Getting around

Getting around Nicaragua is both complex and easy at the same time.

Most of the buses between the major cities and towns are former school buses from the US with adjusted engines and suspensions and of course fitted with super strength sound equipment. Its amazing that they keep going and seem to work so well.

Besides those buses you use taxis or collectivos to travel short distances for example from one bus station to another or around town. When I travelled from Las Penitas to Masaya I used a bus to Leon, a collectivo to the bus station, a bus to Managua, a taxi to the other bus station, and finally a minibus to Masaya.

While this sounds gruelling, it is surprisingly simple - especially since the locals are ever so willing to help you. Taxi drivers here will get out and put my backpack on for me and make sure I understand where I have to go next before they leave. They never try to overcharge either. Compared to Costa Rica and San Jose in particular, where I had one guy start driving off with my backpack still in the car last week. There they are pleasant as sunshine to get you in the taxi but as soon as you've paid, they're off quick as a flash, whether you're ready or not!

I would not rent a car here for anything as the bus rides are always interesting. Music is always blaring and there's always dozens of people getting on the bus at different points to sell you food and drinks. As in the rest of Central America, you only have to be on the side of a road for them to stop to pick you up and it doesn't matter if the vehicle is completely overcrowded, there's always room for one or ten more...

Yesterday as we were charging along the highway from Leon to Managua there was an almighty bang and several smaller pops. We'd blown a tyre. With absolutely no fuss, the bus pulls over, the young fit guys jump off to help and within 10-15 minutes, we were back on the road again - everyone totally unphased. I can't believe they didn't even ask us to get off the bus while they changed the tyre!