volcan el hoyo, Nicaragua

Trek and volcanoes tour
in Nicaragua

15-day hiking and volcano tour in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua, known as « the land of lakes and volcanoes », offers a wealth of trekking and hiking opportunities. This cross-country itinerary, following the Maribios chain of active volcanoes, will delight hikers and travellers wishing to explore the trails and peaks of Nicaragua.

Length of stay: 15 days

Theme: Sport and Adventure

Difficulty: Difficult trekking: hikers, this tour is for you!

It was as a guide that I discovered my true passion for nature and exploring my country, immersing myself in the study of birds, mammals and reptiles. But my favorite playground is undoubtedly Nicaragua's volcanoes! Dare to be adventurous in Nica... contact us!

Pedro Contact us

Travel Itinerary

Jour 1 :

Managua

Welcome to Nicaragua! Welcome to Managua international airport. First contact with the country. Then, your private transfer will take you to your hotel in Managua. Overnight in your Managua hotel

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Jour 2 :

Managua - León

Rental of a 4×2 vehicle. In the morning, departure from Managua for León, the former capital of Nicaragua. This dynamic colonial city is the ideal starting point for discovering the region and its many volcanoes or the Pacific beaches.Note: 100kms – 2 hours drive.Free time to discover León.Former capital of Nicaragua until 1851, León is a must-see city in the north of the country. Seductive for its colonial style, fascinating for its rich historical and religious past, we invite you to discover this city through the places that have marked its history. We suggest you start your visit with the indigenous district of Sutiaba, followed by a visit to the museum of Ruben Dario*, the mythical child of Nicaraguan literature. Then take time to discover the imposing cathedral on the Parc Central, and admire the panoramic view from its roof. Finally, you can finish your visit with a look at the revolutionary murals that decorate the city’s walls. Overnight at your Hotel de León.

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Jour 3 :

Climbing El Hoyo volcano & Cerro Negro

Climb the El Hoyo and Cerro Negro volcanoes.This day is devoted to discovering two volcanoes in the department of Léon: Pilas El Hoyo and Cerro Negro. In the morning, you’ll start by climbing the Pilas El Hoyo volcano, whose summit reaches an altitude of 1050 meters. This active volcano is part of a 30 km-long volcanic chain and has a huge crater from which fumaroles escape. You’ll take a picnic break with a breathtaking view of this imposing hole in the volcano. After a five-hour walk, and having descended from the Pilas El Hoyo volcano, you’ll continue on to Central America’s youngest volcano. Born in 1850, Cerro Negro peaks at just 728 metres above sea level. An hour’s walk will take you to the summit, from where you can observe the crater’s sulphur walls and the traces of its various eruptions. You can then choose to sandboard (optional), run or simply slide down the volcano’s ashes.Note: approx. 7 hours’ trek in total.Overnight at your Hotel in León.

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Jour 4 :

León - The beaches of Poneloya and las Peñitas

Discover the mangroves of Isla Juan Venado by boat. We recommend heading for the Pacific coast and the village of Las Peñitas. On this coast lies the Isla Juan Venado nature reserve, 22km long and 250m wide. We recommend exploring the mangroves by boat in search of turtles, caimans and iguanas. Located opposite Las Peñitas beach, this island is also home to many species of birds. You can finish the excursion with a swim or a stroll on the beach.Note: approx. 3h excursion.You can spend the afternoon on Las Peñitas beach for a swim, surfboard rental or any other water sport. Return to León. Overnight at your hotel in León

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Jour 5 :

Telica Volcano ascent & Bivouac

Ascent and overnight stay in tents at Volcan TelicaDepart in the middle of the day for the Telica volcano, one of the most active in the region, starting with a visit to the Hervideros de San Jacinto, an area of hyperactive fumaroles. At the foot of the Telica volcano, this small village lives at the whim of the colossus. You’ll be able to observe various volcanic manifestations, including bubbling baths and the omnipresent smell of sulfur. Many legends and myths surround this timeless place, and the ascent begins. You’ll hike at your own pace, as the slopes become more and more challenging. Once at the top, you’ll set up camp on the flanks of the crater. As night falls, you can approach the crater to observe its dizzying depths and smell the sulphur and heat of the volcanic rocks. At night, you’ll even be able to see some of the molten lava mouths. You’ll return to your camp for dinner under the stars, before settling into your tent.Note 1: Approx. 3/4-hour walk up.Note 2: Overnight and dinner on the volcano’s flanks.

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Jour 6 :

Climb Telica volcano, drive to Granada

Ascent and overnight in tents at Telica VolcanoAt the crack of dawn, you’ll have the opportunity to return to the crater rim for a breathtaking sunrise over the valley and the Maribios volcano range. The sunrise over the valley and the Maribios chain of volcanoes is breathtaking when the sky is clear. Then you’ll head back to camp for breakfast, before descending along the hiking trails. Return journey to León.Note: approx. 3 hours’ walk for the descent. From León, head for the town of Granada. We suggest you take a stroll through the Masaya market, one of the most important in the country and renowned for its colorful local handicrafts. You can then visit the village of Catarina, whose main activity is the production of bamboo furniture. You’ll also enjoy the viewpoint with its superb view of the city of Granada, the Great Lake and its islands, the Apoyo lagoon and the Mombacho volcano. Afterwards, continue your journey to Granada.Note: 140 km – 3h drive approx.Free time to explore Granada. We suggest you discover this colonial jewel on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage. You can visit the Cathedral, the Merced church and the Xalteva church, around which the city of Granada was originally built. You can climb the tower of La Merced church to get a bird’s eye view of the city and the lake from up there. Then, we invite you to immerse yourself in the central market and its colorful stalls. Before continuing your discovery, enjoy tostones con queso in the central square under the shade of the trees.

For cigar aficionados, there’s a cigar factory in the town center, with guided tours and workshops. In the late afternoon, we suggest you take a seat on the main street, La Calzada, to watch the pink tones of the late-day sky as the street begins to come alive. Overnight at your hotel in Granada.

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Jour 7 :

Visit Granada & Las isletas

Discovering Las IsletasHalf-day trip to discover the Las Isletas archipelago, a group of islands off the coast of Granada. You’ll set off by boat to sail between these islets, where today’s Nicaraguans have established their vacation homes. There are almost 400 basaltic islands, and you’re sure to enjoy excellent views of the proud Mombacho volcano, as well as numerous animal sightings.Note: duration approx. 2 hours.Overnight at your hotel in Granada.

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Jour 8 :

Hiking on the Mombacho volcano

Puma hike on the Mombacho volcano.We invite you to discover the humid nature of the Mombacho volcano, which overlooks Granada and is made up of four volcanic craters, the highest peak of which rises to 1,345 m. Meet us at the entrance to the Mombacho volcano, and we’ll take you by 4×4 truck to the easily accessible hiking trails through the only humid forest on the Pacific coast of Central America.

This trail is designed for visitors and groups who want to spend more time in contact with nature in the heart of the reserve, but who are also prepared to invest greater physical effort. It takes you through the Cloud Forest on the edge of the main crater, where fumaroles of sulphurous gas emanate permanently. The route is winding, with intense ascents and descents, but dotted with lookouts offering spectacular views at 1,145 m and 1,222 m. The most impressive point, with the widest view, is the Mirador del Aguila: a view that will delight nature and photography enthusiasts.Note: High degree of difficulty – approx. 4 hrs. Accompanied by a certified local guide (included).Free afternoon to enjoy the Laguna de Apoyo, an ancient volcanic crater now filled with fresh water. You can choose between walking, swimming or kayaking, or simply relax in this enchanting setting. Overnight at your Granada hotel,

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Jour 9 :

Set course for Ometepe Island!

Depart Granada this morning and drive to the port of San Jorge . Board the ferry to the island of Ometepe.Note: approx. 1h30 drive and 1h15 boat ride.Charco Verde ParkWelcome to Charco Verde Park, at the foot of the Concepción volcano. Enjoy a stroll along the Charco Verde lagoon and Lake Nicaragua. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Concepción volcano, as well as the Maderas volcano. On your return, you’ll discover the open-air butterfly reserve covering more than 1,200 m², which can accommodate up to 3,000 butterflies, including the famous « mariposa » in the colors of the national flag…

Suggestion: A sunset over the lake!We suggest that you make your way to Punta Jesus Maria at the end of the day to admire the sunset over this kilometre-long outcrop of land in the middle of the lake.Note: sunset between 5 and 6 p.m.Overnight at your hotel on Ometepe Island.

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Jour 10 :

Climbing the Concepción volcano

Ascent of the Concepción volcanoFrom the town of Moyogalpa, it’s a 1-hour drive to the foot of the active Concepción volcano. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll begin your ascent of the volcano via its mirador, which offers a superb view of the island of Ometepe and the Maderas volcano. You’ll then climb the 1,610-metre ascent to its conical crater. Volcan Concepción is an active stratovolcano. Since 1883, it has erupted at least 25 times, most recently on March 9, 2010. Its eruptions are characterized by frequent, moderate explosions. Active fumaroles are present just north of the summit crater.Note: 9-hour trek, difficult level.Overnight at your hotel on Ometepe Island.

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Jour 11 :

Hike to Cascade San Ramon

Cascade San RamónCascade San Ramón is located on the southern slope of the Maderas volcano on the island of Ometepe, about 4 km from the small village of San Ramón. To reach the 110 m-high natural waterfall, you’ll have to hike up the wooded and humid part of the impressive volcano. Once you’ve reached your destination, you’ll have the chance to take a dip in the waterhole if it’s full enough.Note: 2 hours’ walk approx.Ojo de AguaYou’ll then relax in the natural waters of Ojo de Agua. An underground river originating from the Maderas volcano and emerging in two basins. There’s nothing like a good swim and a cocktail to cool you down in these temperatures. Overnight at your hotel on Ometepe Island.

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Jour 12 :

Kayak navigation, Rio Istian

Kayaking on the Rio IstianYour guide will take you kayaking on the Rio Istian, a special ecosystem located between the island’s two volcanoes. You’ll start your trip by rowing out onto Nicaragua’s largest lake to observe the various properties that litter the shoreline. Then you’ll approach the isthmus and enter a small stream of water with lush vegetation. On the way back, you’ll be surrounded by two majestic volcanoes and enjoy a panoramic view of the lake.Duration: 3 hours.Overnight at your hotel on Ometepe Island

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Jour 13 :

The beaches of San Juan del Sur

Drive to the port of Moyogalpa to catch the ferry to San Jorge, Rivas, then on to your hotel on the Pacific Ocean in San Juan del Sur.Note 1: approx. 1h boat ride and 1h drive.Free afternoon to relax in the small fishing town of San Juan del Sur.

From here, you can explore the wild beaches of the Pacific coast, sample typical dishes in seaside restaurants and end the day with a sunset over the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur. Overnight at your hotel in San Juan del Sur.

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Jour 14 :

The beaches of San Juan del Sur

Free day to relax in the small fishing town of San Juan del Sur, from where you can explore the wild beaches of the Pacific coast, sample typical dishes in seaside restaurants and end the day with a sunset over the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur. Overnight at your hotel in San Juan del Sur.

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Jour 15 :

Back to Managua, Hasta Luego!

Free time to enjoy your hotel and San Juan del Sur, then back on the road to Managua international airport. Three hours before departure, connection to your international flight.Note 1: approx. 3h drive.

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