Colonial and natural treasures of Nicaragua

"Nicaragua"

Set between the Pacific Ocean and a jagged range of active volcanoes is Nicaragua's colonial capital of Leon. This city founded in the early 17th century is home to more than 12 colonial period churches, each one unique in its design from tiny parish size chapels to the mighty Cathedral, Central America's largest church. Leon is also the home of Nicaragua's greatest passion, poetry, the origin of numerous internationally renowned poets, including the national hero Ruben Dario, considered one the Spanish languages greatest. Leon is also home to great painters and the finest art museum in the country set inside a restored colonial mansion. This program will visit with this great culture and tell its story with the aid of a private English speaking guide. It also includes visits to the tragic first locale of Leon on the shores of Lake Managua, now an UNESCO world heritage site located at the base of the smoking Momotombo Volcano, as well as the tiny rural village of San Jacinto to see its fumaroles. Afterwards the program travels to Granada. The "Gran Sultan", one of Latin America's most beautiful colonial cities. This ancient town on the shores of mighty Lake Nicaragua is full of history and Spanish colonial charm and is one of the oldest European settlements in the western hemisphere. This private program gives the visitor an in-depth look at the beauty and history of Granada with the aid of an expert English speaking guide. A quiet tour of the city's precious architecture and history is featured, as is lodging in a beautifully restored colonial home. The program also includes a stop in the folklore center of Masaya for shopping at its renowned open-air market of fine hand made crafts and a visit to a hammock workshop to see how they are woven. The program will also visit the 5 crater complex at the Masaya Volcano National Park for a look inside of the very active Santiago Crater and to see the rare crater-dwelling parrots who have managed to adapt to this toxic environment.

The Itinerary

DAY 01: PEnAS BLANCAS (COSTA RICAN BORDER) - MANAGUA - LEON
Greeting in Penas Blancas and north to the nation's capital of Managua for a visit to its historic center and to see the incredible footprints left by the Managua residents of 4,000 BC. Transfer north along the west face of the 21 strong Maribios Volcanoes, 5 of which are active to the current location of Leon founded in 1610. Lodging at the restored convent at Hotel El Convento.

DAY 02: LEON - SAN JACINTO - LAS PEnITAS - LEON
Breakfast at hotel and morning walking tour of Nicaragua's intellectual and artistic capital colonial Leon, with visits to the world famous poet Ruben Dario's house, a colonial home art gallery, some of the city's 12 colonial period churches, which includes Central America's grandest cathedral. Excursion to the rural village of San Jacinto, in the middle of the densely active Maribios Volcano chain, to visit with its population and see their fumarolic fields, the result of water being superheated on a volcanic vein beneath the earth's surface. Transfer to the wave-swept Pacific Coast to enjoy fresh seafood (meal not included) at a beach front rancho. Excursion to the rural village of San Jacinto, in the middle of the densely active Maribios Volcano chain, to visit with its population and see their fumarolic fields, the result of water being superheated on a volcanic vein beneath the earth's surface. Return to Leon, lodging at Hotel El Convento.(B)

DAY 03: LEON - LEON VIEJO - GRANADA
Breakfast at hotel and transfer south to the base of the smoking Momotombo Volcano and the archeological site of Leon Viejo, now declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Leon Viejo was Nicaragua's first capital before being destroyed by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the late 16th century. It is now being excavated and the tragic history of the site has come to light. Complete historical tour of this ancient colonial locale. Lunch break (meal not included) in the forgotten rural village of Nagarote, home of the traditional dish Quesillo and the country's oldest known tree, some 988 years old. Transfer to Central America's oldest European settlement, early 16th century Granada. Granada is quickly becoming a must visit for travelers to Central America for its unique beauty, relaxed atmosphere and great dining possibilities. Private tour of lake front Granada's colonial beauty, history and art. Lodging on historic central park at Hotel Colonial.(B)

DAY 04: GRANADA - COLONIAL VILLAGES - MASAYA MARKET & VOLCANO - GRANADA
Breakfast at Hotel and transfer to the ancient highland villages of "La Meseta", for visits to the indigenous artisan's workshops of Catarina, San Juan de Oriente and Masatepe. All these precious towns have colonial period houses and churches and a hardworking, native population. After the highland villages, transfer to the historic city of Masaya. Masaya has been populated for more than 3,000 years and the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century organized the local artisans in small workshops for export. The principle item was hammocks and today Masaya makes the world's finest hammocks, as well as wood, leather and clothing goods, all created by hand. Masaya's friendly population has restored their 19th century outdoor indigenous market for the sale of their hand made goods. After a visit to the market and a hammock maker's shop transfer to the active cone of Santiago at the Masaya Volcano National Park for hiking or just observing the inside of this big smoking crater. Return to Granada and Hotel Colonial.(B)

DAY 05: GRANADA - PEnAS BLANCAS
Breakfast at Hotel and transfer south to the border Costa Rica at Penas Blancas, assistance with border formalities. Alternativelly, we transfer you to Managua for your flight out.(B)

General Information

Photo courtesy of Richard Leonardi

Rated: Easy

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2	3	4	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 882	$ 777	$ 643	$ 138
EUR	€ 732	€ 645	€ 534	€ 114
GBP	£ 494	£ 435	£ 360	£ 77

(*) Price last updated on 26 October 2003. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
(**) Discount for larger groups

Included: All transfers, all land transportations, entrance fees, accommodation in double room with private facilities in hotel with local charm, specified meals, hotel taxes, bilingual experienced guide

Not included: Other meals, drinks, border taxes,tips

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