Vacaciones? Nicaragua

A Caribbean queen's hidden treasure: Nicaragua. If you feel your gold coins have been looted by Wall Street pirates, have no fear, Nicaragua is the X mark on the world map of where to find treasure in blissful beaches, tiny islands, and a pleasing exchange rate for these rough economic times. The Eastern Coast boasts of white, sandy beaches and turquoise waters while Northern Nicaragua offers lowlands dotted with volcanoes (some still active).
Managua International Airport is the country’s major hub served by the following airlines: Aerocaribbean, American Airlines and Atlantic Airways. Both Big and Little Corn Islands on the Caribbean coast offer the most spectacular, unspoiled and isolated beaches fringed with coconut palms and blazing orange and violet sunsets. To get there you’ll want to catch a puddle flight off the mainland. There are no roads on the islands and the pace is unhurried and peaceful. Sip a refreshing cerveza and drift off to the wind bristling through the palm trees and the gentle waves lapping up to shore.

Where to stay:
Casa Canada http://www.casa-canada.com/.
Hotel Los Delfines http://www.hotellosdelfines.com/

Where to eat:
Anastasia’s on the Sea http://www.cornislandsparadise.com/
Ensueños http://www.ensuenos-littlecornisland/

If sun and surf starts to tire you or you see a buccaneer’s ship on the ocean’s horizon you can flee north to the lush, tropical mountains of Matagalpa where a cool climate and great hospitality awaits you. It even boasts the countries best cup of coffee, the Matagalpa roast. Matagalpa’s most luxurious lodge, the Selva Negra Mountain Resort welcomes you with private porches and spectacular views. The lodge offers nearly 1,500 acres of hiking trails filled with howler monkeys, ocelots, 125 species of birds and an array of 85 species of orchids.

Selva Negra Mountain Resort http://www.selvanegra.com/.
Nicaragua isn’t sprawling with five star resorts or boutiques (not as of yet) but you will find fantastic meals and beachfront rooms to fit your travel budget. If you’re looking to escape from the city crowds to a private destination undiscovered by most savvy travelers then your treasure awaits you.