Expat Advice: Living in Mechapa, Nicaragua
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Mechapa
How long have you lived there?
5 years
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
Online sites, if you are an American citizen, go to the Town Hall meeting in your area.
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
Mechapa is a generally homogenous village. Most people go to the Apostilica church, but not all, and everyone is Nicaraguan (except for Mike and me!)
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
Fishing and farming are the two jobs here. Unless you are purchasing a large farm or a herd of cattle, or opening a hotel, you probably won't find a job here.
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
This is an incredible area for those wishing to escape the trappings of larger, more touristy cities and towns. For all of it's natural beauty, truly secluded beach and quiet atmosphere, there are always challenges. For example, energy is spotty, telephone service isn't available yet without an antennae, fuel and propane must be purchased 1 hour away in Chinandega...But it is a special and definately "off the beaten path" way of living!
Moving to Nicaragua soon?
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Comments about this Report
guestUPDATE!! MEchapa now has a Movistar antenna so cell phones work great and we even have 24/7 internet service through our iPhone (how far we've come!). The village is still small, quiet and heavenly. Electrical service has improved over the past 6 years to the point where it is rare that we don't have power. We also have a public water system, too. Our hotel and restaurant is doing well - life is good. Stacy
guestI lived in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica for two years in the early 1980s and Mechapa sounds similar, but there was no electricity outside of generators at a restaurant and the store. I loved it but I was much younger then. Just before sunset everyone was out walking and visiting and telling stories, and then the power lines came. TV and reggae 20 hours a day, no more 'social hour'. I sold my house and moved on. I'm happy for the town, the economy grew immensely and the birth rate undoubtedly went down- I knew several families with more than 20 kids- but it wasn't for me.
keithehow is the weather there? and the fishing i dont mean deep sea but but just some fighing off rocky points? gracias bundy67
donistonI would like to know more.it sounds like my kind of town Please email me at ----dwaldo1929@yahoo.com Thanks
