16-Day Multi-Centre Nicaragua Holiday Itinerary

The oldest city in the New World, Granada is striking with it’s 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 and go on a walk with a local guide through the city.

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.

You won’t find many tourists in Esteli, mostly just local people going about their daily lives. You’ll visit one of the tobacco plantations and a local cigar factory. It’s particularly interesting to see how the cigars are rolled; pay attention because next it’s your turn! You’ll stay in a small-scale hotel in the centre of Esteli, which donates all its profits to social projects in and around the town.

Surround yourself with deep gorges, mountain ridges and cloud forests in Nicaragua’s wild north. Take a walking trail through the lush vegetation with a local guide in one of the best reserves for spotting the resplendent quetzal bird. You’ll stay in an eco friendly lodge situated amongst the coffee estates. From the wooden terrace you can see birds and butterflies fluttering amongst the vibrant flowers.

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.

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!

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.

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.