Rama
Rama is a city of 59,000 people (2019) in Caribbean Nicaragua. It is along the Escondido River which branches off into three other rivers: the Sumi, Rama, and Escondido. It is home to an important Atlantic/Caribbean port.
Understand
Rama is an old settlement, whose name is reminiscent of their first settlers, the Caribbean indigenous Rama, once populate the territories of the present municipalities of Bluefields and Rama. Unlike the Miskito, this ethnic group did not subordinated to the British and other European nations from 1633. Ethnicity also fought pirates and Spanish conquistadors who sought to enslave during the conquest.
The municipality increased its importance in the late 19th century, with the beginning of the extraction of timber, rubber and banana enclave by US companies. This economic activation caused a strong flow from other parts of the country and of citizens of Chinese origin, who were primarily devoted to trade. The construction of the Managua-Rama highway facilitated successive waves of migration of peasants.
Get in
- By boat from Bluefields (US$10, 1 hr 30 min).
- By bus from Managua (US$6, 5 hr 30 min).
There is also a direct bus from San Carlos (Nicaragua)
Get around
By taxi
This city is small and there are at least 7 taxis available to take you from Rama to the nearby towns of Puerto La Esperanza US$1 or less), El Recreo ($1 or less), Pricilla ($5 or less). Taxi drivers here are locals generally very kind, remember they have to drive back to their original starting point and may not have a passenger to take back, so be a little generous (tips always welcome) if you tip well they'll even wait for you (for a reasonable amount of time and look for you if you need a ride the next day).
By bus
There are at least 2 local buses running from Rama to Esperanza to El Recreo all day. You can also get a ride on buses arriving and departing from Managua and Juigalpa. (check schedule at terminal)
See
Visit Libreria el Maestro. It's right on the main road you can't miss it. They sell everything there from school supplies, to fabrics, clothing, electronics, even washers! Family owned business.
Sleep
- Hospedaje Gonsales (next to the bus stop and boat pier). Very basic facilities. The "rooms" upstairs are only separated by thin wood planks that do not reach the ceiling, giving the place much more of a hostel dorm feel than of a private room. Prepare yourself to be woken up at 04:00 when people start getting ready for the early boats. Single with bath US$7.50, Single without bath US$5.
Stay healthy
Mosquito Alert! There are lots of mosquitos in Rama (they make a wonderful serenade), be sure to spray on repellent or sleep with a "mosquitero" (thin soft net that covers over the bed).
Go next
Most people go directly on to Big Corn Island via Bluefields