A family adventure to Nicaragua

Welcome to Nicaragua! Welcome at 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 the entry tax. Overnight at Hotel Europeo *, standard room.

In the morning, take a tour of Nicaragua’s capital, visiting the historic district and the cathedral. Stop off for lunch at the Mirador de Tiscapa, before heading off to Léon, Nicaragua’s former capital. Take the road along Lake Managua, and enjoy the impressive views of the Momotombo and Momotombito volcanoes. Along the way, 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 km; 2 hours’ drive Note 2: pick-up point and pick-up method for your rental car to be specified later. Free time to explore León 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. We suggest you 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, take time to discover the imposing cathedral on the Parc Central, and admire the panoramic view from its roof. Finally, take in the revolutionary murals that decorate the city walls. Overnight at the Mariposa Hotel*. Cabin Rental of a manual Yaris vehicle (or equivalent) with: – Compulsory insurance (CDW and TPI) – Unlimited mileage Possibility of taking out comprehensive insurance for an additional 20 euros/day (25 usd) Rental of a GPS (satellite navigation system, in French) Compulsory insurance included (TPI + CDW)

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. You meet your local guide at the entrance to the Cerro Negro volcano to set off on your discovery tour. Born 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, 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: Moderate hike, approx. 1.5 hours’ walk. Overnight at the Mariposa Hotel*. Cabin

Free time to enjoy the colonial town of Léon. Then off to the north and the Matagalpa region, renowned for its freshness and coffee plantations. En route, you can stop off in Esteli, a town well known for its cigars, or the town of Matagalpa, with its pretty little white church. Check-in at the lodge and end of the day free to enjoy the surrounding area. Note: approx. 4 h drive. Overnight at the Sombra Ecolodge, standard room.

During your stay at the Sombra Ecolodge, you’ll be able to take part in the hotel’s activities at no extra cost. These are adapted according to the season (especially 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 at Sombra Ecolodge. Standard room.

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, before continuing on to the colonial town of Granada, on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. Note: total driving time approx. 3 hrs. 15 min. (approx. 2 hrs. 45 min. between Matagalpa and Masaya and approx. 30 min. between Masaya and Granada). Tip: Discover the Masaya volcano by night! With its 54km² and 20km of wilderness trails, the 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, and the tour consists of discovering it at dusk to enjoy the sunset, the lava lake and the observation of the local fauna: parrots and bats among others. You’ll drive up to the crater to enjoy the view, then return to your hotel. Note: Open from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm. It’s advisable to get there as soon as it opens, as there’s an average wait of 30 minutes ($10USD/pers ). Note 2: Once you’ve entered the park, you have 15 minutes on site. Note 3: In our opinion, the best vantage point is to the left of the protective walls, at the pylon overlooking the camera. Overnight at Hotel Con Corazon * Standard room.

Free time to explore Granada We suggest you discover this colonial jewel on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage, visiting the Cathedral, the La Merced church and the Xalteva church, around which the city of Granada was originally built. You can climb the tower of La Merced church to get a bird’s eye view of the city and the lake from up there. Then, we invite you to immerse yourself in the central market and its colorful stalls. Before continuing your discovery, enjoy tostones con queso in the central square under the shade of the trees.

For cigar aficionados, there’s a cigar factory in the town center, with guided tours and workshops, and at the end of the morning, enjoy a Flor de Caña cocktail on Calle de la Calzada. Morning devoted to discovering the archipelago of las Isletas, a group of islands off the coast of Granada. You’ll set off by boat to sail between these islets, where today’s Nicaraguans have established 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 at Hotel Con Corazon *. 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. 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. Afternoon free to enjoy the Laguna de Apoyo, an ancient volcanic crater now filled with fresh water. You can choose between walking, swimming or kayaking, or simply relax in this enchanting setting. For access to the beach, we recommend one of the following hotels (daily entrance fee to be paid on site): – Monkey Hut – Paradiso Hostel – Laguna Beach Club Overnight stay at Hotel Con Corazon *. Standard room.

You’ll leave Granada this morning and make your way to the port of San Jorge . Board the ferry to the island of Ometepe. Note: approx. 1h30 drive; 1h15 boat crossing Note 2: Someone will be waiting for you at the port to give you the ferry tickets (for you and the vehicle) – Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the boat departs.

Departure times: 7:45 am, 8:30 am , 10: 30 am , 12:00 md, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm y 5:45 pm You’ll take the ferry from the small port of San Jorge to the town of Moyogalpa on the island of Ometepe.

Note: 1h15 crossing approx., please arrive at least 30 minutes before ferry departure. Note 2: Departure times: 7:00am, 7:45 am, 8:30 am , 9:00 am 10:30 am , 12:30 md, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:00 pm , 4:30 pm y 5:45 pm Ticket Vehicle included Welcome to the 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 We suggest you head for Punta Jesus Maria at the end of the day to admire the sunset over this kilometre-long outcrop of land in the middle of the lake. Note: Sunset between 5 and 6 p.m. Overnight at Hotel Charco Verde*. Standard room.

Your guide will take you kayaking on the Rio Istian, a special ecosystem located between the island’s two volcanoes. You’ll start your trip by paddling out onto Nicaragua’s largest lake to observe the various properties that litter the shoreline. Then you’ll approach the isthmus and enter a small stream where the vegetation is luxuriant. On the way back, you’ll be surrounded by two majestic volcanoes and enjoy a panoramic view of the lake. Duration: 3 hours. 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 off in these temperatures! Overnight at Hotel Charco Verde*, standard room.

Drive to the port of Moyogalpa to take the ferry to San Jorge, then drive back to your hotel on the Pacific Ocean. Note: approx. 1 hour by boat; approx. 1 hour by road.

Note 2: Someone will be waiting for you at the port to give you ferry tickets (for you and the vehicle) – Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the boat departs. Return times: 6:00 am, 6:45 am , 09:00 am , 10:00 am, 12:30 md, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm. You will take the ferry from the small port of Moyogalpa and cross Lake Nicaragua to San Jorge. Note : 1h15 crossing approx. Note 2 : A person will be waiting for you at the port to give you the ferry tickets (for you and the vehicle) – Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the boat departs.

Note 3 : Return schedules : 6:00 am, 6:45 am , 09:00 am , 10:00 am, 11:00 am , 11:30 am, 12:30 md, 2:30 pm, 4:00pm, 5:45 pm Ticket Vehicle Afternoon free to relax in the small fishing town of San Juan del Sur, where you can explore the wild beaches of the Pacific coast, sample typical dishes in seaside restaurants and end the day with a sunset in the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur.

Suggested activities – please contact us: – San Juan del Sur beach – Discover the wild beaches of the north: Playa Marsella, Maderas and Majagual – Discover the wild beaches of the south: Playa Hermosa, Yankee and Coco – Turtle nesting on the beaches of Ostional (July to January) – Punta La Flor wildlife reserve – Zip-lining – Surfing lessons – Yoga lessons, Massage – Kayak or sailboat trips – Diving or snorkeling – Horseback riding on the beach – Buggy excursion – Accrobranche Overnight at Hotel El Coco Azul.

Standard room.

A day at leisure 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 seaside restaurants and end the day with a sunset in the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur.

Suggested activities – please contact us: – San Juan del Sur beach – Discover the wild beaches of the north: Playa Marsella, Maderas and Majagual – Discover the wild beaches of the south: Playa Hermosa, Yankee and Coco – Turtle nesting on the beaches of Ostional (July to January) – Punta La Flor wildlife reserve – Zip-lining – Surfing lessons – Yoga lessons, Massage – Kayak or sailboat trips – Diving or snorkeling – Horseback riding on the beach – Buggy excursion – Accrobranche Overnight at Hotel El Coco Azul.

Standard room.

A day at leisure 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 seaside restaurants and end the day with a sunset in the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur.

Suggested activities – please contact us: – San Juan del Sur beach – Discover the wild beaches of the north: Playa Marsella, Maderas and Majagual – Discover the wild beaches of the south: Playa Hermosa, Yankee and Coco – Turtle nesting on the beaches of Ostional (July to January) – Punta La Flor wildlife reserve – Zip-lining – Surfing lessons – Yoga lessons, Massage – Kayak or sailboat trips – Diving or snorkeling – Horseback riding on the beach – Buggy excursion – Accrobranche Overnight at Hotel El Coco Azul.

Standard room.

A day at leisure 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 seaside restaurants and end the day with a sunset in the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur.

Suggested activities – please contact us: – San Juan del Sur beach – Discover the wild beaches of the north: Playa Marsella, Maderas and Majagual – Discover the wild beaches of the south: Playa Hermosa, Yankee and Coco – Turtle nesting on the beaches of Ostional (July to January) – Punta La Flor wildlife reserve – Zip-lining – Surfing lessons – Yoga lessons, Massage – Kayak or sailboat trips – Diving or snorkeling – Horseback riding on the beach – Buggy excursion – Accrobranche Overnight at Hotel El Coco Azul.

Standard room.

Free time to enjoy your hotel. Then back on the road to Managua, Nicaragua’s capital. Three hours before departure, connection to your international flight at Managua airport. Note 1: approx. 3-hour drive. Note 2: place and method of return of your rental car to be specified later.