Experience the Highlights of Nicaragua
This two week holiday is a lively introduction to Nicaragua, combining colonial cities, volcanic landscapes and wildlife-rich natural areas, with a relaxed finish on the Pacific coast. It is designed for travellers who want variety and contrast, with plenty of time for active days as well as unhurried moments to soak up the atmosphere.
You will explore the colonial streets of León and Granada, using each city as a base for experiences in the surrounding countryside, where lakes, reserves and volcanic slopes create fantastic conditions for wildlife spotting. As you travel north to Matagalpa, known as the Pearl of the North, the scenery shifts to cooler highlands, coffee country and cloud forest, where monkeys are often seen in the plantations and resplendent quetzals may be spotted among the trees.
The adventure continues with a mix of outdoor experiences, from hiking volcanoes to kayaking on ancient crater lakes and swimming in natural pools. You will then round off the journey in San Juan del Sur, where the pace slows and the coast offers an easy, sun-soaked finale to your time in Nicaragua.
Visit several regions in Nicaragua.
Accommodation detailed in itinerary
See details in itinerary below
12 Breakfasts, 1 lunch
What you'll experience
- León and Granada: Wander colourful streets and admire colonial architecture, with time to soak up the character, history and everyday life of Nicaragua’s two most iconic cities.
- Telica Volcano hike: Hike up to the crater of Telica Volcano for a thrilling close-up look at Nicaragua’s volcanic landscapes.
- Matagalpa highlands: Explore the jungle-clad mountains of Matagalpa, where cooler cloud forest trails and coffee country create excellent conditions for wildlife spotting.
- Lakes and islands of Nicaragua: Head to the water with a boat tour of Las Isletas, then explore the shoreline by kayak from Ometepe Island for a different perspective on Nicaragua’s lake scenery.
What's Included
- International flights 12 nights’ accommodation
- 13 Meals: 12 breakfast, 1 lunch
- Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary
- Excursions and activities as per itinerary
Prices from £4,199
Excludes:
- Local departure taxes payable locally
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc
- Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)
- Camera or video fees at any sites
Quick Itinerary
Quick Itinerary
Days 1-4 UK - Granada
On arrival in Managua you’ll be transferred to Granada, a charming city where you’ll have a tour of the highlights, including San Francisco Convent and La Merced church, with its fantastic views over the city, lake and surrounding volcanoes. You’ll also have a boat tour of Las Isletas, an archipelago of over 300 small islands formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Now home to fishing communities and varied birdlife, this is a relaxing way to explore the area.
The following day has been left free for you to soak up the atmosphere of Granada at your own pace. Alternatively, there are plenty of activities available, from volcano hikes to chocolate or cigar workshops.
Days 5-6 Matagalpa
Head north into the mountainous region of Matagalpa. Here you’ll explore the surrounding area on nature trails, where your guide will point out wild orchids and colourful bromeliads, and hopefully spot some of the local wildlife, including monkeys, peccaries, quetzal and three-wattled bellbird.
Days 7-8 León
On arrival in the historic city of León, your guide will take you on a tour to discover some of the colonial architecture, numerous churches, and impressive cathedral, the largest in Central America. The following day, head out of the city to explore Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve by boat. These wetlands are an important nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles and a birders paradise with hundreds of species recorded in the area. In the afternoon hike up Telica Volcano, one of the country’s most active, to the crater where you may see the glow from magma as the sun begins to set.
Days 9-10 Ometepe Island
Head to the shores of Lake Nicaragua and take the ferry to your next stop - Ometepe Island. Formed from two volcanoes, Ometepe Island is a nature lovers paradise. On your first afternoon here, take a kayak to explore Río Istián that cuts through the island, with scenic views of the volcanoes on either side you may spot caiman, howler monkeys and plentiful waterbird species, including herons, egrets, kingfishers and jacanas.
The next day, you’ll have a guided tour to a coffee plantation where you’ll meet the locals and learn about life on the island, visit Charco Verde Nature Reserve, discover ancient artefacts left behind by the island’s original pre-Columbian people, and finish with a refreshing dip in a natural pool in the jungle.
Days 11-13 San Juan del Sur
Take the ferry back to the mainland and journey south to San Juan del Sur on the Pacific Coast, a haven for surfers. Your time here has been left free to soak-up the laid-back vibes and relax on the beach. For those looking for something a little more active, why not take a surf lesson, a boat trip for snorkelling or to watch the sunset, or visit La Flor Nature Reserve to see Olive Ridley turtles nesting (Jul-Jan).
Days 14-15 Managua - UK
On day 14 you will be transferred from San Juan del Sur to Managua airport for your onward flight and will land back in the UK on day 15.
Alternatively, end your holiday to Nicaragua on the pristine beaches of the Corn Islands on the Caribbean side of the country.
Speak to a dedicated Nicaragua Travel Specialist today
All our Nicaragua itineraries can be tailored to your unique requirements. Enquire about our Highlights of Nicaragua holiday and let us plan your perfect Latin American adventure.
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