Best of Nicaragua
Nicaragua Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
Nicaragua, following a history of political and economic upheavals is now a peaceful and congenial place which has become impressively reconciled with the conflicts of its past. Visitors are increasingly drawn to its wonderfully unspoilt landscapes, where the bucolic tranquillity of countryside little changed over the centuries has as its counterpoint seething volcanoes and the legacy of earthquakes in times gone by. Here you will find a couple of the continent’s finest Spanish colonial cities, Granada and Léon. Spruced up now, with their central Spanish cores faithfully restored, they have a real historical atmosphere, with lovely old mansions, baroque churches and cobbled lanes. And in Leon we will stay with a local family, an ideal opportunity to meet the friendly Nicaraguan people. Next stop will be the Selva Negra Cloudforest where we will learn about coffee production. And then we continue to Lake Nicaragua and the quiet island of Ometepe, whose isolation has protected it from the political upheavals of the past, and held back modern development. Finally, the trip ends with a relaxing stay at San Juan del Sur on the Pacific Coast.
Tour Highlights
• Explore the beautiful colonial city of Leon - a UNESCO World Hertiatge Site
• Hike to the top of Volcan Cerro Negro where you will have an unforgettable view stretching right over the Maribios volcanic chain
• Take a coffee tour followed by a visit to a local farm to learn about sustainable farming methods
• Visit the city of Granada, another colonial gem, and take a city tour by horse-drawn carriage
• Explore the volcanic island of Ometepe
• Relax on the Pacific Coast at San Juan del Sur
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
3/5
Culture
4/5
History
4/5
Wildlife
2/5
Tour Pace
4/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Managua (approx. driving time today: 35 min)
On arrival at Nicaragua International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Los Robles Hotel or similar. No meals are included today.
Day 2: Managua – Leon (approx. driving time today: 3 hours)
This morning we enjoy a short city tour of Managua. We will explore both the historical and modern facets of the city. Our first stop is Tiscapa Crater Lake where you have superb views over the entire city. On a clear day, you will be able to see several volcanoes to the north of the city. You can't miss the large silhouette of the famous revolutionary General Sandino statue that stands overlooking the Tiscapa Crater Lake. Next, we head over to the old city and the National Palace, the Old Cathedral, the National Theatre, the President's house. We also stop at Salvador Allende Port and to Malecon, Managua's favourite place for a lakeside drink. Continue to the Old Leon Ruins, a UNESCO world heritage site, before heading to Leon. On arrival we explore numerous colonial buildings, among them Nicaragua´s first university. In addition, you can climb to the rooftop of Central America´s largest cathedral, recently added to UNESCO´s list of World Heritage sites, and enjoy astonishing views over the city and the surrounding Maribios Volcanic Chain. Overnight Hotel Austria or similar. (BL)
Leon Viejo
The first capital of Nicaragua, Leon Viejo (Old Leon) was founded in 1524 by the Spanish conquistadores, south of the Momotombo Volcano, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area suffered frequent volcanic activity, culminating in the earthquakes of 1594 and 1610. The city was not destroyed by the 1610 earthquake, but due to the damage caused to the infrastructure by the seismic activity, the settlers held a referendum and decided to relocate the city to its present location, about 20 miles to the west. The old city was gradually buried by the continuous expulsions of ash and volcanic stone coming from Momotombo, and by lake sediments. The ruins of Leon Viejo were discovered in 1967 and excavations began the following year revealing that the city had a similar layout to other cities in America at that time, laid out on a grid system with a main square located at its centre. Leon Viejo is the only 16th century colonial city in America that has never suffered city-planning alterations during its history.
Leon
Leon is considered to be Nicaragua´s historical, cultural, educational and religious capital. The best way to explore this captivating city is by foot, as much of its charm lies in the narrow colonial streets and architecture, art galleries, museums, restaurants and cafes. Leon's history is fascinating, like no other town in Central America. The town was dismantled, moved, and rebuilt due to volcanic activities, ransacked (and reconstructed!) by pirates, it won and lost its struggle as the most important city in Nicaragua against Managua, and several presidents were assassinated here. It is the place where famous poets are buried, where the largest cathedral in Central America stands, and is a hotbed for revolutionaries due to the big university located in Leon. In this guided walking tour we will visit revolutionary murals, baroque and neoclassical churches and a surprisingly interesting museum of legends, arts and poetry.
Day 3: Leon – Morning hike excursion to Volcan Cerro Negro or Juan Venado Island boat tour
Early this morning you will have the option to join an excursion to hike to the top of the Cerro Negro Volcano. At approximately 7am, transfer for about one hour to the base of the volcano where you begin the ascent on foot from the north side, reaching the main crater after approximately one and a half to two hours. You hike first on trails and later on a kind of black dune created by former lava. As you reach the foot of the volcano you begin an easy climb up to the first of two active and vibrant craters. From here follow the edge of the crater to get to the second crater and highest point of the volcano. Standing on top of Cerro Negro, you have an unforgettable view stretching right over the volcanic chain. Spend approximately one hour around the main crater before returning at your hotel at approximately midday. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight Hotel Austria or similar. (B)
Note: You should have a good level of physical fitness in order to undertake the climb to the top of the Cerro Negro. Alternatively, you can remain in Leon and take a short boat tour of the Juan Venado island in the morning.
Cerro Negro
Cerro Negro is one of the youngest volcanos in Central America. Its terrain consists of gravel-type volcanic debris, and it’s often referred to as the 'Black Hill. Although it's less than a mile to the top of Cerro Negro, the hike up is very steep and considered difficult, so be prepared for a tough but rewarding 1.5-hour climb! When you reach the top, at an elevation of about 1,640 feet (500 meters), you will be afforded gorgeous views of the surrounding Telica and San Cristobal volcanos.
Day 4: Leon – Hervideros de San Jacinto – Selva Negra Cloud Forest (approx. driving time today: 3 hours)
After breakfast we head to Hervideros de San Jacinto, a surprising area full of small volcanic craters, with boiling mud and water vapor. It is possible to walk on this hot surface around the craters. We continue to Selva Negra Cloud Forest where you can explore the property on your own. Overnight Selva Negra Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 5: Selva Negra – Coffee and Farm Tour
After breakfast we take a walking coffee tour. Learn about the whole process of coffee. History, location, climate, topography, sustainable use of bi-products and the social programmes are among the many aspects you will learn. We will get a chance to visit the nurseries, and plantations. After our coffee tour we will visit a local farm. We will witness many sustainable farming methods and pass by the organic laboratory, the worker’s housing, the greenhouses, cheese house, chicken coops, and stables. Overnight Selva Negra Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 6: Selva Negra – Granada (approx. driving time today: 3 hours)
Today we head south to the colonial city of Granada. On arrival we take a city tour by horse-drawn carriage obtaining a good sense of the rich history and authenticity of Spanish-colonial Granada. This afternoon we continue to Lake Nicaragua for a relaxing boat ride around some of the islands formed by the impressive Mombacho volcano. A boat trip through the Isletas of Granada is a great way to explore Lake Cocibolca, also known as Lake Nicaragua. These small islands are inhabited by families who make their living from fishing, while other islands are host to extravagant villas owned by Nicaragua's rich and famous. Along the way the guide will point out some of the prolific birdlife to be found on the lake as well as explaining about the history of the area. Overnight Colonial Hotel or similar. (BL)
Granada
Granada was founded in 1524 and is believed to be the second oldest city established in mainland Latin America by the Spanish conquest. During colonial times, Granada saw much unrest as the city was attacked several times by pirates. Nowadays Granada is characterised by bright-coloured Spanish-colonial architecture, visible throughout the city centre. The ambiance is very pleasant and there is a wide array of restaurants and bars, especially along the boulevard from the central park to the shores of Lake Nicaragua.
Day 7: Granada - San Juan de Oriente – Catarina Viewpoint - Masaya Volcano National Park - Granada
After breakfast, we travel to San Juan de Oriente, one of the so called 'Pueblos Blancos' where we will see its white colonial architecture. Here we will find beautiful arts and crafts as well as nurseries with beautiful flowers. We continue to Catarina and its viewpoint which offers amazing views over the area and then arrive at the bottom of the Masaya Volcano National Park. The Masaya Volcano is still active and is the only volcano in the western hemisphere where it is possible to drive to the rim and see the smoking crater. If we are lucky, we might encounter rare green parakeets which make their home at the volcano. From there, we embark another vehicle which takes us to the summit of the crater Santiago, notorious for displaying a gaseous activity and an incandescent lava lake in its interior. We take an opportunity to see inside the crater of the volcano, observing the red and glowing lava before to return to Granada. Overnight Colonial Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 8: Granada - Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve (nature hike) - Granada
We start the day with a visit to Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve to hike the Crater Trail. Suitable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness we will hike for around 2 hours and learn about the flora and fauna of the area. If conditions are clear we will visit an impressive viewpoint to take in wide vistas of the country’s pacific region, the neighbouring city of Granada, and the great lake of Nicaragua and its islands. After the hike, return to Granada and the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Colonial Hotel or similar. (B)
Note: If you do not wish to do the hike, you can remain in Granada and enjoy a full day at your own leisure.
Day 9: Granada - Ometepe Island (1.45-hour ferry crossing)
Today, we transfer to the port of San Jorge, at the shores of Lake Nicaragua or Cocibolca as the locals call it, and take the ferry to Isla de Ometepe. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and the afternoon is at leisure. There are many activities that you can arrange directly with your hotel. Overnight San Juan de la Isla Lodge or similar. (B)
Ometepe Island
The island of Ometepe is situated in one of the world's largest fresh water lakes, Lake Nicaragua. The two volcanoes on the island, Concepcion and Maderas, offer stunning views when approaching Ometepe by boat from the mainland. Both of the volcanoes have their own climate and unique vegetation and hiking either of them is a great way to enjoy spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
Day 10: Ometepe Island
Enjoy today a tour of the island, including the visit to Ojo de Agua, a small sculpture park of pre-Colombian ceramics, and the Museo de Ometepehas containing local ethnographic and environmental themes. Overnight San Juan de la Isla Lodge or similar. (B)
Day 11: Ometepe Island - San Juan Del Sur on the Pacific Coast (1-hour ferry crossing; approx. driving time today: 2 hours)
Today, we take the ferry back to the mainland and continue to San Juan del Sur, in the south west. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Victoriano Hotel or similar. (B)
San Juan Del Sur
San Juan del Sur is one of the most popular destinations in Nicaragua. It used to be a quiet fishing village and has now emerged into one of the country's leading coastal destinations, but it has still maintained its charm and unique culture. The beaches are great for surfing almost all year long; also snorkelling or sailing trips are offered along the coast where turtles, dolphins and whales can sometimes be sighted.
Day 12: San Juan del Sur (day at leisure)
Today is a leisure day. You can choose to simply relax at the nice hotel or perhaps try your hand at surfing. Another option is to go to Flor Beach to witness mass arrivals of turtles (during the season, August-January). The beach is a protected wildlife reserve because of the seasonal presence of Olive Ridley turtles that take place every year between August and January. Thousands of turtles arrive during certain nights to lay eggs at this one specific beach. About 50 days later, thousands of eggs hatch and the baby turtles try to make their way to the Pacific. Overnight Victoriano Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 13: San Juan del Sur - Managua – Departure (approx. driving time today: 3 hours)
This morning we return to the capital and we transfer to the Managua International Airport where our tour ends. Your flight should not depart before 13:00. (B)
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
Ferry tickets to/from Ometepe Island
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Nicaragua that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to Nicaragua. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of Latin America, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent may also be recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
