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Essence of Nicaragua
11 days, Granada to Granada
Itinerary
Day 1Granada
Arrive at any time.
Granada is approximately one hour from the Managua International Airport.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Granada
Start with an orientation walk before free time to kayak through the nearby isletas in Lake Nicaragua, hike Mombacho Volcano, or sit in the main square watching life go by.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Granada, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking a volcano, visiting Laguna de Apoyo, and kayaking in Lake Nicaragua. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
City Tour
20USD per personHead out for a guided tour of the charming colonial city of Granada. Visit churches, museums and parks and learn more about the history and culture of the city.
Kayaking
25-35USD per personGrab a paddle, put on a lifejacket and set off to explore by kayak.
Laguna de Apoyo Visit
35USD per personTravel less than half an hour from Granada to the picturesque Laguna de Apoyo. The warm clean waters of this lake are said to have healing properties; this former volcano crater is nature’s giant bathtub, filled by natural springs and rain water from the past 20,000 or so years. Hike the forested trails in the surrounding hills. See hummingbirds, monkeys, and toucans. Slip into the mild waters and enjoy a peaceful swim. How many people can boast they swam in a volcano?
Ziplining
35USD per personGet immersed in the cloud forest while zipping across platforms suspended in the air. With 11 platforms to glide between, this is the perfect way to see the forest from a new perspective and get the adrenaline pumping.
Mombacho Volcano Trails Hike
35USD per groupBoard a truck at the base of Mombacho Volcano and slowly make your way up the steep road. Hike the muddy paths at the top of Mombacho Volcano. At the windy summit, see four dormant craters, all covered in dense cloud forest. On a rare clear day, capture views of Granada, las Isletas, Laguna de Apoyo, and Lake Nicaragua beyond.
Day 3Granada/León
Enjoy a morning exploring Masaya Volcano National Park before a stop to see locally produced goods at the Masaya craft market. Continue to colonial León, and get the lay of the land on an orientation walk including a visit to the rooftop of Central America's largest cathedral for sweeping views of the city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Volcán Masaya National Park Visit
Experience the energy and excitement of getting up close and personal with an active volcano. See the crater spew smoke and gas. Walk in a moonscape of lava rocks and stunted shrubs. Stop by the visitor’s centre and learn about the history of Masaya and many other volcanoes in Nicaragua. See lizards, deer and raccoons and find out about the local parakeets and bats who call the crater and nearby caves home.
Masaya Market Visit
Stop by the Masaya crafts market to get a feel for the different goods produced in Nicaragua. Bargain for ceramics, hammocks, leather goods and brightly painted trinkets.
Orientation Walk
Take a brief walk of the historic center of León. Pass through the central park, the local market, and various historical churches.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Flor de Caña Factory Visit
35-40USD per personHead to the distillery to learn more about the production and history of this potent liquor. Flor De Caña has won countless international awards and is regarded as one of the best rums in Latin America. White, dark, young and aged, sample them all!
Isla Juan Venado Visit
55USD per personHop into the boat and motor off through the mangroves along the shores of Juan Venado Island. Cruise the waterways to see egrets and other birds, crocodiles, crabs, iguanas and more. Through local guides, learn about the different types of mangrove forests, then take a swim at one of the nearby beaches. This is sure to be a day you won’t forget!
Horseback Riding Asososca Crater Lake
35-40USD per personPut on some long pants and travel by horse through a unique landscape accented by volcanic peaks and craters. Check out the huge round hole on the slope of El Hoyo, enjoy the view of Momotombo on the horizon, then go for a swim in the Asososca Crater Lagoon.
Telica Twilight Tour
40-65USD per personHike up Telica Volcano in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset and views. This volcano is so active, nothing grows on its slopes. At nightfall, hike the last section up to the crater to see the glowing orange-red lava. Afterwards, hike in the dark back down to the transport.
Kayak Isla Juan Venado
40-55USD per personKayak the mangrove forest and discover the diverse ecosystem around Juan Venado Island. Bring your binoculars to spot birds, and look for the tell-tale tails of crocodiles and iguanas. Hop out to take a swim or just stroll along the beach.
Day 4León
Take a free day to explore. Relax on nearby beaches or admire the many political murals around town.
Free Time
With so much to see and do, get out and get going.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Flor de Caña Factory Visit
35-40USD per personHead to the distillery to learn more about the production and history of this potent liquor. Flor De Caña has won countless international awards and is regarded as one of the best rums in Latin America. White, dark, young and aged, sample them all!
Isla Juan Venado Visit
55USD per personHop into the boat and motor off through the mangroves along the shores of Juan Venado Island. Cruise the waterways to see egrets and other birds, crocodiles, crabs, iguanas and more. Through local guides, learn about the different types of mangrove forests, then take a swim at one of the nearby beaches. This is sure to be a day you won’t forget!
Momotombo Volcano Visit
Momotombo is one of the most impressive volcanoes in Nicaragua. Resting on the banks of Lake Managua, it is 1,297m (4,255 ft) above sea level and one of the most difficult to climb. During the hike, there will be a chance to see amazing crater and views of Momotombito Island, Monte Gala lagoon, Xolotlán Lake, and much more.
Horseback Riding Asososca Crater Lake
35-40USD per personPut on some long pants and travel by horse through a unique landscape accented by volcanic peaks and craters. Check out the huge round hole on the slope of El Hoyo, enjoy the view of Momotombo on the horizon, then go for a swim in the Asososca Crater Lagoon.
Telica Twilight Tour
40-65USD per personHike up Telica Volcano in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset and views. This volcano is so active, nothing grows on its slopes. At nightfall, hike the last section up to the crater to see the glowing orange-red lava. Afterwards, hike in the dark back down to the transport.
Kayak Isla Juan Venado
40-55USD per personKayak the mangrove forest and discover the diverse ecosystem around Juan Venado Island. Bring your binoculars to spot birds, and look for the tell-tale tails of crocodiles and iguanas. Hop out to take a swim or just stroll along the beach.
San Cristobal Volcano Hike
65-90USD per personHike to the top of the tallest volcano in Nicaragua, San Cristobal, at 1745m above sea level. Take in the sweeping views and spot other surrounding volcanoes from the top.
City Tour
25USD per personHead out into the city with a knowledgable local guide to learn more about the history and culture of this colonial city.
León Viejo Ruins & Asososca Crater Lake Tour
40-50USD per personVisit the ruins of the original colonial city of León, located on the shores of Lake Managua. Explore the ruins before visiting Asososca Crater Lake to swim and relax.
Day 5León/Isla de Ometepe
Travel by bus and ferry to the stunning island of Ometepe in the middle of Lake Nicaragua.
Cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island. The group will be split up amongst different families in the small community.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your G for Good Moment: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay
Stay with a local family by the lake in the small rural village of La Paloma, near Moyogalpa, on Ometepe Island. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. The Planeterra Foundation helped launch the project and trained up the community to host G Adventures travellers. While you're here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food and hike the nearby trails.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 6Isla de Ometepe
Enjoy free time to explore Ometepe. Opt to climb Volcano Concepción or Volcano Maderas, take a cultural tour, visit the beach at Santo Domingo, or visit el Ojo de Agua for a refreshing swim and lunch. You can also view pre-Columbian petroglyphs or the small museum of indigenous artifacts in Altagracia.
Free Time
Explore this island and learn more about the local Mayan culture.
Your G for Good Moment: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay
Stay with a local family by the lake in the small rural village of La Paloma, near Moyogalpa, on Ometepe Island. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. The Planeterra Foundation helped launch the project and trained up the community to host G Adventures travellers. While you're here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food and hike the nearby trails.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Hiking Maderas Volcano
45USD per personPrepare to spend the day (4 hr each way) hiking the dormant Maderas Volcano (1,400m/4,573 ft). Walk past coffee plantations, then up a steep trail through cloud forest. It gets damp and muddy, so watch your step. At the summit, hike down into the crater and swim in the cool, refreshing lagoon. How many people can say they have floated in the bowels of a volcano?
Hike Concepcíon Volcano
45USD per personThe steep terrain of this active volcano make Concepción the most difficult climb in all of Nicaragua. Plan on a round trip duration of 10-12 hours of sweaty, muddy, humid and windy climbing. Bring lots of water and food. The rewards can include breathtaking views of the isthmus of Ometepe, Maderas Volcano, Chontales, and Costa Rica to the south, as well as vegetation unique to this volcano.
Ometepe Island Cultural and Pre-Columbian Petroglyphs Tour
45USD per personThere’s something special about coming across a boulder in a field, now covered in moss, and engraved in circles or images made by someone who lived in the area thousands of years ago. Discover Ometepe’s pre-Columbian petroglyphs (rock carvings) and stone statues, along with pieces of ancient ceramic urns and utensils. Learn the history and significance of these artifacts dating back to 1000 BC. Includes a stop at hot springs and the beach.
Swimming
Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 7Isla de Ometepe/San Juan del Sur
Travel to San Juan del Sur and get ready to experience this beach paradise.
After taking the ferry back across Lake Nicaragua to the mainland, catch a bus to low-key San Juan del Sur for some serious relaxation by the sea.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Don't waste any time, get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Sunset Cruise
35USD per personTake a cruise along the Pacific coastline. As soon as you leave, the music starts and the bar is open with your choice of soft drink, beer, local rum— unlimited for the 2 hr journey. Enjoy panoramic sunsets and keep you eyes open for local marine wildlife such as dolphins and whales. Try some trolling— anything you catch you can keep for dinner.
Playa Hermosa Visit
12USD per personLocated 12km (7.5 mi) south of San Juan Del Sur, Playa Hermosa is one of the safest and most beautiful beaches in southern Nicaragua. Voted as the #1 beach by Nicaragua Surf Report and home to Survivor Nicaragua, you may never want to leave this white sand beach. Surf, swim, and keep your eye out for baby turtles.
Night Fishing
35USD per personTry something new and go after some delightfully delicious pargo (snapper) while fishing under the stars and moonlight. The boat is equipped with submersible lights, full night lights and a soothing stereo system. Don’t forget your cold beers and friends.
Turtle Tour
35USD per personThis is a must-do experience. Go with a local guide to the reserve of La Flor where the Olive Ridley turtles return year after year to lay their eggs. If you are lucky, you may also see the newborn hatchlings make a dash to the safety of the sea.
Fishing
300-525USD per personExperience the ultimate in sport fishing comfort as you cast for mackerel, jack, black and white tunas, and snapper. If you are in search of sailfish, marlin, and dorado, head out 32-48km (20-30 mi) on the all-day charter.
Ziplining
30USD per personThere is one word for Da' Flying Frog. Amazing. Feel like you are in Tarzan’s back yard, especially in the rainy season. Zip to 17 platforms over 2.5 km (1.5 mi) of pure jungle scenery. Enjoy the view of the valley and San Juan del Sur bay. Best of all there are two cables and an excellent crew for your safety.
Meals included:
BreakfastDays 8–9San Juan del Sur
Enjoy free time in this beachside town. Opt to surf the Pacific, go swimming or fishing, or check out the views from above on a zipline canopy tour.
Free Time
There's no time to waste– get exploring.
Optional Activities - Days 8–9 HideShow
Horseback Riding
30USD per personHead out for a few hours or a full-day adventure by horseback. Experience the great outdoors surrounded by mountains and beaches. Opt to visit Finca Palermo, Playa Hermosa Surf Camp, or Rancho Chilamate.
Playa Hermosa Visit
12USD per personLocated 12km (7.5 mi) south of San Juan Del Sur, Playa Hermosa is one of the safest and most beautiful beaches in southern Nicaragua. Voted as the #1 beach by Nicaragua Surf Report and home to Survivor Nicaragua, you may never want to leave this white sand beach. Surf, swim, and keep your eye out for baby turtles.
Snorkelling
35USD per personEnjoy the beautiful underwater world just outside of San Juan del Sur Bay.
Sunset Cruise
35USD per personTake a cruise along the Pacific coastline. As soon as you leave, the music starts and the bar is open with your choice of soft drink, beer, local rum— unlimited for the 2 hr journey. Enjoy panoramic sunsets and keep you eyes open for local marine wildlife such as dolphins and whales. Try some trolling— anything you catch you can keep for dinner.
Night Fishing
35USD per personTry something new and go after some delightfully delicious pargo (snapper) while fishing under the stars and moonlight. The boat is equipped with submersible lights, full night lights and a soothing stereo system. Don’t forget your cold beers and friends.
Whale Watching and Dolphin Spotting Tour
40USD per personHumpback whales visit every year from January to late March or early April and are magnificent creatures to spot. Head out on a cruise to try to capture these beautiful animals, with your camera, of course. You may also see dolphins swimming nearby.
Turtle Tour
35USD per personThis is a must-do experience. Go with a local guide to the reserve of La Flor where the Olive Ridley turtles return year after year to lay their eggs. If you are lucky, you may also see the newborn hatchlings make a dash to the safety of the sea.
Surf Lesson
35USD per personGrab a board and hit the waves. With knowledge and tips from a certified instructor you'll be hanging ten in no time.
Fishing
300-525USD per personExperience the ultimate in sport fishing comfort as you cast for mackerel, jack, black and white tunas, and snapper. If you are in search of sailfish, marlin, and dorado, head out 32-48km (20-30 mi) on the all-day charter.
Swimming
Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
Ziplining
30USD per personThere is one word for Da' Flying Frog. Amazing. Feel like you are in Tarzan’s back yard, especially in the rainy season. Zip to 17 platforms over 2.5 km (1.5 mi) of pure jungle scenery. Enjoy the view of the valley and San Juan del Sur bay. Best of all there are two cables and an excellent crew for your safety.
Day 10San Juan del Sur/Granada
Travel back to Granada and spend a final evening with the group.
Local Bus
Travel back to Granada, switching buses in Rivas.
Free Time
Use the afternoon to check out any last sights you want to see.
Day 11Granada
Depart at any time.