Traveling with 4 kids

[beeyouteeful]

Hi.  I am a  mother traveling with four children, aged 7, 8, 10 and 11, to Nicaragua in April.  I understand I will be there during Holy Week.  We are adventurers, not the typical tourists and would like to know several things prior to booking the flights.  What do you think would be the best place to stay.  I have perused all your web sites and such and now feel that Granada would not be my top choice; however, it remains unclear to me the best options for us to get around.  Now that I've read more your blog and interviews, it seems that we might manage with public transportation, but since I am alone with four kids, I want to make sure of certian things before we commit.  We would like to visit the volcanoes, the beach and I like to shop for inexpensive items that are representative of the culture.  I am concerned about how I would get around and a hotel that will suit our needs.  I'm a world traveler, my kids are just beginning.

They may experience a little culture shock if we are too rustic, although that's the point of me making these treks, is to give them a real understanding of what is happening in the world outside America.  Finally, we love to interact with Nicaraguans.  We do not want to be encapsulated in an little American world within Nicaragua.  I hope that gives enough information.  I am excited to be going during Holy Week and have read that it is celebrated in Nicaragua.  That fits with our religious beliefs, so this is great.  Any advice will be extremely helpful.  Muchas gracias

[tleamond]

If you are looking for a bigger city I recommend Leon over Granada.  To me Leon feels more like a "day-to-day" Nicaraguan city.  Granada feels more touristy.  Leon also has volcanoes nearby and is about an hour away (by bus) from some nice beaches.

[beeyouteeful]

Thank you.  And how would I get to Leon from the airport?

[Joshua Berman]

I applaud your trip with four boys -- it will be amazing and they will love it I'm sure. You'll have to hike some of volcanoes with them. Leon is famous for its Semana Santa sawdust sidewalk paintings and celebrations. There are many wonderful accommodations there too -- all listed in our new book, and there is quite a range. I personally recommend one of the smaller converted-colonial places, like Posada del Doctor. For backpacker vibe, go Tortuga Booluda.

Semana Santa is a fun, festive time in Nicaragua. There are religious processions and traditions that are incredible. There is also an enormous amount of alcohol consumed during that week -- especially at any beach or pool or swimming hole. I would stay away from beaches that week -- impossible to find a cheap room and lots of craziness. And when out in the streets and the crowds, use common sense and run all your plans by your hotel hosts to make sure they sound safe.

Feliz viaje!

[Randall Wood]

Judging by your description you should be fine, and there are lots of adventures out there that don't require getting too rustic.  Public transportation is more than easy with kids your age, and will give you contact with the locals.  Check the "Getting There and Getting Around" sections of the book for info on express buses, which are your best bet and won't wreck the 7 year old's attention span.

How about Selva Negra, Matagalpa for comfy cabins, horseback riding, hiking, and similar?  Or the great ecolodge right next door?  Lots of room for the kids to run around, but you're not camping, and there will be a mix of travelers rather than grumpy expats.

I'd also recommend Ometepe, where the kids can go kayak, swim in the spring, hike, look for petroglyphs, and watch coffee production.

[beeyouteeful]

If you are looking for a bigger city I recommend Leon over Granada.  To me Leon feels more like a "day-to-day" Nicaraguan city.  Granada feels more touristy.  Leon also has volcanoes nearby and is about an hour away (by bus) from some nice beaches.

well, i don't know where to go really.  since your suggestion, I have looked at leon and it seems as good a place as any other, but I know so little that it's hard to decide.

as I have looked into this, it seems that many come to nicaragua and travel to several different locations.  I hadn't thought of that.  My main concern is that we are somewhere safe and easily accessible and that there is much to do in that one place.  I am fine with changing locations during our stay.

I looked into La Perla hotel and the Posada del Doctor, I think it's called that another suggested.  Also, I found a site where you can stay with a family, that sounded interesting.

I am just trying to get as much feedback as I can, so I will know how to plan.

[rebecca]

We stayed in Granada at Casa San Francisco in the annex section with our two children ages 9 and 13 at the time. Granada is a great base for day trips to Masaya, Pueblos Blancos, Laguna de Apoyo, Mombacho Volcano and Las Isletas. I really didn't feel like it was a "little America" within Nicaragua. There is still plenty of adventure to be had- it's what you make of it and what you do. The annex section of Casa San Francisco is a great choice for families as you basically have a whole house to spread out in with a swimming pool right in the middle. There is always a soccer game going on in the street right out in front and the local boys enjoy the company.  Masaya has great shopping as does San Juan de Oriente for ceramics and Laguna de Apoyo is a must see in my opinion. You can also do a zip line tour on Mombacho. You can kayak, float on a tube or just enjoy the sun and fresh, cool water. Your children could also feed a monkey some mangoes on the Las Isletas tour. I think you should at least spend a few days in Granada and use it as a base to see surrounding areas.

[Timoteo]

I would agree with Rebecca. Granada and Leon are two distinctly different cites, have had a very interesting rivalry going back many, many decades. They both have much to offer, as places to visit. I've spent a little time in both, and would definitely NOT pass up a few days in Granada. Hotel Granada is a very nice, very reasonable place, a short walk from the central plaza. And the colorful architecture in Granada is wonderful! They were renovating the pool when I was there, so it may be up and running, and with 4 kids, and being there during the hot season, that would be a consideration!

Leon is a bit more gritty, Granada is a bit more polished, but not in an off-putting way. A lot of choices for places to eat and stay.

I've never stayed at La Perla in Leon, but I did take a walk through with the co-owner last year. It is very recently renovated, and it is stunningly beautiful, but it is very high end. Be prepared...

Also, I agree with skipping a visit to the beaches during Semana Santa. EVERYONE who can, heads to the beaches, and I hear that it is beyond crazy.

I applaud your taking your 4 kids, to expose them to what life is like for many other people in this world. Nicaragua is a wonderful country, the beauty is astounding, the people marvelous, and friendly.

Enjoy your trip.