Matagalpa

               

Matagalpa is built on a hilly terrain that is surrounded by mountains. The city itself is located at an elevation of around 700 meters and the climate is significantly different from the hot, tropical climate at the Pacific lowlands. Although it can also get quite hot during the dry season, Matagalpa generally enjoys lower temperatures than cities like Managua or León, and it also rains more in this region. The vegetation is consequently also different, and the area is generally very green.

With around 110,000 residents Matagalpa is a fairly large city in Nicaragua, and there are plenty hotels and restaurants in different price ranges. Although many interesting activities can be found outside the urban area, there are also several attractions within the city limits. Several small parks – often set in front of a church or cathedral – are a great place to hang out just like the Matagalpinos (inhabitants of Matagalpa) like to do, enjoying the tranquil setting and some typical Nicaraguan food, sold by street vendors around the parks. The Central Park and the Darío Park are the two most interesting sites.

Being Nicaragua’s coffee-capital, a visit to the coffee museum in Matagalpa is definitely a must. Although it is a small museum, it does offer some interesting information about the coffee production. There are photos and old tools on display, and other objects including pre-Columbian ceramics and old pictures of Matagalpa are also exhibited. More about the coffee museum can be found in our Activity Guide. There is also a museum of the founder of the Sandinista movement, Carlos Fonseca, who was born in Matagalpa.

The city is surrounded by green mountains and one of the most prominent peaks is the Cerro Buena Vista, reaching a height of 1,442 meters above sea level. The mountain chain is called Apente, and it is a protected natural reserve. The lush vegetation makes it a great place for hiking. One particular peak, called the Apente Hill (Cerro Apente) has well-prepared trails that lead to the top, and along the way visitors can see small mammals, butterflies, and other animals, as well as water streams and even waterfalls. A viewpoint is located at the summit, providing a superb view of the city of Matagalpa and its surroundings

PHOTOS BY PRISCILLA

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It Found Me

When I arrived at Lake Atitlan, I had to find my new home for the next 2 weeks. I had an idea of what I was looking for including something quiet, spacious, and with a great lake view.  My price range was anywhere from $15 to $20 per night.  First, I stopped at a coffee shop and asked around about what they recommend.  
Little Amigo said:  "If you want to party, stay on Calle Santander."

I said, "Which way is Calle Santander?"

Little Amigo said: "This whole street is Calle Santander so just walk up." 

I said, " I will be walking the opposite way to the Lake where the quiet people sleep." 

Little Amigo: "The lake is more quiet, buen idea."

My new line of questioning is asking where all the parties are and completely avoiding that area.  Off  I went to the Lake from place to place to see if they pass the "Pris Investigation and Line of 100 questions." 

The guy from the restaurants was helping direct me to a couple places I had showed him on my phone.  

It was hard to find places that included breakfast so I let that go and decided to utilize my cliff bars. 

Due to the amount of water I drink, the place had to have filtered water with the brand name Agua de Salavidas.  It also had to have a Lake view because I wanted something with a view to write and do yoga. I also wanted nice staff who I could spend some time getting to know. 

After exploring many that were nice, clean with a great rooftop- something was missing. My last stop just happened to find me with an angel on my shoulder.   I walked into a lovely little garden and was greeted by a little black hot dog looking dog.  I was kindly greeted by Juan Francisco who showed me the first room- in my price range and Lake view, but something was missing.  He could tell that I was not fully satisfied. I asked about the other rooms with Lake view. 



With some hesitation, he showed me the bigger room in the middle, which had 3 beds and was for 3 people.  My arrival day was probably one of the most beautiful days. The sky was clear with a few clouds and and the lake was fully visible with a panaramic view.  The beds were all hot pink with the cutest rug and the shiny wood floors. The room furniture was all Guatemalan wooden antique with a cute fireplace. The bathroom was very  

Clean with a fresh scent and fresh towels. I was ready to negotiate for this room bc I knew this was exactly what I wanted for 2 weeks. 

I had saw the price of $40USD per night, but he told me we could just keep it at a single room rate of $17USD per night. If the room was needed then I would move to the back for the night. And that was it- SOLD. This was my new home for 2 weeks with my Lake and sunset views.  

   

      

DIVINE