Nicaraguan adventure
Off the beaten track

Welcome to Nicaragua! We welcome you at Managua international airport. Your driver will take you to your hotel for your first contact with the country and to collect your travel documents. Your private transfer will then take you to your hotel in Managua.

In the morning, departure for León, the former capital of Nicaragua. En route, you’ll have the opportunity to see the brick and tile factories. This dynamic colonial city is the ideal starting point for discovering the region and its many volcanoes, or the beaches of the Pacific. Note: 93 kms; 2 hours drive 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’s walls.Hiking Cerro NegroBorn 150 years ago, it is the most active volcano in Nicaragua, having last erupted in 1999. At an altitude of 725m, it lives up to its name, the Black Mountain, with its lunar-like appearance. You’ll reach the summit from where you can observe the crater, before returning down the hiking trails. Note: moderate hike, approx. 1.5 hrs. overnight in León

Early morning, departure for the Telica volcano, one of the most active in the region, with a visit to the hervideros of San Jacinto. At the foot of Telica Volcano, this small village lives according to the moods 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. Start your ascent. You hike at your own pace, then as the climb progresses, the slopes become increasingly difficult (allow 4-6 hours). You then enjoy the view of the crater and the lava before taking a picnic break on the heights. After this well-deserved break, we head back down to the bubbling springs. Note: bring water, sun cream and a hat. Overnight in León

This morning, 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 many species of birds. You can end the excursion with a swim or a stroll on the beach. Note: duration approx. 2 hours. You’ll then head for the northern lands and the Esteli region, renowned for its freshness and its farms. Note: 2h30 drive. Overnight in Estelí

You leave Esteli and head north towards Somoto, a journey of 70 km and 1? hours. Located 2 hours north of Esteli, the Somoto canyon was discovered a few years ago by scientists. Its 4.7km-long fault, up to 100m deep, is home to the source of the Rio Coco, which flows into the Caribbean Sea. We offer you the chance to discover this site through water-based excursions: alternating walking and swimming in the canyon, jumping off jumps, and boat rides. Note: the excursion lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours. You leave Somoto and head south towards Esteli, where you spend the night.

Free time to enjoy Esteli, then take the road to La Dalia, passing through the small town of Matagalpa, a region renowned for its freshness and coffee plantations. Note: approx. 3 hrs drive. Overnight in Esteli

During your stay, you’ll have the chance to take part in the activities offered by the hotel. These are adapted according to the season (in particular, all coffee-related activities). Here’s an idea of what’s on offer: – morning walk to observe the finca’s birds, – tour of the cascada del Eden, – follow the process of cleaning the coffee grown on the property – discover the coffee plantation and take part in the picking – hike the Bejuco and Matapalo trails – visit the butterfly greenhouse or the frog vivarium – hike the peñas blancas reserve (1h drive) Overnight in an EcoLodge

You leave this morning for the city of San Carlos, with a stopover in Juigalpa, well known for the quality of its meat and its multi-storey cemetery. Note: 360 kms, approx. 6 hours’ drive. Transfer from San Carlos to El Castillo by boat. Arrive at El Castillo, check into your hotel and end the day at leisure. Note: approx. 2 hours by boat.

In the morning, your local specialist will guide you to the Indio Maiz Reserve. Known as the Pearl of Central America’s reserves by specialists, it is incredibly rich in biodiversity. You’ll be able to observe hundreds of different species of birds, reptiles, mammals and trees. Note: 4-hour excursion with return boat trip. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy this unusual, timeless place on the banks of the Rio San Juan, where you can stroll through the narrow streets of the village, meet the locals and perhaps hear the children’s stories of the day.

There’s plenty to do in the area: you can visit the Fortaleza, a historic site that bears witness to the storied past of this strategic area between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, or we recommend a visit to the artisan chocolate factory in the village of El Castillo, an interactive way to learn more about these craft techniques. At dusk, around 6:30 p.m., you’ll set sail on the wild waters of the Rio San Juan. With your local guide, you’ll be on the lookout for caimans, iguanas and crocodiles in the dark. Overnight at el Castillo

From the small village of El Castillo, take the boat to the town of San Carlos. Note: 2-hour journey. Check into your hotel on one of the islands of the archipelago and enjoy the magnificent sunset. Overnight on the Archipelago

You’ll set off for a full day’s exploration of the Solentiname Islands. You’ll begin your visit on the island of Mancarron, famous for its small church and park, and for its museum recounting the history of the archipelago. You’ll move on to the small island of the monkeys, and then on to Isla San Fernando and Isla La Venada, famous for their painters and their colorful naive art. Before spending the night in the wilderness, you’ll enjoy a sumptuous sunset over these islands. Night on the Archipelago

You’ll set off at first light towards the Los Guatuzos reserve, located on the southern shores of Lake Nicaragua on the border with Costa Rica. You’ll spend the morning discovering this 430km² haven of life, home to many different types of ecosystem.

Accompanied by your guide, you’ll discover incredible flora and fauna on foot and by boat: monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, toucans, iguanas, orchids and trees typical of the primary forest. From the Guatuzos reserve, you’ll sail to the shore of Lake Nicaragua to reach the port of Colon. Overnight in 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 restaurants ideally located on the seafront, and end your day with a sunset in the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur. Overnight in San Juan del Sur or nearby

Free morning in San Juan del Sur, then ferry back to Ometepe Island, overnight on Ometepe Island.

Hike to the Maderas MiradorYou’ll set off along the slopes of the Maderas volcano, heading for a mirador that offers 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. Once you reach the mirador, if the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to take in the spectacular view of the 8-shaped island of Ometepe, and a breathtaking view of the cone of the Concepcion volcano just opposite.

You’ll hike back down to the hotel in the late morning. Note: approx. 2 hr walk one way and 2 hr return. Relax in the natural pools of Ojo de Agua at the end of the day. Overnight on Ometepe island.

Your guide will take you kayaking on the Rio Istian, a special ecosystem located between the island’s two volcanoes. You’ll start your boat trip on Nicaragua’s largest lake to observe the various properties that litter the shoreline, then climb into your kayal to 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. Free time on Ometepe Island. Then on to the port of Moyogalpa to take the ferry to San Jorge, then on to your hotel in Granada. Note: approx. 1 hour by boat; approx. 1? hours by road. Overnight in Granada.

Guided tour of Granada: 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 then make your way 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. We suggest you enjoy a vigoron (a typical Nicaraguan dish) in the shade of the trees in the central square for lunch.Las IsletasYou’ll set off by boat to sail between these islets, where Nicaraguans have now established their vacation homes.

There are almost 400 basalt islands, and you’ll be sure to enjoy excellent views of the proud Mombacho volcano, as well as spotting numerous animals. Note: duration approx. 2 hours Overnight in Granada.

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 recorded 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. Discover the secrets of artisanal chocolate-making 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

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 Nahuált natives, 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. Return to your hotel afterwards. Overnight in Granada

Departure for Managua international airport. Three hours before your flight, you’ll be on your way to Managua airport. Note: approx. one-hour drive.