My family and I are headed back to Costa Rica for 2 weeks. A few years back we went to CR and had a fabulous time visiting Manuel Antonio, Monte Verde, and Playa Samara. This time we are flying into Liberia. We have 2 daughters ages 7 and 9 who enjoy the beach and doing a bit of exploring. Any suggestions? We are thinking about spending a week in Playa Grande and then heading across to Nicaragua for a few days. Is it worth the trek and effort? Is it as safe as Costa Rica? Is there much difference in the beach and the culture if we head to Nicaragua? We would appreciate any insight. Is there another location in CR we should try instead? Jen
Worth it to head to Nicaragua for a few days.
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Granada is oldest colonial town in CA awesome vibe
for beauty and history worth several days my fav place
Hotel Colonial is the place to stay in Nicaragua for your vacations it is also the perfect base for you to explore the rest of this wonderful country.
www.hotelcolonialgranada.com
Beaches on Nicoya are best for me
Some like San Juan Del Sur mangorosa.com was ok
find it underwhelming ok surf kind of dodgy.
Managua UGLY on a sterile lake avoid.
Happy Planning,
Mango Rosa Adventure Travel and Surf Resort, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua offers surfing, adventure, kite surfing, hotel and guest rentals. Family vacations, all inclusive ...
www.mangorosanicaragua.com
Sorry for link pooch above...
Might also give some thought to the Osa
Bosquedelcabo.com Jinetesdeosa.com Lookout-inn.com
More awesome for wildlife and nature not that much farther...
Happy Deciding...
www.morgansrock.com super nice probably best for upscale in Nica
if you decide to head there be careful at the border...
I don't think you will gain anything in terms of beaches, resorts, etc. Although this is something my husband and I have on our bucket list (plans to visit Granada for its obvious historical culture), I would prefer to enjoy CR with our granddaughters who frequently travel with us.
I agree with Shillmac here. (Hi, Shillmac.)
Much is made about combining Costa Rica and Nicaragua into one trip, but it's not as easy as it sounds. A Costa Rican rental vehicle cannot leave the country, so that leaves you with an organized tour (there aren't that many of them) or public transportation (tedious from Playa Grande to the border).
I would do Nicaragua as a trip of its own sometime. Save it for when your daughters are a few years older. At 7 and 9, they're not going to appreciate Granada's colonial architecture, but it is well worth seeing. Outside Granada, you have the dormant Mombacho volcano with its cloudforest on top. Near Granada, you have the town of Masaya with its popular market and the very active Masaya volcano. There's the beach town of San Juan del Sur, just north of the Costa Rican border. I guess I'd compare it to a less developed version on Tamarindo. There's a lot to do and see in southern Nicaragua, but it's easier to access if you fly into Managua rather than Liberia. And Nicaragua has much better roads than Costa Rica. It puts Costa Rica to shame in that regard.
I have no experience with either country, but from a simple travel planning perspective I never think tacking on only a few days in another country is worth the time, money, effort.
How wonderful all of the comments. This has been extrememely helpful. I think the info offered just reinforced what I had believed-- thinking a trip to Nicaragua another time will be our best choice. Muchas gracias por todo.
And hello to you, Jeff! Good to "read" you! Especially when you agree.
Not too active on Fodor's these days. . .lots of irons in the fire right now. Headed your way for a few days next week. Can't wait for my little Pura Vida fix!
End of June, early July, 2013. . . .BdC GTG. . .keep it in your sights!
For a short visit from CR I would recommend visiting Ometepe Island for 2 or 3 days. Although all of Nicaragua is nice in my opinion if you looking to just come to Nicaragua for a few days from CR Ometepe is your best choice.
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www.outmoreadventures.com
I spent several weeks in Nica last year - cycled up from San Juan. I found Nicaraguans quite welcoming, Granada very pleasant. Used a homestay while at language school in that city, so I can't recommend anything in the way of hotels.
Shillmac has it right, I think - a beach is a beach is a beach, and I don't think that Nica offers anything that CR doesn't. Despite some awesome poverty, the country seems pretty safe, and claims to have the lowest crime rate in CA. Traveling alone by bicycle, I never once felt threatened in Nica, which is more than I can say about CR.
Do make an effort to get out to Ometepe, especially if traveling with your children - the ferry ride from Granada is quite an experience in itself (claim your hammock space first thing, and be aware that it's upper-deck, portside only). Las Islas around Granada are worth a look, too.