of land from someone who has owned that land continuously since before July 19, 1979, or from a successor of interest that took title after June 1990, than to purchase a parcel of land that shows multiple changes of title clustered around the time of the Gran Piñata. There are no guarantees, but purchasing a parcel of land that was not confiscated and that did not have ownership changes from well before 1979 to after June 1990, is always a good idea. The majority of parcels of land have metes and bounds descriptions so it is always a good idea to have a surveyor do a survey for you, the purchaser. Many times the land area will not exactly correspond with the land area stated in the title documents or the metes and bounds land description will not completely close up and exactly return to the point of beginning. Finally, the Nicaraguan law of riparian rights does not allow for private beaches on seacoasts, thereby following the ancient law of Spain (and also a more recent 1919 law). This matter is in flux and may change, but for the meantime expect visitors on the beaches in front of your beach house.

175

Investor’s Directory Municipality of Granada

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, closed on weekend.

El Comercio Street, southern side of the Central Park.

2552-7497 2552-2181

(i.e. the local government offices; also referenced as city hall, Mayor’s Office or Alcaldia elsewhere in this guide;) Registry

Hours of operation From Mon to Fri from 8 am to 4 pm, closed on weekend.

176

Next to Hospital Japón.

2552-6725

Marena

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 7 am to 2 pm, closed on weekend.

Comments Cost of Environmental Permit: US $400.

La Inmaculada Street, across E Chamorro building.

2552-2201

www.marena.gob.ni

Calvet & Associates (Investment Consultants)

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5:30 pm, Sat, from 8 am to 12 pm. Bilingual Services info@rcalvet.com finance@rcalvet.com projects@rcalvet.com

From the Mexican Embassy on the Highway to Masaya two blocks west # 76, Managua.

2270-1320 8927-8677

www.rcalvet.com

177

PRONicaragua (Investment Promotion Agency)

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, closed on weekend. Bilingual Services info@pronicaragua.org.ni

Kilometer 4 Â˝ on the Highway to Masaya, one block west, Managua.

2270-6400

Kilometer 4 Â˝ on the Highway to Masaya, Managua.

2252-5747

www.pronicaragua.org Nica Export

Hours of operation From Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm, closed on weekend. Bilingual Services nicaexport@nicaexport.com.ni www.nicaexport.com.ni www.cei.org.ni

MIFIC (Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade)

Hours of operation From Mon to Fri, from 7 am to 2 pm, closed on weekend. www.mific.gob.ni 178

Kilometer 6 on the Highway to Masaya, Managua.

2267-0161

Immigration Authority, Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME)

Hours of operation From Mon to Fri, from 7 am to 2 pm, closed on weekend. www.migracion.gob.ni

From the Tenderi Lights two ½ blocks north, Managua.

2244-3989

Customs Authority, Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA)

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8:45 am to 3:45 pm, closed on weekend.

North Highway Kilometer 4 ½ Managua.

2248-1945

Bilingual Services www.dga.gob.ni Tax Authority, Dirección General de Ingresos (DGI)

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 4:30 pm, closed on weekend.

www.dgi.gob.ni

La Calzada Street at the northern side of the cathedral.

2552-5633 2552-5628

on web site

179

Cadastral Registry, Direcci贸n General de Catastro

Hours of operation Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 4 pm, closed on weekend. www.ineter.gob.ni

180

Hospital Japon 陆 block to the south at the Corte Suprema de Justicia building

2552-4526

Conversion Tables of Common Nicaraguan Units of Measures Gringo Guide

181

Some of the common units of measure for Nicaraguans may be unfamiliar to foreigners. Conversion to regularly used terms, however, is easy when conversion factors are used.

Units of Distance and Length Nicaraguan Unit Vara

American/European Unit Yard (33.21 inches)

The vara is the Spanish colonial unit of length. Cloth is still sold by the vara, some building materials are sold by the vara, and many deeds to real property list the distances in a metes an bounds property description in varas, not meters. Moreover, land titles may include the area described in square varas ad well as square meters.

Nicaraguan Unit Manzana

American/European Unit Acre (Am, 1.71), Hectare (Eur 0.69)

No, it doesn’t mean an apple. One manzana is another colonial unit of area, comprised of 10,000 square varas, or 100 varas, or 277 feet on a side. It is the most common unit of land area used in Nicaragua, both urban and rural parcels, and is abbreviated “MZ”. In size it is about half way between the American acre and the metric Hectare. It is the equivalent of 1.71 acres and 0.69 hectares.

182

Units of weight Nicaraguan Unit Tomín

American/European Unit 2.5 miles, or 4 Kilometers

1 ½ tomines is one gram. This is the Spanish colonial for apothecary use. It was comprised of 12 granos, each of which was the weight of gold particles. Gold mining and panning is a common activity in the northern mountains and there is no legal prohibition against foreigners buying gold from miners. There are stretches of the Coco River, downstream from Wiwili where dozens of persons can be observed panning for gold. When buying gold be sure to keep one’s wits working, remembering that pure, 24 carat gold has a specific gravity of 19.3 and that the purity of Nicaragua gold hovers arounds 12 carats Ocotal and increases to 18 carat by Wililí, and downstream. Another gold purchasing area is Santa Rosa del Peñon, in Leon Department. There the gold is extracted from hard rock with mercury, so be sure to Measure specific gravity or you will be buying a lot of amalgamated mercury. The usual Unit of measure of tomines is a spent .22 cartridge, which weighs 5 tomines.

183

Authorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Biography

Gringo Guide

184

Pat Werner Pat Werner is Associated Professor of Political Science at Ave Maria University-Latin American Campus (AMULAC) in San Marcos, Nicaragua. He is also a gold miner, gunsmith, restorer of vintage firearms, author of five published books and four manuscripts that are ready to Published. Werner has authored several articles on Nicaraguan archaeology, colonial history, and related matters. He also writes for sporting journals like Gun Digest under the pen name Carlos Schmidt. He was part owner and writer for the NicaNews, an English language newspaper in Nicaragua, from 1997 to 1999. In 1998 Werner was elected by the most distinguished historians in Nicaragua to a lifetime position as a corresponding member of the Nicaraguan Academy of Geography and History, the Nicaraguan equivalent o the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In his youth he worked as a market hunter on the Miskito Coast. During the Contra War he imported fish from the Miskito Coast to Costa Rica. Werner currently lives in Diriamba.

185

Mathew Anderson Mathew Anderson, Provost of the Ave Maria University-Latin American Campus (AMULAC), received a B.A in Philosophy from Franciscan University and an M.A in Theology from Gannon University. He is a Ph. D. candidate (History of Philosophy) at the Virije Universiteit in Amsterdam, Holland. His dissertation is in the area of affective knowledge as explained by Jacques Maritain. He taught Philosophy and Theology at Gannon University for two years and at Niagara University for four years. At Ave Maria, he has also served as Department Chairm Assistant Dean, Interim Academic Dean and Director of Institutional Effectiveness. Among his publications is a book which he co-authored with Piotr Jaroszynski of Lublin University, Ethics: The Drama of the Moral Life, and an article on non-conceptual knowing in The Universal Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Anderson is also author of Practical Survival Guide for Newcomers at AMULAC, a guide to the Central Pacific region of Nicaragua.

186

Ingrid Cerda Ingrid Cerda works as Banquet Coordinator at the Hotel Real InterContinental Metrocentro Managua, the prestigious hotel chain of IHG Hotel Group. She has made â&#x20AC;&#x2039;â&#x20AC;&#x2039;major studies on assertive communication, teamwork, costumer services, sales, computer skills, marketing, among others; she has great experience organizing social and corporate events, conferences, meetings, seminars and private functions interacting in a social, cultural and business environment with different customers. She graduated in Hotel and Tourism Management; she also has Post-graduate specialization studies in Strategic Management of Tourism Enterprises. She speaks native Spanish, English and Portuguese. Among her short-term projects are to get a Master degree in Tourism Management in Brazil and an online Master degree in Hotel and Design Management in Switzerland. She is currently a model of the Eleganza Models Agency. Her hobbies are traveling, reading, swimming and studying.

187