Self drive family trip to Nicaragua

Welcome to Nicaragua!

Welcome at Managua international airport.

Your first contact with the country, your private transfer will take you to your hotel in Managua.

Handover of your rental vehicle.

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 and its many volcanoes, or the beaches of the Pacific.

Note: 100kms – 2 hours drive.

We recommend a visit to the Ruins of León Viejo. Founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, the town suffered a series of natural disasters. First it was partly destroyed by the eruption of the Momotombo volcano in 1578, then an earthquake in 1610 completed what remained.

The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 2000. León Viejo is one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas, dating back to the 16th century, and today boasts an enormous archaeological heritage. Today, 17 colonial structures have been discovered, including the Santa María de la Gracia cathedral, La Merced church and convent, and the foundry.

Overnight in a 3* hotel in downtown León.

Toboggan down the slopes of the Cerro Negro volcano.

Born 150 years ago, Cerro Negro 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 » and has a lunar-like appearance. Its surface is covered with black volcanic rock all the way to the summit. Fumaroles and sulphur fumes add to the scenery.

You’ll reach the summit from where you can observe the crater, then descend the slope in a sandboard.

Thrills guaranteed, standing or sitting on your board!

Note: Moderate hike, approx. 1h30 walking time.

Afternoon free to enjoy the hotel pool, or discover Leon. Overnight in a 3* hotel in downtown Leon

Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve

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

The Isla Juan Venado 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. 3 hours.

Enjoy theafternoon on Las Peñitas beach for a swim, surfboard rental or any other water sport.

Overnight at your 3* hotel in León, in the city center

Free time to enjoy the colonial town of Léon . Departure for the northern lands and the Matagalpa region, renowned for its coolness and coffee plantations, to La Dalia.

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.

Settle in at the lodge and spend the rest of the day enjoying the surrounding area.

Note: approx. 4 h drive.

Overnight in a 3* Ecolodge

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 cleaning process of the coffee grown on the property

– discover the coffee plantation and take part in the picking process

– hike the Bejuco and Matapalo trails

– visit the butterfly greenhouse or frog vivarium

– hike in the peñas blancas reserve (1h drive)

Overnight in a 3* Ecoloddge

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 cleaning process of the coffee grown on the property

– discover the coffee plantation and take part in the picking process

– hike the Bejuco and Matapalo trails

– visit the butterfly greenhouse or frog vivarium

– hike in the Peñas Blancas reserve (1h drive)

Overnight in a 3* Ecolodge

Depart 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. 4h00 drive in total

Free time to explore Granada

We suggest you discover this colonial jewel on foot or by horse-drawn carriage.

You can visit 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 the La Merced church to get a bird’s eye view of the city and the lake.

Afterwards, we invite you to immerse yourself in the central market and its colorful stalls.

Before continuing your discovery, enjoy a « 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.

Overnight in a 3* hotel in downtown Granada.

Discover Las Isletas

Half-day trip to discover the Las Isletas archipelago, a group of islands off the coast of Granada.

You’ll leave by boat to sail between these islets, where Nicaraguans have now set up 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.

Free afternoon to enjoy the Laguna de Apoyo, an ancient volcanic crater now filled with fresh water. You can choose to hike, swim, kayak or simply relax in this enchanting setting.

Tip: Discover the Masaya volcano by night!

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 indigenous Nahuált, is the most accessible active volcano in the world.

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.

Return to your hotel.

Overnight at your 3* hotel in downtown Granada

El Crater self-guided hike on the Mombacho volcano.

Discover the wetlands of Volcan Mombacho, overlooking Granada.

It is made up of four volcanic craters, with the highest peak reaching 1,345 metres.

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, and the weather is cooler, so be prepared.

Discover the secrets of traditional chocolate-making

Meet Donald 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 every stage of processing.

Duration: 1 hour workshop.

Lunch with Donald’s family on the slopes of the Mombacho volcano. Overnight at your 3* hotel in downtown Granada,

Leaving Granada this morning, 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.

Charco Verde Park

Welcome to Charco Verde Park, at the foot of the Concepción volcano. Enjoy a stroll along the Charco Verde lagoon and Lake Nicaragua. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Concepción volcano, as well as the Maderas volcano. You’ll also see many howler monkeys and all kinds of birds.

On your return, you’ll discover the 1,200 m² butterfly reserve, which can accommodate up to 3,000 butterflies.

Overnight at your 3* hotel on the island of Ometepe

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!

Note: approx. 3h30 walk.

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 – Hotel 3*

Quiet start to the day on Lake Nicaragua

Drive to the port of Moyogalpa to take the ferry to San Jorge, Rivas.

Then on to your hotel on the Pacific Ocean in San Juan del Sur.

Note 1: approx. 1 hour by boat and 1 hour by road.

Overnight in a 3* hotel

Free day to relax in the small fishing town of San Juan del Sur.

From here, you can explore the wild beaches of the Pacific coast, sample typical dishes in seaside restaurants and end the day with a sunset over the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur.

Overnight in your 3* Hotel in San Juan del Sur.

Free day to relax in the small fishing town of San Juan del Sur.

From here, you can explore the wild beaches of the Pacific coast, sample typical dishes in seaside restaurants and end the day with a sunset over the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur.

Overnight in your 3* Hotel in San Juan del Sur.

Free time to enjoy your hotel and San Juan del Sur.

Then back on the road to Managua international airport.

Three hours before departure, connection to your international flight.

Note 1: approx. 3 hours drive.

Return your rental car.

From Managua, domestic flight to Big Corn Island, in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.

Note: 1h30 flight with a stop at Bluefields.

Then a boat transfer will take you to Little Corn Island

You’ve arrived on Little Corn Island!

Overnight on Little Corn Island

Day at leisure to relax on Little Corn Island

Enjoy the sun and the beach, listening to the lapping of the Caribbean Sea.

You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving, or go deep-sea fishing with the locals.

For total relaxation, indulge in a seaside yoga session, a four-hand massage or the local specialty, the Piña Colada.

Overnight on Little Corn Island

Day at leisure to relax on Little Corn Island

Enjoy the sun and the beach, listening to the lapping of the Caribbean Sea.

You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving, or go deep-sea fishing with the locals.

For total relaxation, indulge in 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 back to the mainland.

Domestic flight from Big Corn Island to Managua.

Note: 1h30 flight with a stop at Bluefields.

Arrival in Managua.

Welcome by your private transfer to your hotel.

Night in Managua

Free morning to enjoy your last moments in Managua, at your hotel or in the surrounding area.

Then, depending on your flight schedule, three hours before departure, transfer to Managua International Airport foryour return flight.