Hostels in GRANADA, NICARAGUA

Granada – Nicaragua’s Cultural Torchbearer
   
Granada is the oldest Nicaraguan city. It’s interesting history, renaissance architecture and natural attractions make it a popular tourist destination.

History
The city was founded in 1524 by its Spanish conquerors. It is located on the San Juan River route running from Great Lake to Caribbean which was used by pirates and traders for passing gold towards Europe. French and English buccaneers regularly sacked the city’s gold reserves until the San Pablo fortress was built. The city was favoured by the Conservatives as the country’s capital as against the Liberals who likes Leon. The city has managed to survive the insurgencies and internal infighting of the 1980s and is rightly called as Great Sultan of Great Lake.

Popular Places and Attractions
Las Isletas, a group of 365 miniscule islands are scattered all along Granada’s shore. These islands have been formed because of the volcanic eruptions of Mombacho. The volcano and its surrounding area have been declared a protected natural reserve. Laguna de Apoyo is located in the collapsed volcanic crater. A cruise trip lets one enjoy the beauty of this lake and its aquatic birds.

The Zapatera Island in Lake Nicaragua was home to several pre-Columbian idols and statues which were discovered during the Spanish annexation. These statues have been put on exhibition in Convento San Francisco Museum. The Cathedral, Fuerte La Polvora’s and its historical exhibits and the churches of La Merced, Xalteva, Maria Auxiliadora and San Francisco are also extremely impressive monuments.

Some other popular attractions are the lagoons of Genirzaro and Manares, Mi Museo, Lake Nicaragua’s beaches, San Pablo Fortress, Central Park and its surrounding colonial houses, Town Square and Iglesia de Guadalupe. 

Getting Around
Buses, minibuses, rented cars, taxis, boats and coches (horse-drawn carriages) are the usual modes of transport available for getting around Granada, the best guide is to keep some small notes handy to pay for your travel.

Places for Entertainment
Restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas, musical shows, theatres, discos, nightclubs and exhibitions especially in Casa de los Tres Mundos are the usual places for entertainment and going out in Granada. Horseback riding and canopy tours can be taken up in the Mombacho Nature Reserve.

Lake Nicaragua, Lake Managua and Laguna de Apoyo also have swimming, sailing, kayaking and snorkelling facilities. Fishing can be done in these lakes. Lake Nicaragua is world’s only freshwater body having sharks, Sawfish and the Nicaraguan shark precisely. The Masaya market and Granada’s local market are well-known for their crafts, colours, bargains and smells. Horse-drawn carriages and Choo-Choo train with its reggae tunes are quite popular too.

Accommodation
Budget hotels, private rooms, youth hostels, bed & breakfast, dorm rooms, hammocks, hospedajes and guesthouses are available for tourist accommodation in Granada.

Currency
The currency followed in Nicaragua is the Nicaraguan Gold Cordoba (NIO) check the news and internet for the latest exchange rates. Money can be exchanged at the city’s major banks and the Foreign Exchange Bureau. Traveller’s cheques and Credit Cards are accepted at many places but not widely.

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