- Youtube
Situated at the very center of the Americas, Nicaragua is an ideal place to visit for anyone looking for something uniquely different and adventurous.
In the heart of Central America, Nicaragua truly deserves the descriptive nickname of “The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.” Visitors to Nicaragua are able to enjoy the natural beauty of dozens of volcanoes, rivers, and lakes, as well as two oceans.
Nicaragua offers an immense variety of activities such as visiting the Spanish colonial cities of Granada and Leon, surfing world-class waves, hiking up volcanoes, and zip-lining through the forest canopy. Ever-popular is the kayaking on the calm waters of Lake Cocibolca, also known as Lake Nicaragua, an immense lake with over three hundred islands and home to the only fresh water sharks in the world. Nicaragua is especially great for those interested in eco-tourism, and is home to a rich diversity of animal and plant species, simply a must-see destination!
Day 1. Welcome to Nicarague! Welcome to the land of lakes and volcanoes!
Transfer Granada: Arrival to Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua you will pass through immigration and customs. The process is rather straightforward and waiting times are usually not long. After you're done with immigration, our representative will be waiting for you with a sign in your name. Transfer to your hotel, Boutique Adela.
Destination Info: Granada was founded in 1524 and is believed to be the second oldest city established in mainland Latin America by the Spanish conquest. During colonial times, Granada saw much unrest as the city was attacked several times by pirates. Nowadays Granada is characterized by bright-colored Spanish-colonial architecture, visible throughout the city center. The ambiance is very pleasant and there is a wide array of popular restaurants and bars, especially along the boulevard from the central park to the shores of Lake Nicaragua. While the city in itself is already an impressive attraction, the immediate surroundings make Granada a place where you will want to spend a couple of days.
Hotel Boutique Adela: a renovated colonial home built in the 1840s, near San Francisco museum and 2.5 blocks away from the famous Calle La Calzada. The hotel has four suites, two courtyards and a pool, besides a rancho next to the pool to relax during your stay.
Day 2. Granada and Masaya
Morning tour of Granada's main sights, followed by a local market excursion and a cooking class to prepare your own nicaraguan lunch. In the late afternoon you go to the Masaya volcano for a look inside an active crater.
08:00 Granada - City Tour: Granada is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas, founded by the Spanish in 1524. No visit to Granada is complete without exploring the citys historic center on foot and in a classic horse-drawn carriage. On this tour, you'll discover key sites including the San Francisco Convent, founded in 1529, and La Merced church where you can climb the bell tower and enjoy spectacular views over the city, Lake Nicaragua, and Mombacho volcano. The last stop is the oldest sector of the city in the area around the Xalteva church and the old city walls.
09:30 Granada - Cooking Class and market: Learn to prepare your very own masterpieces on this culinary tour! Alongside a local culinary expert, you will first visit the local market in Granada to find and purchase fresh ingredients for use in the kitchen. Explore the marketplace and gain insights into the rich tradition of Nicaraguan cuisine at this colorful bazaar. Afterwards, you will be introduced to an expert local chef who will provide a comprehensive cooking demonstration, sharing techniques and methods to ensure you will able to prepare incredible Nicaraguan dishes including Indio Viejo and Vigorón. For your added comfort, an English-speaking translator will also be on hand to ensure nothing is lost in translation. To conclude this culinary tour, you will have the chance to enjoy your creations, complimented by two glasses of wine. You will also receive a small gift, along with written recipes of the dishes you have learned to prepare for use back home ¡Buen provecho!
16:45 Masaya Volcano - Twilight Tour: Masaya Volcano National Park is one of the most popular volcanoes in the pacific region of Nicaragua due to its constant activity. It offers the unique experience of observing an active volcano up close, watching as boiling lava flows just a short distance below inside the volcano crater. A visit here is an awe-inspiring experience allowing visitors to experience a phenomenon once sacred to the pre-Columbian Nicaraguans, who were inspired by the raw power and beauty of nature.
Day 3. The countryside
Transfer to your hotel in the countryside, Nekupe. On route visite Mombacho volcano for a canopy and hiking tour.
10:30 Mombacho Volcano - Combo Crater & Canopy: You will be driven to the top (1150 meters) of the volcano in a truck. After a quick trip to the scientific station you will explore this impressive volcano on a guided walk. The well-kept Crater Trail (1.5 km) leads you around the crater through dense cloud forest. You can enjoy spectacular views overlooking Granada, Las Isletas, Laguna de Apoyo and the Masaya Volcano. Be sure to keep an eye out for the howler and white face monkeys as well as sloths and the endemic Mombacho salamander, found nowhere else in the world except here. After the crater trail you head down the mountain to the place where you can do a zip lining tour. The canopy tour consists of 11 zip lines and 17 platforms. All guests are accompanied by an expert instructor and provided with high quality equipment, including helmets, pulleys, and gloves.
Overnight in Nekupe: A beautiful property located in the countryside near Granada, with breathtaking views of Mombacho volcano, but most of all committed to nature, with a flora and fauna sanctuary that includes more than 158 species of plants and 14,000 trees; and wildlife sustained by reservoirs developed by a team of local experts and ecologist. The Resort is all about sustainable nature-based design, rich in Nicaraguan culture and our characteristic hospitality; besides nurturing exploration, adventure, wellness and peace. Some of the experiences include horseback riding, mountaintop yoga, tennis, skeet shooting, organic gardening and cooking classes. Nekupe consists in a 1,300 acre nature reserve in Nicaraguas pacific countryside, near the skirts of Mombacho Volcano in Nandaime, only 30 minutes away from Granada. The villas have been designed to provide an experience of full immersion in nature and surroundings; each one of them has an inspirational tree name, with decoration according to the names and the nature topic, which also highlights Nicaraguan artisans. The essence of the nature that surrounds you resumes the whole spirit of Nekupe, together with their hard word in exceeding expectations.
Day 4. Day at Leisure!
Free day in Nekupe.
Day 5. Transfer to the Emerald Coast
You take the ferry back to San Jorge and continue to Mukul Resort, a luxury beach resort.
Destination Info: Tola: The Tola region, commonly referred to as the ´Nicaraguan Riviera´ or ´Costa Esmeralda´, is an idyllic getaway with isolated beaches and dramatic coastlines. Located off of a long, partially paved road just west of Rivas, the beaches of Tola have maintained quiet tranquility in comparison to other Nicaraguan beach towns such as San Juan del Sur. The string of lonely beaches that make up the almost 18 kilometers of Pacific shoreline between Tola and El Astillero are quite diverse. Secluded from each other by rolling tree-covered hills each beach has its own unique characteristics; some have sparkling white sand with steep rocky outcrops while others are situated in secluded bays. Places to visit in the area include the small fishing village of Gigante, and Playa Guasacate. Other activities include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, surfing, or just hanging out on the beach. The Tola area is a perfect destination for those who wish to unwind and relax on a pristine beach with few interruptions. There are very few areas left in the world with such immense natural beauty and little development.
Mukul, Auberge Resorts Collection: Mukul -the Mayan word for secret- is a luxury boutique hotel, spectacularly set where the jungle meets the dramatic coastline. The resort offers space and privacy in a style that fully embodies and compliments the natural surroundings. Views of the ocean come standard. Craft furnishings and decorations come straight from Nicaraguan artisans - carved native teak tables, sugarcane twig headboards and rum barrel staves. Amenities include a private swimming pool, private staff, a spa, a beach club with a seaside restaurant and a playground with onsite nannies and an 18 whole golf course.
Day 6: The Emerald Coast
Day at leisure at Mukul Resort.
Day 7. Transfer to Managua Airport
Transfer from your hotel to Managua Airport for your flight back home