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Treehouse [Casa en los arboles] Poste Rojo

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In Caña de Castilla, Nicaragua (10 km. from Granada and 2 km. from the famous ‘Lung of Central America’ – the majestic Mombacho cloud forest), you will find a really unique backpacker hostel called Treehouse Poste Rojo.  With its incredible views and nature up close, you will be taken over by this rustic destination.  The place is run by temporary volunteers from all over.  They have a decent menu and will cook to order or you can eat ‘family style’.  From km. 56.5 on the highway to Granada or Nandaime (at the stop of a Salón del Reino de los Testigos de Jéhová) you will have a bit of a hike up into the woods.  Just follow the signs.

En Caña de Castilla, Nicaragua (10 km. de Granada y 2 km. del famoso ‘Pulmón de Centroamérica’ – la majestuosa pluriselva Mombacho), vas a encontrar un hostal para mochileros llamado “Treehouse Poste Rojo”.  Hay vistazos increíbles y naturaleza ‘en tu cara’ en este destino rústico.  Voluntarios se encargan de proveer los servicios básicos a los huéspedes.  Hay un menú variado.  También podés optar por comer al estilo familiar, o sea todos juntos.  De km. 56.5 de la carretera Granada-Nandaime (hay un Salón del Reino de los Testigos de Jehová) vas a tener que caminar y escalar hasta arriba a la selva.  Seguí los rótulos.

www.PosteRojo.com

info@PosteRojo.com

8903-4563

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Beautiful Sunset in Las Salinas

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Another beautiful sunset in Rivas along the expansive coastline of Nicaragua.
Otro bellisimo puesto de sol en Rivas, a lo largo de la expansiva costa de Nicaragua.

Road to [camino a] Las Salinas, Nicaragua

Some have asked me how the road from Ochomogo to Las Salinas (in Rivas, Nicaragua) is.  So here is a my first hand version of the trip.  It is February, 2012, during the dry season.  This will definitely not be up to date during the rainy season in Nicaragua, generally from May to November.  During that time, you might need to take the Rivas-Tola-Las Salinas route.  BTW I was watching and documenting the odometer.  However, all measurements are approximates.  Check out the pictures for visual guidance.

From Granada to the Ochomogo bridge: 40 km.  IMG_2645

Turn right immediately after you cross the bridge.  Note the signs for Chacocente (59.4 km.), Punta Teonoste and Escalante (10 km.).

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Head down a dirt road that is in decent shape.  I was able to cruise along at 60 km/h until the next checkpoint (about 9 km.). 

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At 49.5 km from Granada, you will need to take a left.  Here again you will see the sign for Punta Teonaste. 

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On the right hand side, there is a yellow church.  The conditions on this road turn worse and you will probably average 30 km/h.

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Travel on and you will eventually see a faded white and yellow wooden fence (on the right side of the road).

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From this point on, I would recommend a higher, 4WD vehicle.  A car could be nursed through but will eventually suffer up ahead.

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At 53.5 km from Granada, you will come to a Y in the road.  Take it to the right and wave to yet another Punta Teonaste sign.

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At km. 61.2 and 64.6, you will have to cross water.

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You will travel through some small villages such as San Ignacio and Las Delicias.  When you get to this landmark at km. 68, near the La Virgen Morena town, keep to the right.

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Continue on to about km. 70 and you will see this:

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You are in Las Salinas.  You can head to Punta Teonoste, Chacocente, El Astillero, Guasacate o Popoyo.  Rancho Santana and Haciendo Iguana are also within reach.  The beachs and Nicaragua’s great surf are awaiting!

1 Great Mombacho Canopy Tour

Mombacho Canopy zip lines is an adventure tour that takes place on Mombacho Volcano, located in Nicaragua. The tour involves ziplining through the treetops of the cloud forest that covers the volcano.

The tour is usually conducted in small groups, and participants are provided with safety equipment, including helmets and harnesses. Experienced guides accompany the groups throughout the tour and provide instructions on how to safely use the equipment.

The zip lines on the Mombacho Canopy tour vary in length and height, with some lines reaching up to 130 feet above the forest floor. The tour includes 11 zip lines, a hanging bridge, and a rappel, offering a unique and exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty of Mombacho Volcano.

In addition to the zip lines, the Mombacho Canopy tour also includes a short hike through the forest, where participants can learn about the flora and fauna of the area. The tour takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, although participants should be in good health and not have a fear of heights.

Overall, the Mombacho Canopy zip lines offer a thrilling and unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure in the beautiful natural setting of Mombacho Volcano.

Lobby of the Café Las Flores Mombacho hacienda
Lobby of the Café Las Flores Mombacho hacienda
Looking down from the top of Mombacho
View from Mombacho
 
Joe-Joe
Getting set up for the canopy tour
 
Walking from one station to another...
Walking from one station to another…
 
One of the canopy lines
One of the canopy lines
View from Mombacho
View from Mombacho
 

 

This will cost you $25 plus tax ($28.50) and tips (if you would like).  It all starts off with a few slugs of great mountain-grown coffee at the Las Flores coffee plantation on Mombacho, near Granada, Nicaragua.  It is worth it as you race over the 11 zip lines, among lush vegetation and nearby animals.  Try this.  Call for reservations and you will be attended to very well by the local crew.  On a scale of 1 to 10, it’s a 10!!!! 

Esto cuesta $25 más IVA ($28.50) y propina (si querés).  Todo comienza con unos traguitos de café de montaña de la Hacienda Las Flores en Mombacho, Granada, Nicaragua.  Vale la pena zumbarse por las 11 lineas, en medio de vegetación exuberante y animales nativos a la zona.  Hacelo!  Llama para reservar tu cupo y te atenderán muy bien los locales.  De 1 a 10, le doy un 10!!!!

Empalme Guanacaste Diriomo,
4 km towards Reserva Natural
Volcán Mombacho
Cel.: (505) 83882734
Cel.: (505) 88095143
info@cafelasflores.com

Flor De Jamaica / Hibiscus Flower

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There is a bunch of this Hibiscus flower growing near La Reforma, Masaya.  Later, it is harvested and dried and served as a refreshing drink, coveted for it’s medicinal value: reduces high blood pressure, is antioxidant and contains no caffeine.  That aside, it’s just GOOD!

Hay un montón de esta Flor de Jamaica sembrado en La Reforma, Masaya.  Luego, se cosecha, se seca y se convierte en una bebida refrescante, apreciada por sus propiedades medicinales: reduce la presión, es antioxidante y no contiene cafeine.  En cuanto a su sabor…SABROSO!

Las Isletas

Check out this awesome picture out on Las Isletas, Granada, Nicaragua.

Mirá esta foto asombrosa tomada en Las Isletas, Granada Nicaragua.

Is that a ghost?<...>Fantasma?

Is that a ghost in Nicaragua?  I saw this running across a field in Caña de Castilla, Nicaragua.  Glad I had the camera rolling….

¿Es un fantasma en Nicaragua?  Ví a esta corriendo en el campo en Caña de Castilla, Nicaragua.  Que bueno que tenía una cámara….

McDonald’s Big Mac offer

I went to McDonald’s today in Plaza España in Managua, Nicaragua.  They have a pretty good Big Mac deal right now for C$75 ($3.30) on Monday and Thursday.  The Snickers McFlurry is back too!

Fue a McDonald’s hoy en Plaza España en Managua, Nicaragua.  Hay una buena oferta ahorita del Big Mac como por C$75 ($3.30) los días lunes y jueves.  También está de vuelta el McFlurry de Snickers!

Bean soup<…>Sopa de frijoles

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I had some excellent bean soup this evening, a Nicaraguan favorite!  Red beans, culantro, onions, green peppers and an egg dropped into the hot soup make up this delicious concoction.  Accompany it with white rice, a tortilla and an ice-cold Pepsi and you are GOOD TO GO!

Esta tarde tomé una sopa rica, una favorita en Nicaragua.  Frijoles rojos, culantro, cebolla, chiltoma y un huevo se combinan para crear esta delicia.  Acompañala con arroz blanco, una tortilla y una Pepsi bien helada…riquísima!!!

Yummy carne desmenuzada (shredded beef)

Nicaraguan shredded beef is a popular and delicious dish in Nicaraguan cuisine. It’s known as “carne deshilachada” or “carne desmechada” or “carne desmenuzada” in Spanish. The dish features tender and flavorful shredded beef that is often served with rice, beans, plantains, and other traditional Nicaraguan side dishes.

To make Nicaraguan carne desmenuzada you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of beef (commonly flank steak or skirt steak)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear the beef in the hot oil until it is browned on all sides. This helps to lock in the flavors.
  3. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper until they are softened.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the pot. Stir everything together.
  5. Return the seared beef to the pot and add the beef broth or water. The liquid should cover the beef.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the beef simmer for about 2 to 3 hours or until the beef becomes tender and easy to shred.
  7. Once the beef is tender, take it out of the pot and use two forks to shred it into small, thin pieces.
  8. Return the carne desmenuzada to the pot and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
  9. Taste the shredded beef and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve the Nicaraguan carne desmenuzada with white rice, black beans, fried plantains, and a side of coleslaw or avocado slices. This traditional Nicaraguan dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table! Enjoy!

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Here is another recipe.