6-day Trip to Nicaragua
Signature trip
Nicaragua is one of the most overlooked countries in Central America, often passed up for the more famous Costa Rica. On this 6-day trip to Nicaragua, you’ll get a sampler of why this country is so worth visiting. From stunning islands to majestic volcanoes, the natural side of the country is not to be missed.
The people of Nicaragua are friendly and welcoming, too. You’ll have a chance to visit ruins, explore modern cities, and even visit a family’s home. It’s a wonderful chance to learn more about another culture and make new friends. Your Nicaragua itinerary has been carefully cultivated to give you a chance to experience some of the best the country has to offer.
Cathedral of Leon
Volcano Cerro Negro
Ometepe Island
City of Granada
Highlights
Start your 6-day trip to Nicaragua with some time spent in the beautiful colonial city of Leon before you visit the ruins of Leon Viejo. The archeological discoveries made there were only possible due to the ruined city’s preservation under layers of volcanic ash. You’ll get to see it up close and personal, then return to the hustle and bustle of the actual city.
From Granada and Leon to Managua and Ometepe Island, you’ll get to see many areas of the country and get a feel for living like a local. We’ll explore tiny islands on Lake Nicaragua, learn to cook a traditional meal on Ometepe Island, and shop in local markets. You’ll even get to hike a volcano and stare into the bubbling lava in its crater. There’s plenty to see and do, so gear up for a real adventure!
Itinerary
You’ll be greeted by your driver upon arrival at Managua International Airport and taken to your hotel in Leon.
- Two nights in Leon.
Start the morning with a tasty breakfast before we head out to explore the stunning city of Leon. As the second-largest city in the country, Leon is known for its culture and history. It was the capital of Nicaragua for more than 300 years before the capital was moved to Managua. The city is surrounded by volcanoes, which makes for an interesting landscape.
We’ll explore some of the most impressive sites in the city, including two colonial churches, La Recoleccion and El Calvario, and even climb to the cathedral’s rooftop. You’ll get the chance to shop in the Subtavia market, check out the indigenous neighborhood plaza, and see the Ortiz-Gurdian Art Museum. There’s a lot to cover and you’ll be ready for a little rest when we return to the hotel.
In the afternoon, you’ll hop in a 4×4 vehicle for the journey to Cerro Negro Volcano. It takes about an hour to hike to the summit, where you can look out over Los Maribios, a string of volcanos. We’ll watch the sunset from the top of the volcano, looking out over the fumaroles, before heading down. This is an exciting adventure since the ash is deep here and you can jump, walk, or slide down the mountain.
Finish out the day with a traditional Nicaraguan meal in Leon’s colonial center before heading to bed. Get some rest, because the adventure continues tomorrow.
The original location of Leon is known as Leon Viejo. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was rediscovered in 1967, after being lost, discovered in 1931, and then lost again. The original city was buried in ash after being abandoned due to the danger of living there.
Today, we’ll travel to Leon Viejo where you can see some of the buildings that have been excavated there. The ruins here are the only preserved example of what Spanish urban designs looked like in the 16th century. You can visit La Merced Convent, the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Gracia, and the Governor’s mansion here. Thanks to being preserved under ash, these buildings give archeologists a better look at what life looked like during this period.
Our next stop is lunch at Salvador Allende Port in Managua. You’ll enjoy seeing the old Plaza de la Revolucion before we head to a lookout that gives you a panoramic view of the capital. Then we’re off again, arriving at Masaya Volcano National Park by late afternoon.
We’ll watch the sunset from the tallest point of the volcano. It’s an amazing sight, watching the sun sink behind gasses that rise from the “hell’s mouth.” Once it’s dark, you can peek over the crater’s edge and look down into the lava lake that constantly bubbles away with molten rock.
- One night in Granada.
There are two methods of reaching Ometepe Island, where we’ll spend much of the day. First, we can take a speedboat from Granada Port, across Lake Cocibolca or we can drive to San Jorge Port and take a ferry. Which method we use will depend on the day of the week.
Once we arrive on the stunning island, famous for its dual volcanos, we’ll do some exploring. A lovely drive around the base of the volcanoes provides plenty of photo opportunities before we stop at Magdalena Coffee Farm. Here, we’ll take a little hike to see pre-Columbian petroglyphs found on many boulders around the coffee and banana plants. It’s a look at the true history here and a reminder of those who originally settled on the island.
Next is a stop at Ojo de Agua, a mineral-rich natural spring. A soak here should help relieve any muscle aches you have from last night’s hike. We’ll have a quick lunch and you can spend some time in the pools, lounge under a cabana, or enjoy the surrounding jungle.
Fully relaxed, it’s time to visit a local community at the Pueblo Hotel project. The community is welcoming and ready to show you some of their daily activities. They’ll present their sustainable projects so you can better understand the project and get to know the people involved. You’ll get hands-on learning with a traditional cooking workshop before indulging in some hibiscus wine made on the island. This is a fun chance to really get to know some of Nicaragua’s locals.
- One night on Ometepe.
You’ll enjoy breakfast with your host family before we take the ferry back to the mainland and then drive to Granada.
A city tour is on the agenda for today. We’ll explore Granada by foot and by car, stopping to take in the sights. The colonial architecture here is heavily influenced by Moorish and Andalusian styles. On our tour, we’ll visit the local market, the colonial center with all its hustle and bustle, and La Merced Church, where you can climb the bell tower. Next, we’ll visit Cafe de la Sonrisa, which is staffed by deaf-mute young people who make delicious, fresh fruit smoothies.
You’ll be free to explore on your own until 4 pm when we’ll board a boat to see Las Isletas de Granada. This 300-island archipelago formed in Lake Cocibolca or Lake Nicaragua, thanks to a volcanic eruption. The area is known for its biodiversity, so get ready to spot plenty of birds and monkeys as we tour the area. We’ll settle in to watch the sun set behind the nearby volcano, the perfect finish to a stunning day.
Once we return to the dock, you have the evening to do what you wish after a farewell dinner.
- One night in Granada.
Your Nicaragua adventure has come to an end. Your driver will take you to the airport in Managua for your flight home.
map, expenses & price
6-day Trip to Nicaragua
Expenses included:
-All private transportation.
-Five nights of hotel accommodations.
-Professional certified guides.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-All park entrance fees.
-Daily breakfast.
