Posts tagged High Mountains
Highs and Lows and Mexico Vacations
Oct 16th
Centuries ago, as the stories have it; a famous world explorer was trying to explain to the royal courts of his home country what the terrain of Mexico was actually like. Growing impatient with his lack of ability to articulate the answer, he grabbed a piece of parchment, crumpled it up into a ball, opened it back up, laid it on the table and, pointing, said that is Mexico. For something hard to articulate, try Mexico vacations.
Mexico is indeed a land of tremendous contrasts. For holiday seekers there may be no better place to experience such extreme differences of land in any one country. Mexico does seem to truly have something for everybody. From the tame to the wild, the staid the extremely adventurous, it is here somewhere.
If you enjoy beaches and seas, this country has them in all sorts of varieties. There are white sand beaches as well as rocky shorelines almost inhospitable to visitors. It is situated with the Pacific Ocean on one side, and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. These are two very different bodies of water and offer may different uses.
If you enjoy mountainous regions, this land has them, too. In fact, Mexico has some extremely high mountains that are serious enough for the most daring and technical climber, as well as beautiful rolling hills for the day hiker. Of course, they have jungles and deserts both, and the flora and fauna that goes along with them.
If you enjoy large cities to play and discover in, Mexico has enormous cities. Mexico City itself is one of the largest and busiest metropolitan areas in the world, and it is chock full of the hustle and bustle you would expect from one. Other cities, both coastal and inland, offer the best of what urban living can provide.
If you would prefer country styled touring, they have the absolute wilds of the desert to consider. There are landscapes that are still largely untouched by man, where nature is far too rugged to be tamed just yet. For the adventurous, there are still plenty of wild places left in this land. In fact, some areas are perhaps too dangerous and may take special permits and allowances for entry. Check with an agent if in doubt.
Getting to any of these areas in the country is easy, too. From the North Americas and South Americas you can drive, take a bus, ride a train, or even backpack in. From other countries there are continuous flights available on all major airlines. Mexico is cost effective, too, with an exchange rate very conducive to travel.
Mexico vacations can offer something for everybody. This is a land of such diversity that it could take a lifetime to explore just one aspect of it. It is very convenient for travel, and very conducive to travel. Most regions promote tourism and look forward to foreigners coming to visit. It is affordable, too, from anywhere in the world. Mexico is a true destination country for any serious about travel and holidays.
The Provinces of Nicaragua – Stuff You Should Know
Feb 13th
Atlantico Norte
This region occupies a large area between the Rio Wangly on the north and the Rio Grande of Matagalpa on the south reacing the Caribbean Sea on the east and the highest eastern summits of the Isabelia mountain chain, near Jinoltega department border, on the west.
Atlantico Sur
The Atlantic Nicaraguan coast is wonderful and charming. The two autonomous regions of the Caraibic coast of Nicaragua are spread on almost 1/3 of the country surface. It is a wild area subject to deforestation due to the increasing immigration of the populations from the Pacific zone. The autoctonous inhabitants of this region are the Sumus, the Mischitos and the Ramas. Africans and people of mixed Afroindigenous culture live on the coast.
Atlantic Coast Autonomous Regions
The two autonomous Atlantic Regions formed, till a few years ago, the big Zelaya department. It was about the 50% of the surface of Nicaragua. The Carribean shores of Nicaragua were discovered by the admiral Cristoforo Colombo in 1502. In this time the Atlantic Coast was a very inhospitable land peopled by native tribes.
Granada
Granada is one of Nicaragua’s most important cities and the country’s main destination for international travelers. For centuries it has been called ‘The Great Sultana’ in recognition of its beautiful colonial architecture.
The best way to explore Granada is on foot, wandering along its narrow streets. Explore the most remote corners of this fascinating city and have a quick look inside the ‘casonas’ (the large colonial houses). You’ll discover their lovely inner patios, filled with tropical plants, and the shadow of their rooms, furnished with the characteristic rocking chairs.
Jinotega
High mountains, large valleys, and many hills mark the scenery in the department of Jinotega. Historical sites, rural villages, spectacular nature – including Nicaragua’s largest natural reserve – and the country’s most important artificial lake can all be found in this area.
Tourism development is still at its infancy in Jinotega, but for people who do not require five star hotels and who do not mind putting in some extra effort to reach beautiful, remote locations this department has a lot to offer.
Leon
The city of Leon is, together with Granada, the most important city of Nicaragua after the main city Managua. On its territory there are many churches of colonial age like the cathedral, the largest of all Central America. All around the city you can see the old architecture; you can see one roof houses with tiles on the roof, and around a patio with plants that gives freshness even if it is too hot.
Madriz (Somoto)
Somoto itself is a small town about 2,000 feet up in the mountains of northern Nicaragua. It’s known for its artists, and for the ancient church in the middle of town. Built in the 16th century, the Catholic church calls parishioners to Mass with hand-rung bells, and the bells also chime every hour,and every 15 minutes.
Somoto is a very poor town, as is the rest of Nicaragua. There are donkeys everywhere, carrying sticks of firewood, people and all kinds of produce. There are few cars in the town, people walk everywhere.
Managua
Managua, it is located only 50 meters above sea level, and in the city predominates a temperate climate all the year round, with constant medium temperatures that range inbetween 28 and 32 degrees centigrade.
The cooler months of the year are December and January; the hottest are March and April. For tourists, Managua is seen as a city without many interests. This doesn’t mean that it’s a despicable or ugly city. In fact it’s neither ugly nor beautiful, mainly because it doesn’t give the impression of being a city.
Matagalpa
Matagalpa is a northern city of Nicaragua, situated 130 Km. north of Managua, at 3000 feet over sea level. It is known for its cool weather, and cloud forest near the city. Population of the City: 105,000 inhabitants. Population of the Province of Matagalpa: 500,000 inhabitants. It is located in the coffee region of the northern highlands of the country. You can get there from Managua taking “Carretera Norte” (North Highway). It takes 1.5 hours driving from Managua International Aiport, or 2 hours from the Capital city of Managua.
San Juan River
The San Juan River is a very important way of admittance for the interior of the country since colonization times and has been witness of many historical events. It has also been goingto become an intra-oceanic channel thanks to the thin land stripe that divides the Lake of Nicaragua Somewhere you can meet small islands covered with luxuriant vegetation. From the lake until the Castillo country the river is wide and some people live on the shores, going towards the sea the water becomes more whirling and the shores become wild and solitary.
Estelí
Estelí is a city in a cooler region of the country. This region has plenty archaeologically interesting sites. Estelí is located 150 km. from Managua on an altitude of 800 meters above sea level which causes the pleasant climate.
Masaya
Named “flowers’ city” is situated 14 Km north of Granada and 17 km south from Managua, the town of Masaya rises on the banks of the lake that has the same name.Masaya, once called Villa fiel de San Fernando, is famous for its coffee plantations and handicraft local markets.
The latter are amongst one of the biggest of Central America. In the two handcraft markets of Masaya, it’s possible to find at a good price, food-stuffs and well made handicraft, especially pottery, articles in wood, leather, ceramics, hard stones and fabrics.
Boaco
Located in the center of Nicaragua, Boaco is a very productive region. It is a department that has a lot of tourism attraction. Nonetheless, tourism has not yet reached this area. Boaco is formed by six municipalities, dedicated to agriculture; primarily cattle raising as well as milk production.
Its name comes from an indigenous sumo tribe: ‘Boaj’. This tribe inhabited this region and it is said that the word Boaj became Boaco due to the union of nahuatl and sumo pronunciation.
Rivas
The department of Rivas offers many different types of attractions. One of the most popular beach towns of Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur, is located in this department. Furthermore, there are plenty of beautiful, pristine beaches and bays along the Pacific coast.
The La Flor Wildlife Reserve can also be found in Rivas, which is the single most important breeding site for Olive Ridley turtles in Nicaragua. In addition to the Pacific Ocean, Lake Nicaragua also offers a multitude of water sport possibilities.
Chinandega
The department of Chinandega is characterized by spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, and a multitude of relatively unexplored attractions. The department features Nicaragua’s highest volcano, the San Cristóbal, among several other magnificent volcanoes.
Pristine beaches, historical towns, estuaries filled with mangrove forest, and some of Nicaragua’s finest churches can all be found in this department. The main city of the department, also called Chinandega, can be reached in about two hours from Managua.
