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San Juan del Sur and Rivas
When gold was discovered in California, San Juan del Sur became a busy Pacific port Cornelius Vanderbilt’s rail line completed the short land route between Lake Nicaragua and the Pacific coast. Just 10 miles from the port, the old city of Rivas was the first meeting point between the Niquiranos and Spanish explorers. Nearby Chococente and Tola, are among the Pacific coast’s most popular nesting grounds for green sea turtles and leatherbacks. Noc-turnal nesting activity occurs between July and January. Chococente National Park represents 4000 acres of protected habitat.
Masaya
Masaya, halfway between Managua and San Juan del Sur, is the center of Nicaraguan traditional life and features the country’s largest handicraft market.
Just outside the city, Masaya Volcano National Park centers around the twin Masaya and Nindiri volcanoes. A road leads to the rim of 1600 foot wide Santiago crater where steam vents remind you it is still active. In 1529, the Spaniards placed a crucifix at, at the top of a 184 step staircase, to ask for divine intervention against volcanic eruptions. The views are spectacular. There are lava caves and a small anthropological museum at the park.
Granada
Established in 1524, Granada is Central America’s oldest city. Just west of Masaya, the colonial city is built on the shores of Nicaragua. Towering above the city are the orchid-covered slopes of Molbacho Volcano. Spanish conquistador Hernandez de Cordoba founded Granada in 1524 and although it has come under attack several times it has been restored. Horse-drawn carriages ply the old cobbled streets as you examine the city’s Spanish colonial buildings and baroque churches. Excursions to Las Isletas and other Lake Nicaragua destinations depart from the city pier. Many of the 365 islands are uninhabited. Just opposite Granada, the Spanish San Pablo fort was built in the mid-18th century to guard against marauding pirates. It was restored in 1974. Zapatera Island was an ancient burial ground and is now a national Park. Several restored Spanish colonial structures and ancient artifacts can be seen.
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