• Nicaragua

Overview

Managua is not only the capital, but is also the largest city in Nicaragua. Originally a fishing village, modern day Managua was built in the 1850s. Today, it’s known as the Venice of Central America, because of the number of canals used throughout the city. On this tour, you’ll explore the “Big City” as well as small villages & have the opportunity to see a volcano, relax at a resort & shop for local handicrafts. It’s a wonderful combination of new & old, of nature & architecture, of quiet time & exciting exploration. Check out this new destination. You’ll love every minute of it! 

Highlights

  • Masaya Volcano National Park – Stand on top of an active volcano. Look down into its smoking crater.
  • Masaya Market – Famous market featuring souvenirs & handmade gifts.
  • Pottery School – Create a piece of artwork from clay.
  • Granada City Walking Tour – Visit the main plaza, cathedral, San Francisco Convent, & the Casa de los 3 Mundos.
  • Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve – Visit the biological station & coffee farm. Enjoy a nature hike.
  • Managua – Visit the National Palace, old & new cathedrals, & the main plaza.

Itinerary

Day 1: Managua – Granada

Arrive at the airport in Managua, & transfer to Granada. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Day 2: Granada – Masaya – Catarina – Granada

After breakfast, depart from Granada, & head to the Masaya Volcano National Park. Stand on top of the active volcano, & look down into its crater! Next, head to Masaya town to visit the local handicraft market where you’ll find traditional Nicaraguan products. Then, continue to Catarina village where lunch will be served in a local restaurant with a magnificent view of the Apoyo Lagoon. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a local pottery school where you’ll have the opportunity to create a piece of artwork from clay. Return to Granada for dinner & an overnight stay.

Day 3: Granada

This morning, we’ll take a city walking tour to see the most attractive sites, such as: the main plaza, the cathedral, the San Francisco Convent, & the Casa de los 3 Mundos. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. After lunch, travel in a traditional horse coach to the pier at Lake Nicaragua for an afternoon of kayaking. 

Day 4: Granada – Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve – Granada

After breakfast, depart for the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve. First, visit the biological station & coffee farm where you will do some hiking. The one hour hike around the crater will give you the opportunity to breathe pure fresh air while you take in the spectacular view over Lake Nicaragua & Granada. For your descent, you’ll be able to use the zip line which has 14 platforms. You will return to Granada for lunch & an afternoon of leisure. 

Day 5: Granada – Managua

Return to Managua today. Upon arrival, spend the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Day 6: Managua – Resort

Take a guided tour of the old city center. Highlights include the National Palace, old & new cathedrals, & the main plaza. Later today, head to the resort for fun & relaxation under the Nicaraguan sun. 

Day 7: Resort

Spend the day at leisure. 

Day 8: Resort

Spend the day at leisure. 

Day 9: Resort – Managua

Return to Managua after lunch today. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure afterward.

Day 10: Managua – USA

Transfer to the airport, & board return flight home. 

Includes

  • International flights
  • 9 overnights
  • All-inclusive beach resort
  • Private ground transportation for transfers
  • Entrances fees for sites mentioned
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Taxes

Excludes

  • Optional tours & activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel Insurance
  • Voluntary tips