One of the most remarkable cities in Nicaragua, León is an ideal place for a weekend getaway. Home to cathedrals and museums, volcanoes and beaches, there is no shortage of things to do and see in and around this beautiful city.
I hopped in the truck with my co-pilot, Gallo, who called the city of lions home for four years. I had two days. I figured he could help me find the best of what it offers.
Coming from Managua, we decided to take the newer road, Carretera Nueva a León. Driving reasonably it will get you there in about 90 minutes, that is if you can fight off the urge to stop in La Paz for some of the best quesillo in Nicaragua… We pulled into León about 105 minutes later, with bellies full of the cheesy goodness.
Gallo suggested we check out barrio Subtiava. When volcano Momotombo destroyed the original city of León in 1610, the Spanish moved it next to this indigenous capital, which is now part of the city.
It is also home to El Tamarindon. The giant 600 year old tree was said to be used by the Spanish to hang Adiact, the leader of the Subtiava tribe in the late 18th century. Since then it had become a symbol of indigenous fortitude and perseverance. It took Gallo a couple tries to find the right street the tree was on, but we finally saw it…well, some of it. The tree was destroyed during a storm in September, nothing but a large jagged piece of it still sticks out of the ground.
It was a bit of a downer, but determined to learn more about the indigenous people of the region, we tracked down the Adiact Museum of Archeology (Museo Arqueológico del Pueblo Indígena de Los Subtiavas). Recently remodeled, the small but worthwhile museum is filled with archeological pieces including, pots, tools and weapons of the Subtiava tribe who were the first people to settle in this area. There are also new large displays with detailed descriptions (in Spanish) of their proud history.
Hungry again, we hit up El Lobito Bar in the same neighborhood, Gallo recommended we split the impressive ‘plato surtido’ with some of the best Nica ribs I’ve had, plus chicken, tajadas, meatballs and more for C$190 (a little less than $10). I knew there was a reason I kept that guy around.

Backpacker tourism in León has led to a wide assortment of hostels popping up throughout the city and that means it is fairly easy to overdose on patchouli funk and B.O., but it also makes it easy to can find a nice private room at a hostel for less than a hotel. I checked out the Tortuga Booluda (the Lazy Turtle) because of its close proximity to central park, the good things I had read about it online and the private rooms with AC that they offer in addition a co-ed dormitory.
The things I had heard were spot on, the place was clean, the staff friendly and the other guests super laidback. Knowing that I had to get up early the next morning to visit the youngest volcano in Central America, Cerro Negro, I decided to pass the rest of the night there playing pool, throwing back liters of Toña and listening to Gallo play drunken Cure covers.

In the morning, I met up with a group of friends at Vapues Tours, where we took one of their daily guided trips to hike Cerro Negro, just 25 kilometers from León, and try out ash boarding. Our bilingual guide Oscar told us about the history of the volcano and how its young age (about 160 years) and constant activity make it basically impossible for trees and plants to grow on its slopes. The result is one of the more unique looking volcanoes around, a black mass of barren volcanic rock, that contrasts greatly with the surrounding jungle and other volcanoes that make up the Cordillera de Maribios chain that it is a part of.
The 40-minute hike to the top was fairly easy but what really got to me was the heat. Even early in the morning, the sun beat down on the black rocks like a schoolyard bully. Extra water is a must so that you will be able to enjoy the extraordinary surroundings waiting for you at the top. But once you are there, it’s like finding yourself on the surface of another planet. Tiny black rocks crunch under your feet with each step, as smoke escapes from the smoldering craters down below. The 360-degree view is more than impressive and you can make out several of the other volcanoes on the chain.
When it was time to come down my stomach knotted up a bit. The decline looked a little steeper than I had imagined and the reality that I was about to fly down the side of a volcano with my feet strapped to a board took hold. I envied those in our group who had selected sit-down boards, but eventually I sucked it up and pointed my board down the hill.
It turned out to be a lot of fun. Putting the weight on my back leg got me going pretty fast. To slow down I just leaned forward a bit. There was nothing scary once it started, in fact, afterward I found myself wanting to try sitting on the board because it looked like you can get going even faster.
By the time we were riding back in Vapues Tours’ mercifully air-conditioned truck, I was exhausted and it was barely noon. A quick bite to eat and some much needed hydration got me back in the game.
We headed over to Central Park to visit the Cathedral de León. Local legend has it that the cathedral’s immense size is a result of a mix-up on the ship that bought the plans from Spain, with blueprints intended for Peru being accidentally sent to León. If that’s true, it turned out to be a ‘happy accident’ for Nicaragua – though for the guy who screwed up, knowing those Spaniards, I’m thinking not so much.
Entrance to the church is free and inside you can visit the tomb of Ruben Dario, Nicaragua’s most recognized poet and prodigal son of León. But for a couple of extra cordobas you can climb the stairs to the roof and take in the incredible view and architecture. Just don’t ring the bell. Seriously. I guarantee you will want to, but fight the urge!
About four blocks down from the park you will find the Centro de Arte Fundación Ortiz Gurdián, easily the most impressive art museum in Nicaragua. It’s also one of the best bargains around. For a couple dollars you get access to two buildings filled with contemporary works including big names like Picasso, alongside some of Latin America’s best.

Feeling full of culture and history, we decided to head out to Poneloya to learn a little more about beaches and beer. Apparently the road from León to the beach towns of Poneloya and Las Peñitas used to be bad. Like horribly bad. Thankfully it has been redone, in fact, it is without a doubt the best road I have driven on in the country. What used to take an hour is now right around 20 minutes and it makes the beaches here closer from Managua than San Juan del Sur, yet far more rustic and village-like, the way San Juan used to be.
We opted to rent a beachfront house in Poneloya and pulled into town just in time to hit the ocean for a dip in front of an absolutely gorgeous sunset. It was a perfect way to combat the day’s heat, but I recommend not going too far out to swim, as the waves can be a bit rough.
For dinner we tried the oldest restaurant in Poneloya, El Pariente Salinas. The owner invited us to the fridge to check out the assortment of fish and several members of our group picked out their own dinner. The meal was fresh, the beers were cold and everyone left satisfied. But since the nightlife in Poneloya is pretty much do-it-yourself, we headed back to the house to throw our own party with rum we had brought from León.
After a laidback morning at the beach house, we headed further into town, down past the strip of bars and restaurants to hang out at the Surfing Turtle Lodge.
To really get away from it all, you can’t do much better than the Surfing Turtle. We took the short boat ride over to Los Brasiles Island where a horse cart arrived to pick us up and take us to the unique, 100 percent solar-powered eco lodge. They offer surfing, volleyball and accommodations starting at $10 a night, but more than anything it is a great place to chill with friends and enjoy the wonders of the island. From a protected sea turtle hatchery on the beach to great waves and fresh grilled food, it’s a place I wouldn’t mind getting lost at for a couple days.
Unfortunately, after spending the whole afternoon there, the sun was setting on our weekend in León. It was time to get back to reality. We headed to our beach house, packed up our stuff and hit the road back to Managua.

…some usefull pointers…

Va Pues Tours
Explore Nicaragua with Vapues Tours. They offer day trips and tour packages for destinations all over Nicaragua, and specialize in giving clients that ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. Vapues is also a premier outfitter for ‘ash boarding’ trips to Cerro Negro, and are major proponents of sustainable development of community based tourism. Contact them by e-mail or visit their offices in León and Granada.

Email: info@vapues.com
Tel: (505) 2315-4099 | (505) 8606-2276
Dir: Costado Norte de la Iglesia el Laborío, frente a la Casa Cural, León
www.vapues.com

La Tortuga Booluda Hostel
Friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices with nice private rooms and coed dorm, plus lots of amenities, including billiards, internet, library, kitchen and more.
Tel:(505) 2311 4653
Dir: From the southwest corner of Central Park, 3 ½ blocks west
www.hosteltrail.com/tortugabooluda

Surfing Turtle Lodge
Located on a small island just off of Poneloya (five minute boat ride), this solor-powered eco-friendly hostel offers private cabanas, rooms and a coed dorm. It’s truly a perfect place to get away from it all.
Email: info@surfingturtlelodge.com
Tel: (505) 8640 0644
Dir: Isla Los Brasiles, North of Poneloya
www.surfingturtlelodge.com

El Lobito Bar
Great grilled food, often accompanied by live music, in an historic León neighborhood.
Tel: 2311- 4146
Dir: 4 blocks west, ½ block south, 1 ½ blocks west from Laborio Church, Barrio Subtiava.

CocinArte
Fresh vegetarian food, juices and more served in a relaxed environment.

Tel: 2315- 4099
Dir: North side of El Laborio Church, in front of Casa Cural, León

El Pariente Salinas
This Poneloya landmark offers some of the best seafood around.
Dir: Located on the main road just as you enter Poneloya

Ortiz Guardián Foundation Art Center
Adress: 1 block west of the Parque Rubén Darío

Inside of Hacienda Iguana Tola, on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua, you’ll find Iguana Golf and Beach Resort. Home of the country’s only complete 18 hole golf course, the property also provides close access to the beach and world class waves for surfing. The Spanish Colonial style condos the resort offers are well-crafted and available with 1-3 bedrooms, plus full kitchens and numerous amenities. If you don’t feel like strolling over to the beach, you can relax by the pool, complete with a barbeque for grilling. Iguana Golf and Beach Resort is an affordable option for groups who want to take advantage of Nicaragua’s beautiful Pacific Coast while keeping some of the comforts of home.

Tel.: (Informacion y Tarifas):505 8927-6447
Correo electronico: iguanagolffandbeachresort@gmail.com

Mango Rosa is the ultimate jump off point for adventure in San Juan del Sur. Located seemingly in the middle of the jungle, but only a short drive from town, this 21-room full-service resort provides the perfect combination of comfort and escape. And because of its location just minutes away from some of San Juan’s best beaches (Maderas, Marsella and Majagual), surfing, taking a boat tour or fishing trip on La Panga Rosa or just a having a relaxing day at the ocean is always an option. If you want to check out the scene around the San Juan Bay, Mango offers shuttles into town and back, based on the needs of their guests, including one that returns conveniently late at night for all the true party heads who dare to venture out with Mango’s resident bar keep, Jonny.

If group fun is your thing, Casa Rancho Maderas at Mango Rosa is the perfect place to chill, grill and party. When I stayed there I couldn’t help but just say “Wow” over and over as we walked upstairs to the open-air deck. This common area of the 3-bedroom rancho has hammocks, a couch, several chairs, and an impressive bar with a top-of-the-line grill. There’s even an additional uncovered deck off of the main structure. “You know a place is nice when the deck has a deck!” my friend exclaimed.

Mango Rosa also offers two bedroom ranchers and 1-bedroom bungalows. And while they are smaller than the Rancho Maderas, the only thing that really differs is the size. The quality and amenities are always there, no matter which accommodations you choose. (Wireless internet throughout the resort, cable TV, DVD players, a/c units in every room and fully equipped kitchens).

Even if you aren’t staying at Mango, you can drop by their restaurant/bar for a bite to eat or a drink and take advantage of the pool, volleyball and free internet. Everyone is welcome and owners Greg Bamford (Florida, US) and Chad Unser (BC, Canada), the masterminds behind the Mango Rosa experience, set the tone for the rest of the resort’s sociable staff. Get more information plus info on packages and rates at: www.mangorosanicaragua.com

It all begins with Ananda
… actually, it ends with ananda. In the ancient Indian language, Sanskrit, ananda means “bliss.” Through dedicated practice of Yoga, a yogi (practitioner of Yoga) can achieve the state of bliss associated with ‘samadhi,’ the experience of union with the divine essence of the universe. This is the ultimate goal of yoga…but we are getting ahead of ourselves…

Yoga in Nicaragua begins with Ananda (named for the aforementioned state of bliss), a yoga center and vegetarian restaurant in Managua. In 1970, before the brutal earthquake, before revolution and war, a long-bearded Indian mystic and yogi arrived in Managua with a mission: achieve world peace by helping individuals achieve a state of internal peace. Yoga is a system for living that is designed to cultivate internal peace, focus, harmony and integration within the individual. Swami Guru Devanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj figured if Yoga could be spread to all corners of the planet, peace would inevitably follow. Not bad logic.

Yoga offers many different techniques for achieving this same goal. The Swami’s style of Yoga focuses on Mantra meditation: repeating specific Sanskrit phrases while in a state of complete mental focus. No yogi would argue that the same technique will work for all people, but this one worked very well for José Luís Pallaviccini Norori, who then adopted the name Sri Ramesh and became Nicaragua’s first yoga master. Sri Guru’s organization, Sociedad Internacional de Realización Divina (SIRD), bought the land where Ananda currently resides. Sri Ramesh set a goal: to offer Nicas a vision of a healthier way of life. They started selling fresh juices (without refined sugar!) and later, vegetarian meals out of a broken down bus. A humble and heartfelt endeavor. True Nica style.

From Ananda to Aqua
In 2010, Yoga is now a worldwide phenomenon. Costa Rica is a major “yoga destination,” with North American and European yogis plunking down millions of dollars each year to study and practice in Tico-landia. Yatzu Lios, one of the managers of the Nosara Yoga Institute’s Blue Spirit, a magnificent yoga retreat center with a 4 story hotel/practice facility with 360 degree views of the mountains and Nosara coastline, put it succinctly: “Ticos used to think that Yoga was a religion. Now most realize that it isn’t. It is a way of life.”

Richard Moncada, a yoga teacher at Ananda, cites the same mistaken prejudice as the primary obstacle to sharing Yoga in Nicaragua: “They think it is in conflict with Catholicism and Christianity. Not at all! Yoga is a lifestyle that involves a spiritual discipline and allows the individual to achieve a state of union between her mind, body and soul. Yoga means union.”

Another challenge to sharing Yoga: “There is no culture of Yoga here,” explained Diana Lanuza, the founder of Clinica One, a Managua day spa and yoga center. “So when people come into a class, they don’t know what to expect, what to wear, etc. The class involves a lot of guiding.” Diana is one of approximately 20 teachers in Nicaragua who are offering regular Yoga classes, that is, classes that focus primarily on the postures that are the most famous element of the yoga practice. “Since I started practicing, I’ve employed the principle of detachment, living a more simple life, focusing more an myself,” she says. “But this doesn’t mean being selfish, but finding happiness in yourself. Then you can truly make someone else happy.”

Warren Ogden, a Yoga teacher at PURE, a gym, spa & Yoga center in Granada, echoed her sentiment: “an authentic Yoga practice begins with the experience of detachment: separating yourself from your thoughts and emotions and even your physical sensations, and occupying the position of the observer. Witnessing, without grasping or reacting.” PURE offers daily classes, retreats, and workshops. “My goal is to create at PURE a vibrant community of support for the individual’s practice and growth, and my hope is that we’ll see these sorts of communities sprout up throughout Nicaragua.”

Yoga is growing in a number of hotspots around the country. Larry Thraen operates an internationally-recognized teacher training program in conjunction with the School Yoga Institute. Donna Major is a graduate of the program who, like Larry, now teaches at Buena Vida Fitness Center in San Juan del Sur. Larry believes that Nicaragua can and should become a major destination for Yoga tourism, but “Nicaragua needs a global PR campaign to focus on the beauty and safety of the country. Yoga/eco-tourism is win-win for everyone.”

Nicaragua’s first two world-class yoga retreat centers just opened their doors. Both are upscale and ecologically-minded. Jicaro Ecolodge resides on a private island among Granada’s 360 isletas. Aqua Nicaragua is nestled among the coastal cliffs and hillsides just south of Playa Gigante. Both institutions reflect a central tenet of Yoga called Karma Yoga: an effort for the common good, carried out selflessly.

Gabriela Prado is another of Nicaragua’s yoga pioneers and also a prime example of Karma Yoga in action. Gabriela offers regular free classes on the Popoyo beach. She has also been teaching yoga to kids and teenagers in Salinas de Nagualapa, Tola, for five years as part of the educational foundation, Aprender (AprenderNicaragua.org).

Gabriela found too that Yoga was new to the people in the area. “Initially, yes, there were preconceptions and misconceptions about Yoga. So I talked with the parents, explaining that Hatha Yoga is like physical exercise, but with additional benefits, focusing on becoming aware of ourselves: how we breathe, what we eat and drink, as well as being conscious and appreciative of the nature around us. The parents were open to it and the kids really love it.“

Gabriela along with James Womack will be opening a yoga retreat center in May, 2010. The retreat is set on fifteen acres of organic gardens and fruit trees, bordering a river, just upstream from the beaches of Popoyo. The name of the retreat is Equilibrio. It is a fitting name, as the educational opportunities of the local children will continue to rise along with the yoga tourism they bring to the area.

All the yogis interviewed for this article shared a common sentiment: Yoga in Nicaragua is nascent; sharing Yoga here is challenging, but feels exceptionally rewarding, like the practice itself. Dan and Geri shared a physical metaphor: “Once, when we were feeling really challenged during the construction phase, some unknown tree started dropping magnificent little flowers, which floated down to our yoga deck. They were like little blessings. We feel blessed to be part of such a living enterprise, in this phenomenal country.”

PURE – Granada www.purenica.com
JICARO ISLAND ECOLODGE – Las Isletas de Granada www.jicarolodge.com
ANANDA – Managua www.yogadevanand.com
CENTRO DE YOGA CENTER – Managua www.centrodeyogacenter.com
CLINICA ONE – Managua (505) 8773-8825
BUEDA VIDA FITNESS CENTER – San Juan del Sur www.buenavidafitness.com
NICA YOGA AT CAMINO DEL SOL – San Juan del Sur www.nicayoga.com
YOGA WITH GABRIELA PRADO – Popoyo/Guasacate/Salinas, Tola www.equilibrioyoga.com
AQUA NICARAGUA – www.aquanicaragua.com
BWSP – www.bigworldsmallplanet.com

www.la-libertad.net

From the moment you get to Rio San Juan, you feel that you are in a place you will never forget. Nicaragua’s largest body of water, Lake Cocibolca, gives life to the river, providing a sanctuary for water birds, like herons and needle ducks; sweet water fishes like, shads, sea bass, guapotes and mojarras and millenarian reptiles, like alligators and turtles. The area is also the home of one of the most important nature reserves of Nicaragua: the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve.

The Rio San Juan was known to the conquistadors and colonists who came from Spain as “el Desaguadero” (the drainage) when it was discovered in 1525, because it unites the Caribbean ocean with Lake Cocibolca. The area was a trade point with the Spanish provinces in Costa Rica, Cuba, Cartagena de Indias in Colombia and other Caribbean islands. It was also used by pirates and thieves who invaded San Carlos and stole money, gold and other valuable objects from Managua, Leon and Granada. Because of this, the Spanish built the fortress El Castillo de la Inmaculada Concepcion in the community with the same name.

Over 200km long, the Rio San Juan flows into the Caribbean Sea in the San Juan del Norte community. It borders Costa Rica, and in its long extension there are many border places like the one from Los Chiles, entering Frio River, and San Pancho, in the community that has the same name.

At 300m wide, the Rio San Juan is calm throughout a majority of its length, but there are a few sections of rapids like Los Raudales del Diablo in front of El Castillo.

While traveling the river, you can see the different communities that have been established on its banks like La Esperanza, La Foca, Santa Rosa, Isla Medio Queso, Grande, Palo de Arco, Isla Chica or Sabalos. In most of these towns, the houses are built on stilts to avoid flooding when the level of the river rises during and after the rain.

Most of the inhabitants of San Juan River are fishermen who practice artisan fishing, a type of fishing that involves using small boats and traditional techniques and equipment. There are also communities that harvest oranges and export them to Costa Rica.

For tourists, the Rio San Juan area has been steadily developing a tourism infrastructure that offers a variety of visitor accommodations and activities. There are ecologic hotels that provide opportunities to explore the jungle and enjoy its biodiversity.

This touristic development of Rio San Juan and its surrounding areas has happened in large part thanks to the support provided by international organizations like the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation for Development through the Araucaria project, as well as the Nicaraguan Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

Rio San Juan can be reached by land, air or lake. By land, you take the Chontales road, however the Acoyapa stretch to San Carlos is deteriorated so you will need a 4×4. Buses are avaible as well. The ride takes about 9 hours and costs C$300 Cordobas (US$15.00). You can get the bus at the Mayoreo Market in Managua. The journey by air takes 47 minutes and costs US$120 dollars roundtrip. You can get there by boats leaving from Granada. It takes from 12 to 15 hours and it stops at Ometepe Island, Morrito and San Miguelito. The cost is around C$150 Cordobas (US$7.50).

From San Carlos you can go to many different locations along the San Juan River. There is a boat that leaves to El Castillo everyday at 8 AM, with a capacity of 55 people and a cost of C$77 (US$4.00) Cordobas. The boat returns to San Carlos at 2 PM. In order to get to San Juan del Norte, you have to be there by 7AM to arrive at 4PM, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays with a capacity of 90 people and a cost of C$400.00 Cordobas (US$20.00). The boat returns on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. There is another faster boat that holds 20 people, costs C$500.00 (US$25.00) and has the same schedule, but gets there in just 5 hours.

By Marcos Zamora, Photography Chris Sataua

A perfect red circle among the pink and white of the sky, the setting sun reflects the mists on Chirinagüa hill in the idyllic town of Jinotega.

“Coffee Capital,” “City of the Mist” or “Xinotencalt” – as different people throughout the years have called Jinotega, is the ideal destination to escape the routine of the city. The nature reserves, Lake Apanás, cathedrals, history and culture, offer the visitor a unique and unforgettable experience in the region.

Located at an altitude of 1074 meters, Jinotega provides an excellent climate, and one ideal for growing coffee and other agricultural products. An estimated 60% of vegetable production at the national level is from this area.

Apanás is an artificial lake built in 1964, which besides being absolutely beautiful, is the supplier of 23% of the hydropower in the country, has a wide range of plant and animal life and is recognized for its good fishing.

In the municipality of San Rafael del Norte, 20 minutes away from Jinotega, is the Church of San Rafael Arcángel, established by priest Andrea Odorico in 1954. In December of 2000, the church and the impressive works of art it houses were designated as a National Historic Monument.

In the same town is also the Museum of General Augusto Cesar Sandino, the renowned historical figure who at the end of the decade of the 20’s became the leader of the Nicaraguan resistance against U.S. occupation troops.

After significant periods of fighting during the years around the revolution, Jinotega now breathes peace and tranquility, the perfect atmosphere for enjoying natural reserves such as the Bosawás Biosphere Reserve, the El Jaguar Reserve, the Datanlí-El Diablo national forest and many more.

There is no doubt that the town of Jinotega is one of the most beautiful places in the country. For any who visit, its climate, its people, its culture and history, will provide moments that you will never forget.

By Jonathan Jackson. Photography by Ernesto Hellmund.

Nicaragua is often referred to as the land of lakes and volcanoes, so it is only fitting that one of the country’s most incredible natural wonders has been both. Laguna de Apoyo, located between Masaya and Granada, was formed over 20,000 years ago after Volcano Apoyo exploded leaving a huge crater that over time filled with water and became a lake. It is remarkable to behold, whether from the shore on the bottom looking up at its steep slopes covered in lush vegetation, or from the lookout point above the crater in the city of Catarina.

The main attraction of Apoyo of course is its clear, fresh water – widely regarded as the cleanest in Nicaragua – which can be just what you need on a hot, muggy Nicaragua afternoon. It’s usually pretty warm, but the farther you go out, the colder it gets as the depth increases exponentially with a lowest measured point of 200 meters. Several hotels, hostels and restaurants line the shorefront of the lagoon, each providing varying forms of beach access. They range in price from the high-end Norome Villas, to the cheaper local restaurants that offer traditional Nica food and an abundance of hammocks. If you have a little bit of a budget, it is well worth the $6 day pass to get access to the Monkey Hut hostel’s friendly shores and their assortment of innertubes and kayaks, plus a floating dock made for soaking up the sun.

By Jonathan Jackson, Photography Vivian Chen

While I suppose it is kind of interesting that the more than 360 tiny islands in Lake Cocibolca that make up Las Isletas de Granada were formed when the volcano Mombacho erupted over 10,000 years ago, there is an even better reason to take a relaxing boat trip through this beautiful aquatic labyrinth: Monkeys!

And what is the only thing better than one monkey? That’s right, a tiny island of monkeys!! You can book a ride through the Isletas with a tour company in Granada or save money and hire a guide yourself by heading to the south end of the lakefront. Just make sure to mention that you want to pass by ‘La Isla de los Monos.’

Other tour highlights include an abundance of bird and plant life, the fortress of San Pablo – built to protect Granada from pirates in the 18th century – and a handful of restaurants and hotels serving fresh fish and traditional dishes.

A two-hour leisurely boat trip, usually including a stop for lunch, is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, and the unique beauty of Las Isletas de Granada is something everyone should experience. Don’t forget to bring along some fruit for the monkeys.