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This is the perfect journey for those with little time to visit Nicaragua and willing to
know more about the culture, the history and the nature of this country. This journey
includes the visit of the country's most significant colonial cities,
active volcanoes and the to some of Lake Nicaragua's most beautiful
islands. After such an overview, sure you will be back sooner than you think!
Granada: Very centrally located, this was the
first city founded in Nicaragua by the Spanish in
1524. Here, charming colonial buildings,
churches and monuments in the Baroque style
alternate with those of the Renaissance. Granada is a "must" when visiting
Nicaragua.
Leon: For over 200 years, this city was the capital
of Nicaragua until it was changed to
Managua in 1851. Along with Granada, its rival
city, it served as the country's political, military,
cultural and religious centre. The architecture
in Leon reflects the city's colonial past, which is
best represented by its churches and houses.
The Metropolitan Cathedral is considered to be
the most prominent colonial structure in all of
Central America.
Leon Viejo: was founded in 1524 by conquistador
Hernandez de Cordoba as the first capital of
Nicaragua. After an earthquake and a foreboding
volcano, the fearful population decided to
move 60 Km to the North, where Leon is located
today. Now declared a historic site by
UNESCO, the ruins show an important piece of
Nicaragua's past.
North Pacific Zone
The Isletas: This beautiful archipelago of 365 islands of volcanic
origin in Lake Nicaragua is just off shore
of Granada. Created by an ancient eruption
caused by the Mombacho Volcano, the Isletas
are now covered by tropical vegetation, and
home to many tropical species, especially birds.
Managua: The actual capital of Nicaragua, has
all the standard facilities for international travel/
business man, including quality hotels, fine
restaurants and a state of the art convention
centre. Due to the earthquake in 1972, the old
city centre and the new centre are a stylistic mix
of buildings. To the north is Lake Managua and
sparkling volcanic lagoons such as Asososca,
Xiloa and Apoyeque surround the city.
The Itinerary
DAY 1: Managua - Granada
Drive from Managua to the historic and oldest city on the
American continent, Granada. Afternoon at leisure to stroll the streets
admiring the architecture, visiting the most important
monuments and the atmosphere of this glorious colonial
city. Overnight at the famous Hotel Alhambra(***), an old colonial monument.(D)
DAY 2: Granada - Las Isletas - Masaya Market
After a guided visit of this old colonial city, excursion to Masaya Volcano National Park,
followed by a tour of the town of Masaya and its colourful indigenous market overflown with woven hammocks, wood
carvings, leather goods, famous hemp tapestries, embroidered blouses and many other
unique handicrafts making it the best shopping destination in the country.
On the way back to Granada, we stop at Catarina to have lunch and
enjoy tremendous views over Laguna Apoyo, Masaya Volcano and Granada.
In the afternoon, we sail Nicaragua Lake to the romantic and tropical "Isletas" Archipelago, a
beautiful archipelago of 365 islands of volcanic origin just off shore Granada. Created
by an ancient eruption caused by the Mombacho Volcano, the Isletas are now covered by
tropical vegetation, and home to many tropical species, especially birds.
Return to Granada and overnight at Hotel Alhambra. (BL).
DAY 3: Granada - Managua - Leon Viejo - Leon
Today is devoted to both the old and new
Managua, Nicaragua's capital city, followed by a visit of the "old" Leon founded
in 1524 and declared a few years ago by UNESCO a "World Heritage Site" as
a symbol of Spanish conquest.
Then, in Leon, Nicaragua's other historic capital city
we enjoy a walking tour thought the colonial, streets and visit the most
popular museums and monuments. Overnight in Leon at Los Balcones Hotel(**). (BL)
DAY 4: San Jacinto Hot Springs - Managua
Following an hearty breakfast and an excursion to the hot
springs and fumarols of San Jacinto, we drive back to Managua.(B)
General Information
The order of the excursions may be changed depending on local conditions and
the participant imperatives.
This journey can start or end in Penas Blancas on the Costa Rican border. Inquire for prices
Rated: Easy
| Tour Tariff - Private Departures | |||||
| N° of Participants | 2 | 3 | 4 | SGL Supp. | |
| USD | $ 401 | $ 388 | $ 325 | $ 63 | |
| EUR | € 333 | € 322 | € 269 | € 52 | |
| GBP | £ 224 | £ 217 | £ 182 | £ 35 | |
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