Classic Nicaragua
Example Itinerary
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Overview
A stunning mix of colonial elegance, volcanic vistas and idyllic island hideaways, this unhurried journey through the lush landscapes of southwestern Nicaragua is a feast for the senses. Beginning amongst the UNESCO treasures of historic León, you’ll enjoy the comforts of a 17th century converted Franciscan convent and have a chance to try your hand at preparing a traditional Nicaraguan lunch, before departing for the mythical waters of Lake Nicaragua.
Central America’...
A stunning mix of colonial elegance, volcanic vistas and idyllic island hideaways, this unhurried journey through the lush landscapes of southwestern Nicaragua is a feast for the senses. Beginning amongst the UNESCO treasures of historic León, you’ll enjoy the comforts of a 17th century converted Franciscan convent and have a chance to try your hand at preparing a traditional Nicaraguan lunch, before departing for the mythical waters of Lake Nicaragua.
Central America’s largest freshwater lake, Lago Cocibolca, as the locals call it, then provides the stunning backdrop to the rest of this incredible journey, as you first cross over to the volcanic island of Ometepe. Steeped in legend and folklore, Ometepe offers up ancient ruins and active volcanoes, breathtaking panoramas and a chance to immerse yourself in local customs and culture.
A visit to the colonial city of Granada is then followed by a stay in one of Nicaragua’s most stylish ecolodges, as you finish the journey amongst the captivating islands of the Las Isletas Archipelago. With kayaking and cloud forests on offer, Jicaro Island provides the perfect end to a truly inspiring journey.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy the stunning colonial architecture of León and Granada
- Walk along the volcanic slopes of Cerro Negro and Mombacho
- Discover the legends and landscapes of Ometepe Island
- Hike to the summits of Maderas or Concepción Volcanoes
- Relax amidst the tranquil beauty of Lake Nicaragua’s Las Isletas
- Prepare a traditional Nicaraguan dish with a local chef
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE MANAGUA - LEON
Arriving in Managua today, the capital and largest city in Nicaragua, you will be met at the airport and then transferred in the company of an English-speaking guide to the city of León. Founded by the Spanish and home to the second oldest university in Central America, León, with its impressive collection of colonial monuments and churches, has long been the country's political and intellectual centre. On arrival you will check into a restored 17th century Franciscan convent for a two-night stay.
Day 2 LEON
Nicaragua's colonial capital for over three centuries, León's historic Cathedral has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 2000. This morning you will enjoy a tour of some of its highlights with your guide. Visiting a local market along the way, you'll then have an opportunity to prepare a traditional Nicaraguan lunch under the expert guidance of the locals, before heading to the active Cerro Negro volcano for a unique opportunity to either hike or sled down its charcoal west face with incredible contrasting views of the verdant surroundings.
Day 3 LEON
Enjoy a free day to relax or explore at leisure.
Day 4 LEON - OMETEPE ISLAND
Transferring to the port of San Jorge this morning, you'll take the ferry across to the is-land of Ometepe on Lake Nicaragua, home to the twin volcanoes of Concepción and Maderas. A land of legends, Ometepe has been sacred to the local Nahuatl people for millennia and its fertile landscapes are scattered with archaeological remains and ancient petroglyphs. On arrival you will be transferred to the sandy isthmus that connects dormant Maderas with the active Concepción, where the afternoon is free to enjoy your lakeside lodgings.
Day 5 OMETEPE ISLAND
Today you will have a choice of activities. You may like to take in the island's rich cultural and archaeological heritage, with visits to the town of Altagracia, the Charco Verde La-goon and Finca Magdalena. You could also include a home cooked lunch and a visit to a local culture and learning centre that provides local children with instruction in art and English. Another option is to take a hike up to the summits of ei-ther Maderas or Concepción with a local mountain guide - the choice is yours.
Day 6 OMETEPE ISLAND
Enjoy a free day to relax or explore at leisure.
Day 7 OMETEPE ISLAND - GRANADA
Taking the ferry back to the mainland this morning you head next for the bewitching town of Granada, arguably the first European city in mainland America. A fierce rival of neighbouring León for Nicaragua's undisputed affections, Granada is rich in Moorish and Andalusian traditions and influences. This afternoon enjoy a tour of the historic heart of the city.
Day 8 GRANADA
Leaving the city after breakfast the day begins with a drive into the historic highland vil-lages that make up Los Pueblos Blancos (The White Villages). These historic Spanish vil-lages occupy the scenic landscapes of Nicaragua’s central valley, combining picturesque charm with traditional artisan workmanship using skills dating back to the pre-Columbian era. This afternoon you will then head up to the summit of the grand Masaya volcano for an experience like no other. Here you will have the chance to peak down into the crater, named Santiago, to see its lake of bubbling, red-hot, molten lava, where you will also have a tour around its rim.
Day 9 GRANADA - LAS ISLETAS
This morning transfer to the Las Isletas Archipelago where you will catch a boat to your lodge. Located in the warm waters of Lake Nicaragua, this chain of 354 islands are made up of basalt rock piles covered in lush vegetation, rich in bird life, with plenty of egrets, cormorants, ospreys, kingfishers and oropendulas. The age of the islands is unknown, but it is believed they were created by a massive eruption by Mombacho Volcano that watches over the lake and islands to the west.
Day 10 LAS ISLETAS
Offering up spectacular views of the Mombacho Volcano, El Espino Island is one of literally hundreds of tiny islets that were formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Home to a wonderful private island ecolodge, it provides a perfect haven of peace and tranquillity. There are options for a stand up paddling excursion, or net fishing, or just exploring by bicycle or horseback, as well as of course, just sitting back and taking in your breathtaking surroundings.
Day 11 LAS ISLETAS - MANAGUA
Transferring back to the mainland this morning you will take a private transfer back to the airport in Managua where your tour ends.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Boutique Adela, Granada
This exclusive Spanish-style home built in the early 19th century houses only four suites and is a great way to experience the charm of Granada. Hotel Boutique Adela is located just steps from the city’s oldest church and finest museum and just two blocks from main street of restaurants making it a great base. With 12,000 square feet shared by just four parties, there is great privacy and calm with a classic interior garden and airy corridors. Included in the stay are cleaning services and a self-service kitchen.
Isleta El Espino, Las Isletas
With just 5 guestrooms spread across a beautiful private island, Isleta El Espino successfully offers an exclusive feel whilst maintaining a balance with nature. This beautiful ecolodge is the perfect escape from the busier cities, within easy reach of Granada and allowing guests to still explore the nearby mainland during their stay. High end facilities include a stunning swimming pool, a spa with a variety of treatments, dining options offering both local and international cuisine, locally sourced and freshly prepared, as well as an array of activities, including kayaking, fishing, nature tours and more. All rooms are beautifully finished, with modern decor and amenities but maintaining a back-to-basics tropical feel, with mosquito nets over the beds, screened windows, and ceiling fans. All rooms offer en suite bathrooms with both hot and cold water, as well as private decks with beautiful views of the lake.
El Convento, León
A favourite among travellers, the Hotel El Convento is a ground-up restoration of the 17th century San Francisco Convent. Elegant décor and colonial-style, dark-wood furniture can be found throughout the hotel, rooms and well-manicured gardens. The on-site restaurant, El Victoriano, offers an eclectic international menu available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rooms are simple with tiled flooring, air-conditioning and small touches of stylish furniture pieces. Guests can contemplate the hotel's history in the peaceful, central garden for a bit of down time or make use of the hotel's small outdoor pool and humble fitness room. Ideally located in the heart of the city centre the hotel is just two blocks from the central park amongst a variety of shops, restaurants and wonderful colonial architecture. The owners, the largest private art collectors in Central America, have also converted three colonial homes connected to the San Francisco church across from the hotel into an art museum. Their artistic identity can be seen from the antiques, original colonial art works and native crafts dotted throughout the hotel.
San Juan De La Isla, Ometepe Island
Lakefront on Santo Domingo beach, San Juan de la Isla occupies a place on the sandy isthmus that connects dormant Maderas Volcano with the active Concepción Volcano. The three-star, family-run property offers beachfront, cabin-like accommodation made from wooden logs on stilts, as well as rooms located in the middle of lush tropical forest with views of the imposing volcanoes. The latter are located close to the restaurant, housed in a restored century-old, colonial hacienda and there is the choice between the newer, individual adobe and wooden cabins, or rooms within a central building, converted from a colonial horses’ stables. The Los Naranjos restaurant offers fresh local food, with a lot of it sourced from the property’s own farm. A waterfront location in between the two volcanoes means that a stay here is ideal for both exploring the island and its waters by foot, mountain bike, horseback or kayak, as well as simply relaxing amongst the island’s beauty.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640
OTHER ITINERARIES IN NICARAGUA
Check out our group tours in Nicaragua
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Nicaragua. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Nicaragua