RIVAS - Nicaragua
For details on HOW TO GET TO NICARAGUA - see my site - http://SanJuanDelSurNI.com /
SAN JORGE (& boat to Ometepe) - http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SAN-JORGE-NICARAGUA
http://TravelGuideNicaragua.com/rivas.html
I started going to RIVAS, Nicaragua a few years ago when I discovered (via a friend of mine that is an Immigration COP [the one that would enforce any rules] & people at the Immigration Jail [I went to donate sweat suits as my home is a Donation Drop-Off Point for numerous charities & that's where we donate those type of items as people there often don't have someone to help them & they often come with nothing]) that we do NOT have to be out of Costa Rica for 72 hours (actually, my Immigration cop friend laughed at me when I asked him about it saying he "they" had no clue where "we" got that from as there was NOT before NOR is there any mention NOW. The ONLY place it's mentioned is for CUSTOMS!!!). What IS NEEDED is 4 stamps - one showing you LEAVING Costa Rica, one showing you ENTERING ANOTHER COUNTRY, another showing you LEAVING a different country & of course one showing you ENTERING Costa Rica PLUS, now they are REQUIRING you to have some PROOF THAT YOU ARE LEAVING COSTA RICA WITHIN 90 DAYS (& I'm finding/hearing they're asking 90+% of the time so do NOT mess with this) Money & time were tight & I didn't want
(the first town about 30 minutes north of the Frontera [the border]) -
BORDER PEDICAB - Meets you at the border at Costa Rica & Nicaragua
Victor (8-990-8126) or Orlando (8-619-4948 - pictured) both speak some Spanish
TAXI - BORDER & BACK FROM RIVAS OR SAN JUAN DEL SUR:
My #1 guy that speaks some English:
I found an AWESOME taxi driver that is based out of Rivas (he hangs out in Rivas on the main road where the buses come in) but goes all over & he speaks fairly decent English, he gets & gives North American level of Customer Service & is very honest!! You can make arrangements with him ahead of time as he's fairly popular (he actually LIKES to work!!). He can also pick people up at the border. What I do is already have made arrangements with him in advance (either email or calling him), then I call him just as the bus is pulling out on the NI side of the border while my Costa Rica cell still works usually & Rivas is about 30-ish minutes.
JAIRO Aguilar (8-868-6760 / JJAguila25@gmail.com)
(if you use him - tell him Vicki sends a BIG HUG!)
Simon Arriola Jimenez (8-957-5068 [or 8-937-5068] / 8-855-4130) - I’m not poz if Simon is a legal taxi these days but on Trip #6 for me, he was SOOOOOO friendly & helpful & my cell phone dropped out of my bag & he returned it to me at the hotel!!! Trip #7 - Ray at the Secret Cove Inn in SJDS called ahead for me to let Simon I was arriving. He already had a job at that time but sure enough, he sent another driver who got a pedicab guy to meet us RIGHT AT the Costa Rica/Nicaragua border & brought us to our hotel. When it was time to leave Tues. a.m., Simon again had a big job so he came with another driver that we LOVED also - Jairo to make sure we knew he was honest/kosher!! Simon is AWESOME!!! Make sure to tell him Vicki in Escazu sent you!!
JAIMIE is also waiting for the buses & speaks GOOD English & is VERY SERVICE oriented!!!
Jimmy (8-924-2635 / Jinmel.Mairena@hotmail.com) (took us from Rivas to Frontera 8/31/10)
BIKE TAXI'S • PEPINO'S - ENGLISH-speaking:
MICHAEL - 8-394-4830
Another one in case he's not available:
ALVARO - 8-287-0547 (MoviStar) • 8-365-4573 (Claro)
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PLACES TO STAY - RIVAS:
HOSPEDAJE HILMOR
2-563-5030 • 8-830-8175
15 basic rooms. WiFi in the front Common Area. The 2 times I've stayed there I did one of the ultra basic cheapest rooms with 2 twin•individual beds (mine was more like a bit wider massage table with a mattress but it was comfy) & a fan with shared Bathroom. Note there is no noise privacy as the walls did not go up all the way (bring earplugs if you're noise sensative) though that was good as it gave it better air flow & wasn't claustrophobic like many rooms. It was all I needed since I was leaving at 7am for just $6. Larger rooms have a full•double•matrimonial size bed & either an ensuite private bathroom or shared bathroom & some have a tv. Upon arrival, you may have to rattle the gate and yell at the door to get the attention of the owner. There's also a kitchen guests can use.
RATES: Twin, shared bath, shared kitchen, fan (12) - 150-c•$5.60/1, 300-c•$11/2. Private bath, tv, double bed (3) - 300-c•$11/1, 500-c•$20/2.
LOCATION: 1 block behind the Central Park & the Iglesia San Pedro (?? - 2 blocks East? of banco BanPro)
Hospedaje Diamante - Faviola's
Comfortable single, double, triple and matrimonial rooms, cable tv, Wifi
PRICE: 150-c/$5/n
LOCATION: Rivas - Rivas - 100 meters South of the Rotunda - in front of Casino Atlantic City
*Hospedaje LIDIA (2-563-3477 / 8-947-0011) - WiFi, TV (SOMETIMES there is MAYBE 1 show in English), fan. You can purchase breakfast. RATES: $10/per PERSON w/shared bathroom. Private bathroom - $15/1, $23/2) - OWNER•MANAGER: Manager-Maritza, Owner-Lidia. They do not speak English so don't try. LOCATION: From the 1st gas station as you're entering down from Costa Rica (I THINK it's now Uno [it was Texaco]) - it's on the West side of the road (across the street from where you get off the buses from CR) - at that corner turn West-Right (going into Centro) & she's a few doors down (last time I was there it was a peach colored non-descript building). (this is where I STAY when I'm just wanting a quick overnight Visa turn-around!!)
HOSTAL EL CHINICA
https://facebook.com/HostalElChinica • 2-563-1109
Little family-run hotel. I inspected this & feel it's one of the cleanest (NO mold smell, paint is even) well appointed hostal's in Rivas. The rooms are simple yet well-maintained, all have Private Bathroom, prices are with fan or with air-conditioning & for 1 or 2 people, WiFi in rooms, small TV (they say with many channels in English), places to hang & put your things (rare). Community Kitchen. Store Luggage, Laundry. Breakfast is available to purchase.
LOCATION: just off the main square - 1/2 block Sur•South of Restaurante Chop Suey. Across from my favorite place to get chicken on the bbque & salon where I get pedicures for 100-cordobas (less than $4 but I gave them $5).
Hotel LA MISION
2-563-0384 • http://LaMisionRivas.blogspot.com • http://tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1627816-d2045698-Reviews-Hotel_La_Mision-Rivas_Rivas_Department.html • https://facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.589022834446865.152039.288172184531933
http://thenicaraguagringo.com/2011/04/11/la-mision-a-taste-of-the-past-in-rivas
Mision Hotel which was opened in 2011 in a restored 100 year old home. 5 rooms with a mish-mash of antiques, high ceilings, Wi-Fi and A/C around an airy central courtyard plus parking. The place is not fancy, but it does have character and history in a homey kind of way and the reasonable rates include a delicious breakfast made primarily with ingredients from the owner’s nearby farm.
OWNER: Allian Miranda Arcia
RATES: $25-$50/n - cash & credit cards.
LOCATION: Esquina Opuesta A Casa Cural
NICARAO INN
Central location - (close to the main square),
http://Tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1627816-d1996151-Reviews-Nicarao_Inn_Hotel-Rivas_Rivas_Department.html • 505-2-563-3234 • 2-563-3836 • http://HotelNicaraoInn.com.ni/hotel-english-home.html
Once considered the nicest hotel in Rivas, they still have a nice lobby, restaurant & bar BUT I keep seeing the 18 rooms are Small, basic & can use some sprucing•are pretty worn - especially for the price. Rooms have A/C, Hot Showers (Suicide showers I believe. Hot water is rare in Nicaragua), Breakfast INCLUDED, WiFi, Cable tv (includes CNN, ESPN CBS, NBC, ABC), Room Service, Private Parking.
RESTAURANT•BAR: GOOD BURGERS & good fried cheese.
RATE: $45/1, $55/2 + 15% tax (which seems MEGA HIGH but . . .)
LOCATION: across the street from the best bakery in Rivas (___??). I also heard it's next to the movie theatre but I don't recall noticing that. 1 block west of the park
HOSTEL JARDIN DE JULIETA - Juilieta's Casa Cafe
8-843-4535-Julieta • 2-563-3649 • 8-655-7505-Mike • http://NicaraguaOverCoffee.com • https://picasaweb.google.com/mikeviaemail/MenuCafeJulieta?fgl=true&pli=1&fgl=true#5403008228286001074 (closed now?) • MikeViaEmail@aol.com
7 safari-tiki like rooms (some like tree houses) with hot water showers and privacy - a notch above camping out (some say primitive luxury). It is romantic in many basic ways and truly a chance to immerse in the local scene.
Foot Prints in History Do-It-Yourself Tours
TOURS: "LEARN TO COOK NICARAGUAN STYLE" with Julieta. An all day cooking session ... shop with Julieta in the Marketplace, cook 3 meals and have some girls´ fun too. Typical cost is $40 for the day ($20 per person paid for Julieta and another $20 pp for groceries and materials for 3 meals & desserts). Maximum 4 people.
"GIRLS NAUGHTY NIGHT OUT" in Rivas where ladies go out for dancing and frolic at local dance clubs in Rivas = Fridays & Saturdays
"BAD BOYS NIGHT OUT"
SPA: Home of Happy Feet Spiritual Massage - foot massage, shoulders, neck, head, arms and hands = $25
RESTAURANT: She specializes in Cheesecakes. Curbside bbque HOURS: Monday-Saturday - 8am-2pm. Plus Viernes•Friday - 5-9pm
OWNER: Mike King (sounds like he's quite the connector - able to connect you with people to help find a rental property, maid•domestica, have Gary & Jose build you a little cabina for $39,000++) & daughter Julieta
RATES: $20
LOCATION: Entry off Chocolate Road. Iglesia San Francisisco - 3 blocks Sur•South & 1/2 al Oesta•West
Across the street from BDF bank?
Hotel La Mision Miranda
(MisionMiranda@gmail.com • 2-563-0384 • 8-490-2072)
Many reviews I see say it is located in a beautifully restored Colonial family estate within 2 blocks of downtown Rivas. The staff are very nice and speak Spanish and English. Air conditioning, cable television, spacious bathroom - BUT - STAY AWAY from the front rooms as it’s across the street from a bar which some have reviewed can go till late. the room by the kitchen, for privacy, the room with a balcony & for most space, the rooms by reception”. 3 Suites. Restaurant
RATE: $35/n with a small basic typical breakfast (eggs, gallo pinto and toast, coffee)
Hotel Y Restaurante Gauri
8-865-9082
Frente A Agencia Pepsi Mcdo Municipal Rivas, Rivas
HOTEL RESTAURANT LAREDO
2-563-0335
Bo Los Pinos Dissur 150 Vrs Al N, Rivas
Bo Obrero Cuerpo Bomberos 100vrs Al N 25vrs Al Oe
HOTEL CRUZ DE ESPAÑA
2-5634995
Radio Rumbos 400vs al E, Rivas
HOTEL COCO
2-563-3298
Gasolinera Shell 1/2c Al Sur, Rivas
Juliettas - across the street from BDF bank
Janette's Hotel & Restaurant
LOCATION: coming into town - by baseball stadium - Principe
Hotel Nicaro - next to the movie theatre (good fried cheese)
OUTSIDE OF TOWN:
el Mar or LaMar Lake Resort Hotel & Restaurant (aka el Mar)
(2-563-0021 / 2-617-2462) - $5 taxi ride. ON the water.
If you travel a bit south of Rivas, near the turn off for San Juan del Sur in the village of La Virgen you will reach one of the most unusual hotels in Nicaragua. Nicaraguan Dennis Martinez became a baseball superstar in the United States, pitching for the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Montreal Expos and the Atlanta Braves during his 22 year career. He was the first Nicaraguan to play in the major leagues and was nicknamed El Presidente. He helped the Orioles win the World Series in 1983 and in 1991 he pitched a perfect game. He’s a big, big deal. When Martinez retired from the game and returned to Nicaragua he opened the La Mar Lake Resort. Located on the shores of Lake Cocibolco (aka Lake Nicaragua), the property now seems all but deserted. When we pulled up a few staffers were busy making their lunch and they gave us a sideways glance as we wandered around the property. There wasn’t a guest in sight and it didn’t seem like there’d been one in ages. Even the regulation baseball field Martinez built on the grounds had seen better days.
LOCATION: Carret Panamericana Km 123 Empalme La Virgen 400mts Al Sur, Rivas
There's a hostel at the front of the bus stops on the main road. They are super cheap, overnight runs 4 or $ 5. But the rooms are open & at least the one I saw was scary!!!!!
PLACES TO STAY - Playa SAN JORGE (where you go to get the ferry's to Isla Ometepe)
It's been SOOOOOO LONG since I've seen water & I've been MEGA NEEDING a water fix & my bud Diane told me about this hotel!!! So this trip we’re going to be staying at:
HOTEL HAMACAS
https://facebook.com/pages/Hotel-Hamacas/145166012235003 • http://HotelHamacas.com / 505-8-810-4144 / Skype: hotel.hamacas / info@hostalhamacas.com)
About 7 minutes East of Rivas - where you catch the ferry to Ometepe!!
Coralia speaks GOOD English
(a taxi going here should only be $20!!! Don't let them screw you over)
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EATS • RESTAURANTS:
In Rivas there are a few places to eat but much of it's traditional Nica food.
CASA ANTIGUA BAR
https://facebook.com/Bar.CasaAntigua.5
THE BEST Nica Michelada I've had (it has a bite to it) & tasty food.
tell the OWNER "The Bull" - the big red hair gringa from Costa Rica sent you!!
Le PETIT MILAN CAFE
https://facebook.com/LePetitMilanCafe • http://LePetitMilanCafe.com
They sure seem like the most upscale/elegant - non-Nica food Cafe in Rivas!! Amazing desserts and the best coffee in all rivas!! Good Customer Service. Loaded Grilled Cheese Sandwich on Garlic Herb Bread. I don't drink coffee but this looks SOOO GOOD!! Affogato means "drowned" in Italian or "drowned in coffee." It is a beverage of smooth vanilla ice cream drowning in a cup of espresso - like a decadent coffee float a traditional Italian espresso-based dessert.
LOCATION: 1 1/2 blocks South of BAC
VILAS ROSTI PIZZA
https://facebook.com/Vilas.RostiPizza • 2-563-0712 • 2-563-0442)
Dining Outside•Alfresco (good for People Watching). I ate there August 2010, we all ordered a TASTY Cheese Burger combo (came with fries & a coke - 70/$3.50) & beer (I had a Michelado - 30-cordobas/$1.50), Great atmosphere, fast service, tasty food.
HOURS: Daily - 10am-12am
LOCATION: South Side Central Park (I go to the main park, and go toward the center Rivas sector remains very close to the lodging.
RESTAURANT HOT PIZZA
WiFi (HARD to find in Rivas). Dining Outside•Alfresco. Personal pizza - around $3.25. Pizza for 4 = $7.50 total. Also roasted chicken, hot wings, Seafood, hamburgers, pasta, vegetarian dishes.
PRICES: $3.25-$7.50+ tax
LOCATION: Directly across the street from La Iglesia de San Pedro & Central Park
Donde Me Gusta
I had a TASTY Casada with beef shish kabobs on the b’bque outside WITH a natural drink of Jamaica with something added to it & a touch of cinamon - YUMMMY & just around $3.50!!!
OWNERS: Rene & Mauricio.
HOURS: 7:30am-9pm.
LOCATION: 1/2 block North of Texaco - just before the TransNica office.
SUPER POLLO
2-563-0109
Entrees: $3.00-$11.50) Right around the corner from the Rivas museum of history and anthropology, Super Pollo is a nice place to stop for lunch or dinner after a day of exploring the town. With brightly colored tablecloths covering its outdoor seating and a small, polished interior, the restaurant has an air of elegance and cleanliness. The service is friendly and the menu offers the typical Rivas selection, with several types of chicken and combination platters available. Vegetarian dishes
LOCATION: 1 block North and 1 block West of the Museum of History & Anthropology (Parking available)
Chop Suey
(2-563-3235)
WiFi, Dining Outside•Alfresco & indoors (good People Watching). Though the name implies Asian food, this on does not have many Asian dishes.
TASTY CACAO NIBBS (smaller 2 bite size pieces of cacao•chocolate for 5-c each - about 20¢ each!!
LOCATION: Directly across the street from La Iglesia de San Pedro & Central Park - South Corner
Tipico el Gueguense
HOURS: 8am-10pm.
LOCATION: North (I've also seen Sur•South) of Parque Centro (Arial is Simon’s brother who if I remember correctly speaks some English)
Hotel Nicaro
Good fried cheese
LOCATION: Next to the movie theatre
Soda Rayuela
Tasty Taco Pastor & Pollo Fajitas.
LOCATION: North of Parque Centro (across from the police station?)
Pizzeria Napoli
Claro Villa Fontana 2c
el Principe Restaurante & Hotel (2-563-0338) -
La Estancia
SEAFOOD
LOCATION: 200 mts. South of el Principe
el Padrino Buffet?
HOURS: 10am-3pm.
Coctelera Mariscazo
Best SEAFOOD restaurant in Rivas, Lunch Specials.
HOURS: 11am-10pm.
Cafe Estilo Libre
ALFRESCO
LOCATION: North of the gas station
SAN JORGE:
el diamante
Has a chicken with vegetable soup for ¢90 cords that is excellent
PHARMACY / FARMACIAS
Meridional (FMeridional1@yahoo.es) - THE BEST PRICES & usually PACKED!! 4 locations in Nicaragua (2 in Rivas). HOURS: Monday-Saturday - 7am-8pm.
Rivas (2-563-3453 / 2-536-1073) • (2-563-5367 / 2-563-5276) - Policía De Rivas Costado Oeste
Leon (2-315-1929 / 2-311-1003 / 2-311-1293) - Bo San Juan Parq 172Vs Al Oe
Masaya (2-522-0132 / 2-522-2455) - LOCATION: Bac 1-1/2 C al Este
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VICKI'S VARIOUS NICARAGUA PHOTO SITES:
CROSSING THE BORDER Between Costa Rica and Nicaragua
(a Step-By-Step Guide to help make your Border Run between Costa Rica and Nicaragua Easier (in transition)
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/CR-NI-BorderCrossing
http://CRNIBorderCrossing.com
GRANADA
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/GRANADA-Nicaragua
ISLA OMETEPE
http://Saronggoddess.com/Travel/IslaOmetepe-Nicaragua
RIVAS
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/RIVAS-Nicaragua
SAN JORGE
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SAN-JORGE-Nicaragua
SAN JUAN DEL SUR
INFO:
http://SanJuanDelSurNI.com
http://facebook.com/SanJuanDelSurNI
PICTURES:
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSurNicaragua
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSurNI-Feb13
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSur-Nicaragua-Feb-23
.
Read MoreSAN JORGE (& boat to Ometepe) - http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SAN-JORGE-NICARAGUA
http://TravelGuideNicaragua.com/rivas.html
I started going to RIVAS, Nicaragua a few years ago when I discovered (via a friend of mine that is an Immigration COP [the one that would enforce any rules] & people at the Immigration Jail [I went to donate sweat suits as my home is a Donation Drop-Off Point for numerous charities & that's where we donate those type of items as people there often don't have someone to help them & they often come with nothing]) that we do NOT have to be out of Costa Rica for 72 hours (actually, my Immigration cop friend laughed at me when I asked him about it saying he "they" had no clue where "we" got that from as there was NOT before NOR is there any mention NOW. The ONLY place it's mentioned is for CUSTOMS!!!). What IS NEEDED is 4 stamps - one showing you LEAVING Costa Rica, one showing you ENTERING ANOTHER COUNTRY, another showing you LEAVING a different country & of course one showing you ENTERING Costa Rica PLUS, now they are REQUIRING you to have some PROOF THAT YOU ARE LEAVING COSTA RICA WITHIN 90 DAYS (& I'm finding/hearing they're asking 90+% of the time so do NOT mess with this) Money & time were tight & I didn't want
(the first town about 30 minutes north of the Frontera [the border]) -
BORDER PEDICAB - Meets you at the border at Costa Rica & Nicaragua
Victor (8-990-8126) or Orlando (8-619-4948 - pictured) both speak some Spanish
TAXI - BORDER & BACK FROM RIVAS OR SAN JUAN DEL SUR:
My #1 guy that speaks some English:
I found an AWESOME taxi driver that is based out of Rivas (he hangs out in Rivas on the main road where the buses come in) but goes all over & he speaks fairly decent English, he gets & gives North American level of Customer Service & is very honest!! You can make arrangements with him ahead of time as he's fairly popular (he actually LIKES to work!!). He can also pick people up at the border. What I do is already have made arrangements with him in advance (either email or calling him), then I call him just as the bus is pulling out on the NI side of the border while my Costa Rica cell still works usually & Rivas is about 30-ish minutes.
JAIRO Aguilar (8-868-6760 / JJAguila25@gmail.com)
(if you use him - tell him Vicki sends a BIG HUG!)
Simon Arriola Jimenez (8-957-5068 [or 8-937-5068] / 8-855-4130) - I’m not poz if Simon is a legal taxi these days but on Trip #6 for me, he was SOOOOOO friendly & helpful & my cell phone dropped out of my bag & he returned it to me at the hotel!!! Trip #7 - Ray at the Secret Cove Inn in SJDS called ahead for me to let Simon I was arriving. He already had a job at that time but sure enough, he sent another driver who got a pedicab guy to meet us RIGHT AT the Costa Rica/Nicaragua border & brought us to our hotel. When it was time to leave Tues. a.m., Simon again had a big job so he came with another driver that we LOVED also - Jairo to make sure we knew he was honest/kosher!! Simon is AWESOME!!! Make sure to tell him Vicki in Escazu sent you!!
JAIMIE is also waiting for the buses & speaks GOOD English & is VERY SERVICE oriented!!!
Jimmy (8-924-2635 / Jinmel.Mairena@hotmail.com) (took us from Rivas to Frontera 8/31/10)
BIKE TAXI'S • PEPINO'S - ENGLISH-speaking:
MICHAEL - 8-394-4830
Another one in case he's not available:
ALVARO - 8-287-0547 (MoviStar) • 8-365-4573 (Claro)
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PLACES TO STAY - RIVAS:
HOSPEDAJE HILMOR
2-563-5030 • 8-830-8175
15 basic rooms. WiFi in the front Common Area. The 2 times I've stayed there I did one of the ultra basic cheapest rooms with 2 twin•individual beds (mine was more like a bit wider massage table with a mattress but it was comfy) & a fan with shared Bathroom. Note there is no noise privacy as the walls did not go up all the way (bring earplugs if you're noise sensative) though that was good as it gave it better air flow & wasn't claustrophobic like many rooms. It was all I needed since I was leaving at 7am for just $6. Larger rooms have a full•double•matrimonial size bed & either an ensuite private bathroom or shared bathroom & some have a tv. Upon arrival, you may have to rattle the gate and yell at the door to get the attention of the owner. There's also a kitchen guests can use.
RATES: Twin, shared bath, shared kitchen, fan (12) - 150-c•$5.60/1, 300-c•$11/2. Private bath, tv, double bed (3) - 300-c•$11/1, 500-c•$20/2.
LOCATION: 1 block behind the Central Park & the Iglesia San Pedro (?? - 2 blocks East? of banco BanPro)
Hospedaje Diamante - Faviola's
Comfortable single, double, triple and matrimonial rooms, cable tv, Wifi
PRICE: 150-c/$5/n
LOCATION: Rivas - Rivas - 100 meters South of the Rotunda - in front of Casino Atlantic City
*Hospedaje LIDIA (2-563-3477 / 8-947-0011) - WiFi, TV (SOMETIMES there is MAYBE 1 show in English), fan. You can purchase breakfast. RATES: $10/per PERSON w/shared bathroom. Private bathroom - $15/1, $23/2) - OWNER•MANAGER: Manager-Maritza, Owner-Lidia. They do not speak English so don't try. LOCATION: From the 1st gas station as you're entering down from Costa Rica (I THINK it's now Uno [it was Texaco]) - it's on the West side of the road (across the street from where you get off the buses from CR) - at that corner turn West-Right (going into Centro) & she's a few doors down (last time I was there it was a peach colored non-descript building). (this is where I STAY when I'm just wanting a quick overnight Visa turn-around!!)
HOSTAL EL CHINICA
https://facebook.com/HostalElChinica • 2-563-1109
Little family-run hotel. I inspected this & feel it's one of the cleanest (NO mold smell, paint is even) well appointed hostal's in Rivas. The rooms are simple yet well-maintained, all have Private Bathroom, prices are with fan or with air-conditioning & for 1 or 2 people, WiFi in rooms, small TV (they say with many channels in English), places to hang & put your things (rare). Community Kitchen. Store Luggage, Laundry. Breakfast is available to purchase.
LOCATION: just off the main square - 1/2 block Sur•South of Restaurante Chop Suey. Across from my favorite place to get chicken on the bbque & salon where I get pedicures for 100-cordobas (less than $4 but I gave them $5).
Hotel LA MISION
2-563-0384 • http://LaMisionRivas.blogspot.com • http://tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1627816-d2045698-Reviews-Hotel_La_Mision-Rivas_Rivas_Department.html • https://facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.589022834446865.152039.288172184531933
http://thenicaraguagringo.com/2011/04/11/la-mision-a-taste-of-the-past-in-rivas
Mision Hotel which was opened in 2011 in a restored 100 year old home. 5 rooms with a mish-mash of antiques, high ceilings, Wi-Fi and A/C around an airy central courtyard plus parking. The place is not fancy, but it does have character and history in a homey kind of way and the reasonable rates include a delicious breakfast made primarily with ingredients from the owner’s nearby farm.
OWNER: Allian Miranda Arcia
RATES: $25-$50/n - cash & credit cards.
LOCATION: Esquina Opuesta A Casa Cural
NICARAO INN
Central location - (close to the main square),
http://Tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1627816-d1996151-Reviews-Nicarao_Inn_Hotel-Rivas_Rivas_Department.html • 505-2-563-3234 • 2-563-3836 • http://HotelNicaraoInn.com.ni/hotel-english-home.html
Once considered the nicest hotel in Rivas, they still have a nice lobby, restaurant & bar BUT I keep seeing the 18 rooms are Small, basic & can use some sprucing•are pretty worn - especially for the price. Rooms have A/C, Hot Showers (Suicide showers I believe. Hot water is rare in Nicaragua), Breakfast INCLUDED, WiFi, Cable tv (includes CNN, ESPN CBS, NBC, ABC), Room Service, Private Parking.
RESTAURANT•BAR: GOOD BURGERS & good fried cheese.
RATE: $45/1, $55/2 + 15% tax (which seems MEGA HIGH but . . .)
LOCATION: across the street from the best bakery in Rivas (___??). I also heard it's next to the movie theatre but I don't recall noticing that. 1 block west of the park
HOSTEL JARDIN DE JULIETA - Juilieta's Casa Cafe
8-843-4535-Julieta • 2-563-3649 • 8-655-7505-Mike • http://NicaraguaOverCoffee.com • https://picasaweb.google.com/mikeviaemail/MenuCafeJulieta?fgl=true&pli=1&fgl=true#5403008228286001074 (closed now?) • MikeViaEmail@aol.com
7 safari-tiki like rooms (some like tree houses) with hot water showers and privacy - a notch above camping out (some say primitive luxury). It is romantic in many basic ways and truly a chance to immerse in the local scene.
Foot Prints in History Do-It-Yourself Tours
TOURS: "LEARN TO COOK NICARAGUAN STYLE" with Julieta. An all day cooking session ... shop with Julieta in the Marketplace, cook 3 meals and have some girls´ fun too. Typical cost is $40 for the day ($20 per person paid for Julieta and another $20 pp for groceries and materials for 3 meals & desserts). Maximum 4 people.
"GIRLS NAUGHTY NIGHT OUT" in Rivas where ladies go out for dancing and frolic at local dance clubs in Rivas = Fridays & Saturdays
"BAD BOYS NIGHT OUT"
SPA: Home of Happy Feet Spiritual Massage - foot massage, shoulders, neck, head, arms and hands = $25
RESTAURANT: She specializes in Cheesecakes. Curbside bbque HOURS: Monday-Saturday - 8am-2pm. Plus Viernes•Friday - 5-9pm
OWNER: Mike King (sounds like he's quite the connector - able to connect you with people to help find a rental property, maid•domestica, have Gary & Jose build you a little cabina for $39,000++) & daughter Julieta
RATES: $20
LOCATION: Entry off Chocolate Road. Iglesia San Francisisco - 3 blocks Sur•South & 1/2 al Oesta•West
Across the street from BDF bank?
Hotel La Mision Miranda
(MisionMiranda@gmail.com • 2-563-0384 • 8-490-2072)
Many reviews I see say it is located in a beautifully restored Colonial family estate within 2 blocks of downtown Rivas. The staff are very nice and speak Spanish and English. Air conditioning, cable television, spacious bathroom - BUT - STAY AWAY from the front rooms as it’s across the street from a bar which some have reviewed can go till late. the room by the kitchen, for privacy, the room with a balcony & for most space, the rooms by reception”. 3 Suites. Restaurant
RATE: $35/n with a small basic typical breakfast (eggs, gallo pinto and toast, coffee)
Hotel Y Restaurante Gauri
8-865-9082
Frente A Agencia Pepsi Mcdo Municipal Rivas, Rivas
HOTEL RESTAURANT LAREDO
2-563-0335
Bo Los Pinos Dissur 150 Vrs Al N, Rivas
Bo Obrero Cuerpo Bomberos 100vrs Al N 25vrs Al Oe
HOTEL CRUZ DE ESPAÑA
2-5634995
Radio Rumbos 400vs al E, Rivas
HOTEL COCO
2-563-3298
Gasolinera Shell 1/2c Al Sur, Rivas
Juliettas - across the street from BDF bank
Janette's Hotel & Restaurant
LOCATION: coming into town - by baseball stadium - Principe
Hotel Nicaro - next to the movie theatre (good fried cheese)
OUTSIDE OF TOWN:
el Mar or LaMar Lake Resort Hotel & Restaurant (aka el Mar)
(2-563-0021 / 2-617-2462) - $5 taxi ride. ON the water.
If you travel a bit south of Rivas, near the turn off for San Juan del Sur in the village of La Virgen you will reach one of the most unusual hotels in Nicaragua. Nicaraguan Dennis Martinez became a baseball superstar in the United States, pitching for the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Montreal Expos and the Atlanta Braves during his 22 year career. He was the first Nicaraguan to play in the major leagues and was nicknamed El Presidente. He helped the Orioles win the World Series in 1983 and in 1991 he pitched a perfect game. He’s a big, big deal. When Martinez retired from the game and returned to Nicaragua he opened the La Mar Lake Resort. Located on the shores of Lake Cocibolco (aka Lake Nicaragua), the property now seems all but deserted. When we pulled up a few staffers were busy making their lunch and they gave us a sideways glance as we wandered around the property. There wasn’t a guest in sight and it didn’t seem like there’d been one in ages. Even the regulation baseball field Martinez built on the grounds had seen better days.
LOCATION: Carret Panamericana Km 123 Empalme La Virgen 400mts Al Sur, Rivas
There's a hostel at the front of the bus stops on the main road. They are super cheap, overnight runs 4 or $ 5. But the rooms are open & at least the one I saw was scary!!!!!
PLACES TO STAY - Playa SAN JORGE (where you go to get the ferry's to Isla Ometepe)
It's been SOOOOOO LONG since I've seen water & I've been MEGA NEEDING a water fix & my bud Diane told me about this hotel!!! So this trip we’re going to be staying at:
HOTEL HAMACAS
https://facebook.com/pages/Hotel-Hamacas/145166012235003 • http://HotelHamacas.com / 505-8-810-4144 / Skype: hotel.hamacas / info@hostalhamacas.com)
About 7 minutes East of Rivas - where you catch the ferry to Ometepe!!
Coralia speaks GOOD English
(a taxi going here should only be $20!!! Don't let them screw you over)
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EATS • RESTAURANTS:
In Rivas there are a few places to eat but much of it's traditional Nica food.
CASA ANTIGUA BAR
https://facebook.com/Bar.CasaAntigua.5
THE BEST Nica Michelada I've had (it has a bite to it) & tasty food.
tell the OWNER "The Bull" - the big red hair gringa from Costa Rica sent you!!
Le PETIT MILAN CAFE
https://facebook.com/LePetitMilanCafe • http://LePetitMilanCafe.com
They sure seem like the most upscale/elegant - non-Nica food Cafe in Rivas!! Amazing desserts and the best coffee in all rivas!! Good Customer Service. Loaded Grilled Cheese Sandwich on Garlic Herb Bread. I don't drink coffee but this looks SOOO GOOD!! Affogato means "drowned" in Italian or "drowned in coffee." It is a beverage of smooth vanilla ice cream drowning in a cup of espresso - like a decadent coffee float a traditional Italian espresso-based dessert.
LOCATION: 1 1/2 blocks South of BAC
VILAS ROSTI PIZZA
https://facebook.com/Vilas.RostiPizza • 2-563-0712 • 2-563-0442)
Dining Outside•Alfresco (good for People Watching). I ate there August 2010, we all ordered a TASTY Cheese Burger combo (came with fries & a coke - 70/$3.50) & beer (I had a Michelado - 30-cordobas/$1.50), Great atmosphere, fast service, tasty food.
HOURS: Daily - 10am-12am
LOCATION: South Side Central Park (I go to the main park, and go toward the center Rivas sector remains very close to the lodging.
RESTAURANT HOT PIZZA
WiFi (HARD to find in Rivas). Dining Outside•Alfresco. Personal pizza - around $3.25. Pizza for 4 = $7.50 total. Also roasted chicken, hot wings, Seafood, hamburgers, pasta, vegetarian dishes.
PRICES: $3.25-$7.50+ tax
LOCATION: Directly across the street from La Iglesia de San Pedro & Central Park
Donde Me Gusta
I had a TASTY Casada with beef shish kabobs on the b’bque outside WITH a natural drink of Jamaica with something added to it & a touch of cinamon - YUMMMY & just around $3.50!!!
OWNERS: Rene & Mauricio.
HOURS: 7:30am-9pm.
LOCATION: 1/2 block North of Texaco - just before the TransNica office.
SUPER POLLO
2-563-0109
Entrees: $3.00-$11.50) Right around the corner from the Rivas museum of history and anthropology, Super Pollo is a nice place to stop for lunch or dinner after a day of exploring the town. With brightly colored tablecloths covering its outdoor seating and a small, polished interior, the restaurant has an air of elegance and cleanliness. The service is friendly and the menu offers the typical Rivas selection, with several types of chicken and combination platters available. Vegetarian dishes
LOCATION: 1 block North and 1 block West of the Museum of History & Anthropology (Parking available)
Chop Suey
(2-563-3235)
WiFi, Dining Outside•Alfresco & indoors (good People Watching). Though the name implies Asian food, this on does not have many Asian dishes.
TASTY CACAO NIBBS (smaller 2 bite size pieces of cacao•chocolate for 5-c each - about 20¢ each!!
LOCATION: Directly across the street from La Iglesia de San Pedro & Central Park - South Corner
Tipico el Gueguense
HOURS: 8am-10pm.
LOCATION: North (I've also seen Sur•South) of Parque Centro (Arial is Simon’s brother who if I remember correctly speaks some English)
Hotel Nicaro
Good fried cheese
LOCATION: Next to the movie theatre
Soda Rayuela
Tasty Taco Pastor & Pollo Fajitas.
LOCATION: North of Parque Centro (across from the police station?)
Pizzeria Napoli
Claro Villa Fontana 2c
el Principe Restaurante & Hotel (2-563-0338) -
La Estancia
SEAFOOD
LOCATION: 200 mts. South of el Principe
el Padrino Buffet?
HOURS: 10am-3pm.
Coctelera Mariscazo
Best SEAFOOD restaurant in Rivas, Lunch Specials.
HOURS: 11am-10pm.
Cafe Estilo Libre
ALFRESCO
LOCATION: North of the gas station
SAN JORGE:
el diamante
Has a chicken with vegetable soup for ¢90 cords that is excellent
PHARMACY / FARMACIAS
Meridional (FMeridional1@yahoo.es) - THE BEST PRICES & usually PACKED!! 4 locations in Nicaragua (2 in Rivas). HOURS: Monday-Saturday - 7am-8pm.
Rivas (2-563-3453 / 2-536-1073) • (2-563-5367 / 2-563-5276) - Policía De Rivas Costado Oeste
Leon (2-315-1929 / 2-311-1003 / 2-311-1293) - Bo San Juan Parq 172Vs Al Oe
Masaya (2-522-0132 / 2-522-2455) - LOCATION: Bac 1-1/2 C al Este
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VICKI'S VARIOUS NICARAGUA PHOTO SITES:
CROSSING THE BORDER Between Costa Rica and Nicaragua
(a Step-By-Step Guide to help make your Border Run between Costa Rica and Nicaragua Easier (in transition)
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/CR-NI-BorderCrossing
http://CRNIBorderCrossing.com
GRANADA
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/GRANADA-Nicaragua
ISLA OMETEPE
http://Saronggoddess.com/Travel/IslaOmetepe-Nicaragua
RIVAS
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/RIVAS-Nicaragua
SAN JORGE
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SAN-JORGE-Nicaragua
SAN JUAN DEL SUR
INFO:
http://SanJuanDelSurNI.com
http://facebook.com/SanJuanDelSurNI
PICTURES:
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSurNicaragua
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSurNI-Feb13
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSur-Nicaragua-Feb-23
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