Best of Nicaragua

An affable all-rounder, Nicaragua embraces travelers with diverse offerings of volcanic landscapes, colonial architecture, sensational beaches, remote, idyllic islands, wave-battered Pacific beaches and pristine forests.                  

Beaches       
Whether it's dipping your toes into the crystalline Caribbean or paddling out to the crashing waves of the pounding Pacific, Nicaragua's beaches always deliver the goods. The big barrels of the Pacific coast are revered in surfing circles while the clear waters of the Corn Islands are superb for snorkeling. More sedentary beach bums can choose between accessible slices of sand lined with fine restaurants and happening bars, and natural affairs backed by a wall of rainforest. Even the best beaches in the country are refreshingly free of development, so you can experience them just as nature intended.

Outdoor Adventures        
Looking for the ultimate rush? Nicaragua's diverse geography, intense energy and anything-goes attitude is perfect for exhilarating outdoor adventures. Get ready to check off lots of new experiences from your list including surfing down an active volcano, diving into underwater caves, canoeing through alligator-infested wetlands, swimming across sea channels between tiny white-sand islands and landing a 90-plus-kilogram tarpon beneath a Spanish fortress in the middle of the jungle. Nicaragua's great outdoors are relatively untamed – at many key attractions, there are no signs and few crowds – making this so-called 'land of lakes and volcanoes' a fantastic place for an independent adventure.  

Colonial Architecture       
Nicaragua's colonial architecture comes in two distinct flavors. The elegant streetscapes of Granada, Nicaragua's best-preserved colonial town, have been entrancing travelers for centuries with their architectural grace. The town boasts a meticulously restored cathedral, well-groomed plaza and perfectly maintained mansions that shelter lush internal courtyards. Far less polished, working-class León offers a different colonial experience where crumbling 300-year-old houses and churches are interspersed with revolutionary murals, and architectural masterpieces house corner stores. It's a vibrant city that displays its pride in its heritage without feeling like a museum.   

Getting Off the Beaten Track     
Few destinations have such beauty as Nicaragua, yet remain undeveloped. Before you know it, you've dropped off the tourist trail and into a world of majestic mountains, cooperative farms, wetlands thronged with wildlife and empty jungle-clad beaches. Rent a 4WD vehicle, if you're up for it – it's the best way to access some of the less-traveled corners of the country, or hop abroad an east-coast-bound boat – and forge onward to discover remote indigenous communities, overgrown pre-Columbian ruins and untouched rainforests. No matter how far you go, you'll always find friendly locals willing to share their culture with strangers.
 

Photos

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrival Managua, Nicaragua / Transfer to Granada

  Upon arrival at the International Airport of Managua, meet & greet by our representative, transfer to the old city center, Granada
  
  Granada
  
  Nicaragua's oldest town is also its most beguiling and photogenic. It’s no wonder many travelers use the city as a base, spending at least a day bopping along cobblestone roads from church to church in the city center, then venturing out into the countryside for trips to nearby attractions.
  
  Just out of town, adventures take you to an evocative archipelago waterworld at Las Isletas and fun beaches at the Peninsula de Asese. Volcán Mombacho has walking trails, not to mention a few hot springs dotted around its foothills. The Laguna de Apoyo is another must-see: its clear turquoise waters and laid-back waterfront lodges offer a splendid natural respite.
  
  Culturally curious travelers might consider a trip to community-tourism operations in nearby villages such as Nicaragua Libre, or out to Parque Nacional Archipiélago Zapatera, home to one of the most impressive collections of petroglyphs and statues in the country.
  
  Check in at hotel on arrival
  
  Rest of the day at leisure to explore Granada
  
  Established on the shores of Lake Cocibolca in 1524, Granada welcomes visitors with its colorful architecture and deep historical roots, where you will find important sites like the Central Park, the ruins of the Cathedral of Santiago, the National Palace of Culture and the National Theater Ruben Dario
  
  Overnight at Granada

• Day 2

  Granada / Boat tour of Isletas & city tour of Granada

  Breakfast at the hotel
  
  We will start the day with a boat tour of Granada’s famous Isletas, an archipelago of more than 360 islets formed by an ancient volcanic explosion, just off the shore of Lake Cocibolca. While you listen to your guide’s commentary about the history of Lake Cocibolca, admire views of Mombacho Volcano and keep an eye out for native birds like tanagers, hawks, jays and warblers.
  
  Back in Granada, we will do a city tour in a horse-drawn carriage. We will visit the museum at San Francisco Convent, which houses an important collection of historical artifacts and paintings, like the 28 pre-Columbian statues from Zapatera Island, dating from the years 800 to 1200 AD.
  
  Then, you will have the chance to enjoy the city from a different perspective at the top of the bell tower of La Merced Church. During the city tour, you will get to see La Pólvora Fortress, Xalteva Church, the Cathedral and the Church of Guadalupe.
  
  Overnight at Granada

• Day 3

  Granada to Ometepe Island / City tour

  Breakfast at the hotel
  
  Departure to San Jorge for ferry to Ometepe Island
  
  Ometepe never fails to impress. Its twin volcanic peaks ('fire' and 'water'), rising up out of Lago de Nicaragua, have captured the imagination of everyone from precolonial Aztecs (who thought they’d found the promised land) to Mark Twain (who waxed lyrical about it in his book Travels with Mr Brown) – not to mention the relatively few travelers who make it out here.
  
  The island’s fertile volcanic soil, clean waters, wide beaches, wildlife population, off-the-beaten track farmstays, archaeological sites and dramatic profile are quickly propelling it up traveler must-see lists.
  
  More than 1700 petroglyphs have been found on Ometepe, making this a DIY archeologists' fantasy island.
  
  Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and then we will start our tour around the island
  
  We will visit Ojo de Agua, two natural pools of almost 2 meters of depth that are connected to Concepción Volcano.
  
  We will also go to Santo Domingo, a long sandy beach of 4 kilometers located on the northeast side of the island. Santo Domingo is in the predominant direction of the wind so there is a constant breeze. The water is always agitated so it gives the feeling of being in a sea of fresh, warm and shallow water, so it is safe to bathe and swim.
  
  Then we will continue to Punta Jesus María, a strip of land that enters in lake Cocibolca. This site is ideal to enjoy a panoramic view of the two volcanoes that make up the island, Concepción and Maderas
  
  Overnight at Ometepe

• Day 4

  Ometepe – Catarina – Volcan Masaya – Managua

  Breakfast at the hotel
  
  We will take the ferry to San Jorge. On our way to Managua we will visit the municipality of Catarina, known for its crafts and its Mirador, from where you can marvel with the amazing panoramic view of Apoyo lagoon, Mombacho Volcano and Granada.
  
  We will continue to Masaya Volcano National Park, where we can go near the edge of an active crater by vehicle in a paved road. We will visit the information centre to learn about the history and the biodiversity of the Volcano.
  
  Continue to City of Managua
  
  Managua is not the easiest place to get your head around. It has no discernible center; its attractions are scattered around its many neighborhoods and the trick is to know when to go where.
  
  Stay a day or two and you will see that big, bad Managua ain't so bad after all, and that this truly is the heartstring that holds the nation's culture and commerce together. Skip it altogether, and you miss out on the revolutionary landmarks, vibrant dining and nightlife scenes and a slice of down-to-earth urban life that you're unlikely to see anywhere else.
  
  Aside from diving into the spirited whirl of sprawling markets, improbable electric trees, remarkable street art and impressive monuments, Managua also gives you easy access to nearby lagoons, the nature reserve of Chocoyero-El Brujo, plus a smattering of fun beaches like Pochomil.
  
  Check in at hotel on arrival
  
  Evening at leisure
  
  Overnight at Managua

• Day 5

  Managua / Excursion to Leon

  Breakfast at the hotel
  
  Transfer to the colonial city of León, which stands out for its architecture jewels and its important role in Nicaragua's history.
  
  León is a wonderful city, combining stunning historical architecture with an irresistible energy. Its standout attraction is the cathedral, one of the most beautiful in Spain, but there's so much more to see and do here. By day you'll encounter a city with its roots firmly planted in the soil of northern Castilla, with its grand monuments, loyal Catholic heritage and a role as an important staging post along the Camino de Santiago. By night León is taken over by a deep-into-the-night soundtrack of revelry that floods the narrow streets and plazas of the picturesque old quarter, the Barrio Húmedo. It's a fabulous mix.
  
  First, we will visit the ruins of Leon Viejo, declared World Heritage by UNESCO. This first city of León, built in 1524, was abandoned by its inhabitants in 1610 due to the constant threat of Momotombo volcano. Here you learn more about the origin and development of one of the most important cities of Nicaragua.
  
  Then we will go to León, founded in 1610. The city functioned as capital of the country on multiple times after the independence in 1821, alternating the title with Granada, until Managua was declared the only and permanent capital of Nicaragua
  
  We will visit the Cathedral of León, one of the most beautiful temples of the continent and the biggest one in Central America, recently declared as a World Heritage Site. This temple is the resting place of great Nicaraguans like Ruben Dario. From the roof of the Cathedral you will get an extraordinary panoramic view of this charming city and the Maribios volcano range.
  
  Then we will visit Ortiz Gurdian Art Gallery where you will find an interesting collection that includes works from noted Nicaraguan artists as well as renowned international artists like Picasso, Chagall, Miró; and Latin American masters like Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, Fernando Botero and Roberto Matta. We will also go to Ruben Dario Museum, located in the house where the great poet lived during 14 years.
  
  Transfer back to Managua in the late afternoon
  
  Evening at leisure
  
  Overnight at Managua

• Day 6

  Departure form Managua

  Breakfast at the hotel
  
  Morning at leisure
  
  Transfer to the airport according to your flight’s departure time

Notes

Round the year destination ... Extension recommended to Costa Rica & Panama

Hotels

Hotel Dario Granada

Granada

San Juan de la Isla Ometepe

Ometepe

Crowne Plaza Managua

Managua

Reviews