Magic of Nicaragua | Trip Itinerary

Note:  This tour is a suggested, customized itinerary that is very flexible. We can make changes in hotels, excursions and destinations to suit your travel dates, style and budget 

Optional extension adds 3 nights on the southern coast beaches of San Juan del Sur

Day 1: Managua International Airport / Colonial León City
Meet & greet at the International Airport and private guided transfer to Colonial León City.  Check-in to your select hotel for a two night stay.
(Note:  if your flight schedule arrives in the late evening, we suggest you stay in Managua tonight, and transfer the next morning to Leon)

Day 2: Sutiaba / Tour of León City
Private guided transportation to visit the Sutiaba town, then a city tour of León.
The colonial city of Leon was founded by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba in the year 1524 next to Lake Xolotlan and the active Momotombo volcano. There were important indigenous towns in the area. The city was actually built next to the town known as Imabite but in the year 1610 it was moved to its current location after being destroyed by a series of eruptions from the Momotombo volcano and the city was basically buried. That is why the city is called the Central American Pompeii. (B)

Day 3: León / León Viejo / Colonial Granada City & Islets
Private guided transfer from León to Colonial Granada City, en route visit the Ruins of Leon Viejo.  In 2002, this site was declared a World Heritage site of Human kind by UNESCO. After exploring the ruins, and learning of the history of the founding of Leon, continue your trip to the colonial city of Granada.  Here you’ll enjoy a city tour of all the highlights, and a boat ride trip around Las Isletas- the  Islands of Lake Nicaragua. Check-in to your select hotel for a two-night stay. (B)

Day 4: The Pueblas Blancas “People & Art” / Masaya
Private guided transportation for this full day tour. On the highlands in the pacific region of Nicaragua, one can find the picturesque Pueblas Blancas, or “white towns”. These towns were given their name in the early colonial period because the Spaniards decided to paint their homes in white. Nowadays “white towns” is a part of Nicaraguan folklore. Traditions of the past still persist in towns such as: Diriamba, Jinotepe, Masatepe, Niquinohomo, San Juan de Oriente and Catarina. We’ll do shopping in San Juan de Oriente and Catarina (pottery). Lunch included and then our tour continues with the visit to the Masaya Volcano, and a stop at the Artisan Market of Masaya.

For those looking for a bit more adventure today, we suggest our tour of the Mombacho volcano--including zip line tour!
After breakfast drive to the top of the peak at Mombacho Volcano National Reserve (switching to 4WD jeeps for the last part) where the unique visitor's center is located. From here you'll meet your local guide for a moderate hike along the crater trail. Your guide will explain the flora and fauna of this highland ecosystem, as well as the history of the people who occupied this stunning environment centuries ago.  Next, gear up for the amazing adventure and birds-eye view of this forested world when zip-lining along the 17 platforms of a Mombacho Canopy Tour on the eastern side of the volcano. A typical lunch at the reserve is included before returning to Granada.
(B, L)

Day 5: Granada/ Ometepe Island Tour.
Escorted transfer from Granada to San Jorge’s port, located at Rivas. Upon arrival at San Jorge, you will board a one hour ride ferry that will take you to the breast of Ometepelt (Ometepe). A local guide will be waiting for us and will take us on an approximately 30 minutes transfer to Finca San Juan de la Isla, located lakefront at Playa Santo Domingo Beach. Superior option stay in lake front cabin; moderate option stay in standard room/Lake Breeze.

From the moment you arrive to Ometepe you realize that you are in a different world, unique in its kind. The presence of the Volcanoes is constant as life circles around these two colossuses of nature. The Concepción is a dormant volcano and the Maderas is extinct volcano covered by a deep cloud forest and a lagoon on the top of the crater. The Island was a ceremonial place for ancient Indian culture; because of this many petroglyphs and stone idols are found in different archaeological sites and in the Altagracia town. Ometepe is a soft adventure place. (B)

Day 6: Ometepe Island
Today you’ll enjoy a full day tour of Ometepe Island. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the most interesting places of the island, you will visit the town called Altagracia with its charming little church, the museum, the stone statues, a small hike around the mysterious Charco Verde, Punta de Jesus Maria & Numismatic Museum. We will be back in time to see the sunset at the Hotel. Lunch box is included. (B, BL)

Day 7: Ometepe Island / Managua Capital City
Transfer to the Moyogalpa Port in order to take our Ferry ride to San Jorge Port where our local representative (driver only) will meet you to transfer you to either the Hotel Los Robles/moderate option or Elements Boutique Hotel/superior option in Managua. **Depending on your scheduled departure flight Day 8, you can opt to spend this night back in Granada. Works best for flights departing 12noon or later. It's approximately a 45 minute transfer from Granada to the Managua airport**(B)

Day 8:  Departure
Breakfast at your hotel, followed by a private, unescorted transfer to the Managua International Airport.(B)

OPTIONAL BEACH EXTENSION

Day 7: Ometepe Island / San Juan del Sur beaches
Transfer to the Moyogalpa Port in order to take our Ferry ride to San Jorge Port where our local representative (driver only) will meet you to transfer you approximately 1 hour to the southern beach area of San Juan del Sur. check in to your select hotel for a 3-night stay. (Moderate; Superior & "splurge" options available here!)

Day 8 & 9: Free days to enjoy the beach and local activities.
San Juan del Sur offers virtually every type of water sport and outdoor experience. There are daily shuttle buses to the best surf beaches south of town where you can rent equipment and take surf lessons (with advance notice).  Close to San Juan del Sur are the beaches of "El coco", "Chococente", "El Astillero" and "La Flor", which are wildlife refuges and a turtle sanctuary for endangered species. Visits can be arranged during turtle nesting season. In addition you'll find deep sea fishing, sunset sail rides, horseback riding, sea kayaking, mountian biking, canopy tours, nature walks, stand-up paddle boarding--the list goes on & one! You'll also want to explore the restaurants & local  nightlife of town. (B)

Day 10: San Juan del Sur / Managua Capital City
Later in the afternoon (you can pick the time) our local representative (driver only) will meet you to transfer you to your select hotel. **Depending on your scheduled departure flight on Day 11 you can opt to spend this night as a 4th night at the beach (we'll adjust yur trip cost accordingly) and transfer directly to the Managua airport the following day. This would work best for flights departing 2:00 PM or later. (B)

Day 11:  Departure
Breakfast at your hotel, followed by a private, unescorted transfer to the Managua International Airport.(B)
B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; BL= Box Lunch; D=Dinner