Nicaragua - People and places

The mysterious mounds of Nicaragua

2013-05-20T07:09:00.001-06:00

Stone Pages Archaeo News: The mysterious mounds of Nicaragua

Clipped from: http://www.stonepages.com/news/archives/005027.html

18 May 2013

The mysterious mounds of Nicaragua

National Geographic explorer and archaeologist Alex Geurds is currently in the field investigating a prehistoric, ceremonial center of stone circles in Central Nicaragua.
Researchers will be working for the next few weeks at the site of Aguas Buenas, located to north of the city of Juigalpa. In that area, stone and earthen mounds are visible at regular intervals. The Central Nicaragua Archaeological Project is an ongoing archaeological investigation to shed light on the prehistory of Nicaragua, in particular its extraordinary indigenous tradition of monumental stone sculptures and its poorly understood ceremonial complexes.
As part of this, the Aguas Buenas archaeological site holds special interest. Recent explorations of the site have revealed its unequalled architectural characteristics and extraordinary number of mounds, spread out over the hilly Chontales landscape by means of wide concentric semi-circles. Current knowledge of prehistoric monumental architecture in Central America cannot tell us anything specific about why this site looks like it does. Nor is there a significant amount of previous archaeological research in the region to help us out in understanding Aguas Buenas.
The 2013 field season features students from Leiden University, the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua and the University of Calgary, geared towards completing a GPS mapping of the site and excavating several of the more than 500 mounds. What are these mounds actually? When were they built and how? Do they serve a purpose as individual mounds or rather playing a role in the larger complex of the site itself? These are just some of the questions fuelling the effort to withstand scorching heat, prickly shrubs and the occasional snake and scorpion.
Standing among the mound, one would never guess the 600-meter diameter semi-circular patterns these mounds clearly follow from an airborne perspective. Researchers determined the mound to be excavated by working on creating an understanding of when distinct sectors of the site may have been built and how comparable the contents of mounds really are.
The excavation progress can be followed online.

Edited from National Geographic News Watch (13 May 2013)

The Diner

2013-05-07T23:30:00.000-06:00

On Monday, I took a drive on scenic South Highway (Carretera Sur) in Managua, Nicaragua. On my way back from El Crucero some evening a few months ago, I had seen what seemed to be an old fashioned style diner...and I found it again! It's located at km. 8.5 Carretera Sur in the Centro Comercial La Liga.

As you can see, the decor is that of a 50's diner, complete with the old Cadillac, actually a 1961 Fleetwood Seventy-Five (or the back end of it). You will be swooned with oldies in the background and, as was the case at lunch time on Monday, a really loud bunch of people waiting for their food.

Service was good. José Luís was very attentive. The owner shows interest in her clients as well and speaks both English and Spanish. The best part, however, was the food. Can you believe that bunless hamburger in the picture? (Click on the picture to enlarge). It's called the Light. I was like: "This doesn't belong here. This looks like something from Restaurante Azul at Hotel Contempo in Managua". It was absolutely beautiful... a hamburger! I ate the Classic (the other picture), which, as you can tell, is not made with common hamburger. Tasted like ground steak, char-broiled to perfection (6 oz. of meat claims the menu). I almost ordered a second one (but I'm on a diet).

Now, do I top it off with a milkshake or apple pie a la mode? Since my wife loves apple pie, apple pie it was. Delicious!!! And she's pretty picky about her apple pie....

The Diner is a winner. The only thing I would like to figure out is when there are less people inside - it got real noisy. But, I guess that's what diners are all about huh?

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give The Diner an 8 (excellent quality and preparation of the food won me over).

For prices, click here.

Madre quesillo

2013-05-06T22:12:00.001-06:00

Although it wasn't a trip to La Paz Centro or Nagarote, Nicaragua, nontheless I was able to buy a quesillo. Got it at Plaza Inter, a shopping mall in downtown Managua. And, of all quesillos, it was a Madre Quesillo - both a traditional quesillo and a trenza (braid) quesillo, wrapped in a corn tortilla and smothered with onions in lime sauce and buttery sour cream. Yummy!

the quesillo, and tiste and cacao to drink - Nagarote, Nicaragua (Photo credit: dane brian)

Central Court Complex in Managua

2013-04-29T11:48:00.000-06:00

Pictures of the new Central Court Complex (Complejo Judicial Central de Managua) in Managua, taken from the back side and from the North Highway. It was previously located near El Zumen (Carretera Sur) in the southwest part of Managua. Previously, you had to enter the courts passing through dozens of street vendors selling "fritanga", fruit, soda pop, newspapers, legal books, etc. Now that is a thing of the past with this modern, well designed building. I still hope to never have to set foot in there...ya know what I mean?

Old Cathedral of Managua

2013-04-28T19:55:00.000-06:00

This picture of the Old Cathedral in Managua (built in 1928-1938) was taken from the backside in the surrounding barrio Rubén Darío. It's the same place the famous salsero Luís Enrique filmed the video for "Qué sé yo". A famous building....ruined by the earthquake in 1972 but great for pictures of the old downtown Managua.

Cine Margot

2013-04-27T21:44:00.000-06:00

The Margot Theatre on the North Highway (Carretera Norte) in Managua, Nicaragua has seen better days. It was originally built with funds from a Venezuelan immigant in Nicaragua named Sebastan Allegrett. It functioned for more than 75 years. Here's a nice video with pictures and legends in Spanish: Cine Margot.

It was recently brought back to economical life when the new Central Judicial Complex of Managua (Complejo Judicial Central Managua) was opened across the street. Now, you can park your car in the shade, driving right into what was, in another life, the regal Cine Margot.

International Budget Guide 2013: Granada & San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua | Gadling.com

2013-04-27T21:25:00.001-06:00

From Evernote:

International Budget Guide 2013: Granada & San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua | Gadling.com

Clipped from: http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/10/international-budget-guide-2013-granada-and-san-juan-del-sur-nic/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+weblogsinc%2Fgadling+%28Gadling%29

International Budget Guide 2013: Granada & San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

by Dave Seminara (RSS feed) on Apr 10th 2013 at 11:00AM

Americans have long associated Nicaragua with the Cold-War era Iran-Contra scandal but as prices rise in Costa Rica and safety drops in Mexico, more and more savvy travelers are discovering that Nicaragua is a safe, cheap and interesting place with great beaches, reliably warm weather and a vibrant cultural scene.

Travel writers have been hyping Nicaragua for years. In 2005, Frommer's called it "the next big thing" and glossy magazines like Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast promoted the country as a budget friendly alternative to Costa Rica. Until recently though, Nicaragua was still considered more of an off-the-beaten track backpacker destination than a place for American families to vacation.
That tide is starting to turn, as The New York Times recently illustrated by naming Nicaragua one of its places to visit in 2013. On April 1, the country's first super luxury resort, Mukul, opened. If it succeeds, others will surely follow.
For the moment, Nicaragua is still a delightfully budget friendly holiday destination. According to the Wall Street Journal, foreign visitors spent an average of just $43 per day in Nicaragua in 2011. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, next to Haiti, so travelers should be prepared to experience heartbreaking poverty. Many who come for a vacation in Nicaragua end up staying to volunteer and even those who don't are often changed by their eye-opening experience in the country.

In checking out our recommendations below, please note that save Mukul and a few other ritzy places, nearly every hotel, restaurant and attraction in this country could qualify as "budget" or "value" by American standards. Our recent scouting trip didn't operate on a strict backpacker's budget, but according to Tim Leffel, author of "The World's Cheapest Destinations," savvy backpackers can by on as little as $15 per day in Nicaragua.

Budget Activities

Surf the Pacific: The Pacific Coast is a haven for surfers. San Juan del Sur is about a two-hour drive from the Managua airport and is a great base for surfers. Playa Hermosa, near San Juan del Sur, is a particularly good surf spot but there are dozens of other viable alternatives. There are several shops that rent boards and offer surf lessons, including Arena Caliente, Good Times Surf Shop and Baloy's Surf Shop. Arena Caliente also has a surf camp as does the all-girl surf camp Chicabrava.

Volcano Hikes/Boarding: There are several volcanoes that make for good day trips from San Juan del Sur or Granada. You can hike or drive up to the crater of Masaya Volcano ($5 entrance fee), which is just outside Granada, but if you stick around too long, you might get a bit light headed, as this is an active volcano. Isla de Ometepe has two more active volcanoes and is a great day trip from San Juan del Sur. There are places to hike and zip line all over the country and you can
volcano boardon the Cerro Negro Volcano near Leon.

Study Spanish or Volunteer: Nicaragua is also a great place to learn Spanish or volunteer. In San Juan del Sur, La Escuela Rosa Silva's Spanish School (50 meters west of the market) offers four hours of daily instruction for just $100 per week. Roger Ramirez's One-on-One Spanish Tutoring Academy (Calle Calzada) offers private lessons in Granada starting at just $6 per hour. The Moon Guide to Nicaragua has an extensive list of volunteer opportunities with organizations in Granada like Building New Hope, Empowerment International, and La Esperanza Granada.

Hotels

Granada- Hotel Plaza Colon- Travelers can find perfectly acceptable hotels in Granada for as little as $25 per night, but for a little bit more, you can stay at this historic old beauty of a hotel, located right on the city's principal square. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, the staff is helpful to a fault and there's a great little pool in the hotel courtyard. From $99. Parque Central.
hotelplazacolon.com
San Juan del Sur- Villas de Palermo- By Nicaraguan standards, this condo complex is a bit of a splurge, but it's a great value for families who want a full apartment, complete with a big, modern kitchen, rather than a hotel room. Many of the apartments have an ocean view and there's a glorious pool and a free shuttle that makes the 1-mile trip into town on the hour during daylight hours. From $159. villasdepalermo.com

Isla de Ometepe- The Corner House B & B- Rooms at Ometepe are stylish but simple and are a bargain for what you pay. The Canadian woman and British man that run the place are extraordinarily friendly and will help you plan adventures around the island. Try the excellent breakfast. From $25.
thecornerhouseometepe.comMoyogalpa.

Restaurants

Granada- Restaurante El Garaje- This intimate, little place doesn't seem appealing from the street - they keep the gate locked, you have to ring the doorbell to enter and the place is very dark - but the food is excellent and dirt cheap, with full meals for $4-7. A Canadian couple from Vancouver who came to Granada on a vacation and decided to stay run the place out of a front room in their home, and you can watch them prepare the eclectic menu, which changes every night and can include anything from fresh fish to quesadillas to Thai. 512 Calle Corral.

San Juan del Sur- Asados Juanita- Juanita is very easy to find. Just look for the crowds and you'll see her grilling up meats on the street. For $4, you get a choice of freshly grilled meats, a small salad, plantains, rice, beans and guacamole. Near Casa Oro Hostel and the Central Market.

Laguna de Apoyo- Abuelas- The Laguna de Apoyo is a great place for a swim and the setting for this restaurant couldn't be lovelier. It features very tasty grilled meats and seafood, with most entrees in the $8-12 range. Best of all, you can go for a swim and lounge on one of their lagoon-side deckchairs after your feast.

Logistics

Getting Around
Car rental isn't particularly cheap in Nicaragua but it's easy to get around without a car. The Nicaraguan government has invested heavily in building and repairing roads in recent years in a bid to boost tourism. In San Juan del Sur, you can hire a driver for around $50-$60 a day. Just talk to any of the cab drivers you see parked in the town or ask your hotel for help.

A ride on a local chicken bus will cost about 60-80 cents an hour and more comfortable minibuses aren't much more. A short ride in a taxi in Granada can cost as little as 50 cents each because the drivers stop to pick up other passengers. The one hour, twenty minute ferry ride to Isla de Ometepe costs less than $2.

We used Camilo Rivera, a taxi driver based in San Juan del Sur, (505) 886-72336 - and can highly recommend him - for $50-60 per day depending on where you want to go.

Seasonality
Weather in Nicaragua is almost always hot, sunny and dry in the high season, which runs from December through February, plus Easter. March-May can be uncomfortably hot. June-August is a bit cooler and generally dry, while September-November is the rainy season.

Safety
Nicaraguans boast that their country is the safest in Central America. There is no reliable way to test that claim but in our scouting trip we felt safe in San Juan del Sur, Ometepe and Granada. As in any developing country, tourists sometimes get robbed, but in most cases, they are crimes of opportunity and the victims aren't harmed. Use the same precautions here that you would in any large city. Americans should also be extra careful not to run afoul of Nicaragua's laws, especially the drug laws, as the justice system is deeply flawed and a number of foreigners have been imprisoned on dubious charges.

Note: San Juan del Sur and other towns in Nicaragua don't use traditional street names and addresses. On our scouting trip this didn't prove to be a problem as cab drivers in Granada and San Juan del Sur know how to find just about any beach, hotel, restaurant, store or attraction you might want to visit.

[Photo credits: Dave Seminara]

Filed under: Nicaragua, Budget Travel, Central America

Shrimp

2013-04-24T18:53:00.001-06:00

I had some delicious jumbo shrimp today, courtesy of Doña Vidaldina, surrounded by some of the old ruins in downtown Managua, just a bit west of the famous Oriental city market. She hails from Corinto, Nicaragua and knows her stuff. The breading on these shrimp and the fried potato wedges was out of this world! She also makes a mean ceviche, which, on other occasions, I have had the pleasure of eating.

Traffic light entertainment in Managua

2013-04-21T15:47:00.000-06:00

As you travel through Managua, you will find all kinds of activity at the traffic lights. Not all is always agreeable. Having said that, I must admit that there are some very talented people in Nicaragua who show their skills in exchange for an occasional voluntary tip (I wish it was more than occasional for many of these - they really deserve it). This young man works the traffic lights at Auto-Lote El Chele (between Cristo Rey and Altamira). Check him out!

Wild animals

2013-04-16T22:22:00.000-06:00

I saw these two wild animals at the same house in Buenos Aires, a barrio on the southwest side of Managua, Nicaragua. Grrrrr!!

Buñuelos de Doña Rosa

2013-04-14T15:02:00.000-06:00

Here's some yummy buñuelos made by Mrs. Rosa from the barrio San Judas in Managua, Nicaragua. Buñuelos are fried yucca dumplings (with cheese in the dough) served with cinnamon and sugar syrup. Hot out of the frying pan they are umm umm delicious!

Contempo - Restaurante Azul

2013-04-08T10:05:00.001-06:00

I finally had a chance to visit Restaurante Azul at the Hotel Contempo in Managua, Nicaragua. The ambiance is nice but the most impressive are the creative flavors of the French chef David Dafonte.

I had shrimp in vodka sauce, served with grilled seasoned potato wedges and a zucchini, carrot and chayote sauté, with hints of ginger, garlic and celery. The 8 medium sized shrimp were served in a vodka and creme sauce that was off the charts!!!

My wife had Chicken Saltimbocca. She loved it as well.

For dessert: 2 chocolate profiteroles (basically a cream puff pastry with ice cream). Tasted like Dos Pinos ice cream to me...bring back my Eskimo!!!

I was getting pretty bored with the typical Managua fine dining fare (El Churrasco, Los Ranchos, El Eskimo, The Factory). What a breath of fresh culinary air in Restaurante Azul.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give Restaurante Azul at the Contempo Hotel a 9 (primarily for one of the best tasting and creative fine dining experiences in Managua).

To see prices click here.

Blowing in the wind...

2013-04-06T21:49:00.000-06:00

Clothes are drying quickly in the Nicaraguan summer heat....

Rojita

2013-04-01T21:37:00.000-06:00

Rojita - a Nicaraguan favorite!!!

Gas prices in Holy Week

2013-03-31T19:35:00.000-06:00

There was a miracle during Holy Week in Nicaragua. Gasoline and diesel prices went down!!!!

Diesel awoke Sunday morning at C$27.79 per liter or C$105.04 per gallon. That would be about $4.34 per gallon.

Happy driving!

Holy kiddy pools...Batman!

2013-03-29T23:09:00.002-06:00

This year, during Holy Week, traditionally one of the hottest weeks of the year, a lot of kiddy pools were sold. This may be attributed to a stronger lower-middle class economy here in Nicaragua. Seriously, there were a lot more sold and seen around town this year than in any other I can recall.

These guys got a late jump...it was already Friday when they were taking this to their home, somewhere in the barrio Camilo Ortega (formerly know as Torres Molina). "Good luck filling it..."

Another interesting fact about the Holy Week this year is that temperatures although they started out really hot, have been really cool. In fact, is was sprinkling tonight here in Managua...feels like December again.

Tomorrow looks like summer will rear her ugly head again...and for the month and more to come....

Views of downtown Managua

2013-03-24T23:58:00.000-06:00

I was on top of one of the local hotels, the Seminole, owned by Daniel Ortega (so they say). It has a history - it used to have the original Hard Rock Café in Managua, Nicaragua. Wish I would have gotten a t-shirt...I went there back in the day. Nothing left of it now...but I was able to take these shots of a more modern Managua skyline as it slowly changes and grows...waiting for the next earthquake in Managua to shake things up a bit.

La Vieja Managua (Nicaragua) (Photo credit: denetsnuff)

Nicaraguan iguana

2013-03-19T22:05:00.003-06:00

We hear a lot of scratching and running around on our roof. Since we live in a fairly protected property, this guy has his run of the place. It's a big Nicaraguan iguana and he regularly comes down to feed on the grass, flowers and trees. My fear is that he get trapped by a neighbor, as these are highly valued for food, especially as the Holy Week approaches. What is the connection between Holy Week and iguanas? Read this blog from Rachel Lindsay.

Cheese soup

2013-03-18T23:03:00.000-06:00

One of Nicaragua's traditional recipes is Cheese Soup. Traditionally, some choose not to eat meat during Holy Week. However, dieting is not part of the agenda and there exists a wide variety of food specialties for Nicaraguan Holy Week. But, religious holidays aside, cheese soup is a delicious typical mean you can have anytime...like I did last Sunday in Barrio Memorial Sandino in Managua.

There you have it! Delicious broth with fried cheese dumplings. I found a good recipe here. Here is a video showing you how to make it.

Enjoy!!!

Nicaraguan ice cream (in the past)

2013-03-14T22:58:00.001-06:00

Most anyone who comes to Nicaragua tries, and likes, the local favorite brand of ice cream: Eskimo. However, it hasn't always been the local favorite. In the pre-revolutionary era (before the 1979 onward) Lacmiel was the thing, or so I am told. I have tried to investigate a bit about the company. The address is still commonly referenced in Managua by taxi drivers and others giving directions. I also read that the property where Lacmiel was, abandoned for years, was offered to the Pellas family for $2 million. It obviously isn't worth that but hey...if the Pella's are buying....anyways, that's why the reference still exists.

Walking through the San Judas barrios in Managua, I saw two of these signs, used now as a sheet metal patch on a tin sheet fence:

Much to my surprise, on the next street south I found this one:

Ahh, sweet memories of days gone bys. Come back Lacmiel, please come back!

Managua's new downtown....

2013-03-12T22:17:00.003-06:00

The new, up and coming downtown Managua...

I like big bugs....

2013-03-11T22:51:00.002-06:00

I like big bugs and I cannot lie...here is a big one from Cárdenas, Nicaragua.

Take advantage of shipping costs....

2013-03-07T23:04:00.002-06:00

Gas prices in Nicaragua are through the roof (ironically considering the close business and political ties between Venezuela's Hugo Chávez, his ALBA group and the government of Daniel Ortega). A person has to take advantage of every opportunity as every drop of petroleum counts. These guys are no strangers to the game, transporting their mattresses from the Managua area to Rivas, Nicaragua.

I passed as quickly as I could and tried to stay to the left....

How to Get a Free ‘Test Drive’ of Retirement in Nicaragua

2013-03-06T19:38:00.001-06:00

From Evernote:

How to Get a Free ‘Test Drive’ of Retirement in Nicaragua

Clipped from: http://www.cnbc.com/id/100519321

How to Get a Free 'Test Drive' of Retirement in Nicaragua

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Published: Monday, 4 Mar 2013 | 3:51 PM ET

By: Cindy Perman

CNBC.com Staff Writer

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Jane Sweeney | AWL Images | Getty Images

Granada, Nicaragua

You can test drive a car, so why not retirement?

InternationalLiving.com, a magazine and website with a self-explanatory name, is holding a contest to "test drive" retirement in Nicaragua for a month – all expenses paid.That includes airfare and rent for the winner and a spouse or friend, plus $1,500 for extra spending money.

Why Nicaragua?

Nicaragua routinely makes "best places to retire overseas" lists, with its tropical climate, picturesque landscape with beaches, rainforest and volcanoes, Spanish colonial architecture and the piece de resistance – its low cost of living.

Actually, International Living describes it as a "super-low cost of living," where you can live well on $700 a month, and real estate is "a fraction of what you'd pay in the U.S. for similar locations."

"I have a bit of an embarrassing problem every time I go to Nicaragua," Jason Holland wrote on InternationalLiving.com. "For at least half the first day, I'm constantly asking waiters to repeat the price for a beer,cocktail or meal, thinking I misheard. Could it really be that low?" He reported that a steak dinner for three in Granada, complete with wine, cost $45 — and that was the most expensive meal he had there. Mojitos and other drinks are about $1.50 around town, he reports, and Tona beer costs 75 cents.

75 cents – what year is this? Does Marty McFly know about this?

Now that your interest is piqued (at the very least, your wallet's interest) you're probably wondering what the "requirements" are for a retirement contest.

I mean, if this were a basketball contest, you'd win by being good at sinking baskets. What exactly is the skill set you need to get an edge in a retirement contest?!

First, applicants "must be willing to relax," the ad on InternationalLiving.com says.

Relax? Hey, this is my kind of contest! I could be the best relaxer you've ever seen. (Not really but I'm a quick study.)

The full description from International Living:

"Must be willing to relax... explore a new place... shop the local farmers and craft markets... take walks... attend festivals... maybe try a Spanish class... enjoy local restaurants... make new friends. Ideal candidate is of (or close to) retirement age, hails from the U.S. or Canada, and believes that – in the right places overseas – it's possible to live better, for less," the ad says.

Applicants were asked to submit a three-minute video on YouTube on why they should get the free test drive.

"I am 63-years old and am living on a fixed income. I collect Social Security and I also have a military retirement," said Roger Wollschlager, playing it straight in his YouTube video. "If I can live in Nicaragua and the cost of living is a lot cheaper, then I can stretch my retirement dollars a lot further."

Sue and Keith Farndale from Toronto, Canada were a quaint comedic duo in their YouTube video, with Keith playing reporter and interviewing Sue on why they should win.

"We'd like to win a dream test drive test-drive retirement overseas with International Living and we're going to tell you why!" Keith says in the intro. "First, welcome to the beach neighborhood of Toronto, Canada! It's gray. It's snowy. It's below freezing. Hey, maybe that's the reason!" He says, elbowing Sue.

Sue giggles.

"Sue, what do you look for in a retirement destination?"Keith asks.

"Nice weather and cheaper. And friendly people," Sue said. "I like the idea of learning another language. That's good for our brains as we age."

Right on cue, Keith replies: Hablo espanol. Si, senora!"

More giggling.

No reporting or writing experience is necessary but the winner must be willing to share reports of their experience. If International Living uses any of the material in their magazine, website or daily postcard e-letter,they'll offer additional compensation at the current writer's rate.

Say, do you get paid extra if you "hablo espanol"?

Intur da a conocer plan de acciones a ejecutarse durante temporada de verano

2013-03-05T10:28:00.001-06:00

Clipped from: http://el19digital.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50714%3Aintur-da-a-conocer-plan-de-acciones-a-ejecutarse-durante-temporada-de-verano&catid=23%3Anacionales&Itemid=12

La época de verano ha iniciado en nuestro país y con ello el desarrollo de un plan específico, el que permitirá que miles de turistas nacionales y extranjeros, logren disfrutar de las bellas y hermosas playas y tradiciones religiosas de los nicaragüenses. Dicho plan está siendo impulsado y promovido por el Instituto Nicaragüense de Turismo (INTUR) y la Comisión Interinstitucional conformada por 13 instituciones del Estado y 3 movimientos de Juventud Sandinista.

Declaraciones brindadas por el compañero Mario Salinas, Presidente Ejecutivo del Intur, señalaron que este año el plan de verano se ha venido mejorando, creando de esta manera las condiciones de seguridad y salubridad para los más de 50 mil turistas que esperan en los centros turísticos de todo el territorio nacional.

"Cada año avanzamos en mejorar las condiciones de nuestros turistas, para ello, esta vez hemos creado cuatro comisiones, la Comisión de Seguridad y Salud, Comisión de Medio Ambiente, Comisión de Promoción y Recreación y la Comisión de Comunicación y Monitoreo, las que estarán funcionando a nivel departamental, con las que pretendemos obtener una cobertura extraordinaria precisamente en el período de Semana Santa que está próximo a iniciar" señaló.

Dentro del trabajo que estará realizando el Intur con las instituciones como la Policía Nacional, los Bomberos, Defensa Civil, Marena, Minsa, entre otras, se estará brindando seguridad a cada uno de los que asistan a las playas y sitios donde se desarrollen actividades religiosas como es el caso del departamento de León.

El Plan Verano está conformado por un sinnúmero de acciones preventivas, con el objetivo de que al finalizar el período de vacaciones no se registre incidente alguno, dentro de las principales medidas a tomar se destaca el trabajo de patrullaje que la Policía Nacional estará realizando en cada uno de los centros turísticos, se llevarán a cabo ferias de concientización con la población acerca de las medidas sanitarias que deben ser tomadas en cuenta a la hora de permanecer en los balnearios.

Por su parte el Sinapred, la Defensa Civil y los Bomberos, estarán atendiendo cualquier tipo de desastre que se registre en los lugares más frecuentados durante este período, para ello contarán con un sistema de radio comunicación de emergencia, el cual permitirá una comunicación continua y segura ante cualquier eventualidad, de igual manera instalarán cinco áreas de atención a desastres.

Salinas destacó que para este año se está efectuando una considerable inversión en los centros que asiste el Intur, con el fin de garantizar los espacios adecuados para el sano entretenimiento de las familias nicaragüenses.

"Para el período de Semana Santa, vamos a efectuar una inversión de casi 5 millones de córdobas en los cinco centros turísticos administrados por Intur, estamos implementando un plan de mejoramiento en todos los centros turísticos de nuestro país, lo que permitirá que nuestros centros estén en excelentes condiciones durante todo el año, lo cual lo haremos dotándolos de nuevos atractivos, lo cual contempla una inversión de 20 millones de córdobas" agregó.

"Estas acciones son partes de un programa en el que estamos involucrando a toda la población, para que cada día vallamos mejorando nuestras condiciones de vida y alcancemos vivir mejor, vivir bien y así avanzar acorde con el desarrollo de nuestro país y de nuestro pueblo" dijo Salinas.

Por otro lado, Salinas señaló que el crecimiento del turismo está estrechamente ligado con la mejoras en la calidad de los servicios, es por tal razón que día a día aumentan los esfuerzos para el fortalecimiento del mismo, el que actualmente cuenta con un avance considerable.

"Para garantizar la calidad de nuestros servicios, estamos trabajando en cuatro direcciones como lo son el Turismo Cultural, Turismo de Sol y Playa, Turismo Religioso y Turismo Alternativo, las que van acompañadas de capacitaciones a todo el personal involucrado, para mejorar en el tema de la calidad, trabajando junto con ellos es que hemos logrado avanzar grandemente en este rubro que en los últimos años ha venido incrementando hasta en un 4% con relación a años anteriores" detalló.

Otras de las medidas que serán implementadas por el Intur durante este período se destacan la capacitación a 10 mil inspectores ambientales, la ejecución de 200 jornadas de limpieza, la entrega de cloro a los dueños de negocios para la purificación del agua, se estarán entregando 50 mil volantes conteniendo información necesaria y se realizarán inspecciones en los lugares donde se efectúe la venta y manipulación de alimentos.

Todas las acciones que se han venido realizando y que están próximas a ejecutarse con relación a la promoción y actividades nacionales, tienen un costo de 1 millón 750 mil dólares, lo cual va a permitir que Nicaragua cuente con mejores infraestructuras y que las condiciones de vida de la población nicaragüense mejoren.

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