Tour Locations in Nicaragua
Cristo Rey, Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the poorest country in Latin America and second poorest in the Western Hemisphere. Currently, over 80 percent of the 5.5 million residents are living below the $2 per day poverty line. High unemployment and underemployment have resulted in this widespread poverty and country-wide economic instability.
Listed among the Seven Horrendous Wonders of the World, Cristo Rey, a barrio on the outskirts of the capital city of Managua is home to 4000+ families that know no other life. Here they anxiously wait for the garbage trucks to bring them scraps, or scrounge through the piles of garbage in the hope that they might find something valuable they can use. Some days they are lucky enough to eat and other days they “fast”.
Here people make shelters from black plastic and whatever scraps they can find. Most homes have mud floors, no sanitation, electricity, clean running water, medical attention or educational opportunities for their children. During rainy season, the shallow latrines that families use flow onto the paths and walkways. Most children walk around barefoot in a combination of mud and human waste. Their future is bleak.
Club Need Travel takes several trips to Nicaragua each year. On these trips we build homes for families in Cristo Rey, deliver much needed supplies and participate in the programs that we support. Club Need has built homes, supplied clean safe water and provided thousands of meals for children. It’s amazing to see the transformation of lives through these efforts.
We are building homes out of lumber and tin with a concrete floor. While these homes are modest, they are functional and keep the families dry and out of the elements. Sure, we could build better homes, but there are so many families in need, we find that this strikes a good balance with that need and the number of homes that we can build. These homes are making a tremendous difference in the quality of life for these families.
Granada, Nicaragua
Granada, Nicaragua’s wonderfully preserved showpiece considered among the finest colonial cities in the Americas. Perched on the shores of Lake Nicaragua beneath the Mombacho volcano, Granada was founded by the conquistadors in 1524, named after their own Spanish city, and is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Central America and is the third largest city of Nicaragua with a population of over 120,000 inhabitants. In the afternoon, a tour of Granada’s narrow cobblestoned streets, stately churches and grand colonial buildings is scheduled. Walking around the main plaza, we’ll see the baroque La Merced, arguably the most beautiful church in the city. Also, the colonial mansion housing the foundation Casa de Los Tres Mundos, Granada’s working art center; and the 16th century pastel blue San Francisco Church and Convent. During the tour, we’ll learn about the city’s history, including the terrible adventures of filibuster William Walker, the most dangerous 19th century international criminal who invaded Granada in 1855. Also about the past civil wars that destroyed the city. Today, with Granada carefully restored to its former glory, let’s tip our hats to this charming city, its serene ambience and the ongoing resilience of its people. Due to the historical and cultural value of the city, Granada is in the process of being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We recommend that you take a walk through the central park of Granada where you will find beautiful horse-drawn carriages that offer you a complete city tour. If you prefer to walk, attractions abound. Whether you decide to visit the Convent of San Francisco, the cigar factory or simply take a walk on the Granada Calzada (“Main Street”) which is the home of so many restaurants, boutiques and shops that will make you fall in love with this unique colonial Central American town.
San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
Once known primarily as a fishing village, San Juan del Sur is now on the map for its fabulous beaches, adventure attractions, delicious food, nightlife, and of course, surfing! With the Pacific Ocean at our doorstep, you’ll enjoy exploring the unspoiled coastline dotted with beach bars, and uninhabited beaches. Spend some time walking thru town and visiting little shops and restaurants that line the three block grid that constitutes the town’s center and soak up the kind, hospitable nature of the welcoming people. For your itinerary in San Juan del Sur your activities are endless. You can go horseback riding on the beach, zip lining, catamaran sailing or hiking up to the Christ of Mercy, the huge statue on the hill overlooking the town and is one of the tallest Jesus statues in the world. Oh, and did we mention some of the best surfing and beaches in the world?
Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
Here is just one of many potential add-on tours for travellers looking to extend their trip. Just ask and we can help create something special just for you and your companions.
Welcome to the Caribbean’s best kept secret. Little Corn Island in Nicaragua is one of the most exquisite island hideaways, tucked away from the rest of the world. Arriving on Little Corn Island can be an adventure in itself, with a short hopper flights and then a daring panga ride on the blue Caribbean waters, however the moment you step on the island you realize that the journey was all worthwhile.
Rewind your watches to a time with no motorized vehicles, just horse and carts, bicycles, kids playing on the beach and in the sea… enjoying the simple pleasures that get lost in the big cities and daily life elsewhere. A few simple restaurants and bars to provide a touch of nightlife but time here is mainly filled with walks, swims, tasting seafood fresh from the sea .. and of course a lot of hammock time just being hypnotized by the colors of the sky, land and sea.
Welcome to Yemaya, our home on the island. A magical boutique hotel named after the African goddess of the sea. Our Caribbean vacation wonderland is one of the best-kept secrets, loved for the untouched natural habitat, the crystal-clear water, and the fact that it’s completely off the beaten path.
