Locally-owned Bigfoot Hostel, tel (505) 917-8832, bigfootnicaragua@gmail.com, http://www.bigfootnicaragua.com, just northeast of Parque Central, 50 meters south of Banco Procredit, is a colonial home transformed into a backpacker haven. It is within meters of an ice cream parlor (a perfect antidote to 34° C heat), market, cinema, ATM machines and internet. Popular volcano boarding tours ($23, plus $4.50 park entrance), and express bus service to beaches Las Poneloya and Las Peñitas (Tues/ Thurs) are offered. Murals of Nicaraguan skyscapes and volcano boarders frame the spacious reception bar and café area. The bar serves mojitos and Cuba Libre with the renowned Flor de Caña rum, while Café Vida fixes juice, pastas and quesadillas (chicken, beef and vegetarian). Rooms open onto an open-air courtyard with swimming pool, lush garden, hammocks, rocking chairs and 100% tranquillo vibes. There is free coffee, a guest kitchen with fridge and freezer, board games, book exchange, DVDs, cable, 4 hour laundry service ($ 4 small bag, $6 large) and 24 hour security. Take advantage of safety boxes, as there have been some reported thefts. Early lights out policy means take the party elsewhere. Rates: $6 pp dorm, $13-14 pp private room.