14-Day Self-Drive Tour of Nicaragua | Free Cancellation

Welcome to Nicaragua!

Upon arrival at Managua International Airport, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in the capital.

Overnight at your hotel in Managua.

Pick up your rental car and set off from Managua toward León, Nicaragua’s former capital and one of the country’s most captivating cities.

Once known as the intellectual and political heart of Nicaragua, León is a city that rewards slow exploration. Its colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and rich revolutionary history make it a fascinating first stop on your road trip.

This afternoon, discover León on a half-day guided tour with an English-speaking guide. Visit the Rubén Darío Museum, dedicated to Nicaragua’s most celebrated poet. Admire the imposing Cathedral on the Central Park, the largest in Central America, and climb to its rooftop for sweeping panoramic views over the city’s terracotta rooftops and surrounding volcanoes. End your walk among the colorful revolutionary murals that bring the city’s history to life.

Overnight at your hotel in León.

Today is all about volcanoes, one of Nicaragua’s most iconic experiences.

This morning, your driver will pick you up in a 4×4 vehicle and take you to the famous Cerro Negro Volcano. Born just 150 years ago, it is the youngest and most active volcano in Nicaragua. Its last eruption dates back to 1999. Standing at 725m/2,378ft above sea level, the volcano lives up to its name: a lunar landscape of pitch-black volcanic rock, with sulfur fumaroles adding to the otherworldly atmosphere.

You’ll hike to the crater at the summit, then descend either on foot or by sandboarding straight down the black slopes. Definitely a thrilling experience guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping!

Return to León for lunch (included), then set off in the early afternoon toward Telica Volcano, one of the most active in the region.

The ascent is gradual but increasingly steep as you climb higher. At the top, peer into the crater’s impressive depths, feel the heat of the volcanic rock beneath your feet, and witness a breathtaking sunset over the Nicaraguan landscape.

Overnight at your hotel in León.

Take a short drive from León to Las Peñitas, a charming fishing village on the Pacific coast.

Enjoy lunch with your feet in the sand (included), then spend the afternoon at leisure on Las Peñitas beach. Swimming in the Pacific, sipping a cocktail on a terrace at the water’s edge, or renting a surfboard if you’re feeling adventurous.

Overnight at your hotel in León.

Leave León behind and hit the road toward Granada, Nicaragua’s jewel of colonial architecture.

On the way, stop at the Masaya market, one of the largest and most vibrant craft markets in the country. Browse colorful stalls filled with pottery, woven textiles, handmade clothing, and local accessories. A wonderful window into Nicaragua’s artisan traditions.

Arrive in Granada and take time to soak up the atmosphere on the Central Park. Don’t miss trying a vigirón, the region’s beloved street food, enjoyed in the shade of the square’s trees.

This afternoon, explore Granada on a guided walking tour with an English-speaking guide.

Known as La Gran Sultana, Granada is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas. Begin at the Iglesia San Francisco, the oldest church in the city, with its museum of pre-Columbian statues. End your visit at the Central Park and climb the bell tower of La Merced Church for a spectacular panoramic view over the city’s colorful rooftops and Lake Nicaragua.

Overnight at your hotel in Granada.

Start the day with a warm and immersive experience alongside Doña Hilda, the owner and cook of a beloved local restaurant. Roll up your sleeves and learn to prepare some of Nicaragua’s most iconic dishes: Indio Viejo (a traditional slow-cooked stew), handmade corn tortillas, and sweet buñuelos fritters, a delicious local treat.

Your host will share the secrets behind Nicaragua’s distinctive flavors, in a convivial and authentic setting. A recipe worth recreating back home!

In the afternoon, set out by kayak to explore the stunning Isletas de Granada, an archipelago of nearly 400 small basaltic islets scattered across Lake Nicaragua, just off the shores of Granada.

A true natural paradise, this labyrinth of waterways is home to a remarkable variety of birdlife, including the Montezuma Oropendola with its intricately woven hanging nests, howler monkeys swinging through the canopy, and the surprisingly well-camouflaged fruit bats clinging to the branches above. Throughout your paddle, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the imposing Mombacho Volcano rising above the lake.

Overnight at your hotel in Granada.

Today, discover the lush cloud forest of Mombacho Volcano, which towers over Granada with its four volcanic craters: the highest peak reaching 1,345m/4,442ft above sea level.

Meet your guide at the entrance of the Mombacho Natural Reserve and board a 4×4 truck to the trailhead, deep within the only humid cloud forest on the Pacific coast of Central America.

The Tigrillo Trail winds through this unique ecosystem, offering spectacular panoramic views over Las Isletas, Lake Cocibolca, and the volcano’s summit. Keep your eyes open for orchids, howler monkeys, and the many bird species that call this misty forest home.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Granada at your own pace. Wander through the city’s charming, colorful streets, browse the lively local market near the Central Park, visit the Doña Elba Cigar Museum, or settle into one of the many shaded café terraces to watch the city go by.

Overnight at your hotel in Granada.

Drive from Granada to San Jorge port, where you’ll board a ferry across Lake Nicaragua to Ometepe Island.

The largest island in Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe is a place unlike any other, shaped by two towering volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas rising dramatically from the water.

Upon arrival, take a gentle walk along the Charco Verde Lagoon, set at the foot of the majestic Concepción Volcano. The green lagoon is surrounded by tropical vegetation and offers stunning views of both the island’s volcanoes. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys and a wide variety of tropical birds along the trail.

After your walk, we invite you to explore two small but fascinating museums: the El Ceibo Museum, home to a remarkable collection of over 1,500 pre-Columbian artifacts, and the Alta Gracia open-air museum, featuring a handful of ancient stone statues.

Overnight at your hotel in Ometepe, by the lake.

This morning, head into the forested slopes of Maderas Volcano for a rewarding hike to the spectacular San Ramón Waterfall. A 110 metres/360 ft. cascade tucked into the lush, humid jungle on the southern side of the volcano, about 4 km/2,4 miles from the village of San Ramón. If the water level allows it, you’ll be able to take a refreshing dip in the natural pool.

In the afternnon, cool off at Ojo de Agua, a natural freshwater pool fed by volcanic springs, nestled in lush tropical vegetation. The slightly mineral-rich water is known for its beneficial properties for the skin. Relax on a sun lounger, swing in a hammock, or grab a cold drink from the small on-site café.

Alternatively, head to Playa Santo Domingo or Playa Santa Cruz, two beaches located on the narrow strip of land connecting Ometepe’s two volcanic halves. Playa Santo Domingo stretches along the calm, flat shores of Lake Nicaragua, while Playa Santa Cruz offers a more intimate setting, perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding with dramatic volcano views as a backdrop.

Overnight at your hotel in Ometepe, by the lake.

Today, you will take the ferry back to mainland to pursue your trip to San Juan del Sur, a lively Pacific beach town with a welcoming atmosphere. Stroll through its bustling center, browse local shops, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the restaurants lining the bay. Don’t miss the sunset over the water, it’s one of the most beautiful in Nicaragua!

Overnight at your hotel in San Juan del Sur.

Take the morning to explore San Juan del Sur at your own pace: visit local restaurants for a taste of Nicaraguan Pacific coast cuisine, or simply soak up the laid-back beach town atmosphere.

In the afternoon, head north along the coast to discover the wild, untouched beaches that stretch beyond the town: Playa Marsella, Playa Maderas, and Playa Majagual. Three beautiful coves popular with surfers and nature lovers, each with its own distinct character.

Overnight at your hotel in San Juan del Sur.

Spend the morning relaxing on Playa Coco, one of the most secluded and pristine beaches along Nicaragua’s Pacific coast. Its wide stretch of sand and calm atmosphere make it ideal for travelers seeking peace and tranquility away from the crowds.

Playa Coco is also a key nesting site for sea turtles (from July to January). In the afternoon, visit the nearby La Flor Wildlife Reserve. During nesting season (from September to mid-February), you may witness the magical sight of baby sea turtles being released into the ocean at dusk.

Overnight at your hotel in San Juan del Sur.

Leave San Juan del Sur in the morning and drive north toward the Laguna de Apoyo, following the shores of Lake Nicaragua.

Spend the afternoon at Laguna de Apoyo: a stunning volcanic crater lake reaching 200m/656ft. in depth, the lowest point in all of Central America. The now-dormant volcano is blanketed in dense green forest, home to toucans, hummingbirds, blue jays, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and exotic butterflies. Swim in the warm, clear waters, paddle out by kayak, or simply swing in a hammock by the lake’s edge.

For sunset, we suggest you to visit the Masaya volcano. With 54 km²/20,8 mi² of protected land and 20 km/12,4 mi of trails, Masaya National Park offers a truly unique encounter with Nicaragua’s volcanic landscape. Drive directly to the crater’s edge, step out of the car, and stand just metres away from one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world. Since a partial collapse in 2024, visibility into the crater has changed, but the experience of standing this close to a living volcano remains deeply impressive.

Overnight at your hotel in Laguna de Apoyo.

Enjoy your final morning by the lagoon before hitting the road toward Managua International Airport, where you will take your international flight back home.

¡Hasta luego, Nicaragua!