Central America - Managua and Granada Nicaragua, Is it Safe?

Hi, Im looking for some advise. I'm flying into Managua, Nicaragua in early may and plan to spend a few days in Granada, Nicaragua. I have never been there so Im not sure what to expect. I plan to stay at La Gran Francia Hotel & Restaurant, In Granada (www.lagranfrancia.com). I am very excited to do some eco tours, kayaking, beach days, and see volcanos and take lots of pictures.

Am I nuts for wanting to go?

Has anyone stayed there?. What is the area like? Is it safe?
Any ideas on tours and things to do?

Thanks, Shawn

I have never stayed at this Hotel. But think I remember seeing it when I was there. It looks nice. Managua is the most dangerous city in Nica. Just be carefull and have some commmen sence about you and you'll be fine. Also night is the more dangerous time for any place. Granada I was out very late at night with no problems. People are very freindly here. But like I said, it's best to use commen sence and keep you senses about you. Don't let anyone trick you into a rip-off of get anything stolen from you.

Have fun on your trip!

I've been to Nica about 8 times. I have walked in Managua at night in neighborhoods and downtown (such that downtown in Managua is). It's been a couple of years since I was there, but I can't imagine that it's changed that much. I was in Grenada about three years ago. It was wonderful.

Now, you have to understand that while I am of the female persuasion, I was wandering the Atlantic coast during the contra years, managed to sneak into Honduras and then into a military camp. I think at most in Managua and Grenada what you have to fear is property crime, not personal crime. I could care less if someone robs me, as long as they don't hurt me.

I have found Nicaraguans to be wonderful people.

Thanks for the advice. Can you recommend any sights to see or tours to do in Granada, that’s where I will be staying for 3 nights?

Thanks

Nicaragua is the safest country in Central America (panama could have a say), but it's still the Third World and you still need to have your wits about at all times. Granada caters to tourists so you should be okay there, pretty much wherever you go. There are some great restaurants popping up all over the place, including a few Spanish ones that have good tapas.

Between Managua and Granada you will find the town of Masaya. Nothing too interesting aside from their market which has some cool souvenir stuff (including great hammocks). The Masaya volcano is a convenient national park that you can tour in a short time, plus you can drive up to the crater's edge (and see lava if you're lucky, though I believe they closed the vieweing spot for the lava).

I know there's some touristy things to do on Mombacho volcano. Not sure if it's zip lines or hiking, but I've heard it's worth it.

The Isletas right of Granada can be toured on small boats (that's a collection of dozens of small islands created ; IIRC one of them has a tiny little hotel for lunch. There's also boat rides further out into Lake Nicaragua that can be a bit choppy.

For bathing I would recommend nearby Lake Apoyo which has relatively clean and warm water. There's a very nice mirador (lookout) in a small place called Catarina with a couple of restaurants and bars. Beachwise, I would head to Montelimar or San Juan del Sur which are maybe a little over an hour away.

Im planning a trip to Managua and am a bit concerned about the dichotamy of safety information found on this board. I will simply be traveling from the airport to my hotel, spending time in the downtown area (perhaps a bit along the coast too), and then returning to the airport a few days later. Is this something I should worry about if I only take hotel cars and venture out during the daytime only. Im going for business and am worried about these stories about people being taken for ransom (although they wont get much for me though!!!) haha!

I think you have MGA confused with either TGU or SAP. Not any kidnappings lately in Nicaragua except for native/native events. Tourists generally aren't targets except for paying double the going rate on almost everything. :mad:

Common sense and situational awareness go a long way in MGA (and in any of the 60 or so other countries I've visited).

Hotel drivers are a sound practice tho can be pricey. If you'd like info on less pricey options, send me a PM.