Tuesday 18 November 2008

Nicaragua

GRANADA
Accommodation: The Hotel Terrasol is a delightful, well-located and reasonably price (~$30) hotel near the centre run by Victor and Katya (no, not Russian).
Tours: Local tour operators are not a bad way to see the sights, many of which require boats and or long day trips. Tierra Tour seems to be the dominant local player, but I also had a good experience with "Va Pues".
Food: The best meal I had was at Jardin de Orion, but "Imagine" looked to have fantastic food (& great margaritas). I found the recommended "Tercero Ojo" to be very disappointing.

Friday 14 November 2008

Belize

BELIZE CITY
Transportation: The taxi from the airport to Belize city costs a whopping US$25. You can negotiate this down a little, but be prepared.
The Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association runs a brisk and professional service to Cayes Caulker and Ambergris for ~$8 from the Marine Terminal in Belize City.

If you can avoid it, don't spend more time in Belize City than you absolutely have to.

CAYE CAULKER
Accommodation: Manuel runs the delightful Lena's south of the ferry pier, and has cute self-contained (no A/C) rooms for ~$25/night, right on the beach. For more glamorous digs, the Seaside Villas and the Seaside Cabana's both looked pretty nice.
Food & Nightlife: I had truly exceptional meals at Don Corleone's, and the Jolly Rodger cooked up a great lobster. Femi's is overrated, and I heard Agave has great (but expensive) food. It's hard to go wrong if you go to any place that looks like they cook their seafood fresh. I&I has a good rooftop bar (with nice breeze), and Oceanside is the only place for partying after ~11.30pm.

Thursday 6 November 2008

Guatemala

ANTIGUA
Accommodation: Casa Cristina offers reasonably priced ($20-$30) clean and well-appointed rooms in a good location.

TIKAL
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge provides the most luxurious accommodation within the park, but be prepared to pay over $100/night for a room.
Guides: Antonio at Jungle Lodge is a fantastic guide who has been around the ruins for ever. He's approx. $10/person for a group.