Tour Overview
Welcome to Nicaragua! Come and explore this fascinating country on our 7-day active program. Begin in Managua, with its lively nightlife and cosmopolitan restaurants. Visit the ruins León Viejo or “Old León”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the beautiful city of León, the second oldest colonial city in Nicaragua. Climb to the top of the Cerro Negro Volcano and try something new- slid down the ashy slopes of the volcano! Visit the San Jacinto Hot Springs- a great natural attraction and learn of the history and legends, which are told by the children of the town. Tour Granada, the colonial jewel of Central America, and the oldest city in the country. Explore the isletas situated on Lake Nicaragua- a real tropical paradise. Explore the unique ecosystem of Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve and take a thrilling canopy ride through the tropical rainforest- the laughs are guaranteed! And finally, see Masaya National Park, one of the most beautiful and interesting natural phenomena in Nicaragua, and search the Artisan Market of Masaya for fine handicrafts. Come, explore Nicaragua the way it was meant to be seen!Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Managua, NicaraguaToday you will arrive at Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport in Managua, where you will be met by an iExplore Representative and driven to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. The InterContinental Metrocentro Managua puts you in the heart of the entertainment and commercial district with a prestigious address across from Plaza Ruben Dario. Metrocentro Mall, the new cathedral, Ruben Dario National Theatre and Lake Managua are nearby. Less than a half hour away is the Volcan Masaya located in Nicaragua's first and largest National Park. Winner of the World Travel Award 2005, the Torchbearer Award 2006 and 2008.
InterContinental Metrocentro Managua Day 2: Managua- Leon Viejo- Leon
Discover Managua’s capital and its main monuments on a tour of the city. Managua has an interesting kind of charm and has become a cultural and artistic center. Managua’s attractions include the startling new cathedral with its dramatic ceiling, The Catedral Metropolitana de la Purisima Concepcion (Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception), more commonly referred to as La Nueva Catedral (The New Cathedral), was designed by the architect Ricardo Legorreta and inaugurated in 1993. The new cathedral was built to replace the old cathedral, which had been damaged by the 1972 earthquake. The new cathedral has created much controversy, particularly about its architectural style and finance. The Ruben Dario National Theater, named after Nicaragua’s- and by many accounts- Latin America’s most important poet. The Rubén Dario National Theater is Nicaragua's most important theater, and is one of the most modern theaters in Central America. Both national and international artists present shows, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural performances such as El Güegüense among many others. The National Theater is one of the few buildings that survived the 1972 earthquake that destroyed 90% of Managua. After lunch, depart for a tour of the ruins of León Viejo or “Old León”. What is left of the second oldest city in Nicaragua is nothing but ruins. León was established in 1524, and was one of the most important cities of the region. Gold from Nicaragua and other countries was traded in León, and there were some quite wealthy merchants living here. What you will see are the foundations of the houses, as well as some partially restored important buildings, like the church. Pedraias Davila murdered the Spanish conqueror Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, who established the city, here, and his beheaded body was found next to that of his murderer. You will see the cellar where they were found as well as a statue of Hernandez de Cordoba holding his remains. The ruins of León were listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 2000. Afterwards, continue on to León Leon is the second oldest city in Nicaragua. It was also, for a time, the capital of the country. This beautiful city lies in the northwest of the country, in the middle of the coastal plain. Enjoy a tour of Leon with your guide. You will visit the Cathedral of León, the Ruben Dario and Ortiz Gurdian Museums, the Central Market and the Recoleccion Church. Hotel El Convento is ideally located in the historical center of Leon, built in an old convent. It has 32 recently refurbished rooms, each with A/C, Cable TV, phone and bathroom. The hotel is located only a few steps from the most beautiful art gallery in Nicaragua.
Dinner tonight will be at a typical Nicaraguan restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
El Convento Day 3: Leon
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer by 4-wheel-drive vehicle to the slopes of the active Cerro Negro Volcano. Our hike on this surreal black sand and rocky terrain provides us with a view of the volcano's smoking interior. When the volcano top is reached, you can observe the volcanic soil, a product of successive eruptions that have been occurring every 9 years for may years. Then, try a new activity- sliding down the ashy slopes of the volcano by ski or surf! After a relaxing lunch, we will continue on to the San Jacinto Hot Springs. San Jacinto is a little town about 20 kilometers northeast of León. Behind the village lie boiling mud holes, connected probably to the Telica volcano. The field is not big but it is interesting as well as extremely hot to walk around and see the holes, which differ in size and color, where the mud is fiercely boiling. The mud sometimes throws little rocks in the air and steam is continuously emitted from the holes This place contains a great variety of histories and legends, passed down through the generations and is told by the children of the town, who play the role of local guides. After, return to León for dinner at a local restaurant and overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
El Convento Day 4: Leon- Granada
After breakfast, depart with your guide for Granada, the “Great Sultan” and the colonial
jewel of Central America. It is the oldest city in Nicaragua, founded by the Spanish in 1524. A true cradle of artists, artisans and poets, Granada is on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, the largest freshwater lake in Central America, and near one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas. You will visit the cathedral, the fortress of La Polvora, The San Francisco Convent, the Merced Church, the Central Park, the municipal market and the surrounding areas. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before departing by private boat to Las Isletas. Situated on Lake Nicaragua, the “isletas” constitute an archipelago of more than 350 islands, which form a tropical paradise, accessible only by boat. You will discover a majority and inhabited and they form a small, distinct community. After your tour of the islands, head to Granada for overnight. The luxurious Hotel Plaza Colón is located in the center of the colonial city of Granada, right at the central park. This hotel achieved to combine modern amenities with the old, colonial architecture of the restored colonial building, part of the center of the beautiful city. The rooms of this hotel are large and well equipped. There is an Internet connection and minibar available in all rooms. Furthermore, most of the rooms have a terrace providing a superb view of the central park and the cathedral. The price already includes breakfast. Due to its location, many of the principal attractions of the historical center of Granada can be found close to Hotel Plaza Colón.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Plaza Colon Day 5: Granada
After breakfast you will visit the Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve. Mombacho volcanoes are located within the nature reserve and its top reaches 1400 meters high. Mombacho became extinct a long time ago, and is now covered by tropical vegetation. This wet forest forms a particular ecosystem where 50 mammal species, 175 bird species and 750 different flora species thrive. You can also stop and visit the science lab located here. Then, take a canopy tour- a fantastic and thrilling way of discovering the tropical forest by gliding along its natural roof. Slide from platform to platform through the treetops! The laughs are guaranteed. People of any age and without any particular fitness can experience this thrilling ride. The Mombacho Canopy tour is extremely unique as it is set on the edge of the volcano and offers majestic views of the entire region. There are 15 platforms, 13 cables and a suspension bridge over a coffee plantation. Stop for lunch at the shores of the Apoyo Lagoon. The Apoyo lagoon is an ancient and now extinct crater lake. It is one of Nicaragua’s finest, providing a great place for a multitude of activities. You can swim in the crystal-clear water, or hike through the tropical dry forest that grows on the slopes surrounding the lagoon. Other activities like kayaking and even diving can be undertaken at the hotel located at the border of the lagoon. Afterwards, return to Granada for dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Plaza Colon Day 6: Granada- Masaya National Park- Masaya- Granada
Today after breakfast you will visit the Masaya National Park, one of the most beautiful and interesting in Nicaragua. There are more than 20KM of picturesque roads that will lead us around two impressive volcanoes, one of which is still active. In the dry season, the park is covered for miles with orchids and the national flower of Nicaragua- the Sancuajoche. You will observe monkeys, iguanas, wolves, deer and a multitude of tropical birds such as the famous green parrot. Next we are off to the Artisan Market of Masaya. The city of Masaya is about 15km northwest of Granada, on the edge of a crater lake of the same name. The city is famous for all types of fine handicrafts, including wood furniture, leather goods, and ceramics. In the main market you will also find numerous small restaurants, where you can sample the local cuisine. Then you will explore Catarina. Catarina is a small town whose inhabitants cultivate plants, raise horses and make handcrafts. Located on a hill, it is blessed with a lovely climate and has awe-inspiring views of Apoyo Lake, the Mombacho Volcanoes and the city of Granada. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Masaya city. Then, visit San Juan de Oriente, a small town located just south of Catarina. This small village is the most important producer of pottery in the country. Here you will fins some shop stores where families sell their pottery alongside the road.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Plaza Colon Day 7: Depart Managua
Transfer to Managua International Airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
