Have questions? We're here.
Talk with an expert
Customize any aspect of your Nicaragua trip. 1.406.541.2677
Help Me Plan My Trip
Talk with an expert

Nicaragua: Volcanoes, Beaches, and Fireworks

The three travelers
The three travelers
2011 ended with a big finish! We explored a land we never imagined we'd visit, yet found to be amazing at every turn. Nicaragua is a land of many contrasts: colonial cities, active volcanoes, and cloud forest canopies. We visited La Isla de Ometepe, our very own \"Christmas Island\" and ended the year on the Pacific beaches surrounding San Juan del Sur. We kayaked, hiked, and even did a little surfing--on the volcano and off the shore.The three of us (Marnie, Steve, and our good friend Sam) documented our adventures and misadventures and are excited to share them with you.

Photo Album

All Photos
Room at the Hotel Contempo Managua
Photos
With guide Roberto at Lake Managua
Photos
Our ride
Photos
1-9 of 12 Results
Room at the Hotel Contempo Managua
Nicaragua: Here We Come!
Our Nicaraguan adventure got off to a good, but uneventful start. After an early flight from Phoenix to Miami we met up with our great friend Sam. We had just enough time for a beer and a snack before we boarded our flight to Managua. All of our American Airlines flights were on time and the skies were clear. That's always a sign of a good trip …
0
With guide Roberto at Lake Managua
Leon: Old and New
Today started bright and early with a traditional Nicaraguan breakfast. We are all now fans of gallo pinto (a mixture of rice and beans), queso frita (fried cheese), chorizo, huevos, and tortillas. The Contempo chefs impressed again with a beautifully prepared plate of traditional favorites.

Roberto and Sergio picked us up on time and we …
0
Our ride
Volcano Boarding - Who Would Ever Believe It?
We met our second day in Leon without a plan but we picked up steam as the day progressed. We started with an early morning walk through the streets of Leon and enjoyed the bustle of the city. The combination of motor bikes, cars, taxis, and horse-drawn carts makes this place so special. Leon is beautiful, yet gritty at the same time.

After …
0
Old Leon
Christmas Eve in Granada
Feliz Navidad to our family and friends!

Today we continued our Nicaraguan adventure by traveling south to Masaya and Granada. Leaving Leon and the beautiful El Convento, we drove about two hours back towards and past Managua to the Masaya Volcano and National Park. Under the expert guiding of Roberto, we learned that Masaya is another active …
0
Statue in Old Leon
It Was Bound to Happen...Eventually
Christmas morning in Granada started off much quieter than the midnight fireworks the night before. We had our morning breakfast buffet and met our guide Eric just after 8 for the drive up volcano Mombacho.

We arrived at the Hacienda El Progreso Coffee Plantation about half way up the volcano where it was cool and breezy compared to the city. We …
0
Old Leon
Why Would Anyone Go to Nicaragua?
For those of you who may be wondering, 'How did they come up with the idea of going to Nicaragua?' here's the story. Over the years the three of us have traveled extensively together. We spent a month in Costa Rica at a language school and three weeks in Peru and the Galapagos Islands. When we began to plan our next trip it was a good excuse to …
0
Old Leon
A Day of Rest and Exhuastion
Our full day at Totoco EcoLodge was a mixture of experiences. Marnie, recovering from her stomach 'event' took it easy and rested at the lodge. All day. . . in a hammock. . . with a book. And a dip in the swimming pool. And a nap. The highlight of the day was finding a snake in the cabin that looked like a coral snake. Eric, the receptionist, …
0
Old Leon
Heading to the Beach: San Juan del Sur
After another wonderful Nicaraguan breakfast of eggs, gallo pinto, fried cheese, and plantains, we headed back to our cabin to pack up and prepare to catch the ferry. On the way we ran into our second snake. Steve spotted it first and he swears it was BIG. As the folks at Totoco continued to remind us, 'Welcome to the Jungle.'

We were sorry …
0
Old Leon
A La Playa
This will be a short report, as there's not much to say when you spend the day hanging out in a beach town. We hiked to the lookout above town which is adorned by a 4 story Jesus Cristo statue. It is really warm here during the day, so a morning hike is the best option. We could see up and down the coast and down onto the beautiful village of …
0
1-9 of 12 Results

Want to Go?

country
View of the old Granada
Nicaragua
0
8 Day Tour
Kayaking right before sunset.
Nicaragua Multisport
0
6 Day Tour
A rainbow crosses over the cathedral in Granada.
Best of Nicaragua
0

Nicaragua Travel Guide

Favorite Nicaragua Tours & Cruises

Top Nicaragua Travel Destinations

Nicaragua Trips by Departure Date

Nicaragua Trips by Duration

Why Travel With Adventure Life

More Reasons

Recognized By

All News
CatalogPlan My Trip
Jane Packer employee headshot
Jane P
Make an Inquiry
We love travel, talk with an expert 1.800.344.6118