Classic Nicaragua
Tailor Made Itinerary
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7 Days From $3,017
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
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.
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.
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.
DAY 3: LEON - OMETEPE ISLAND
DAY 3: LEON - OMETEPE ISLAND
Transferring to the port of San Jorge this morning, you'll take the ferry across to the island 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 4: OMETEPE ISLAND
DAY 4: 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 Lagoon 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 either Maderas or Concepción with a local mountain guide - the choice is yours.
DAY 5: OMETEPE - GRANADA - LAS ISLETAS
DAY 5: OMETEPE - GRANADA - LAS ISLETAS
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. A tour of the historic heart of the city will be followed by a transfer to the Las Isletas Archipelago, for the boat on to your private ecolodge on Jicaro Island.
DAY 6: LAS ISLETAS
DAY 6: LAS ISLETAS
Offering up spectacular views of the Mombacho Volcano, Jicaro Island is one of literally hundreds of tiny islets that were formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Home to one of Nicaragua's most luxurious nature resorts, it provides a perfect haven of peace and tranquillity. There are options for a self-guided kayaking excursion around the lake today, or if you prefer perhaps a visit to a local cocoa farm on the slopes of nearby Mombacho and a hike in the cloud forest reserve.
DAY 7: LAS ISLETAS - DEPART MANAGUA
DAY 7: LAS ISLETAS - DEPART MANAGUA
Transferring back to the mainland this morning you will take a private transfer back to the airport in Managua where your tour ends.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
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.
Jicaro Island Ecolodge, Las Isletas
Jicaro is a private island resort just outside the country’s charming colonial gem, Granada, and a National Geographic member. Located on one of the tiny islands or ‘isletas’ on Lake Nicargua, guests arrive at the family-run ecolodge via a short scenic boat ride. The exclusive property houses nine duplex, lakefront casitas or ‘’little houses’ nestled into the tropical greenery. The split-level treehouses are a short walk from the main building complex, offering privacy and seclusion, and come equipped with a second-floor king sized bed and a main, lower-floor living area connecting on to a private deck with an oversized hammock.
Hotel La Recolección, León
This modern construction built in León’s Spanish colonial style is a comfortable mid-range accommodation option, right in front of the classic Recolección church and school that the poet Ruben Dario studied in. The hotel is found close to the city centre and central park, with a very reasonably priced restaurant on the bottom floor. La Recolección is owned by Central America’s largest private art collectors and owners of the El Convento hotel.
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.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
CLASSIC NICARAGUA (7 DAYS) $3,017
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.
ACCOMMODATION
Ultra - The best of the best, the ultimate indulgence
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
CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
If you book international flights through Wild Frontiers.
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is 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.
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
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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.