This 12 day Experience Nicaragua trip is perfect for family or friends. During this guided tour, you will visit interest points like León, Granada (Nicaragua’s oldest city), San Juan del Sur and Ometepe, a large island in the middle of a freshwater lake. The natural beauty of Nicaragua is one of the world’s best kept secrets. The country has a large untouched jungle with a variety of rich flora and fauna. This beautiful country is also home to the two largest forest reserves in Central America.
Day 01: Arrive Nicaragua
Transfer to your hotel in Managua upon your arrival to the international airpor
Day 02: Explore the ruins of Old Leon
Today you will visit the second oldest city of Nicaragua, León. The ruins of Old León have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It used to be the original location of León; today there is nothing but ruins.
At León Viejo you can see the foundations of the houses, as well as some partially restored significant buildings like the church. Get a great view of Lake Managua, the Momotombo Volcano and the other volcanoes surrounding the city. After the tour, you will go to the city of León.
Day 03: Colonial city of Leon
León is the second largest city in Nicaragua. It is home to many historic Spanish colonial homes and churches. León is considered to be the intellectual center of the country.
Your guide will show you many beautiful locations including the cathedral, the murals of the revolution, Museum Ruben Dario and Gallery Ortiz-Gurdian.
The collection of the gallery includes work from European masters (Picasso, Chagall) and a stunning assembly of Latin American art. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to rest and relax.
Day 04: Volcano boarding and the white towns
Hike the youngest volcano in Central America and most active in Nicaragua. Hike up the rocky side and down the sandy side. Visit the 2 active craters, feel the heat, smell the gases and enjoy the views.
In the afternoon, you will be exploring the White Indigenous Towns of Catarina, San Juan de Oriente and Diria. These small communities got their name because many of the buildings and streets were once constructed with a combination of volcanic rock, water and limestone that gave them a chalky-white color.
Each village has its own special characteristic and with an average elevation of 1,600 feet, the views of the surroundings are spectacular. In San Juan del Oriente, you will see a pottery making demonstration. This is a good place to buy some unique and inexpensive Nicaraguan pottery.
Afterwards, you will stop at the city of the Flowers Masaya where you will visit the marketplace. Here you can buy local handicrafts, such as paintings. At the end of the day, you will arrive at Granada.
Day 05: City tour of Granada, and active Volcano
Today you will visit the first National Park of Nicaragua, the shallow shield Masaya Volcano. This is the only volcano in the western hemisphere where you are able to drive to the rim.
You will find an underground tunnel in this park, which was formed by lava flows. You may be able to find bats and look inside to observe the glowing lava in the dark crater mouth of the volcano.
Granada will surround you with unique colonial architecture. The city of Granada is known for its rich history, dating back to the Spanish conquistadors. Interesting places to visit are the churches: San Francisco, La Merced, Xalteva and the neoclassical cathedral.
You will experience a city tour by a horse-drawn carriage. Pass by old colonial houses and visit an ancient fortress and a cemetery in colonial style with tombs of more than 400 years old.
Day 06: Granada small islands, and kayak tour
During this day of your Nicaragua tour package, you will have a kayak tour in Lake Nicaragua to observe the Granada little islands.
The natural beauty of the islands is spectacular, and history buffs will enjoy the Fort of San Pablo, a Spanish fort that was largely unsuccessful in preventing pirate attacks on Granada.
The islands are located in an exotic tropical archipelago of 365 tiny volcanic islands. Enjoy a quiet wilderness experience with the sound of birdsong overhead, as you cut silently through the glassy water.
Day 07: Pacific beach of San Juan del Sur
Next, you will head to the surfing town of Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur. The long waterfront is lined with seafood restaurants and beach side decks looking over the sailboats and fishing boats that are in the majestic bay.
San Juan del Sur has emerged as a popular spot for the adventurous traveler and the retiree alike.
Surrounded by beaches, likeMaderas, Yankee, Tamarindo and Remanso, San Juan del Sur proves to be perfectly located as the social hub of your traveling surf trip or if you just want to relax and rest.
Day 08: Black sand beach
You have a free day today. These are some of the optional activities you will be able to do:
Zip line through the jungle or hop on a quad.
Hike to the top of the hill and look over the turquoise bay at sunrise.
Charter a boat for fishing.
Go to the two world class Nicaragua surf breaks up north
Have a cup of local Nicaraguan coffee and stroll through the market.
Then, finish your day with a mojito on your deck as the sun sinks into the great Pacific. The adventure is waiting for you.
Day 09: The biggest island on a Lake in the world
You will depart to Ometepe Island today. Ometepe is considered the largest island in the world found within a freshwater lake. The island is a 276-square-kilometer jewel in the great lake of Nicaragua. It houses two majestic volcanoes connected through a small strip of land.
Local and international travelers admire Ometepe for its nature, hospitality, beautiful landscapes, the two volcanoes, a rich archaeological background, relaxing beaches and its numerous natural reserves and forests that enjoy a high biodiversity. The island is currently inhabited by friendly people who love their territory, dedicated to fishing and high quality agricultural production; made possible by the fertile soil.
Clear water with medicinal properties.
Visit the natural park Ojo de Agua. This is a natural spring of crystalline waters. Ojo de Agua is a river of clear water with medicinal properties that rejuvenate your skin.
Rustic facilities have been built on this farm, including pools, thatch-roof huts and hiking trails. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the healthy Ojo de Agua. This freshwater source feeds two large swimming pools set into old growth forest.
Day 10: Hike to volcano and lagoon Maderas
Today we offer you the optional hike to the Volcano and Lagoon Maderas. The truncated cone of Maderas is covered in thick cloud forest. On its summit, a crater lagoon was formed where you can swim in a serene setting.
Because of its ecological and archaeological importance most of the Maderas side of the island has been designated a nature reserve. The cloud forest shelters a diverse floral and fauna life, including howler and Capuchin monkeys, many birds, butterflies, amazing orchids and ferns.
Day 11: Charco Verde and Santo Domingo beach
You will have a moderate hike in the lagoon of Charco Verde today, and afterwards you can relax at the Santo Domingo Beach.
Lagoon of Charco Verde.
The Lagoon of Charco Verde owes its name to its green water, which is due to the plentiful vegetation on the shore. This ecological reserve covers 20 hectares of tropical dry forest and is home to many species of animals, as well as local and migratory birds.
Within the reserve, you will find the mystical lagoon of Charco Verde with its emerald green waters. Today it’s a tranquil spot in an unspoiled area of old woodland, where you can quietly observe the beautiful fauna.
Beach of Santo Domingo.
Beach of Santo Domingo is a 4 kilometer long stretch of gray sand. The water of the lake is always choppy but nicely warm and shallow making it safe for bathing and swimming.
You can relax in the constant onshore breeze with view to the jungle covered Maderas volcano, watch egrets preying on small fish, or take a walk to the north along the beach, framed by dry forest vegetation.
In the afternoon, you will be taken back to Granada.
Day 12: Departure
Unfortunately your journey ends today. Our Experience Nicaragua trip ends today with a private transfer to the International airport of Nicaragua.
But if you’re not ready to go home just yet, why not extend your Nicaragua tour package! A popular multi-country tour is Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua.
Place | Night (s) | Hotels |
Managua | 01 | Hilton Princess Managua |
Leon | 02 | Hotel El Convento Leon |
Granada | 05 | Hotel Dario Granada |
San Juan Del Sur | 01 | Verdad Nicaragu Beach Hotel & Retreart |
Ometpe | 02 | Cabana El Paraiso |
Granada | 01 | Hotel Dario Granada |
- Welcome on arrival with fresh flower garlands.
- Meet to attend airports / hotels by our office representative.
- 12 nights accommodation as per the program.
- Daily breakfast,
- Ferry Transfers.
- Guide Services ( English language )
- Entrance fees to the monuments.
- All taxes.
• International flights
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tipping.
• Travel Insurance.
• Visa If any.
• Accommodation in good hotels.
• Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
• Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost. – Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
• In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.