Corrections Appended Nov. 21, 2011
The little-known Corn Islands, 40 miles (65 km) off Nicaragua, lie in a sequestered pocket of the Caribbean and have been home to Kukras-Mayangna Indians, African slaves and British buccaneers. Of the two islands, the aptly named Little Corn, with an area of just 1.1 sq. mi. (2.9 sq km), is the poster boy. Tantalizingly adrift from modern life, this unspoiled, road-free gem remains a living snapshot of what the Caribbean must have been like 30 years ago. Here are five Little Corn essentials.
1. Casa Iguana
Nicaragua's original eco-lodge is set on a lush 30-acre (12-hectare) reserve and offers great local cuisine as well two private coves. Fifteen multicolored casitas — constructed to allow the trade winds through — are the epitome of Robinson Crusoe chic. You're just asked to remember the house rules: "No cars, no phones, no cocktail umbrellas, no jet skis, no movie stars, no worries." Check out casaiguana.net.
2. The Meso-American Reef
Little Corn lies on the southern tip of the world's second largest reef. Dive Little Corn organizes unforgettable excursions below the crystal-clear waters. Suit up and get set for a plethora of marine life: iridescent fish, spotted eagle rays, green sea turtles and, of course, coral of all kinds — branching, brain, plating, fire and fan.
3. Horse treks
Saddle up at Farm Peace & Love and trek on horseback through verdant jungle, along cliff tops and over dazzling white beaches. A full afternoon is yours for just $25. That, plus the fact that the ranch has just six horses available, means that demand is always high, so be sure to book ahead by e-mailing paola@farmpeacelove.com.
4. Grace's Place
Unsurprisingly, seafood on Little Corn is always the freshest of the fresh. Specialties at the phoneless Grace's Place — found on the long stretch of white-coral sand that frames the eastern shoreline — include delicious grilled red snapper marinated in coconut, cumin and a juicy salsa. Lovers of shellfish and crustaceans won't want to miss the princely portions of lobster tail steeped in a rich garlic sauce, costing around $10. Settle on one of the wooden benches outside in time for sunset, sip an ice-cold Toña beer or Flor de Caña rum cocktail and tuck in.
5. Fishing trips
If you fancy catching your own supper, fishermen on the main western dock will you take you on their boats, charging round $50 for a group of five to seven. For a little extra, whatever you catch — flounder, snapper or even barracuda — gets barbecued on the beach upon your return by the fishermen, using a driftwood fire. They'll even throw on a handful of herbs and freshly squeezed lime before serving.
The original story said that Casa Iguana had a "Cordon Bleu" chef; in fact, the chefs are local cooks. The story also referred to "bioluminescent eagle rays" instead of "spotted eagle rays." It further gave the impression that fishing boat charters cost a total of $10 but in fact that is the price per head for a group of 5-7 persons. Meanwhile, the price of lobster at Grace's Place was originally given as $6 but the dish can cost as much as $10. Finally, the story mentioned that speargun fishing was available for adventurous tourists, but the practice is illegal for visitors.Time regrets the errors.
The original story said that Casa Iguana had a "Cordon Bleu" chef; in fact, the chefs are local cooks. The story also referred to "bioluminescent eagle rays" instead of "spotted eagle rays." It further gave the impression that fishing boat charters cost a total of $10 but in fact that is the price per head for a group of 5-7 persons. Meanwhile, the price of lobster at Grace's Place was originally given as $6 but the dish can cost as much as $10. Finally, the story mentioned that speargun fishing was available for adventurous tourists, but the practice is illegal for visitors.Time regrets the errors.