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This is a journey throughout Nicaragua, exploring highlights that will remain forever etched
in your mind. You explore the colonial gems of Granada and Leon, lake Nicaragua, Pacific beaches,
tropical islands, majestuous volcanoes, native markets, nature reserves, tropical dry forest and cloud forest
The main highlights are :
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.
Ometepe Island: The world's largest volcanic island is
located in Lake Nicaragua. This peaceful island
has a population of 30,000 and contains two
volcanoes known as its guardians, one of which,
Concepcion (1,610 mts), is known to have the
most perfectly formed cone in Latin America.
The other, Maderas Volcano, has a cloud forest,
waterfall, beautiful lagoon and an amazing
panoramic view of Ometepe and Lake
Nicaragua.
Bluefields: This is the main city of the
Caribbean coast. If you like Reggae
music, Caribbean atmosphere, seafood and a
great mix of culture and race, Bluefields is the
right place to visit.
Corn Island: This island is about 15 minutes by
air from Bluefields. Upon arriving, a visitor will
find four square miles of paradise.
A favourite day trip is walking around the
perimeter of the entire island. The water is
crystal clear on one side and green on the other.
Snorkelling, swimming, walking on the sandy
beaches and enjoying seafood are the major
attractions of Corn Island.
The Itinerary
Day 01: Managua
Airport greeting and transfer to Hotel Real(***).
Day 02: Managua - Leon
After breakfast and a briefing, we visit the most important monuments of the
capital, Managua. Then, we drive from Lake
Managua to the former capital and magnificent colonial city of Leon. Dinner and overnight at
Hotel Los Balcones(***) or equivalent. (BD)
Day 03: Leon - Las Penitas
Walking tour through the colonial streets
of this city, visiting its principal monuments such as the Cathedral, the old University and the
Museum of Ruben Dario. At midday, we board a ship to sail Pacific Ocean to the town of
Poneloya enjoying a delicious meal by the pristine beach. Return to leon. (BL)
Day 04: Leon - Matagalpa - Selva Negra
We depart East towards the cool region of the central mountain area of Nicaragua. After
crossing the town of Matagalpa, we reach the famous lodge of Selva Negra. In
the afternoon, we enjoy nature walk through a mixed tropical forest. Dinner and accommodation
at Hotel Selva Negra. (BD)
Day 05: Selva Negra - Finca la Cumplida
Morning at leisure to explore the nature trails on your own, admiring the lush vegetation
and its inhabitants. Selva Negra is a bird lover paradise as numerous species of birds
fly just outside the door of your bungalow. Then, a farmer will pick us
up for a ride in 4wd trough the coffee growing region known as the "golden triangle" to Finca La Cumplida.
We of course not only learn about coffee, but also about ferns, reforestation, basic crops
and social relations in a Nicaraguan Finca. Accommodation at owners house at the Finca.
(BD)
Day 06: Selva Negra - Laguna de Apoyo
Bird watching just outside the door of your
bungalow is incredible. After breakfast, we depart towards the Pacific Ocean to
Apoyo Lagoon, an 8 kilometres wide crater lake with clear dark blue waters home of
numerous species of fish. Time permitting, we take a refreshing bath in the lagoon.
Dinner and accommodation at the stupendous Norome Villas(***), by the crater lake inside the vegetation. (BD)
Day 07: Laguna de Apoyo - Ometepe Island - Playa Santo Domingo
In the morning, we board the ferry to Ometepe island and continue to Playa Santo
Domingo, crossing picturesque small villages and the legendary Charco Verde. Afternoon
at leisure to swim, relax or hike around. Overnight at Hotel Villa Paraiso(**). (BD)
Day 08: Volcano Maderas - Playa Santo Domingo
Full day to explore this dual volcano island and Maderas Volcano slopes. Depending of the physical condition of the participants,
we climb up to the Laguna Maderas or just stop at Finca Santa Magdalena. Lunch box included
Overnight at Hotel Villa Paraiso(**). (BL)
Day 09: Ometepe - San Juan del Sur
After breakfast, departure towards the mainland and drive south to the beach town of San Juan del Sur.
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy this pleasant little town,
discover the daily life of locals and its peaceful beaches. Overnigh Villa Isabella(**) or equivalent.(B)
Day 10: San Juan del Sur - Granada - Isletas
We depart to Granada visiting several of the colonial jewels of this magnificent city, the oldest town in the America's.
In the afternoon, we sail Nicaragua Lake to the romantic and tropical "Isletas" Archipelago, in front of Granada. We have lunch at Puerto Asese and spend the rest of afternoon within the Archipelago and sail
back to Granada. Overnight at Hotel Alhambra (**) (BL)
Day 11: Masaya Volcano - Markets - Catarina - Granada
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 enjoy tremendous views over Laguna Apoyo, Masaya Volcano and Granada. Dinner in Granada and overnight at Hotel Alhambra(**). (BD)
Days 12-13: Bluefields - Corn Island
Morning transfer to Managua Airport and flight to Corn Island and transfer to our beach Hotel. Rest of the day at
leisure to discover this pearl of the Caribbean. You can swim in the turquoise waters
of the Caribbean Sea, snorkelling on the beautiful reef, bike around the island, enjoy
delicious seafood or just being lazy lying in your hammock by the beach.
Overnight Hotel Princesa de la Isla (**). (B)
Day 14: Corn Island - Managua
Morning free and afternoon flight back to Managua. Arrive and transfer
to your hotel. Overnight Hotel Real or equivalent.(B)
Day 15: Managua
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight back home.(B)
General Information
Rated: Easy
This tour can depart from Pena Blancas, a border town of North West Costa Rica
| Tour Tariff - Private Departures | |||||
| N° of Participants | 2 | 3 | 4 | SGL Supp. | |
| USD | $ 1474 | $ 1395 | $ 1248 | $ 354 | |
| EUR | € 1224 | € 1158 | € 1036 | € 294 | |
| GBP | £ 825 | £ 781 | £ 699 | £ 198 | |
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