The Land of the Volcanoes
Itinerary
Days 1-3 – Glory days of Granada
The oldest city in the New World, Granada is striking with its colourful colonial buildings and diverse culture. Upon arrival, 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 and go on a walk with a local guide through the city.
Days 3-5 – Discover Ometepe Island
Next, you’ll travel by private transfer to the port in San Jorge, which takes about 2 hours to drive. Here you’ll hop on the ferry over to Ometepe Island, which usually takes an hour. You’ll be met on the other side and transferred to your hotel, which can take between 30-40 minutes.
Ometepe Island lies in the second largest freshwater lake in Latin America. There’s nothing planned for you during your stay so you can decide how to spend your time. Relax on the beach, try some hiking up one of the volcanoes, or jump on a bike and discover the island. You’ll stay in the centre of Ometepe between the two volcanoes. From your hammock, you can enjoy the sounds of wind, water and birds.
Days 5-7 – Wake up and smell the coffee!
On your last day, you’ll take a taxi to the port and head back to the mainland by ferry. We’ll arrange a private transfer to Matagalpa in northern Nicaragua, which takes about 4.5 hours.
If there is one thing that Nicaragua is famous for, it has to be coffee. You’ll head out to the coffee plantations of the Matagalpa region where your guide will explain the entire process, from harvesting, washing, drying, toasting and grinding of the beans. You’ll stay in a mountain-view hotel in the Cerro Arenal Nature Reserve, so you can enjoy the sound of the forest alongside your morning coffee.
Days 7-8 – At home with the Nicos
Next, you’ll journey with an English speaking guide to a small community in the San Ramon region, about 1 hour from Matagalpa. 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!
Days 8-10 – The colonial charm of Léon
From San Ramon you’ll travel by private car west to the enigmatic city of Leon, a journey of roughly 3 to 4 hours. Leon has a rich colonial history with 12 cathedrals and churches. During your stay you’ll take a unique half day tour learning to create traditional Nicaraguan art. Watch a local artist demonstrate the age-old techniques of creating typical Nicaraguan handicrafts; then try them out yourself. You’ll stay in a hotel that once served as a monastery located right in the centre.
Days 10-13 – Surf’s up in San Juan
From Leon you’ll travel by private car south to San Juan del Sur. Your journey time today should take between 3 to 4 hours. Although you won’t find powdery white sand on Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast, you will discover clapboard houses, chilled-out restaurants and fantastic sunsets. This stretch of coastline is well known for its surfing breaks and during your stay we’ll arrange for you to have a go yourself. Before you know it you’ll be standing on your board like a pro. You’ll stay in a charming boutique hotel with an inviting swimming pool.
Days 13-14 – The mighty volcano
After your time on the beach, you’ll travel by private car to Managua, just 2.5 hours away. 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 site of Masaya Volcano. Along the way, try to catch a glimpse of the green Parakeets and bats before peering into the crater mouth.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. We’ll arrange a private transfer to take you to the airport, ready for your international flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Upgrade to our In Style accommodation
For this itinerary trip we have an alternative options available for your accommodation in certain places. Our In Style version includes accommodation which is bit more special or unique but still with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation select our In Style option below.
