Vacation Rental Description
This truly is an oasis within the city and a great home base from which to explore all of Nicaragua. The Pacific coast, mountain coffee plantations and magnificent volcanoes are all within 1 1/2 hours drive, but the colonial city of Granada is the main attraction. On the edge of Lake Nicaragua and in the shadow of Mombacho volcano, Granada is a romantic city of colorful colonial homes and churches. Founded in 1524, Granada enjoys the distinction of being the oldest colonial city in the Americas. This relaxed and mellow city has one of the most pleasant central plazas in Latin America which is surrounded by 16th-century colonial buildings, great restaurants, museums and other entertainment. Granada is a great place to base and explore many of Nicaragua's popular highlights.
Granada shares the shoreline with Lake Nicaragua, the 10th-largest freshwater lake in the world. The lake has great sport-fishing in and around over 360 tiny tropical islands (Isletas) that are richly covered with vegetation. The islands of Lake Nicaragua were created hundreds of years ago when the volcano Mombacho exploded. Today, you can explore this extinct volcano along trails in the cloud forest. You'll see more varieties of orchids than just about anywhere else in the world and all kinds of wildlife, including 170 counted species of birds and blue morpho butterflies. You can also take a canopy tour, shooting from treetop to treetop on harnessed zip-lines.
Near Grenada you'll find Lake Apoyo. This crater lake, formed over 21,000 years ago when a volcano erupted, is the largest crater lake in the country and one of the most beautiful. The views from the top stretch over the hillsides, taking in the blue waters below. Because of its elevation, Lake Apoyo is generally five degrees (Fahrenheit) cooler than Granada, just 15 minutes away. Its pristine water has therapeutic qualities, thanks to the sulfur and other minerals, and the temperature is 85 degrees all year long. It is in a Nicaraguan natural reserve and a proposed UNESCO World Heritage site.
Masaya's Craft Market and the Masaya Volcano National Park. Nearby Masaya is home to Nicaragua's best craft market, offering just about anything that's hand-crafted in the country—ceramics, leather goods, iron work, hammocks, jewelry, rocking chairs, masks, clothing . . . you name it.
There are five active volcanoes at nearby Masaya Volcano National Park offering the best volcano viewing in Central and North America. It's the only place in the region where you can see hot magma rising from the depths of the Earth—and you can drive right to the top!
If you need a smaller unit, contact us for availabiliy of our one bedroom unit.
Facilities
Cable Satellite
Cooking Utensils
Dryer
Kitchen
Linen Service
Microwave
Amenity Parking
Refrigerator
Shared Pool
Washer
Guest Comments: My first visit to Nicaragua turned out to be one of the best travel experiences ever. A planned one night stay at the Xalteva carried over into five. It is a beautiful new development in the Spanish colonial style.Accomidations are first class, period and better yet, the manadgement and staff are happily accomidating in both languages.. If I had four thumbs, they would all be strait up on this condo hotel. Thomas Flynn Halifax, NS
"For anyone that's looking for peace and quiet,and relaxation this is the perfect place. The pictures are wonderful but being there in person and looking at all the design and the beautiful architechture work through out the condos is an experience..........i felt at home and i recommend this to anyone that's planning on going to beautiful granada".
Activities
Adventure Sports
Biking
Boating
Playground
Cinema
Fishing
Kayaking
Night Clubs
Restaurant
Shopping
Water Sports
Zip line tree top canopy tours, climb or drive to top of an active volcano, boat tour the 360 island area of Lake Nicaragua, take a horse carriage thru this colonial historic walking city, swim-sail in the nearby crater Laguna Apoyo
Additional Guest Comments:
Review Submitted: April 8, 2009 Date of Stay: March 2009
We booked the condo on the internet for a week with the usual "will it be okay?" It was way more than okay. We extended the stay four more days and then three more and spent our entire stay there. Easy day trips to see all sorts of wonderful things. The property is tops and the pool a welcome refresher late in the hot afternoon. Son played with the neighbor kids in the street at night and it is a short walk to the paneria in the morning and good restaurants in the evening.
Recommended for: People with Disabilities, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Age 55+, Tourists without a Car