Great Nicaragua Crossing

Welcome to Nicaragua! We welcome you at Managua international airport, then transfer you privately to your hotel in Managua. Overnight in Managua.

In the morning, departure for León, Nicaragua’s former capital. En route, you may wish to visit the brick and tile factories. This dynamic colonial town is the ideal starting point for discovering the region and its many volcanoes, or the beaches of the Pacific. Note 1: 93 kms; 2 hours drive Note 2: pick-up location and pick-up method to be confirmed. Guided tour of León (half-day): 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. You’ll start your tour in the indigenous district of Sutiaba, then visit the museum of Ruben Dario, the mythical child of Nicaraguan literature. Next, you’ll take time to discover the imposing cathedral on the Parc Central, and admire the panoramic view from its roof. Finally, you’ll take in the revolutionary murals that decorate the city walls. Overnight in León

Meet your local guide at the entrance to Cerro Negro volcano, the most active volcano in Nicaragua, born 150 years ago and last erupted in 1999. At an altitude of 725m, it lives up to its name, Black Mountain, with its lunar-like appearance. You’ll reach the summit from where you can observe the crater, then descend the slope on a sandboard. Note: Moderately difficult hike, approx. 1h30 walking time. In the early afternoon, you’ll meet your local guide in the small village of las Peñitas. The Juan Venado Island nature reserve is 22km long and 250m wide. We’ll take you by boat to explore the mangroves in search of turtles, caimans and iguanas. Located opposite Las Peñitas beach, the island is also home to numerous bird species. You can end the excursion with a swim or a stroll on the beach. Note: duration approx. 2 hours. Overnight in León

A visit to the hervideros of San Jacinto, a small village at the foot of Telica Volcano that lives at the whim of the colossus. You’ll be able to observe various volcanic manifestations, including bubbling baths and the ever-present smell of sulfur. Many legends and myths surround this timeless place. Free time to enjoy the colonial city. Then, off to the north and the Matagalpa region, renowned for its freshness and coffee plantations. On the way, you can stop off in Esteli to visit this small traditional northern village specializing in cigar production. Check-in at your accommodation and end of the day free to enjoy the surroundings. Note: 3 to 4 hours’ drive. Overnight stay near Matagalpa

This morning, you’ll hike through the Selva Negra Reserve, located in one of the country’s wetlands. This is an ideal opportunity to observe the many birds and animals that inhabit the forest, accompanied by your local naturalist guide. A visit to the reserve’s coffee plantation awaits you. You’ll learn everything from the seed to the cup. You’ll tour the plantations, learn about roasting techniques and have the opportunity to taste Nicaraguan coffee. Overnight in a coffee finca.

Take the road to Masaya, and don’t miss the colorful handicrafts market, full of everything from scarves to traditional pottery. Its hammocks are now internationally renowned. Take the time to discover the Pueblos Blancos, the small villages around Masaya, renowned for their handicrafts. From pottery to leather goods and hammocks, the colors of the local handicrafts will fill your eyes! Wander between Catarina and San Juan de Oriente to observe these small stores often set up on the porches of houses. If you wish, you can also stop off to visit a black ceramics workshop, the region’s specialty. At dusk, make your way to Masaya Volcano National Park, to discover the bubbling lava of the Masaya volcano. With its 54km² and 20km of wilderness trails, Masaya Volcano National Park is a place that will give you another view of what goes on beneath the earth’s crust. With its five craters, Masaya, called Popogatepe by the indigenous Nahuált, is the most accessible active volcano in the world. The tour consists of observing the lava lake at the end of the day for a more transcendent contrast. Road to Granada Overnight in Granada.

Guided tour of Granada (half day): La Gran Sultana is a colonial jewel that we suggest you discover on foot. You’ll start this guided tour at the Church of San Francisco, the city’s oldest, and move on to the cemetery with its 400-year-old marble tombs. Then on to the Polvora fortress. Finally, you’ll visit the Church of Xalteva, the Cathedral and the Central Park. You’ll then pass through the central market with its colorful stalls, and enjoy a vigoron (a typical Nicaraguan dish) in the shade of the trees in the central square for lunch. You’ll then take a boat to sail between the islets where Nicaraguans have now set up 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 in Granada. Standard room. Overnight at Hotel Plaza Colon. Standard room.

We invite you to discover the wetlands of Volcan Mombacho, a four-crater volcano overlooking Granada, with its highest peak at 1,345 m. Meet us at the entrance to Volcan Mombacho and take a 4×4 truck to the easily accessible hiking trails through the only rainforest on Central America’s Pacific coast.

Let’s go for a walk in the heart of this atypical ecosystem! Nearly 150 species of orchid, 50 types of mammal and 120 species of butterfly have been inventoried here. You’ll also visit a museum depicting the volcano’s major telluric events. Note: 1h30 self-guided hike; medium difficulty. You’ll climb to an altitude of 1000m; the weather is cooler, so be prepared. Departure for a 2 km treetop adventure with 17 stations, 11 zip lines and 3 suspension bridges, allowing you to appreciate the environment of Volcan Mombacho. Along the way, you’ll be able to observe the diversity of the local fauna. This dormant volcano is also a nature reserve with some 700 plant species, 173 bird species, 36 reptile species, 10 amphibian species and 47 mammal species. Plus several thousand species of insects, some of them endemic. Note: approx. 2-hour excursion. Discover the secrets of artisanal chocolate-making. You’ll meet in a community on the slopes of the Mombacho volcano. From the cocoa beans to the chocolate we’re used to tasting, you’ll learn about and witness all the stages of processing. Duration: 1-hour workshop. Overnight in Granada

Leaving Granada this morning, you will make your way to the port of San Jorge. Board the ferry to Ometepe Island. Note: approx. 1h30 drive; 1h15 boat ride Welcome to Charco Verde Park, at the foot of the Concepcion volcano. Enjoy a stroll along the Charco Verde lagoon and Lake Nicaragua. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Concepcion volcano, as well as the Maderas volcano. On your return, you’ll discover the 1,200 m² butterfly reserve, home to up to 3,000 butterflies. Suggestion: A sunset on the lake Overnight on the island of Ometepe.

In the morning, accompanied by a local, you’ll set off along the slopes of the Maderas volcano towards a viewpoint offering one of the best views on the island. You’ll pass through different types of vegetation, from the beige of the dry plain dotted with black volcanic rock, to the green of the banana plantations on the higher ground. Along the way, you’ll come across oxen and horses, as well as the locals who cultivate this highly fertile land.

Once you reach the mirador, if the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to observe this spectacular view of the 8 shape of Ometepe island, and an unobstructed view of the cone of the Concepcion volcano just opposite. You’ll hike back down, then return to the hotel in the late morning. Overnight on Ometepe island.