Self drive tour to discover Nicaragua and relax

Welcome to Nicaragua!

Your driver will meet you at Managua international airport and take you to your hotel in Managua.

night in Managua.

In the morning, departure from Managua for Léon, the former capital of Nicaragua.

This dynamic colonial town is the ideal starting point for discovering the region’s many volcanoes and Pacific beaches.

Note: 100kms – 2 hours drive.

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 with a tour of its main sites accompanied by your guide.

You’ll start the tour in the Sutiaba district, 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, the tour ends with a visit to the revolutionary murals.

On to the Pacific beaches of Las Peñitas, a bucolic fishing village where you can enjoy a stroll and the sea air.

Note: 30-minute drive.

Overnight at Las Peñitas

Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve

This morning, you meet your local guide in the small village of Las Peñitas.

Antonio will introduce you to the lush nature reserve of Isla Juan Venado. By panga, a typical Nicaraguan motorboat, we’ll explore the mangroves in search of turtles, caimans, raccoons, iguanas… Located opposite Las Peñitas beach, this island is also home to many species of birds.

You can finish the tour with a swim in the Pacific waters, a stroll on the beach or a sip of fresh fruit juice on the terrace, with your feet in the sand!

Note: duration approx. 3 hours.

Yoga classes.

This afternoon, yoga class with your private teacher.

You’ll meet directly on the beach for a relaxing break facing the waves of the Pacific Ocean.

Duration: approx. 1 hour.

Overnight at las Peñitas.

During the day, departure from Las Peñitas towards Granada.

Note: 160 km – 3 hours drive approx.

Lunch at leisure: For lunch, we suggest you enjoy a « vigoron » (a typical Nicaraguan dish) in the central square under the shade of the trees.

Guided tour of Granada

« 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 oldest in town. The tour ends with the Church of Xalteva, the Cathedral and the Central Park.

Overnight at the Laguna de Apoyo.

Tigrillo hike on the Mombacho volcano.

We invite you to discover the wetlands of Volcan Mombacho, overlooking Granada. The volcano is made up of four volcanic craters, with the highest peak reaching 1,345 metres. 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 along the Trigillo trail!

This hike is ideal for those seeking both a short distance and a high level of challenge. The trail takes in panoramic views of the isletas, Lake Cocibolca and the highest point of the Mombacho volcano.

Note: 2.5km and 3h walk. Accompanied by a certified English-speaking guide (included).

You’ll be climbing to an altitude of 1000m, and the weather is cooler, so be prepared.

Afternoon free to enjoy the Laguna de Apoyo, an ancient volcanic crater now filled with fresh water.

It’s a lake formed in the submerged volcanic crater of the now extinct Volcán de Apoyo, with a depth of 200 metres – the lowest point in all of Central America!

The volcano is largely considered dormant, and a thick green forest has developed on its flanks over the years. It’s here that you can take a nature hike and observe toucans, hummingbirds, blue jays, howler and white-faced monkeys and exotic butterflies.

Relaxing massage session (1h) Overnight stay on the shores of the Laguna de Apoyo.

Departing from Granada, you will make your way to the port of San Jorge. Board the ferry to the island ofOmetepe.

Note: approx. 1h30 drive and 1h15 ferry crossing.

Suggestion: stroll along the Charco Verde lagoon.

Welcome to Charco Verde Park, at the foot of the Concepción volcano.

We suggest you take 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. You’ll also see many howler monkeys and all kinds of birds.

Overnight on the island of Ometepe.

Mirador Maderas volcano hike.

Accompanied by an experienced 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 greens of the banana plantations on the heights. Along the way, you’ll come across oxen and horses, as well as the local inhabitants who cultivate this very fertile land.

Once you reach the mirador, if the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to take in the spectacular view of the « 8 » shape of Ometepe island and a breathtaking view of the cone of the Concepcion volcano just opposite.

Return to the hotel via the hiking trails.

Note: approx. 2 hrs walk out and 2 hrs walk back.

600 m ascent.

Difficulty: moderate

Kayaking on the Rio Istian.

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.

You’ll then climb into your kayak to approach the isthmus and enter a small stream of water with lush vegetation. In this mangrove, you’ll be able to admire many birds, caimans and monkeys.

On the way back, you’ll be surrounded by two majestic volcanoes and enjoy a panoramic view of the lake.

3 hrs. Overnight on Ometepe Island

Horseback ride to the San Ramon waterfall

Meet your guide and horses at the entrance to the San Ramon waterfall.

You’ll set off on a ride to the foot of this impressive waterfall. Before heading back down, take time for a swim and enjoy this uniquely Nicaraguan spot!

An active horseback ride along narrow, rocky paths.

Note: approx. 3h30 ride.

Ojo de Agua.

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 on the island of Ometepe.

Early morning, drive to the port of Moyogalpa to catch the ferry to San Jorge, Rivas.

Then back on the road to your hotel on the Pacific Ocean’s Popoyo beach.

Note 1: approx. 1h by boat and 1h15 by road.

Horseback riding

Your local guide will pick you up at your hotel for an unforgettable horseback ride. You can gallop along the beach and enjoy the scenery on your horse.

Overnight in Popoyo.

Free day to relax at playa Popoyo!

Popoyo is renowned for its waves and surfing, but not only! It’s also the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beach and its spectacular sunsets!

Surfing lessons

It’s on these Pacific coast beaches that you’ll enjoy a private surf session with your private instructor. He or she will guide you through the basics of this sport, which is very popular on the Nicaraguan coast.

Note: approx. 2 hours.

Note 2: surfboard rental included.

Yoga classes.

This afternoon, yoga class with your private instructor.

You’ll meet directly on the beach for a relaxing break facing the waves of the Pacific Ocean.

Duration: approx. 1 hour.

Overnight in Popoyo

The small village of las Salinas de Nagualapa owes its name to the salt flats you’ll see on arrival. The main attraction here is the proximity of two beaches: playa Popoyo and playa Guasacate .

These 2 beaches boast some ten kilometers of white sand, with waves that make them one of Nicaragua’s finest surf spots.

Take advantage of this magical place to take a surfing lesson, relax on the beach or watch the splendid sunset over the Pacific

Surfing lessons

It’s on these Pacific beaches that you’ll enjoy a private surf session with your private instructor. He or she will guide you in your introduction to this sport, which is very popular on the Nicaraguan coast.

Note: approx. 2 hours.

Note 2: surfboard rental included.

Yoga classes.

This afternoon, yoga class with your private instructor.

You’ll meet directly on the beach for a relaxing break facing the waves of the Pacific Ocean.

Duration: approx. 1 hour.

Overnight in Popoyo.

Free time to enjoy your hotel on Popoyo beach. Then back on the road to Managua.

Note 1: approx. 3 hours’ drive – via Rivas.

hasta luego!