Day 1 – Glory days of Granada
The oldest city in the New World, Granada is striking with its colourful colonial buildings and diverse culture. Upon arrival in Managua you’ll be transferred directly to your hotel in Granada, a journey of about an hour. You’ll stay in a comfortable colonial-style hotel with its own swimming pool.
Day 2 – City walk
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up by your English-speaking guide for a walk through the city. Together you’ll discover the best spots in Granada. In the central square, there’s often live music in the evening, especially on Friday night when the terraces are full and the atmosphere is exuberant. The University of Granada has a large population, and many exchange students from around the world come here to study Spanish. It gives the city a young, eclectic vibe, and there are often cultural festivals, exhibitions and workshops. During the walk, you’ll get the chance to look out over Granada, Lake Nicaragua, the Apoyo lagoon and a multitude of distant volcanoes.
Day 3 – At home with the Nicos
You’ll travel from Granada northwards by private transfer to San Ramon, which usually takes between 3 to 4 hours. The local people in San Ramon have set up a successful community project where local families open their homes to tourists. You’ll immerse yourself in the culture of a local family by staying in their home and try your hand at some home-cooked Nicaraguan food. In this small village, you’re unlikely to meet many other tourists. It might also be the perfect time to brush up on a little Spanish!
Day 4 – The colonial charm of Léon
From San Ramon, you’ll continue your journey by private transfer to the charming city of Leon, which lies roughly 3-4 hours to the west. Leon has a rich colonial history with 12 cathedrals and churches. When you arrive in Leon, you’ll travel straight to your accommodation in the middle of downtown. The hotel is a converted monastery and museum housing religious statues and paintings. This evening, you could take a walk to the central square, where you can stroll along the market stalls and watch the local musicians and old folk who gather to play cards.
Day 5 – Cultural heritage tour
After breakfast, you’ll be collected from your hotel, ready for a unique tour learning to create traditional Nicaraguan art. Watch a local artist demonstrate the age-old techniques of creating a variety of typical Nicaraguan handicrafts; then try them out yourself. You may not be an expert after your first try, but at least you’ll have some original homemade souvenirs to take back to friends and family back home.
Day 6 – Coral reefs of Castaway Island
Next, you’ll travel to Managua airport by private car. The travel time takes about 2 hours. Here you’ll catch a domestic flight to the Corn Islands. Flying time is usually about an hour. Off the coast of Nicaragua are the tropical Corn Islands. Here you’ll find that classic image of azure blue water and white beaches. Indulge yourself in the cosy bars by sipping on a tropical cocktail. In the background, you’ll hear reggae beats, the favourite music of the Caribbean islanders. You’ll stay in one of the colourful timber bungalows right by the beach.
Day 7 – Snorkelling trip
Today, you’ll explore the underwater world surrounding the Corn Islands. As you submerge yourself in the deep blue waters of the warm Caribbean Sea, you’ll find a fascinating underwater world. Just below the surface, you’ll be met by beautiful coral reefs. Here you can spot sharks, barracudas, stingrays and parrotfish, but the waters are also inhabited by sea turtles and dolphins. Maybe today will be your lucky day!
Day 8 – Free time
Today is completely free to do as you please. Why not start the day with a lie-in and a relaxed breakfast? When you’re ready, you can grab your swimming costume and head to the beach. Your hotel is in fact right on the beach, and at the bar you’ll find cool drinks and reggae music. Spend the evening in one of the cosy local restaurants where freshly caught fish is served.
Day 9 – The mighty volcano
You’ll make your own way back to the tiny airport on Great Corn Island and catch the 1-hour domestic flight back to Managua. You’ll be met at the airport by a private transfer and taken to your hotel in the city.
Managua may not be the prettiest of cities, but it’s worth stopping a while to appreciate the fading colonial buildings and take in the impressive sight of Masaya Volcano. In the afternoon, you’ll be collected from your hotel and, with a small group of other travellers, taken to the Masaya Volcano National Park, where your volcano tour will begin. You’ll then return to the city where you’ll spend the night in a small, centrally located hotel with a swimming pool.
Day 10 – Departure from Nicaragua
Sadly, it’s time for your adventure in Nicaragua to come to an end. You’ll be transferred by private car to the airport in Managua which is only around 30 minutes from your hotel, but during heavy traffic, it might take you about an hour. Either way, we’ll make sure you get there in plenty of time to catch your international flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Upgrade to our In Style accommodation
For this itinerary we have alternative options available for your accommodation in certain places. Our In Style hotels are something a bit more special or unique but still bursting with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation select our In Style option below.
