Rivas and Hacienda Amayo, Nicaragua
Our morning started in San Juan del Sur, a beautiful fishing bay and the primary port of entry on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast. We were greeted on the dock by the municipal band and the smiling faces of village locals. After the formalities we drove to Rivas, a colonial town that sits on the west side of Lake Nicaragua, the largest fresh-water lake in Central America. The hospitality and warmth of the locals was truly magnificent. We were entertained by Rivas school children on the lawns of a historical museum. A love of life, music and laughter filled the air as gifts were exchanged and friendships were made. We then toured the town on pepanos, two-seated bike taxis driven by single riders. In the center of Rivas we visited a historic church, shopped and played basketball with the townspeople.
After leaving Rivas, we toured to Hacienda Amayo, a huge property granted to the Hurtado family by the king of Spain in the 16th century. Our gracious hostess, Maria Marta Johanning welcomed us with an elaborate traditional lunch and an open heart. This peaceful and elegant property is adjacent to Lake Nicaragua (also known as Cocibolca). This unique lake with two volcanoes on the island of Ometepe in its center is also known for rare specimens of fish otherwise found only in saltwater.
After lunch we were challenged to a game by the local youth baseball team. The competition was tough but friendly and even though we lost, a great time was had by all. Nobody wanted to leave, but we finally said goodbye to our new friends (including the Minister of Tourism) and headed back to the coast. Back in San Juan del Sur, the celebration of Santa Maria del Carmen was underway, featuring fireworks and locals jumping off of overcrowded ships in the crescent-shaped bay. We returned to the Sea Voyager for a great dinner and piñata party for the kids as we headed back towards Costa Rica—tired, but content.
Our morning started in San Juan del Sur, a beautiful fishing bay and the primary port of entry on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast. We were greeted on the dock by the municipal band and the smiling faces of village locals. After the formalities we drove to Rivas, a colonial town that sits on the west side of Lake Nicaragua, the largest fresh-water lake in Central America. The hospitality and warmth of the locals was truly magnificent. We were entertained by Rivas school children on the lawns of a historical museum. A love of life, music and laughter filled the air as gifts were exchanged and friendships were made. We then toured the town on pepanos, two-seated bike taxis driven by single riders. In the center of Rivas we visited a historic church, shopped and played basketball with the townspeople.
After leaving Rivas, we toured to Hacienda Amayo, a huge property granted to the Hurtado family by the king of Spain in the 16th century. Our gracious hostess, Maria Marta Johanning welcomed us with an elaborate traditional lunch and an open heart. This peaceful and elegant property is adjacent to Lake Nicaragua (also known as Cocibolca). This unique lake with two volcanoes on the island of Ometepe in its center is also known for rare specimens of fish otherwise found only in saltwater.
After lunch we were challenged to a game by the local youth baseball team. The competition was tough but friendly and even though we lost, a great time was had by all. Nobody wanted to leave, but we finally said goodbye to our new friends (including the Minister of Tourism) and headed back to the coast. Back in San Juan del Sur, the celebration of Santa Maria del Carmen was underway, featuring fireworks and locals jumping off of overcrowded ships in the crescent-shaped bay. We returned to the Sea Voyager for a great dinner and piñata party for the kids as we headed back towards Costa Rica—tired, but content.
