Interesting Areas of the beaten path

[dhmilleriu]

My girlfriend and I are taking a trip in May.  We love going to areas less traveled by tourist so we can really get a feel for the culture and the people.  Does anyone have any places they recommend.  SJDS sounds pretty touristy as well.  We would like to go to a beach town, but one off the beaten path.  Thanks,

Dave

[Joshua Berman]

Dave, try the Pacific northwest, Jiquilillo and Estero Padre Ramos -- there is some info on this in our book. See this thread: http://www.gotonicaragua.com/forum/index.php/topic,270.0.html

Also in that region, we've heard great reviews about http://www.redwoodbeachresort.com/

OR you can go down the Rio San Juan, which is very remote-feeling and off the path, but you'll need time to do it.

[dhmilleriu]

Awesome thanks for the help

[Nica Kayaker]

I would second the recommendations in Jiquilillo, Padre Ramos, and Mechapa.  I am a new resident of the area, and this corner of the country is rarely traveled, although it's a gem.  The beaches are open and calm with beginners surf and spectacular sun sets.  You will be surrounded by the 'real' Nicaragua, with unique opportunities to connect with welcoming locals.  This is definitely NOT San Juan del Sur, with the Nicaraguan culture still intact and abundant.  Yet you can still climb a volcano, surf, sea kayak, learn to salsa, volunteer on community projects, and catch fresh fish for dinner right in your neighborhood.  People come to this area and stay for weeks.  Be forewarned.

Depending on your budget, I'd recommend Rancho Esperanza, Monty's Surf Camp, or the Redwood Beach Resort.  For kayaking, there's Ibis Kayaking at www.IbisKayaking.com.  The Moon will guide you too!

[travelb08]

Hello: I visited Nicaragua for 21 days in December and loved it. I met other travellers who found the Northern Highlands more "authentically Nicaraguan"; it's definitely less touristy. I would recommend this region (cooler weather too). I stayed about an hour from the village of San Ramon on a coffee farm (Finca Esperanza Verde); very peaceful. People I met travelled more inland to Esquipulas & San Rafael del Norte (wish I had the time; next trip...) The Jinotega region is also supposed to be nice (Moon book covers these areas). And for nature (camping): Somoto Canyon, Penas Blancas (more remote).
Let me know if you have any other questions. Enjoy your trip.
P.S. I don't know if it will be rainy season though

[cincinnatalie]

Even the touristy cities can be off the beaten path. Example: We were just in Masaya--outside of the artesenia markets there were NO GRINGOS to be found. At Laguna de Apoyo, we went to Posada La Abuela, further out than the other places at the crater, and again we were the only gringos.

We did not like SJDS and did not return this year on our second trip. Ometepe is better than any place we've been on the ocean and less touristy, even though there are tourists, especially if you take some chicken buses into the cities of Altagracia and Moyogalpa. We liked Las Penitas okay, for a beach town. Beautiful, some tourists, but the exact opposite of San Juan Del Sur.

[Redwood Beach]

Hi Dave -
We just joined the Go To Nicaragua Forum and were pleased to see your post! Can't wait for your visit to our beautiful hotel and the amazing Reserva Natural -
Truly,
Stacy

[dhmilleriu]

I just returned from an awesome trip to Nicaragua.  We had an awesome time.  I wanted to respond to my post about the highlights of our trip. I would def recommend making a trip up to Redwood Beach Resort.  It is well worth it.  The place is right on a beautiful beach with tons of different activities.  It's also great if you just want to relax.  One of the highlights of the place is Mike and Stacy, the owners.  They really love the resort and it shows in how they strive to make your experience as enjoyable as it can be.  They were always there to making sure my girlfriend and I had the best trip possible.  They make the atmosphere a lot more intimate and made us feel welcome at all times.  I would say this place is a must visit for anyone who visits Nicaragua.  It will be one of the highlights of your trip.  Thanks to everyone who introduced me to them, we had a great time.

[Redwood Beach]

Thanks DH!  We had an awesome time with you and can't wait until you get a chance to come back! Give our best to Chicago!
Truly,
Stacy & Mike