VISIT TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

This is one of the few Costa Rican National Parks where walking quietly isn’t necessarily the best way to see things. The marked trail along the beach is used mostly for observing turtle nesting, but the best way to see most of the park is from a boat. That doesn’t mean you can’t get a workout while nature watching; there are plenty of places to rent canoes and kayaks (cayucas or botes).

The area protected by Tortuguero (turtle catcher) National Park was an archipelago of volcanic islands until alluvial sediments from the interior mountains filled in the spaces and formed a network of marshy islands.

Sand piled up where the river deposited land met the sea, and the turtle nesting beaches of Tortuguero formed.

The exceptionally high rainfall, and rich environment where the freshwater meets the sea makes the beaches, canals, lagoons and wetlands of Tortuguero areas of exceptional biodiversity and opportunity for nature lovers

The Sea Turtles of Tortuguero
The main attraction of Tortuguero National Park is the turtles. Green Sea Turtles (tortuga Verde, Chelonia mydas mydas ), leatherback (tortuga Baula, Dermochelys coriacea), and Hawksbill (tortuga Carey,Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles nest on the beaches here. Green Sea Turtles neared extinction due to hunting of the adults for meat (they are easy prey when they mass to nest) for turtle soup, and poaching of eggs for their supposed aphrodisiac qualities.

Dr. Archie Carr of the University of Florida formed the Caribbean Conservation Corporation in 1959 to study and protect sea turtles, and the turtle-tagging program he began at Tortuguero in 1955 continues today.

It’s possible to see stragglers laying eggs during the day, but the majority of the arrivals occur at night. You will need a guide to visit the beaches at night (no one is allowed on the beach unaccompanied after 6:00 pm). For independent travelers, this can be arranged through the kiosk in the middle of Tortuguero village or through your hotel.

When you and your guide walk out onto the beach under the starlight to watch the turtles struggle up the beach, dig their nests and lay their eggs, think about their future.

If you are exceptionally lucky, you might chance to see an even more spectacular event, the newly hatched turtles race to the sea. There is some overlap of the nesting and hatching seasons for the different varieties of turtles. The eggs incubate in the warm sand for 7 to 10 weeks before the babies hatch, dig their way to the surface and make the long dark scuttle from the nest well above the high tide mark, across the beach to the surf.

When to visit

The Green Sea and Hawksbill turtle’s nesting season runs from July to October with the peak in August, and the Leatherback turtles nest from February to April. It is possible to see individual turtles at any time of the year.

The weather in Tortuguero National Park should not be much of a consideration when deciding when to visit.

It rains here all the time, and the peak nesting season is in the rainy season when Caribbean rains can blow in on a north wind and stay for weeks. This is one of the rainiest areas of Costa Rica, and even in the dry season afternoon showers are common.

Use the drop down menu to see weather patterns and other seasonal information for the month you are thinking about visiting the National Park.

Tortuguero National Park is you MUST Stop while in Costa Rica. Discover its Network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests and see the turtles hatch. The park stretches north along the Caribbean coast up to the village of Tortuguero, which has a small population of around 500, no cars, and is located on a relatively narrow spit of land between the beach and a canal. Just north of Tortuguero are the various lodges and hotels. All these sections consist of a canal running parallel to the beach on the east, and fed by a maze of serpentine streams and channels from the west...

http://costa-rica-guide.com/nature/national-parks/tortuguero/

http://www.tortugueroinfo.com/

MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA

Set high above the enchanting national park, Manuel Antonio boasts world-class views and beaches. Accommodation choices are plentiful, with some of the country's most inspired lodging options to choose from. Just imagine sparkling white sandy beaches, shimmering blue water and the fresh ocean breeze, all from the rocking chair on your patio. You'll feel stress magically leave your body as you soak up the sun in Manuel Antonio.

This park is just south of Quepos on the Pacific Coast, 132 km from San José. Perhaps It is so popular because of its expansive white sand beaches backed by an evergreen forest that grows right up to the high tide line. The principal habitants are primary forest, secondary forest, mangrove swamps, lagoons and beach vegetation. There is quite a varied fauna with 109 species of mammals and 184 of birds. The park includes 12 little isles just off the coast; these often visited by a number of dolphins and, at times, migrating whales can be observed.

The main objective is to provide tourists a unique activity and ecological experience while, at the same time, helping to aid in the preservation of the world’s endangered rain forests through direct financial support to conservation, education and reforestation efforts.

Between the main town and the national park, there are several world-class beaches in the area. Here, you can enjoy the wide variety of activities such as swimming, hiking the Manuel Antonio National Park, surfing, or simply relaxing while watching a vibrant sunset.

Manuel Antonio is one of only two locations in Costa Rica where you can see all four types of monkey; spider, howler, white faced and the endangered squirrel monkey, many of which can be visible from your hotel window. The area is also a prime destination for spotting sloths, both in and outside of the national park

This once tiny town has blossomed into the most popular Costa Rican beach destination. Available are all the amenities you would come to expect as well as a jumping nightlife.

Access to the area is possible along Coastal Highway 34 from either the north or south. The drive itself is popular among tourists as pronounced steep cliffs crash into the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. There is also a domestic airstrip in Quepos, just 7km away.

Be sure to keep an eye on your valuables at all times. Theft is a significant problem on the beaches, not just by humans but also by white faced monkeys looking to steal a quick snack.

SIMILAR PLACES

Adventure Rest and Relaxation Top Destinations Beach Rainforest

DISTANCES

97km to Carara National Park 3km to Manuel Antonio National Park 65km to Marino Ballena National Park

189km to Monteverde 182km to Montezuma 73km to Jaco 52km to Dominical

"Hostel Plinio was wonderful and we loved our stay there. Manuel Antonio park was unbelievable and we saw a ton of monkeys, sloths, deer, and friendly raccoons. The beach at the end of the trail is wonderful. We also checked out Playa Biesanz which was a LONG hike to get to but worth it in the end."

– Feb 2016

"I felt very safe in the area. It is a big tourist destination with a lot of hotels close together. There was a lot of monkeys in the park and other wildlife. I ate all of my meals at the hotel. "

– Jan 2016

"Cafe Agua Azul had amazing food. We very much enjoyed our stay at Jungle Beach hotel. We loved being able to get around on the public bus. We enjoyed walking around in Quepos. "

– Mar 2016

"For access to Manuel Antonio National Park, Hotel San Bada cannot not be matched. We would not have had such an amazing time watching the wildlife without the easy access to the park. "

– Feb 2016

"Would recommend Marlins, El Wagon and the restaurants at Si Como No. The beach was awesome and would highly recommend."

– Jan 2016

http://www.anywherecostarica.com/destinations/manuel-antonio

the best areas of Managua

Carretera a Masaya, is the most famous street in Managua. Here we have the best places to live. With the best restaurants, bars and supermarkets. The most famous shopping center in the city is "Galerias Santo domingo". Visit "Zona viva" Santo domingo right there.

The parque historico with Sandino Statue is a very nice place to see the whole city. You can visit Plaza inter very close of there. The place you have to visit if you like nicaraguan music is "casa de los mejia godoy" in the friday or saturday night, Mejia godoy plays his music.

The best Area in Managua is Puerto Salvador Allende. The managua malecon is growing fast. There you can visit Paseo Xolotan, paseo de los estudiantes, salvador allende and Cinemarket 5D. You also may visit Parque alonso velazquez, plaza de juan pablo ll, Plaza de la revolucion and the old catedral. 

Another of the best areas for living and go shopping. The metro center shopping center is a big mall with a nice foodcourt, and lot of things to do. The places inside the red line is the best place you have to live in Managua if you plan to live in the city

16 Reasons to Bring Your Toddler to Nicaragua

We travel a lot with our daughter. Even though she’s only three years old, she’s already been to eight countries on three continents and we’re always on the lookout for our next family friendly destination. Traveling with a three year old can be a challenge, which is why choosing the right destination is so critically important. Here are 16 reasons we love Nicaragua.


16. Setting Turtles Free
The highlight of our trip was getting to release baby loggerhead sea turtles into the ocean. This unforgettable experience is offered complimentary to guests at Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa and is tied in with the resorts conservation program of these endangered species. Our daughter was so careful handling the baby turtles. They are too cute.

15. It’s Just One Flight Away
It depends on where you live of course, but there are non-stop flights to Managua from Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Ft Lauderdale and Houston. Even if you don’t live in one of these cities, connections are easy and travel time is relatively short, even with a three year old.

14. Chocolate Making Class
Granada’s Choco Museum offers child-friendly classes that teach you how to make delicious chocolate “from bean to bar”. Start with cocoa pods, roast and crush the seeds and add your own customized ingredients along the way. You’ll leave with a finished chocolate bar and a whole new appreciation for chocolate.

13. The Weather is Always Perfect
It’s hot in Nicaragua, especially in Granada where it’s in the 80s all the time with not much variation. It is hotter in March and cooler in July. Not what you’d expect.

12. The Beaches of the Emerald Coast
The Emerald Coast is a pristine stretch of perfection running along the Pacific north of San Juan del Sur. This area is home to the best resorts in Nicaragua. The crown jewel of them all is Mukul Beach Golf & Spa resort in Guacalito de La Isla, roughly three hours by road from Managua airport. Not only is Mukul beautiful but their kids play area and programs make it the most family friendly resort in Central America.



11. No Time Change
Nicaragua is two hours behind US Eastern Standard Time and one hour ahead of Pacific Standard Time. No matter where in the US you’re coming from, the time change is manageable and won’t lead to sleepless nights and days of jet-lag for the kids.

10. Hiking the Mombacho Volcano
The Mombacho Volcano overlooks Granada and Lake Nicaragua and is accessible by just a short car ride to the top. Once at the summit, an easy two hour hike runs around the caldera of the volcano offering stunning views of the city and lake far below. The hike brings you through the Mombacho cloud forest and face to face with hundreds of endemic plant species including the stunning Mombacho orchid. Our three year old had no problem doing the walk entirely by herself and she loved the cool wet climate of the cloud forest.




9. Lake Nicaragua
Lake Nicaragua is home to 365 islets, most of which are incredibly accessible from Granada. Hop on a lake tour and you’ll get to cruise between the islets, see monkeys and weaver birds up close and spend a fun hour out on the water enjoying nature. If you have more time and your kids are a bit older, hop a ferry to Ometepe Island and experience Nicaragua’s volcanic island.



8. Sloths!
Even though sloths are slow, finding them in the wild can be a real challenge. On our hike on Mombacho volcano we searched and searched but they were nowhere to be seen. If you want to definitely see sloths, Berman Gomez is your man. Berman will pick you up in San Juan del Sur and take you to private land that wild sloths call home. Sloth sightings are nearly guaranteed. If you’re nice he may even take you to his mother’s house afterwards for freshly picked coconuts.



7. Exploring the Active Masaya Volcano
Masaya Volcano is located a half hour’s drive from Granada and unlike Mombacho, this volcano is very much active. It’s also unique in that it is the only volcano in the western hemisphere that allows you to drive right up to the rim of the caldera. This makes exploring the rim and the smoky caldera extremely accessible. There’s no need to hike for hours and if you come at night, you’ll see the red glow of liquid magma.



6. Getting Around by Horse & Carriage
Granada was founded in 1542 and is considered one of the first European cities in mainland America. Appropriately, the town maintains some of its colonial feel and maintains a fleet of horse and carriages that are constantly roaming the city. You can negotiate a private tour with any of the carriages in Parque Central and our daughter loved getting to ride in the carriage and watch the clip-clop of the horses. Be sure to negotiate! We let our daughter walk down the line and pick the horse and driver she liked.



5. Safety
I can’t speak for the safety of all of Nicaragua as we spent most of our time in Granada, but we felt nothing but safe everywhere we went. Many times we found ourselves walking back-streets after dark but never did the city seem anything but hospitable and friendly. Whenever we needed help or directions, people were happy to accommodate.



4. Casual Drinking
Like most of Latin America, alcohol is a part of life and in Nicaragua, that alcohol is Flor de Caña rum. This stuff flows like water in every restaurant, coffee shop and bar in town and even comes free in the rooms at Mukul. If you’re really into rum, you can tour the Flor de Caña distillery in Chichigalpa.



3. Food Everyone Likes
To go with all that rum, Nicaragua has some pretty great food. Nicaraguan food isn’t terribly complicated or unfamiliar but the ingredients are of high quality and the flavors delicious. No matter where we went, our daughter had no problem eating whatever we were eating. In Granada, we’d recommend Restaurante El Garaje, El Zaguan, Cafe de los Suenos, Nectar and Sr Tortuga’s Spanish Cafe. All these choices are extremely child friendly and absolutely delicious.



2. Visiting the Bat Cave
If you visit Masaya Volcano, you have to visit the nearby bat cave. We thought for sure this would terrify our daughter but she considers it one of the highlights of our trip. The bat cave is actually a lava tunnel leading away from the Masaya caldera. You enter the cave at night with a hard hat and flashlight and very soon bats are whizzing past your head on all sides. Don’t worry, they won’t hit you because they fly using sonar and not sight. While walking through the bat tunnel we encountered a giant tarantula on the wall. Our daughter promptly sang “Itsy Bitsy Spider” at the top of her lungs for all to enjoy. Talk about an ice-breaker.



1. Nicaragua (and Latin America in general) is Amazing for Kids
Living in New York City, we’re used to being inconvenienced because we have a child. At home, our additional needs are often seen as a nuisance and people are not so nice or accommodating. In Nicaragua (and in Latin America in general), the opposite is true. We have never traveled anywhere that is so overly accommodating to children. Restaurant bathrooms may not have changing tables, but people will go out of your way to help you into a taxi, let you cut the line or help you cross a street. The difference is remarkable!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-digregorio/16-reasons-to-bring-your-_b_9812326.html

THE MODERN CAPITAL OF GUATEMALA

 The Republic of Guatemala, is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the east, Honduras to the east and El Salvador to the southeast. With an estimated population of around 15.8 million, it is the most populous state in Central America. A representative democracy, Guatemala's capital and largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, also known as Guatemala City.

Central America's largest metropolis has what you'd expect from an urban area of 2.5 million people—the best selection of hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and museums in the country. Yet most tourists come to Guatemala for ancient ruins, colonial towns, flamboyant markets, and spectacular volcanoes and lakes—not to explore a large, mostly modern city with a questionable reputation for security.

If time is tight, we certainly wouldn't recommend lingering in Guatemala City instead of, say, Lake Atitlán or Antigua. But if you have a couple of extra days, the capital, once known as "the Jewel of Latin America," does offer some unique attractions, all located within just a few of the city's 21 zones.

Whereas the narrow streets of the Old City can be chaotic, the quieter, more polished streets of the New City, with their fine restaurants and comfortable hotels, can be a much-needed dose of civilization after hitting the country's more remote sights. Toss in visits to a couple of impressive museums, and Guatemala City might surprise you. Who knows, if you stay in the capital long enough, you just might start using the same affectionate name residents give to their city: "Guate."

CULTURE Guatemala City boasts some impressive institutions, including the National Archaeology and Ethnology Museum, the Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Dress, and the Popol Vuh Museum.

FOOD AND DRINK
The capital has the country's highest concentration of fine restaurants, with an emphasis on international and fusion cuisine. There are also enough bars and clubs to keep the most ardent night owl busy for weeks.
R&R After a week or two traveling in the provinces, there's no better place to check into a luxury hotel, kick back, and loll by the pool for a couple of days.
SHOPPING If you're interested only in handicrafts, by all means head to Chichi; but if your tastes run toward fine art, antiques, and designer shops, Guate is the place to be.

When to Go

The capital has distinct rainy (May to October) and dry seasons (November to April). Being the center of business and politics, Guatemala City hosts more visitors during the week than on weekends. It's the obvious choice for the beginning or end of your Guatemala visit, since the country's major airport sits inside the city limits.

SECURITY

well, this is the only problem. Guatemala city and all the country is really dangerous. But take it easy, we recomended to rent a car in the capital and you are not going to have any problem. Antigua guatemala is relative safe during the day. In the night don`t go to far from the downtown or dark corners.

You have to know Paseo Cayalá

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Guatemala

http://www.fodors.com/world/mexico-and-central-america/guatemala/guatemala-city

LEON NICARAGUA MAPS

Here you have some maps of Leon for your Travel. Most of the colonial building, restaurants and bars in Leon are in Downtown or "Zona Rosa". The zona rosa stars in Calvario church until Ruben Dario museum.

In the the red and green zones you can know the good places u may walk

10 BEST BEACHES FROM NICARAGUA

1-Corn Island:

Two Caribbean islands located in the Atlantic Ocean , famous for its beautiful pristine beaches, white sand and turquoise waters surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. Both islands , especially the smallest , have the charm of a rather rustic emerging tourist development , with appropriate small-scale services have not altered their original personality. They can make snorkeling in coral reefs, deep diving or just enjoy the sun on the sand .

2-San Juan del Sur:

One of the most famous beach destinations of Nicaragua. San juan del sur is a town full of life nestled in a bay on the Pacific coast, with 3 kilometers of beaches surrounded by mountains, with fine sand and a sea of ​​gentle waves , ideal for swimming or sports water.


3-Playa Maderas:

Like many of the best beaches in Nicaragua , this heavenly scenario is in the vicinity of San Juan del Sur on the Pacific coast , a beach with fine sand that stretch for one kilometer long, bordered by giant rocky headlands and lush tropical vegetation. In addition to the beauty of its landscape, this beach has the appeal of its ideal waves for surfing , constantly receiving foreign tourists coming to this sport.


4- Playa El Coco:

Playa El Coco. CC. En el Flickr de Blue Sonicboy.

Another jewel located in the vicinity of San Juan del Sur on the Pacific coast , a long beach of fine sand and calm waters bounded at its ends by large rock formations and lush tropical forest where live numerous species of birds, mammals and reptiles. Among its features, it is remarkable the existing tranquility, due to tourism not crowded , being only simple accommodations , but comfortable , administered by the Marine Park Resort Coco.
5- Playa Hermosa:

Playa Hermosa. CC. En el Flickr de Nate B.

Playa hermosa is located in environments San Juan del Sur, a long sandy beach and crystal clear waters, similar to the above , where lush forests extend and prominent rock formations rise landscape. Its good and constant waves , make it an ideal place for surfing , to be among the favorite sport lovers corners . In its surroundings a highly sustainable proposal that fails to alter the idyllic surrounding scenery it is emplaced only one option of accommodation


6- Playa Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor:

Playa La Flor. CC. En el Flickr de Chiara.

Nature sanctuary near San Juan del Sur, a captivating unspoiled beach of fine sand surrounded by forests, where every year ( between August and November ) it is possible to see the spectacle of the massive arrival of Olive Ridley turtles lay their eggs in the sand . Other wild animals are possible to appreciate in place, while beachfront makes a small island home to numerous bird colonies . It is noteworthy that in the sanctuary is not any kind of tourist infrastructure , being only possible to camp by the sea.


7- Playa Gigante:

Playa Amarillo. CC. En el Flickr de inga.

Small village of no more than 200 houses located around Tola on the Pacific coast , known for its idyllic beach of golden sand and calm waters , surrounded by towering rock walls and lush tropical vegetation. Along its coastline you can find a lively atmosphere , with elegant hotels, hostels and relaxed some restaurants to enjoy a meal or refreshing drink watching the sea. Nearby, many points are also ideal place for those seeking surf beaches , including Playa appearing Amarillo and Playa Colorado.


8- Playa Popoyo:

Playa Popoyo. CC. En el Flickr de lbgm2011.

Another beautiful beach hidden around Tola on the Pacific coast jewel, is a small paradise known as one of the best beaches in Nicaragua for surfing , with waves for different levels , wide white sand landscapes of cliffs and surprising tranquility to not be massively busy . A short distance from the beach you can find simple hotels especially oriented surf community while away a little more in Playa Santana , are similar landscapes beauty, luxury tourist services.


9- Playa Las Peñitas:

Playa Las Peñitas. CC. En el Flickr de Tobias Eder.

Located on the Pacific coast near Leon, a long beach of fine sand and strong waves , especially visited by the surfer community. Its surroundings are another attraction , a short distance emplacement , Natural Reserve Isla Juan Venado , a natural wonder , a place where hundreds of crocodiles and waterfowl. His small town also has its own charm , a site that mixes traditional spirit of artisanal fishing village with a lively atmosphere during the weekends , meeting in its many hotels, restaurants and bars.

10- Playa La Boquita:

Located near Diriamba , a beach surrounded by beautiful tropical forests, rocky areas between which natural pools and other areas of constant waves , ideal for surfing are formed . Ranchos sandpipers sandy walk to enjoy local food , horseback riding along the beach and the nearby picturesque villages of fisherfolk : Casares and Huehuete , eventually complement the attractions of the place .


Source:

http://enviajes.cl/nicaragua/playas-de-nicaragua/

NICARAGUA, HIDDEN TREASURE FOR RETIREMENT!

For some citizens of the world the decision of where to spend your retirement days is kind of difficult. If you come from a place that has a cold weather, probably you must want to retire in some exotic island in the Caribbean.

But even if the Caribbean is a great choice, there is this country in Central America that has it all to become a strong competitor as a retirement paradise.

The country I am referring to is Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, and to be honest the safest and cheaper place in our mini continent.

“The World’s Best Kept Retirement Secret” and the U.S. News and World Report deemed one of the top 10 retirement spots in the world.

Today, Nicaragua is a premier destination for Americans, Canadians, and Europeans thinking about retiring overseas. Driven by an abundance of great real estate investment opportunities, low property taxes, and a low cost of living with a high quality of life.

There are other factors that have also played a role in defining Nicaragua’s arrival as a premier retirement destination: its unbelievable physical beauty, comprehensive retiree benefit program, and the many desirable locations scattered throughout the country.

Add to that: Sunny skies, warm air, beautiful landscapes, welcoming people, generous laws, and it’s the safest place in Central America.

Here are some pictures of this lovely country!

So, you must consider Nicaragua as your next retirement destination.

Source:

http://internationalliving.com/countries/nicaragua/retire-in-nicaragua/