Expats or soon-to-be expats in the higher elevation (cooler) cities

18POSTS

11 months ago

Hola everyone, I'm Marilyn, an American living in Costa Rica since January. Been studying up on Nica & hoping to connect with expats or soon-to-be expats in the higher elevation (cooler) cities/towns, i.e., Matagalpa, Jinotega, Esteli, San Rafael del Norte, etc. I've joined the only FB group I found for that area, but unfortunately it doesn't seem very active or welcoming. If you live there, are planning to move there or know someone there, I'd be ever so grateful to hear from you!

I would also welcome any tips & tricks for the cheapest, easiest entry from Costa Rica, travel from the border to the northern highlands, budget accomodations, etc. Thanks in advance!

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Supeman Nicaragua Advisor

55POSTS

11 months ago

You can take a bus from the Penas Blancas border to Rivas. Then take the chicken bus to Managua. Then to Matagalpa. I have lived in Nicaragua for over 4 years now in the Southern zone San Juan del Sur. I go several times a year to stay in the mountains of Matagalpa. You have to stay at SELVA Negra Ecolodge while you are there. Its situated next to the cloud forest with on site lake, restaurants and cabins. It’s one of my favorite places in Nicaragua.

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bossanovagal Member

18POSTS

10 months ago

@Supeman

Thank you, Supeman! Great info. I had already read about Selva Negra & decided I definitely need to see it . So is the bus from Penas Blancas also a chicken bus? Chicken buses all the way to Matagalpa? Do you happen to know how much luggage the chicken buses will accept, or how I can find out in advance? Thanks!

Supeman Nicaragua Advisor

55POSTS

10 months ago

@bossanovagal

The chicken bus will accept your luggage and any excess will probably be put on the roof. Enjoy your trip.

1 member reacted to this post

explore-nica Member

1POSTS

9 months ago

Hi @bossanovagal,

I have been living in Nicaragua for many years and can help you out with local tips.

1 member reacted to this post

Supeman Nicaragua Advisor

55POSTS

9 months ago

Been living here going on 5 ylears. Let me know if you need anymore information.

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bossanovagal Member

18POSTS

6 months ago

@explore-nica

Thank you!

bossanovagal Member

18POSTS

6 months ago

@Supeman

Thank you!

bossanovagal Member

18POSTS

2 months ago

@explore-nica

In what part of Nicaragua do you live? I am now exploring the Matagalpa/Jinotaga/San Rafael del Norte area, and would love any tips on how to find other expats here! I belong to several of Scott Alan Miller's WhatsApp expat groups, and several Nica FB groups, but still finding it hard to make connections or find meetups. Thx for any feedback!