Step into San Juan del Sur and things begin to slow down. Thankfully, this is exactly what we were looking for. For those who have not been, San Juan is a very laid-back, surf town with a sort of hippy-bohemian meets party town vibe. The dusty streets are lined with surf shops, taco stands, vegetarian eateries, loungy cafes, and many places to buy ridiculously cheap Flor de Caña Rum and Cokes. We got into town via ferry from Ometepe to Rivas and bus Rivas to S...

A trip through Nicaragua just wouldn't be complete without a stop at Isla Ometepe; the island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua that is formed by two volcanos. Its not far from Granada and a full bus and short taxi ride later we were at the boat docks and climbing aboard the "lancha": Spanish for 'small boat'; compared to the larger and faster ferries which also make the crossing. The boat putt-putted across the lake at a ridiculously slow but steady pace and afte...

The joys of chicken buses. Our patience was put to the ultimate test on the 1.5 hour trip from Leòn to Granada. Our trip began with a short taxi ride to the Leòn bus terminal, a quick transfer to a jam-packed van, and another hour to the hot, chaos of Managua and off the van at the bus terminal. It was all easy enough at this point, but that is where the pleasantries end. We hauled our backpacks on board and shoved them between our legs, as we were smashed ag...

3:30am is early. But, that's what time we got up and moving on our big travel day...attempting to go from San Salvador, El Salvador to León, Nicaragua. Check a map if you need, or just take it from me: it's a long way. We got to the bus terminal the ridiculous 45 minutes early that they require for 'check-in', and predictably sat around for 43 minutes wondering why we weren't still in bed with zzzz's coming out of our necks. Who are they kidding: this is the Ti...