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Matagalpa
Matagalpa
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    Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

    Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

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    Located on the only beach in the region, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is our all-ages luxury oceanfront resort with its own private cove. Enjoy stunning ocean vistas from our sunset bar or sneak a peak of breaching whales from our beachfront restaurants.

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    • filter_dramaGet in
      The city of Matagalpa is just 2 hours from [wiki=d98bf2a51283482a9283735e2324a1f2]Managua[/wiki] International Airport; you can get there in 2.5 hours by public bus or renting a car.
      Matagalpa was an Indian town before becoming the destination of Central European settlers when gold was discoverd in the 1850's. That is the reason that one sees people of lighter complexion than in Managua, Granada or Leon. Life is more like in the old days, so it is nice to get pictures of ox carts, cowboys, and loaded mules.
      Nowadays it is the so called "Production Center" of coffee, cattle, flowers, and vegetables, as well as an ecotourism center, and is recognized as one of Nicaragua's largest and fastest growing commerce and trade centers.
    • filter_dramaGet around
      Once outside the Airport, to get to the city of Matagalpa you take Carretera Norte going north. You will cross little villages like: Tipitapa, San Benito (this is the intersection of roads either going to Matagalpa or going to Bluefields). Then comes Ciudad Dario at kilometer 86 (Ruben Dario´s birth place. He is one of better poets of Spanish language, the "Walt Wiltman" of Spanish literature. Then comes Sebaco ("Serpent Woman" in Indian language, at kilometer 102). Finally you get to Matagalpa, at kilometer 127. This is the Capitol of the province of the same name. Once in Matagalpa you can look for local hotels. Most desirable hotels and B&B's are inside the city limits, although there is a couple of prominent resorts in the mountains just north of the city.

      Matagalpa is a historical Indian city of 100,000 inhabitants, where you can find restaurants and cyber cafes. Many Central Europeans (German, Brittsh, French and Italian) famlies settled here since 1848, after they changed their minds about reaching the Californian gold mines. in stead they decided to stay here, and others soon followed. One of them was William Richardson, grandfather of Bill Richardson, the former Governor of New Mexico, USA. William senior is buried in the well known "Matagalpa Foreing Cemetery" a few blocks south of town.

      The province of Matagalpa has 12 different protected forest areas, which preserve a great variety of birds and orchids, all kind of wild life; Mountain lion, deer, howler monkies, quetzal, toucan birds, sloth, ocelot, and wild pig, etc.)
    • filter_dramaSee
      Matagalpa is a nice town to walk and take photos. You may visit and take pictures inside historical churches, like the Cathedral, built in 1874, the San Jose, started in 1750, formely called San Felipe, the Molaguina, built in 1805 and formely Dolores Church. The colonial Santa Ana church disappeared in the 1850s, but you can see its old foundations just across the "Escuela de Parvulos." Also the old brick and adobe walls of the Jesuit Fathers Convent, now Cancha del Bridadista. Museo del Cafe, Casa Cuna de Carlos Fonseca Amador (1936-1975), the old house of fomer President Bartolome Martinez (1870-1936), and also the house of the Comunidad Indigena, can all be enjoyed in Matagalpa.

      Walk around town and take photographs of oxen carts, cowboys, loaded mules, women wearing their chals (rebozo), men with hats, and musicians playing guitar, trumpet, violin and accordion (Polkas and Mazurcas). Pay them a tip to play you a song. These are not performances being put on for the tourists, these are actual real-time expressions of the local culture that is their way of life, and legitimate sources of income. ~ experiences not likely found in your place of origin. In many ways, life here is as it was 100 years ago. Tradition is definitely alive and well here in Matagalpa.
    • filter_dramaDo
      Matagalpa has two public libraries, the Municipal, and Vicente Vita, the last one in located in the main street (la calle de los Bancos) this one is very comfortable, has many computers & free Internet access.
      There are three historical Catholic church temples, few blocks apart: the Cathedral, Molaguina and San Jose, they have nice interior architecture and you can take pictures and talk to the parisioners. Saint Peter´s Cathedral is the major building of the city, it was built by the Jesuit fathers starting in 1874, and finished in 1895.
      In the Bishop´s Palace (Calle de lso Bancos), there is a small Chapel called "El Ateneo", there is a big 5x 10 feet famous oil painting named Sagrada Familia, it is believed to be painted by Bartolomeo Murillo, a classical Spanish painter of the year 1640`s.
      It showes Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Ignatius Loyola and Saint Louis Gonzaga. Pay a visit to it, if it is Murillo´s, it must be an invaluable painting, local people don´t realized its value. According to a legend, in 1881, the Jesuit fathers, before they were expulsed by the government, gave it "in deposit" (to take care)to the local family Baldizon, that´s the reason "El Lienzo" (the canvas) still is in Matagalpa, because members of that family has not allowed it to be sold or translated to other destiny.

      Also be sure to visit the Castillo de Cacao [http://www.elcastillodelcacao.com]] located just outside of the city limits, this tiny chocolate factory manufactures high quality chocolate, and if you call ahead, you can arrange a factory tour for 150 Cordoba. A taxi from the city costs 20 Cordoba per person. If you want to buy lots of chocolate for souvenirs (or for yourself) it's cheapest at the factory.

      Other things to see or visit: There is a Coffee Museum, a Carlos Fonseca Birth Place museum (Founder of the Sandinista Front), the House of former Nicaraguan President ( 1970-1936) Bartolome Martinez (Period 1923-24).

      ====Spanish Language Schools in the Matagalpa area====

      *"Matagalpa Spanish School" aka "Colobrí Spanish School", 505 2 772 0108
      *"Viva Spanish School", 505 2 270 2339
      *"Los Fernandos", 505 2 772 5459

      Phone numbers have an extra digit after the area code(505); "2" for land lines and "8" for cell phones.
    • filter_dramaBuy
      Matagalpa is known for its sizable indigenous Indian Community, which are based mostly in El Chile, 18 kiometers from the city on the way to the town of San Ramon. They make their own cotton fabric and leather articles, and sell them there, as well as in the city at open markets. In Matagalpa you can also find black ceramic unique to this region. Handcrafted specialties such as cowboy boots, fine leather shoes, hats, jewelry, guitars and violins, as well as hammocks, fine wood furniture and metal work, are all big attractions.

      Close to the prominent white Cathedral at the north side of town is an oil painting workshop inside the University where you can buy, at reasonable prices, oil paintings with local accents such as: Nica coffee farms, ranches, oxen pulling carts, mules with side satchels overflowing with coffee beans, campesinos, and mountain cloud forest scenery, including exotic birds and wildlife.

      At each of the open-air markets,locally grown fruits and vegetables are plentiful and cheap. Treat yourself to a fresh banana, pijibay, jocotes, orange, grapefruit, nisperos, watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, coconut and plantain. Or indulge yourself with fresh locally grown broccoli, sugar beets, tomatoes, avocados, cucumber, carrots and unique squash, etc.
    • filter_dramaEat
      Try the "guirila." It's a thick tortilla made from young corn (which gives it a sweeter taste than normal tortillas) that resembles a Colombian corn arepa. Excellent with a fresh, salty cheese called "cuajada".

      While in Matagalpa you can eat traditional Indian cuisine, like:
      * "Nacatamal", it is a banana leave wrap upfilled with boiled Indian corn dough, a piece of meat(pork o chicken),flavoured with olives, raisin, tomatoes, onions and chili. These are easy to find on the weekends, and can be bought from street vendors or even private homes. Look for signs reading "Hay Nacatamal."
      * "Guirila", Indian word for tortillas made of very fresh little corn smashed, they are very tasty and aromatic.
      * Carne Asada or BarBQued beef or pork meat with roasted corn tortillas
      * "Platanitos con frijoles molidos", this is fried banana slices with smashed fried red beans. You should add chili to it for they are very tasty.
      * "Chrurrasco con chimichurri". They serve a big piece of tender BarBqued beef fillet, plus spice vegetable cream, white rice and salads. Accompanied with bread loafs or corn tortillas.
      * "Pescado a la Tititapa". Favorite of the Gods. Recently fished and fried Guapote (Snapper type fish), bathed on whole tomato slices and onions, served with rice and corn tortillas.

      For some reason, Matagalpa is also home to prime Mexican food. Its a common debate which taco stand has older roots and who knows Mexican cuisine better, but -regardless- you can get a variety of Burritos, Tacos, and Tortas at several places around town. You can also get the "Gringa" at these spots, which is basically a Nica version of the quesadilla.
      *Los Nopales, stand located just East of Parque Morazón. Here you can get Chicken, Beef, or Pork Tacos/Burritos as well "Mexican-style" tortas (big sandwiches with lots of meat, avocados and peppers with melted Nica cheese)
      *Lupita, stand normally located on the northeast corner of Parque Darío has similar fare, but does not offer tortas. They like to claim the owner lived in Mexico for 20 yrs, making this "the most authentic"

      Looking for something less traditional from the local cuisine?
      *The Beijing (authentic Chinese cuisine) Immigrant from China, the owner/chef puts forth a most unbelievable selection of delicious dishes you would be hard pressed to match anywhere. The popcorn lemon chicken chow mien is 4 star! Located next to the Cathedral you'll see the large Beijing sign and Chinese lantern Devore on their outdoor balcony. A must visit for those looking for excellent Asian food.
      *LaVita Bella (authentic Italian cuisine) an immigrant from Sicily, the owner/chef creates both a charming environment as well as a savory menu that will sooth, yet titillate even the hardcore critic who understands what great Italian cuisine ought to be. The lasagna here is hands down to die for. Careful tho, this might possibly be the most popular dinner destination in Matagalpa. This is made clear by the number of people waiting in line for a table. It's also made clear when you realize that LaVita Bella does no promotion, not even a sign above its door or in its windows. No, this success story is what it is, strictly because people spread the news by word of mouth. It's that good! Did I mention, the entrance to LaVita Bella is in an alley? Wow! Note: Due to theie success you can find out your food not being cooked long enough, too many people now, too many tables for their small kitchen
      *Open 6am - 11am for breakfast everyday except for Sunday. 6pm - 11pm everyday. The most fresh and juicy burgers in Matagalpa (10 different types), Pastas, Salas, complete dinners, fresh-made juices, new specials every day. All food is made to order. There is something for everyone at Cafetin DANK! You will not leave hungry!
    • filter_dramaDrink
      You can have a fresh roasted Matagalpa coffee cup cooked in a French brewer, in places like Selva Negra Mountain Resort, Cecocafen, etc.

      Matagalpa is also called "Capitol of Coffee", coffee growing was brought to Matagalpa by a woman, she was from the Black Forest in Germany, her name was Katharina Braun Elster, she was traveling in 1852 with her husband Ludwig Elster and 2 years old child (Wilhelm) from New York to San Francisco, but they changed plans and came to this mountainous Matagalpa country and bought a little farm (La Lima) from the Indians, she planted the first coffee seeds in this region, once harvested their coffee came to be of the country the best quality, they exported it in oxen carts to Granada and from there in boats to Greytown port in the Carbbean,and from there to Germany. Very soon many people followed their steps, and after 150 years "Matagalpa Washed Coffee" has become known world wide, thanks to a brave and intelligent woman.
    • filter_dramaSleep
      Matagalpa is a major city in the Northern Highlands of central Nicaragua. Because of the diversity of visiting tourists, vacationers and business/trade travelers, this bustling city offers an equally diverse array of lodging alternatives, each priced to satisfy the niche travelers might be looking for. You can find bunk/dorm style hostels for $7 (U.S.) to more comfortable hotels, even exclusive B&B's priced in the range of $25 to $50 per night.

      In South downtown near El Parque Dario you will find lodging alternatives such as:

      *Hotel San Josè (temporarily closed due to construction/expansion)

      In North downtown near El Parque Morazàn you will find lodging such as:

      * A great new hostel in central Matagalpa, with dorm rooms and private rooms at very affordable prices. Email: info@labuenaonda.com.ni Phone: +5052772-2135

      *Soza, Moderno
      *Plaza
      *Fountainbleu Hotel
      *Ideal
      *Caoba

      In the outskirts of the City you will find:
      *Lomas de Saint Thomas
      *Campestre Barcelona (detras de Prolacsa)
      *La Sombra (Carretera a La Dalia)
      *Selva Negra Mountain Resort ( Km 140 Carrtera Matagalpa a Jinotega)
      *Ulap Yasica Hostel is located in the outskirts of the city of Matagalpa, just 8 minutes away from city center. It is a family owned business conceived to have a low impact in the environment using local resources and recycled materials. Ulap Yasica offers private ensuit rooms and mixed dorm beds with shared bathrooms.
      Menus include vegetarian options, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other provided services are laundry, free WiFi, hot water showers, free parking, night security, movie nights, beautiful gardens, table games, shared spaces and all kind of assistance to help you to discover the amazing north of Nicaragua!

      Except for a few B&B's (not all), the 'breakfast included' program is not very available in this region.
      *Nice new hostel in the center of the town (only 3 quadras east from cathedral). With five private rooms and a very big dorm. All with hot water. A very big indoor patio with a comunity kitchen can use free. Free wifi and pure water for drink. Cofee of cortesy free

      * Old Budget hotel. Maybe the best deal in town for whom are not searching for something in condition. Nothing beatiful but clean and rooms have private bathrooms. Nice cold shower. Choose the front room which is larger and with more light. 250 cordobas a room for 2 persons.
    • filter_dramaGet out
      Getting Out of the City, You can visit the neighboring town of San Ramon(15 minutes by car) see the old adobe church, on weekends you can see the campesinos playing polkas y mazurcas local music. Visit the tomb in the local Cemetery where Katharina Braun Elster is buried(She was the first person who planted coffee in Central and Northern Nicaragua. A few miles in the same direction is the Indian Community of "El Chile" where Indian do their own fabric in an old "rueca" (spinning wheel).

      If you take the Highway from Matagalpa to Jinotega you will see the "most panoramic road" of Nicaragua, altitude of more that 5000 feet, you can see the horizon as far as the Momotombo Volcano, temperatures ranges here from 55F to 70F, you will find mountain hotels where you can practice horseback riding, mountain hiking, bird watching, coffee and farm tours. Keep going, buy local fruits(strawberries, oranges, grapefruits, bananas)- In 1 hour 15-30 minutes you will get to the city of Jinotega, where you can eat, and buy local "pupusas" (local pastry).

      It's worth a trip to nearby Selva Negra, a supposedly virgin forest on the way to Jinotega that offers an assortment of lovely hikes ranging in difficulty. Take the bus (12 Cordoba) toward Jinotega and tell them to drop you off at the entrance to Selva Negra. It's an easy 1.5 km walk to the gate. Entrance is 50 Cordoba, but for 100 Cordoba you get a ticket than can be used for credit at the restaurant. Ask for a free map of the trails from reception.

      On the way back to Managua you will see tenths of Coffee Processing facilities, they dry, dehusk and package the coffee green beans ready for export, from here they take coffee to the ocean ports and then to overseas markets.

      There are two bus stations in Matagalpa, one in the south and one in the north. The following itineraries are posted there and are for the one in south, that serves the long destination travels (Nov 2013):
      *To [wiki=bef6d096f7771eecc1bbde118b2a540c]Esteli[/wiki]: buses depart every 30 minutes starting at 5:15am. The last bus leaves at 5:45pm.
      *To [wiki=d0c85571642802c6713027daea010fbb]Jinotega[/wiki]: buses depart every 30 minutes starting at 5am. The last bus leaves at 7pm. 25 Cordobas (as of Mar 2015).
      *To [wiki=d98bf2a51283482a9283735e2324a1f2]Managua[/wiki]:Express buses depart every 60 minutes starting at 5:20am. The last bus leaves at 5:20pm. Regular busses depart every 30 minutes starting at 3:35am. The last bus leaves at 6:05pm.
      *Other destinations may also be available. There was one sign at the end of the terminal that listed a bus to Leon departing at 6am and 9:30am.
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