Itinerary Highlights
- Discover the university city of León, from main plaza into the UNESCO-listed cathedral
- Visit the gorgeous colonial city of Granada, including its main buildings and monuments
- Hike Mombacho Volcano, home to some of Latin America's most beautiful cloud forest flora
- Experience Ometepe Island Biosphere Reserve and its rich archaeological heritage
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
Kerry Cook
Travel Specialist
Discover the best of one of Latin America's least-visited countries on this 11-night tour taking in the highlights of Nicaragua.
Nicaragua has a huge amount to offer, and this trip gives the opportunity to explore everything from the colonial towns to the wildlife-rich Biosphere Reserves, volcanic islands and lush Pacific Coast beaches.
You begin your journey in the artistic and intellectual heart of Nicaragua – the university city of León. This former capital of Nicaragua has a UNESCO World Heritage Site cathedral at its centre. It's also the focal point for the revolutionary history of the country, while simultaneously being a base for adventuring up the nearby volcanoes.
After here, stop at Nicaragua's most visited city – Granada – with its colonial and neoclassical architecture. You have the chance to see the city before heading out onto Lake Nicaragua and to Mombacho Volcano to explore an area rich in bird life and more than 500 howler monkeys. Additionally, visit the imposing Masaya Volcano by night for views into the crater and glowing lava flows.
Penultimately, enjoy two days based at the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve volcanic formations, the Ometepe Island. The island has a rich archaeological and cultural heritage, as well as options to bathe in natural pools, hike a volcano or visit pre-Columbian statues. Take a short ferry back to the mainland and spend a final few days on the Pacific Coast at an eco-lodge with spectacular ocean views and access to the lovely beach.
Please note, this is an example tour. To create your own tailor-made itinerary, speak with our Travel Specialists by calling us today.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly UK to León, Nicaragua
Arrive in Nicaragua's capital, Managua, and be met on arrival before transferring around two hours to the university city of León.
León has the largest cathedral in Central America. It was also the former home to the country's three best-known poets, putting it at the centre of Nicaragua's cultural and architectural history.
Day 2 | León
Explore the city of León, with a tour starting at its colonial heart in the main plaza and into the UNESCO-listed cathedral.
Today helps to provide the context for the role played by León in the social, economic and political development of Nicaragua, as well as taking in its most impressive buildings, museums and galleries.
Day 3 | León to Granada
Travel three hours south towards the shores of Lake Nicaragua and the beautiful colonial city of Granada.
When here, you're taken for an introductory tour of the city, its main buildings and monuments, before continuing to the warm waters of Lake Nicaragua and the Las Isletas. This chain of 354 islands is made up of basalt rock piles covered in lush vegetation, which is particularly rich in birdlife. The age of the islands is unknown, but it's believed they were created by a massive eruption by Mombacho Volcano that watches over the lake and islands to the west.
Day 4 | Mombacho Volcano
Mombacho Volcano Reserve has some of the most beautiful cloud forest flora seen anywhere in Latin America – including numerous flowers, bromeliads and orchids among its 800+ species of plant life.
Today's hike with your naturalist guide also takes you through the lower slopes of the volcano, which are home to almost 500 howler monkeys. This is in addition to a diverse range of wildlife, while views from the top are stunning back towards Granada and las Isletas.
Day 5 | Granada
You have a day to explore some more of Granada centre before being collected at sunset for a visit to Masaya Volcano National Park. The main Santiago crater was created from eruptions during the 1900s until it eventually collapsed in 1985.
You're driven up to the rim of the crater, where you then visit a viewpoint into the mouth of the volcano for a look down at the glowing lava below.
Day 6 | Granada to Ometepe Island
Drive an hour and a half south of Granada along the shore of Lake Nicaragua until you arrive at the small port of San Jorge, where you board your ferry across the water towards Ometepe Island.
Ometepe, an island sacred to the local Nahuatl people, is made up of two imposing volcanic cones that rise from the fresh waters of Central America’s largest lake. The fertile land is scattered with archaeological remains and ancient petroglyphs as well as abundant wildlife.
Day 7 | Ometepe Island
Today is an opportunity to fully explore the island with a local guide.
You're taken to learn about the rich cultural and archaeological heritage as well as to visit the green lagoon at Charco Verde. Discover some of its diverse wildlife species before having some time for yourself to relax in the natural pool of 'Ojo de Agua'.
Day 8 | Ometepe Island
Enjoy a full day of exploring more of Ometepe Island.
There are various options should you wish to experience an active day hiking, horse riding, cycling or kayaking, with possibilities to climb to the summit of either Madera or Concepción Volcano.
Alternatively, the best beach on the island is Playa Santo Domingo. On a clear day, you can see both volcanoes from the water, whereas the long stretch of beach is well worth a visit.
Other options include birdwatching, a visit to waterfalls and natural springs, or perhaps just a tour of the coin and pre-Columbian museum, El Ceibo (featuring the petroglyphs the island is famous for).
Day 9 | Ometepe Island to San Juan del Sur
Travel back across Lake Nicaragua, where you take your onward transport to the Pacific Coast of San Juan del Sur.
You're based for the next nights at a stunning eco-friendly lodge, offering a sustainable experience within a private reserve. Enjoy spectacular ocean views and access down to the beach.
Day 10 - 11 | San Juan del Sur
Day 12 | Flight Home
Kerry Cook
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
Kerry Cook
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
){kind=icon}