From Costa Rica to Nicaragua. My first border crossing — by long-distance bus.
Crossing the Border on TICA BUS
TICA BUS is a solid choice between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Among the long-distance bus companies in Central America it's relatively reliable and traveler-friendly. You handle the border paperwork yourself after getting off the bus, but if you go with the flow of the people around you, you'll figure it out.
Destination: Ometepe Island
The first stop in Nicaragua was Ometepe Island. Two volcanoes rising out of Lake Nicaragua — one of the world's largest freshwater lakes. "Ometepe" means "two mountains" in Nahuatl.
The lake is famous for once being home to freshwater sharks. Today there are concerns about pollution and ecosystem changes — environmental challenges. There were also discussions at that time about a proposed Nicaragua Canal, which was sparking various debates locally.
Ferry and Negotiating with Taxi Drivers
To get to the island, you go via Rivas to a port town called San Jorge and take a ferry. You take a taxi to the ferry pier, and that's where the first shock comes — fare negotiation.
If you don't know the going rate you'll get charged too much. It's important to research the rate ahead of time and negotiate. Ask "how much?", and when they answer, start by halving — that's the Central American way.
First-time border crossings are tense, but you generally figure them out. Ask the people around you when you don't know. That solves most of the problems.