Best of Nicaragua

Arrive to the Managua airport where you are met and transferred to your hotel. The drive takes 45 minutes.

Managua has been Nicaragua's capital since 1852. The northern area holds remnants of the old city center, damaged by a 1972 earthquake, while the southern part thrives as a cultural and commercial hub.

After breakfast, meet your driver and begin your journey to Leon City. In Managua, explore the capital’s history, starting in the northern sector, heavily affected by a 1972 earthquake. Head south to the cultural and commercial center to visit National Historic Park Loma de Tiscapa, where you learn about national hero Augusto Cesar Sandino and the Somoza dictatorship. Take in a panoramic view of key historical landmarks.

On the way to León, stop at the Old León Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1967. Discover the early history of Nicaragua’s first capital and admire views of Momotombo Volcano and Lake Xolotlan from a hilltop vantage point.

In León, explore this colonial city at your own pace. Known as the artistic and intellectual heart of Nicaragua, León has served as a former capital for over three centuries and the home of iconic poets like Ruben Dario. Originally located near the Momotombo Volcano, León was relocated after an earthquake in 1609 to its current location 90 kilometers north of Managua. Spend the rest of the day as you wish.

In the morning, choose one of the following full-day tour options:

Option 1: Juan Venado Nature Reserve
Juan Venado Nature Reserve features a stunning mangrove ecosystem, often overlooked by visitors. This 2-hour boat tour takes you through the island’s estuary, offering excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities. Navigate through the winding mangrove channels while observing various bird species, caimans, and iguanas. If visiting between August and February, you may even spot the remarkable Paslama Sea Turtle.

OR

Option 2: Cerro Negro Volcano Sandboarding 
Head to Cerro Negro, a young active volcano standing 2,381 feet (726 meters) tall, entirely covered in black sand and rock. The full experience lasts around 3–4 hours, depending on the group’s pace. Enjoy sweeping views of the volcanic chain and lush landscapes from the summit. Sandboard down the loose volcanic slope for a thrilling descent through the rugged terrain, and admire the striking contrast of black sand against the green scenery.

In the afternoon, take a walking tour through the colonial heart of León. Visit the Cathedral, the largest in Central America, and the Main Plaza. Explore the city's historic murals and learn about León's role in Nicaragua's development.

Note: Museums are closed on Mondays; many churches close to visitors on Sundays.

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and travel to Matagalpa, approximately 3 hours, including a visit to San Jacinto Hot Springs.

Make a stop at San Jacinto Hot Springs to experience the natural geothermal activity up close. Witness the impressive spectacle of boiling mud and steam rising from the earth's interior, showcasing the region's geological wonders.

Upon arrival at Selva Negra, join a guided farm tour to discover innovative and sustainable farming methods that have earned Selva Negra its reputation. Explore the organic laboratory, worker housing, greenhouses, cheese houses, chicken coops, and stables. Learn about the farm-to-table concept, seeing how local produce contributes to the restaurant's menu. Visit the cattle pasture, coffee plantation, and composting areas to understand the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle in practice at Selva Negra.

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day guided coffee tour at the lodge’s Hacienda, offering a comprehensive journey from seed to cup. Explore coffee nurseries and learn about shade coffee cultivation and sustainable organic farming methods at the organic laboratory. Witness the process from picking and weighing beans to their journey through the wet mill. Wrap up the tour in the museum with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, where questions are welcomed. Along the way, discover insights into the history, climate, topography, and social programs tied to coffee production in Nicaragua.


 

After breakfast, transfer to Granada City. Granada, Nicaragua’s most visited city, was founded in 1524. Known for its colonial and neoclassical architecture, colorful cobblestone streets, and relaxed atmosphere, Granada is a key destination for both locals and travelers.

Take a guided walking tour of the city, including stops at La Merced Church, the Cathedral, and the San Francisco Convent, which houses a collection of pre-Columbian sculptures. Continue to Lake Nicaragua for a boat trip to the Isletas, a chain of 354 islands formed by a volcanic eruption from Mombacho Volcano. The islands are home to rich birdlife, including egrets, cormorants, ospreys, kingfishers, and oropendulas.. Granada, Nicaragua’s most visited city, was founded in 1524. Known for its colonial and neoclassical architecture, colorful cobblestone streets, and relaxed atmosphere, Granada is a key destination for both locals and travelers.

Take a guided walking tour of the city, including stops at La Merced Church, the Cathedral, and the San Francisco Convent, which houses a collection of pre-Columbian sculptures. Continue to Lake Nicaragua for a boat trip to the Isletas, a chain of 354 islands formed by a volcanic eruption from Mombacho Volcano. The islands are home to rich birdlife, including egrets, cormorants, ospreys, kingfishers, and oropendulas.

Today, choose one of the following half-day tour options:

Option 1: Masaya Volcano & Artisan Market
Begin at the Masaya Volcano National Park, Nicaragua's first national park established in 1979. Start your visit at the Environment Interpretation Center, where a guide will provide insights into the volcano's history, including its cultural significance to indigenous peoples and the geological events that shaped it. Although access to the Santiago crater viewpoint is restricted, explore the "Comalito" trail, which meanders through lush forests and past active fumaroles. This trail allows for observation of diverse plant and animal life. Enjoy scenic views from a lookout point, where Mombacho Volcano and the city of Granada can be seen, along with the culturally significant Masaya Lagoon, a volcanic lake formed by ancient eruptions.

After the volcano, visit the Masaya arts and crafts market to shop for local ceramics, hammocks, woodwork, and leather souvenirs.

Option 2: Mombacho Volcano Crater Trail
This tour begins with a hotel pickup, followed by a drive to the base of Mombacho Volcano. Switch to a four-wheel-drive vehicle for the ascent, surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the reserve and stunning vistas.

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. Learn about the area's flora, fauna, and the ancient civilizations that once thrived here, along with insights into the volcanology of Mombacho. This hike is classified as moderate.

After the hike, return to Granada and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to explore the area independently.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight home or talk to your Adventure Life Trip Planner about extending your stay!