An extraordinary journey through Nicaragua
Ometepe, colonial towns & the Caribbean

Welcome to Nicaragua! Welcome to Managua international airport. First contact with the country and reception of your travel documents by your driver. Then, your private transfer will take you to your hotel in Managua. Note: Please bring $10 USD in cash for entry tax. Overnight at Hotel Elements. Standard room.

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 visit with the indigenous district of Sutiaba, followed by a visit to 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, the tour ends with a visit to the revolutionary murals that decorate the city walls. Admission included. 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 finish the excursion with a swim or a stroll on the beach. Note: duration approx. 2 hours. This afternoon, you’ll meet your local guide at the entrance to the Cerro Negro volcano to set off on a discovery tour. Born 150 years ago, the Cerro Negro volcano 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, then descend the slope on a sandboard. Guaranteed thrills, whether you’re standing up or sitting on your board! Note: moderate hike, approx. 1? hours’ walk. Overnight in León.

You’ll then head north to the Esteli region, renowned for its cool, farmed climate. 2h30 drive. 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. On the way to Esteli, you’ll visit the world-renowned Plasencia cigar factory, where you’ll learn about the different stages tobacco leaves go through to create a cigar. You’ll also learn all the details involved in making the best cigars: how to choose the leaf, work it, then roll it to obtain the perfect cigar. Note: duration approx. 1 h. Overnight stay near Esteli.

The tropical woodland of the Tisey Estanzuela Nature Reserve boasts a rich and abundant flora and fauna, and extends over more than 9,344 hectares of territory. The rural spirit that emanates from the daily life of the local people, as well as its cultural and gastronomic events, are among the tourist attractions of the Tisey – l’Estanzuela Nature Reserve. The reserve is made up of mountainous terrain, divided between rivers and valleys. Its name derives from the two points of interest it boasts: the Le Tisey waterfall, well filled in winter, and the Estanzuela river, which ends in an impressive waterfall of the same name. Nearby, we recommend a visit to the Garnacha community. You can visit a goat and earthworm farm, a cheese-making workshop, meet the famous El Zopilote stone carver and a host of other craft activities. Overnight in the Esteli area.

You start from the Miraflor nature reserve and head south-east towards Jinotega and then Matagalpa, the capital of the country’s coffee production. Note: 95 km for a 2 hour 15 minute journey. Overnight in an Ecolodge.

During your stay, you can take part in the hotel’s activities at no extra cost. These are adapted 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 frog vivarium – hike the peñas blancas reserve (1h drive) Overnight in an Ecolodge

Depart from La Dalia for Granada, a superb colonial town. On the way, stop off in Masaya for a stroll through the town. Don’t miss the colorful handicrafts market, brimming with everything from scarves and traditional pottery to the hammocks for which the town is famous. Then on to Granada. This dynamic city is the ideal starting point for discovering the region and its many volcanoes, or the islands of Lake Nicaragua. Note: approx. 4 hrs drive in total (approx. 3 hrs 30 mins between La Dalia and Masaya and approx. 30 mins between Masaya and Granada). Guided tour of Granada (half day): La Gran Sultana is a colonial jewel that we suggest you discover on foot. You’ll start your 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 plaza for lunch. Entrance fees included to Convento San Francisco, La Merced Church and Granada Cathedral. 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 , small villages on the outskirts of Masaya, renowned for their handicrafts. From pottery to leather goods and hammocks, the colors of local craftsmanship 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. Afternoon free to enjoy the Laguna de Apoyo, an ancient volcanic crater now filled with fresh water. You can choose to hike, swim or kayak, or simply relax in this enchanting setting. At dusk, head 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

In the late morning, meet at the Port del Rayo and spend half the day discovering Las Isletas, an archipelago of islands off the coast of Granada. Around midday, you’ll set off by boat to explore these islets, where today’s Nicaraguans have established their vacation homes.

Nearly 400 of these basaltic islands have been counted, and you’re sure to enjoy excellent views of the proud Mombacho volcano, as well as numerous animal sightings. You’ll reach a private, 100% natural island where the owners have taken great care to preserve this little piece of floating paradise. You can use the kayaks to explore the surrounding area and admire the fauna and flora of this archipelago up close. You’ll appreciate the calm that reigns on the island and its surroundings, so close and so far from Granada. For lunch, you’ll enjoy fresh fish grilled on the barbecue, a guaranteed delight. Robinson and Crusoe atmosphere, an opportunity to live like an Ilian for a day. Night on the island

Leaving Granada this morning, you’ll make your way to the port of San Jorge. 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: Sunset on the lake At the end of the day, we suggest heading for Punta Jesus Maria to admire the sunset over this kilometre-long outcrop of land in the middle of the lake. Overnight on Ometepe Island

In the morning, accompanied by a local hiker, you’ll set off along the slopes of the Maderas volcano towards a mirador 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. Once you reach the mirador, if the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to take in the spectacular view of the shape 8 of the 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 hrs walk one way and 2 hrs return. You’ll then relax in the natural waters of Ojo de Agua. There’s nothing like a refreshing dip and a cocktail to cool you down in these temperatures! Overnight on the island of Ometepe

Morning at leisure on the island of Omete You will take the ferry, then head for Managua. Note: approx. 1 hour by boat; approx. 2 hours by road. Overnight in Managua.

This morning, transfer to Managua national airport for your flight to the Mais Islands. Domestic flight Managua /Big Corn Island, in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. Note: 1h30 flight with a stop at Bluefields. From Managua, domestic flight to Big Corn Island, in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. Note: 1h30 flight with a stop at Bluefields. Then Panga boat to Little Corn Island. You’ve arrived at Little Corn Island! Overnight on Little Corn Island.

Free day to relax on Little Corn Island. You can enjoy the sun and the beach while listening to the lapping of the Caribbean Sea. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving to discover the seabed, or go deep-sea fishing with the locals. For total relaxation, try a seaside yoga session, a four-hand massage or the local specialty, the Piña Colada. Overnight on Little Corn Island

Free day to relax on Little Corn Island. You can enjoy the sun and the beach while listening to the lapping of the Caribbean Sea. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving to discover the seabed, or go deep-sea fishing with the locals. For total relaxation, try a seaside yoga session, a four-hand massage or the local specialty, the Piña Colada. Overnight on Little Corn Island

Enjoy your last moments on the Caribbean island before heading for the mainland. Domestic flight from Big Corn Island to Managua. Note: 1.5-hour flight with a stopover in Bluefields. Welcome by your private transfer to your hotel. Night in Managua.

Morning at leisure and, depending on your flight schedule, three hours before departure, transfer to Managua international airport for your international flight.