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ITINERARYSaturday March 7th through Saturday March 14th, 2009 Saturday March 7th, 2009-Arrive in Managua Cesar Agusto Sandino International Airport at 8:39PM (DELTA flight #5205) -Transfer to Granada -Spend night at the Oasis hostel Sunday March 8th-Travel to Ometepe Biological station -Orientation -Hike to the agricultural areas run by the Biological Station -Visit the conservation areas of the volcano -Hike to an elevation of 500 meters and visit the San Ramon water falls Monday, March 9th-Depart in the morning using mountain bikes to the Community of Tichana and visit a small hydro electric power plant -Hike to an elevation of 250 meters (2 km distance) -Go swimming in the fresh water reservoir of the Tichana River. -Lunch in Tichana (or back Hacienda Merida or Estacion Ometepe) -Visit Golden Lake Tilapia farm Tuesday, March 10th-Depart San Ramon and travel by bikes to Balgue located opposite (the east side) of the volcano. -Visit Finca Magdalena and Finca Bona Fide -Visit other farm (with Pteroglyphs) Wednesday, March 11th-Split the group into two groups ---one group will go to Charco Verde Reserve ---other group will Kayak to the swamps and marshes that divide the Island in two using our Kayaks -Eat dinner at hacienda Merida and interact with students of the Bilingual Cub at Hacienda Merida Thursday, March 12th-Travel on mountain bikes to Sendero de la Penna Oculta reserve -Hike in the reserve -In the afternoon we will visit the city of Altagracia -Dinner with children from Yes to Life Friday March 13th-Depart the island -Visit the Apoyo Lagoon -Visit the Masaya handcraft markets -Evening visit to Masaya National Park volcano including after-dark tour of volcano to see lava glow -Spend night in Granada at the Oasis Hotel Saturday March 14th-Go early to airport and leave (DELTA flight #370 departs at 7:50AM) |
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Suggested Packing List (in no order):
Traveler's First Aid Kit as suggested by WFU Travel Nurse (I will be bring a group first aid kit and the station where we are staying has first aid equipment but it is always best if you carry a few essentials and personal medications).
What NOT to Bring
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LINKSGeneral InfoTravel formsHistory of Nicaragua Ometepe Island Bird list of Nicaragua PicturesImages of OmetepePictures from Ometepe Pictures from my visit to Ometepe Places we will visit/stayOmetepe Biological Station; Biological Station from spaceHacienda Merida (Hostel owned by same people as biological station where we will spend some time) Fish Farm (located within sight of biological station); Fish Farms from space Oasis Hostel (in Granada, where we spend first and last night) Finca Magdelena (organic coffee farm) Project Bona Fida (Permaculture farm) Charco Verde Reserve Yes to Life program Masaya National Park, Second link; MasayaVolvanos from space San Ramon Waterfall Masaya Market |
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Frequently Asked QuestionsHow bad are the bugs?When I went in January the bugs were not a problem at all. But every person responds differently to bugs and it will be a different time of year (it will be the dry season so I expect bugs will be even less of a problem but that is just a guess). When traveling I always recommend that you use long sleeve shirts and long pants. These help to keep out the bugs but also help to prevent sunscreen and also they tend to look a little more formal and 'offend' anyone (in some countries shorts are considered very informal and only for children).Do I need to take malaria medication?My only recommendation is that you follow the advice of the WFU travel nurseShould I bring a laptop?No. A laptop will just add extra risk and extra hassle and is not needed.Will I have access to email?Yes you will have access to email but not o a regular or reliable basis so it will be best if you just plan to be out of contact for the week. Tell your friends and family that no news is good news.Will my cell phone have service?Check with your service provider. Verizon does not get any service. As above, you should just plan to be out of contact for the week. I give out a sheet with emergency contact info so your friends or family can reach you if necessary.How much money do I need to bring?The trip is all inclusive which means that in theory you could go with $0 but this is not recommended. You should always have some money with you to buy stuff and most importantly in case of emergency. I recommend that you bring ~$200 in cash but really it depends on your spending habits.Will I be able to use my ATM card to get money?The only place where you may possibly have access to an ATM is at the airport. I recommend that you try to bring enough cash to meet your needs.Should I bring traveler checks?No. Travelers checks are not taken many places any more and will be worthless in Nicaragua.Should I purchase a travel guide?That is up to you but my guess is that you will find very little information about the paces we are going in any guide. I do suggest you spend some time on-line and read about some of the sites we will be visiting. See links above.What if I don't speak Spanish?Nicaragua is a Spanish speaking country but you do not need to speak Spanish to come on the trip. We will be doing most/all activities as a group and there are several Spanish speakers amongst us that can help you ask questions etc. We will have people translate for the group as needed.Are we allowed to drink alcohol?Legally yes. I do not mind if you have a beer or wine as you watch the sunset over the lake at he end of a long day. But all things in moderation and no hard liquor. If you get drunk or cause any sort of discipline or safety problem you will be sent home immediately and you will be responsible for any associated costs.Are we allowed to separate from the group?You will have very little opportunities to seperate from the group. When we are on the island, you will not have any place to go. When we are on the mainland in Granada I encourage all of you to stay at the hotel and not to go out drinking or to clubs. At all times you are expected to be with at least 1 other person from the group.Is it safe to swim in lake Nicaragua?It is as safe to swim in as any other lake (yes, there are sharks but they are extremely rare and they are no threat to humans). If you go swimming you should be cautious and keep in mind that we are in a relatively isolated location and that ther are no lifegaurds. In other words don't dive off the dock. Don't go swimming by yourself and don't play games in/under the water. Don't swim if you have had anything to drink.Is the water safe to drink?The station where we are staying has a very sophisticated water purification system so the water they provide in bottles and in juices is safe. You should bring water bottle and fill it with the purified water whenever we are leaving the station and use the purified water to brush your teeth (water from the sink is not purified). When we are coming or leaving and staying in Granada you should buy bottled water.Can you suggest any books or readings to help us get ready?"Tropical Nature: Life and Death in the Rain Forests of Central and South America" is a great book that you will definitly enjoyhttp://www.amazon.com/Tropical-Nature-Forests-Central-America/dp/0684187108 |
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