Trip Coach: August 5, 2008

Beaver, Pa.: What about air travel now from Managua to Big Corn, since Atlantic Air ceased operations?

Joshua Berman: I just heard about Atlantic going belly up. I would assume that La Costeña will take up the slack and that regular schedules are still flying to Big Corn.

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Aledo, Tex.: How safe are the cruises that go to Nicaragua?

Joshua Berman: I definitely cannot speak of the safety of cruise ships, but I assume you mean the safety of passengers who decide to go on shore during your one day in Nicaragua? If so, you will be very safe, usually moving around the country in big buses and getting guided tours of Granada and other sites. Or you can choose to get off your boat and explore San Juan del Sur on your own, instead of going with the masses on rushed, canned trips. Walking around San Juan is totally safe and I encourage you to spend a little money at local eateries or shops (instead of just paying the cruise-sponsored tour company more money which does NOT trickle down to the locals).

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Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.: Two questions: any idea why Los Cardones has gotten so expensive; is it because they can? Any information on the Hotel Summer in Masachapa? Rates?

Joshua Berman: Los Cardones is an excellent beach/surf getaway run by wonderful people. You'll have to ask them directly about the rates, but I'm assuming the price hikes are to help pay for the improvements they've done to the property. The current rates, which are only $69 a night for two people, may appeal to the "flashpacker" crowd—the ex-grungy backpackers who still want a remote experience, but have some cash to shell out for nice cabanas.

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Tallahassee, Fla.: Looking at a trip to Nicaragua. (I have a killer Nicaraguense stamp collection and want to see Managua, Leon, and Montelimar.) Are good guided tours available?

Joshua Berman: Yes, there are plenty of package tour companies who can handle all logistics to your trip—from planning the itinerary to booking your hotels. Check out toursnicaragua.com and nica-adventures.com to start. Be sure they take you to the main post office in Managua, where you can stock up on all kinds of beautiful stamps to add to your collection.

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San Diego, Calif.: Hello, Joshua. My partner and I went to Nicaragua for Christmas a few years ago and stayed at the Barcelo Montelimar resort. It was an experience getting to the resort. We enjoyed taking a day trip to Granada and a boat tour on the 'isletas.' We would like to go back, but are wanting to know if there is a nicer resort than Barcelo Montelimar? The people were nice and courteous but the resort itself is somewhat rustic. Can you recommend other resorts or hotels?

Thank you!
Bill & Kevin

Joshua Berman: Montelimar used to be a vacation getaway for the dictator, Somoza, and then for the Sandinista comandantes who eventually sold it to Barceló. Though they keep it up, it is still old and also pretty much the only all-inclusive resort of that size in Nicaragua. I would suggest looking into a smaller, fancier property—maybe Pelican Eyes Piedra y Olas or Morgan's Rock in San Juan del Sur area—for your tastes. Or consider one of the gorgeous renovated colonials in Granada like La Gran Francia and Hotel Plaza Colon. Otherwise, if Montelimar really was too "rustic" for you and you are dead-set on a big, all-inclusive resort, you may want to look in Costa Rica.

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Berkeley, Calif.: What's the best time of year to plan a visit to Nicaragua?

Joshua Berman: I love Nicaragua all year round though you probably want to avoid the months of April and May, which can be unbearably dry, hot, dusty, and smoky. The most rain usually falls in September and October, but given today's uncertain global weather trends, it's hard to say for sure. Most people would agree that you can't go wrong from December to February, which are typically the most pleasant months.

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Joshua Berman: Thanks for participating everyone! Like I said, Randy and I are always available to personally answer your Nicaragua travel questions on the user forum of our site: GoToNicaragua.com.

The brand-new, hot-off-the-presses third edition of Moon Nicaragua is being released this month and you can pre-order it now here.

Again, thank you and have a wonderful trip to Nicaragua!

—Joshua Berman
joshuaberman.net