Classic Nicaragua

Suggested Itinerary

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.

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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

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 ARRIVE MANAGUA - LEON

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.

El Convento

Day 2 LEON

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.

El Convento
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 LEON

Day 3 LEON

Enjoy a free day to relax or explore at leisure.

El Convento
Breakfast

Day 4 LEON - OMETEPE ISLAND

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.

San Juan De La Isla
Breakfast

Day 5 OMETEPE ISLAND

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.

San Juan De La Isla
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 OMETEPE ISLAND

Day 6 OMETEPE ISLAND

Enjoy a free day to relax or explore at leisure.

San Juan De La Isla
Breakfast

Day 7 OMETEPE ISLAND - GRANADA

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.

Hotel Boutique Adela
Breakfast

Day 8 GRANADA

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.

Hotel Boutique Adela
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 GRANADA - LAS ISLETAS

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.

Isleta El Espino
Breakfast

Day 10 LAS ISLETAS

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.

Isleta El Espino
Breakfast

Day 11 LAS ISLETAS - MANAGUA

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.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

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.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

11 days from £2,895

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 0 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

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

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

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

Nicaraguans are gregarious people with a passion for poetry and irony. When things go wrong, this is to be expected they shrug, since they are blessed with the only country where lead floats and cork sinks.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN NICARAGUA