advice re Miraflor and La Trinidad fiestas

[bethr]

Thanks for the great info on this forum.  My husband and I are planning our third trip to Nicaragua from Jan. 30 to Feb. 13.  We will be traveling with our two children (ages 7 and 10) and have two questions:

1.  We plan to visit Miraflor, and would like to stay at UCA guesthouses in two of the three zones.  What is the best way to travel between the altitude zones?  Our kids are not good on long hikes with packs, and are inexperienced with horses.  Can we travel by bus between guesthouses?  Hire someone to drive us?  Can we get between guesthouses with a one hour hike?  That’s the kids’ limit with backpacks.

2.  When are the fiestas patronales in La Trinidad, Esteli?  The Moon guide says “last week of January” (thanks Joshua and Randall!) but an on-line site says “Feb. 2 and 3” (http://www.manfut.org/esteli/trinidad.html).  We expect to be in the area around that time.  We’d hate to get so close but miss the fiesta.
Thanks!

[Joshua Berman]

The fiesta in la trinidad is a fluid event starting in mid-late jan. and continuing for weeks -- not sure what day the hipico parade is, but i can find out.

btw, thanks for that link! an awesome tribute to my old peace corps village where i lived for two years of my life...!

[bethr]

I've gotten more information about the La Trinidad fiesta since posting this request.  Someone at the Hotel y Restaurante Tzolkin in La Trinidad wrote that "Las fiestas patronales de La Trinidad se llevaran a cabo del 1 al 14 de febrero concluyendo el domingo con los hipicos.", which I believe means "The fiestas at La Trinidad will be carried out from February 1 to 14, concluding Sunday with the horse parade."  So we have an answer to that question. 

What happens during a two-week fiesta?  Are there interesting things happening each day?

Joshua, I'm glad I could direct you to the link!

We're still interested in suggestions on tranportation at Miraflor, if anyone has information.

Thanks.