If you ever visited Nicaragua and failed to make a stopover at Granada, it would be classified under "tragic events of your life". Being one of the oldest established cities of the Americas, Granada still retains most of its romantic colonial charm and it certainly rubs onto you. The small town is blessed by nature's beauty in abundance and if you like the great outdoors, Granada will have plenty of adventure to offer you. So, whether if it's about savoring some of the world's best dihes or climbing a volcano, this pretty little town will never cease to amaze you. So, what makes Granada so special? Read on to find out.
Local Ambience
Over the years, Granada has undergone radical changes and has been developed to cater to the needs of thousands of international tourists that visit the capital every year. Despite all the developments and infrastructural renovations, Granada manages to maintain its old-world-small-town ambience. Public spaces are thronged by locals who gather around the sidewalks and sit down to enjoy a cool evening chat with friends and family. The parks resound with the shouts of children playing soccer. The locals are most welcoming and make sure that tourists feel at home. Take a horse carriage tour around the city and you will be surprised by how strongly knit the community is. You will yearn to be a part of it.
So Much to Do
There's something for everybody here and Granada offers the perfect starting point as you have access to so many beautiful locations around the city. The Masaya Volcano is a great spot to start off with. Apart from putting you in close proximity to an active volcano, you can also shop for some exclusive artisan items from the Masaya market.
The options for fun and adventure are simply unlimited. Whether it is zip lining or hiking across the Mombacho Volcano National Reserve or riding a kayak through the amazing islets on Lake Nicaragua, you will be breathless with excitement. It's next to impossible to get bored while you're here.
Public transportation options are aplenty, but you will definitely benefit from hiring a driver who will give you valuable gems in terms of inside information. Not just that, you end up saving a great deal of time as well.
The Hospitality
Meeting a Nicaraguan for the first time is like finding a new benchmark for hospitality and kindness. If you are from a big city, you might actually find the sincerity of the people here a bit weird and superficial, but make no mistake, it is the genuine thing. They warm up to you faster if they feel you have taken the effort to practice their language. So, go ahead and brush up your Spanish and you will be amazed by the response you get.
Cuisine
Granada offers a mouth-watering platter of delectable cuisine. It's not just the exciting flavor but the kind of diversity of food that will blow you away. The sushi is something you cannot miss. Central Park offers a wide range of exotic local flavors for you to try out, one of the most delicious of which is Vigaron. It consists of pork rinds, cabbage salad, and yucca. You get the most exquisite spread for just under two dollars. Cacao is the magical drink you get to accompany your meal. This is an exotic mix of cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, and milk.