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La Merced Church, Granada, Nicaragua

Nicaragua Vieja

Example 8 Day Tour
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Discover Nicaragua’s history, culture, and natural beauty on this 8-day adventure. Visit the Masaya market to explore local handicrafts, then stroll through Granada’s colorful streets and explore the nearby cloud forest of Mombacho Volcano. Explore Leon City, home to the UNESCO-listed Old Leon ruins, and enjoy panoramic views of the volcanoes from the rooftop of the cathedral. Experience the wildlife of Juan Venado Reserve and cruise the islets of Lake Nicaragua. Take part in a traditional cooking class, hike Mombacho Volcano for stunning views, and immerse yourself in the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Cathedral on the central square of LeonMombacho reserve aerial viewCathedral of the Assumption of MaryCatarina viewpointAerial view of GranadaIslets of GranadaCatarina viewpointIslets boat tourCatarina viewpointMasaya National Park, NicaraguaMasaya volcano national parkMasaya volcano crater viewpointCatarina townThe famed Cathedral of GranadaJuan Venado ReseveCatarina NurseriesMasaya Volcano in NicaraguaLa Merced Church, Granada, Nicaragua
Highlights
  • Visit Masaya Volcano National Park and the Masaya Arts and Crafts Market
  • Tour the oldest colonial city in Central America, Granada
  • Visit Old Leon, ruins buried in the eruption of Momotombo Volcano
  • Hike Mombacho Volcano’s trails, with stunning views and diverse wildlife
  • Visit Catedral de la Asuncion, the largest UNESCO cathedral in Central America
  • Experience Juan Venado Nature Reserve an impressive mangrove sanctuary
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Managua

Upon arrival at Managua Airport, a representative will greet you and lead you on a sightseeing tour of the city. Managua has served as Nicaragua's capital since 1852. The northern area features the old city center, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1972, while the southern part is the cultural and commercial heart of the country. Key sites include the National Historic Park Loma de Tiscapa, where you'll explore significant aspects of the city’s history. Discover the story of national hero Augusto Cesar Sandino and the Somoza dictatorship, and enjoy panoramic views of the main historical landmarks.

Day 2: Old Leon City | Colonial Leon City

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and travel to Leon City. On the way, visit the Old Leon Ruins, founded in 1967 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Leon Viejo on an engaging tour, learning about the early history of Nicaragua's first capital. From the hill where the fort is located, enjoy stunning views of Momotombo Volcano and Lake Xolotlan.

Continue to Leon City for a guided tour of key highlights, starting at the colonial heart with a visit to the Cathedral, the largest in Central America, and the Main Plaza. During the walking tour, discover the city's historic murals and understand Leon's significant role in Nicaragua's social, economic, and political development.

Note: Museums are closed on Mondays, and many churches are closed to visitors on Sundays.

Day 3: Juan Venado Reserve

Spend the morning exploring the serene mangrove ecosystem of Juan Venado Nature Reserve. Navigate its waterways to observe native bird species, aquatic wildlife, and, if in season (August–February), Paslama sea turtles. Crocodile sightings are also possible along the way.

In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to relax or explore.

Day 4: Masaya Volcano | Artisan Market

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and head towards Granada City.

On the way to Granada, visit the Masaya Volcano National Park, established in 1979 as Nicaragua's first national park, showcases nature, geological wonders, and rich history. Begin at the Environmental Interpretation Center, where a guide outlines the volcano's significance to indigenous peoples and the geological processes that shaped it. While access to the Santiago crater lava viewpoint is restricted, explore the "Comalito" trail, winding through lush forests and active fumaroles. Observe diverse flora and fauna along the way. Reach a scenic lookout offering panoramic views of Mombacho Volcano and Granada City, with close-up sights of Masaya Lagoon—a volcanic lake with cultural importance to indigenous communities.

Next, visit the Masaya Arts and Crafts Market, just fifteen minutes away, to shop for local ceramics, hammocks, wood, and leather souvenirs.

After a day of exploration, head off for Granada. Founded in 1524, Granada is Nicaragua’s most visited city, known for its colonial and neoclassical architecture, vibrant cobbled streets, and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy an evening taking in the sites. 

Day 5: Cooking Class | Colonial Granada city tour | Isletas Boat Trip

Experience the authentic flavors of Nicaragua with a hands-on cooking class in Granada. Start with a guided visit to the bustling local market to select the freshest ingredients for your dishes. Then, step into a charming colonial house for a 2-hour class, where you'll prepare traditional Nicaraguan cuisine. Enjoy lunch during the class, tasting the dishes you’ve made.

Afterward, continue with a guided walking tour to explore Granada's highlights, including the "La Merced" church, the brightly colored cathedral, and the San Francisco Convent, which houses a collection of pre-Columbian sculptures. Conclude your day with a boat tour of the warm waters of Lake Nicaragua and its 354 lush islets, home to diverse avian fauna. Thought to be created by an ancient eruption of Mombacho Volcano, these islands offer stunning views and a peaceful retreat.

Day 6: Mombacho Volcano | White Towns

Start your day with a pickup from your hotel, heading to Mombacho Volcano's base. Switch to a four-wheel-drive vehicle for the ascent, as private vehicles are not permitted beyond the entrance. Enjoy lush vegetation and stunning views on the way to the summit. At the entrance, you’ll find the biological station, where local park rangers will guide you as your hike begins.

Follow the Crater Trail, a 1.5-kilometer (0.9-mile) round-trip hike that takes approximately 1 hour to complete. With an elevation gain of 100 meters (328 feet), the well-maintained trail features some stepped sections and winds through lush cloud forest, offering scenic viewpoints of the crater and surrounding landscapes. This easy to moderate hike is suitable for most visitors, including families and those with a moderate fitness level.

After the hike, visit Catarina Viewpoint, where you can take in panoramic views of Apoyo Lagoon, Mombacho Volcano, Lake Nicaragua, and Granada—a perfect spot for exceptional photos.

End your day in San Juan de Oriente, a village known for its traditional pottery. Learn about the craft’s history and evolution at a local pottery school, where artisans like Valentine Lopez share their techniques and creations, blending ancient methods with modern designs.

Day 7: Granada

Today is yours to explore independently. Visit nearby landmarks such as Iglesia de La Merced, Granada Cathedral, and Parque Colon, or walk through the Mercado Municipal to experience the local market. 

Day 8: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight home. Goodbye, Nicaragua! 

Accommodations

Hotel Los Robles

Hotel Los Robles
Outdoor Pool & Lounge
Hotel Los Robles

Hotel El Convento

Hotel El Convento
Hotel Swimming Pool
Hotel El Convento

Hotel Real La Merced

Exterior view
Hotel Real La Merced
Hotel Real La Merced

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,949 2-3 travelers

Notes

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Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Hotel Taxes
  • Private ground transportation services with a Spanish-speaking driver and an English-speaking guide 
  • Certified bilingual guide on the mentioned days (Spanish – English)
  • 2 nights lodging in Leon
  • Excursions detailed in the itinerary
  • 1 night lodging in Managua
  • 24/7 Assistance
  • 4 nights lodging in Granada
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Services not detailed in the itinerary
  • Airport arrival/departure taxes (if any)

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

Nicaragua Travel Guide

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