Grand Nicaragua - the best! - 14 days

Day 1 – Managua - Leon
You will be met at the Managua International Airport and transferred in your vehicle to the colonial city of Leon. En route, (or even before landing) you will notice the volcanoes in Lake Managua – and indeed, the volcano dominates the horizon for your entire stay in Nicaragua. Leon is a thriving cultural centre, with great churches and also a hip and happening university scene. On Day 1 you will have an opportunity to visit Leon’s cathedral and soak up the atmosphere.
Accommodation: Leon Hotel

Day 2 – Cerro Negro
A day of adventure as you hike to the top of Cerro Negro and can chose to sandboard down!
Accommodation: Leon Hotel

Day 3 – Leon – Matagalpa
Today we will head east from Leon in Nicaragua’s mountainous region. Stopping at a coffee finca en route we will learn about how coffee is grown and also have the opportunity to support one of Nicaragua’s fair trade coffee cooperatives.

Accomodation: Selva Negra, Matagalpa

Day 4 – Matagalpa
In the morning we will have time to relax around Selva Negra’s tranquil lake, or perhaps get active hiking one of the many trails in the cloud forest. After lunch we will head to Los Chiles, where Nicaragua’s famous weavers work. From there we will travel a short distance to spend the night at the Finca Esperanza Verde.

Accommodation: Finca Esperanza Verde, San Ramon

Day 5 – Finca Esperanza Verde

Today we will truly immerse ourselves in the life of the Nicaraguan countryside, taking a 6 hour walk in the finca, meeting with local coffee growers, enjoying the landscape and being out in the fresh air.

Accommodation: Finca Esperanza Verde, San Ramon

Day 6 – Matagalpa – Masaya – Granada
You have the opportunity to rise early, do some birdwatching or take an invigorating early morning walk amongst the coffees plants before we take our private transport south, towards Masaya. In Masaya we will visit the active Volcano, Masaya, as well as the famous markets where no doubt the beautiful work of Nicaragua’s artisans will inspire you to make some purchases. From Masaya we will make the short trip into Granada

Accomodation: Hotel, Granada

Day 7 – Granada
From the moment you wake in Granada, to the sound of horses hooves on cobblestone streets, you will be enchanted by this famous city

In Granada there are a wealth of things to do and see and we offer clients a range of options:
1. City tour with horse drawn carriage
2. Ziplining and hike to the Mombacho Volcano
3. A visit to Laguna Apoyo (you can stay overnight here if you wish)
4. A tour of Las Isletas (including the opportunity to stay overnight on the ecotourism island El Roble)
5. A day tour of the Pueblos blancos (white towns) including Catarina.
6. visiting volunteer projects around Granada

Day 8 – Granada

You can chose to utilize more of the tours described above or just take some time out to enjoy the atmosphere

Day 9 – Granada

You can chose to utilize more of the tours described above or just take some time out to enjoy the atmosphere

Day 10 - Granada – Ometepe

Early in the morning you will be collected by your private taxi to be transferred to Rivas and then San Jorge to take the ferry across to Ometepe. You will be met at the ferry terminal and driven to Playa Santo Domingo, the whitest beach on the island and located on the isthmus between the two volcanoes.

In the afternoon you have the option of visiting the chrystal clear Ojo del Agua, taking a gentle walk or cycle ride around the island or relaxing on the beach.

Accomodation: Playa Santo Domingo

Day 11 – Ometepe Island

Your list of nature based activities for this day are endless:
tour of Finca Magaldena and visit to the petroglyphs
climb of Volcan Maderas (8 hour hike)
kayaking or canoe tour

Accomodation: Playa Santo Domingo

Day 12 – Ometepe Island – San Juan del Sur

In  the morning you will be able to either have a short kayaking or cycle tour, regurn to the Ojo del Agua or simply relax at your hotel.

After lunch you will be transferred to the ferry terminal where you will take the ferry back to San Jorge/Rivas and then to onto San Juan del Sur.

You will check into your beachside hotel and have the rest of the day free to enjoy the beaches and surf town ambience of San Juan del Sur.

In the evening, sample some great seafood from any one of San Juan del Sur’s many restaurants or hit the dance floor at one of the local clubs.

Accomodation: Hotel San Juan del Sur

Day 13 –San Juan del Sur

Today we transfer you to nearby Maderas Beach where you can soak up the rays on the sand or perhaps you can take surf lessons!

In season, we will take a camping trip to see Oliver Ridley turtles (Peak Season Sept-October)

Accomodation: Hotel San Juan del Sur (or Camping trip to see Oliver Ridley turtles)

Day 14 – San Juan del Sur – Managua

In the morning you will be able to either visit Maderas beach or simply relax at your hotel.  After lunch you will return in your private car to either Granada or Managua. (depending on your preference.)  We can organize a hotel for you and/or your transfers to the Managua International airport.

Itinerary notes

• Indicative Prices:
  2 star accommodation (on a twin share basis) $1195
  3 star accommodation (on a twin share basis) $1495
• Please contact us directly reservas@explore-central-america.com to discuss your travel needs and interests and we can provide you with an accurate quote. Don't forget to mention style of hotel (in stars), fitness level and length of holiday in your email!

Indicative Prices:

TRIP NOTES:

Nicaragua is a hot and humid country. Price quotes are based on prices for a basic car without airconditioning.

Included:
Hotels as included in itinerary
Meals as included in itinerary
Private transport
Guide for tours
Entry fees where there is a guided tour
Transfer assistance where there is no guide
Accommodation as specified in itinerary

Not included:
Meals not mentioned in itinerary (in general you will be responsible for your own meals)
Airport taxes
Entry fees for non guided tours.
International flights
Tips
Cost of optional tours