Day 1 – Arrival in Granada
Whether you’re arriving in Nicaragua at the International Airport or from Costa Rica at the Penas Blancas border, you’ll be met by your Nicaraguan driver and transferred to your cosy hotel. Granada is largely considered to be Nicaragua’s most charming city, and the faded grandeur of the old Spanish buildings certainly seems to back this up.
Days 2-3 – City walk & departure
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.
The next day, you’ll pack up your things and get ready for the next adventure.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Upgrade to our In Style accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our In Style version is something a bit more special or unique but still with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-sized trip select our In Style option below.
Explore the Mombacho volcano
This excursion brings you into the protected nature reserve on the slopes of Mombacho volcano. You travel uphill in an all-terrain vehicle through thick cloud forest, with a stop at a local coffee plantation on the way. Near the top, you set out on a short guided walk, keeping an eye out for howler monkeys, sloths and brightly coloured poison dart frogs. With a bit of luck, you might even spot the rare Mombacho salamander. From the highest viewpoint, you are rewarded with wide views over Granada, the Las Isletas and the Masaya volcano in the distance.
It's all about chocolate!
Are you a chocoholic? This tour is for you! In this hands-on workshop, you discover how cacao is turned into chocolate, using organic cocoa beans from Nicaragua. You learn where cacao comes from, how it is grown and the steps involved in processing it, while your guide shares stories about its cultural importance. To finish, you prepare and taste different cacao drinks, including an ancient recipe passed down from indigenous communities.
Kayaking on Lake Nicaragua
Las Isletas are a group of small islands in Lake Nicaragua, just off the coast of Granada. Explore these beautiful islands by kayak with an experienced local guide. As you paddle through the calm waters around the 365 islands, you’ll spot a variety of birds and other wildlife that call this vast lake home. You’ll pass small fishing villages and get a glimpse of everyday life. Once you reach the quiet channels, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature, with kingfishers, white and grey herons, and white-throated magpies waiting in the trees.