Nicaragua Unveiled

Day 1 : Managua

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 : Managua > Leon

This morning enjoy a city tour visiting both the old and new city. Visit the National Historic Park Loma de Tiscapa and learn about the country’s political history and the life of a national hero, Augusto Cesar Sandino who was an important leader against United States occupation of Nicaragua (1927-1933). You will also visit the modern side of Leon with its new metropolitan cathedral, vibrant touristic area.

Then transfer to Leon and take a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. See the enormous Leon Cathedral, then visit the Ruben Dario Museum and later the Ortiz-Gurdian Gallery, considered the finest museum of contemporary art in all of Central America. Here you find works by artists such as Picasso, Chagall and Miro.

Day 3 : Leon

This morning enjoy a hike to Cerro Negro, which means ‘Black Hill’, the perfect description of this truly unique volcano that was formed only 160 years ago thus making it the ‘youngest’ volcano of Central America. Board your 4×4 vehicle and drive for about one hour to reach the base of the volcano where energetic guests will want to climb 400 metres to the top. Although it requires moderate effort, the superb views from the summit are most rewarding, and after exploring the main crater, begin your descent through the loose rocks and sand of Cerro Negro’s black slopes.

Return to Leon city and enjoy lunch, before transferring to Chichigalpa to visit the Flor de Cana rum factory. Here you’ll learn how sugar cane reached the Americas, the origin of the industry, and the development of a rum culture around the world together with the rum production process. Round off the tour with a tasting of Flor de Cana rum and a walk through a museum to gain an insight into the family-run business which has been in operation for 120 years. After your rum factory visit, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Day 4 : Leon > Granada

Today enjoy a tour to the Masaya Volcano National Park which offers a blend of nature, geological wonders and rich history. You’ll learn about its importance to the indigenous people who once inhabited the area and the geological process that led to the formation of the volcano. Explore the trail Comalito that winds through lush forest with opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna. Visit the Masaya arts and crafts market for local ceramics, hammocks and leather souvenirs.

Explore san Juan de Oriente where you will learn about local pottery and ceramic traditions dating back more than 1,500 years. Visit a local pottery school where you can join a ceramic class with local artisans. Before returning to your hotel, continue to the Catarina viewpoint which gives an amazing view of the Apoyo Volcanic Lagoon as well as the Mombacho Volcano, Granada, and Nicaragua Lake which can all be seen from here.

Day 5 : Granada

Take a walking and horse drawn carriage tour of the city and visit colonial churches and beautiful buildings. Learn about the production of cigars and enjoy over a dozen different flavours of award-winning chocolate, locally cultivated in Mombacho volcano slopes. Later take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Nicaragua, viewing some of the islands formed by eruptions of the impressive Mombacho volcano.

Day 6 : Granada > Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve > San Juan Del Sur

This morning you will be met and driven to the Mombacho Volcano and admire the rich biodiversity and lush vegetation of this region. Take a two hour walk in the nature reserve at the base of Mombacha Volcano, and learn about the cloud forest and rich diversity of flora and fauna found there. A great opportunity to spot a sloth and admire the many species of birds found in the area. Continue your journey to San Juan Del Sur where you will enjoy three nights at a sustainably constructed bungalows nestled in the jungle, close to a beautiful private beach.

Days 7 & 8 : San Juan Del Sur

Spend two days exploring this stunning area, or just relax and soak up the atmosphere of your eco-lodge. You can explore the region and immerse yourself in nature joining a variety of nature tours, horse riding and guided kayaking activities.

Day 9 : San Juan Del Sur > Managua

Today you will be transferred to Managua by private transfer for your onwards flight where arrangements end.NB: You should not plan on departing Managua earlier than 1:00pm.