Hurry, Before the Rest of the World Catches On: Deluxe Nicaragua 09

Mirador de Catarina overlooks the volcanic crater lake near the town of Granada where some of the group shopped for pottery. Nicaragua has 45 volcanoes, seven of which are still active.
Photo credit: Bruce Hale

Nicaragua is a country that has shown up in articles reflecting the good and the bad. Our third year here November/December ’08 was very good! The country has settled down from the civil war in the 1980s that left the country in shambles. A new Nicaragua has emerged that is home to American and European expats and has not been over-exposed to tourism. Because of our experience in this new Nicaragua, we are offering a new trip, our Deluxe Nicaragua in November/December 2009.

Rest assured that Nicaragua, Central America’s largest country is now also one of the safest. Join us on our adventure to this country before too much tourism spoils it.

We begin our 15-day round trip flying from LAX to Managua, the capital then spend two nights in the northern coffee-growing region before descending for three nights in Leon, the home of poets, museums, and fabulous cathedrals. Granada, the oldest city in the Americas is next, with beribboned horse-drawn carriages, one night in Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua’s candidate for “Eighth wonder of the world”, before the final three nights in the beach town of San Juan del Sur, the best accommodations in all of Nicaragua!

Sunset upon Lake Nicaragua from our island resort. The lake is known for its colorful sunsets.
Photo credit: Bruce Hale

In between these locations, there are visits to volcanoes, lava tube walks, a swim in a clear beautiful lake in an extinct volcano (ala Crater Lake), boats to tropical islands, and walks in/around historical and cultural sites. Did I mention the bubbling mud pots in a tropical forest? Did I mention the moving of the Virgin Mary out of the cathedral for a once a year tour of the neighborhoods with drum and brass band, and fireworks? Shopping, we got that too!

The cost of this fully escorted land package
November 27 to December 11, 2009 (one leader for every 12-13 participants), by leaders John Lajeuness and Andrea Lim is $1395; far less than any commercial offering.
Discounted group r/t non-stop airfare (about $550) will be offered. Included in the price are: all deluxe accommodations (double-occupancy), all transfers by private air-conditioned coach, over 20 meals/happy hours, all park/entrance fees, tours, guides, taxes, and misc. How could you go wrong?

For itinerary and application send email to lajeunes@pacbell.net Subject line: “Nicaragua 09”. Act now to sign up for our Deluxe Adventure! Last year’s trip sold out very fast.