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" Granada is a magical city where pirate history meets colonial architecture and rich Nicaraguan tradition. It's a must-see for first-time visitors. "
Walk the colonial center with a local guide. Most of the sample custom tours on this page include a guided walk through Granada's historic core, with stops at Iglesia La Merced, the cathedral on Parque Central, and the San Francisco Convent. The convent houses a collection of pre-Columbian basalt statues brought from Zapatera Island in the lake.
Shop the market, then cook lunch. On Nicaragua Vieja, you start the morning at a local market, then join a two-hour cooking class in a colonial house and sit down to lunch with what you made.
Watch cigars rolled by hand, and taste local chocolate. Nicaragua Escape includes a visit to Doña Elba Cigars, where you can watch the rolling process and try it yourself, followed by a stop at an artisan chocolate maker.
Spend an evening on La Calzada. This pedestrian street runs from Parque Central toward the lake, lined with restored houses, cafés, and open-air restaurants. It's the easy answer for a free evening, and it's at its liveliest after dark.
The more than 350 islets off Granada's shore formed from rock thrown out by an ancient eruption of Mombacho. Some hold fishing families and small farms, some have vacation homes, and some are left entirely to wildlife. Egrets, cormorants, ospreys, kingfishers, and oropendolas work the channels between them.
There are three ways to see them, depending on your trip:
Granada is the most convenient base for the Masaya highlands and Mombacho. Most of the excursions on our sample custom tours are under 45 minutes from your hotel.
Your trip planner can lengthen or shorten your time in Granada on any of these sample custom tours. Talk with a Granada specialist.
Our team is waiting and ready to talk with you about your next adventure. So go ahead and book an appointment with one of our specialized trip planners.
Let's ChatOur portfolio of sample custom tours uses small hotels in restored colonial houses within walking distance of the main plazas, including Hotel Real La Merced, Hotel Plaza Colón, and Patio del Malinche. For something different, Jicaro Island Ecolodge puts you on a private island in Las Isletas, a short boat ride from the city. Browse more Nicaragua hotels.
About 45 minutes to an hour by road, depending on traffic. Our sample custom tours that begin in Managua include the airport transfer.
Yes. The colonial center, Parque Central, La Calzada, and the main churches are all within a short walk of each other. Midday heat is the main limit, so plan walks for the morning and late afternoon.
Yes. Nicaragua Escape includes three nights at Jicaro Island Ecolodge, a small lodge on its own islet, reached by boat from Granada's marina. Ask your trip planner about adding island nights to other sample custom tours.
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