Nature & Volcanoes
of Nicaragua and Costa Rica

Welcome to Nicaragua!

Welcome at Managua international airport and transfer to your hotel in Managua.

Night in Managua

Pick-up of your rental car

Depart Managua for Leon, the former capital of Nicaragua.

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

Note: 100kms – 2 hours drive.

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. Then 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 decorating the city walls.

overnight in a charming hotel

Hike Cerro Negro volcano & Sunset on Telica volcano

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in a 4×4 to drive you to the famous 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 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 either on foot or by sandboard . Thrills guaranteed as you sit on your board!

Note: Easy to moderate hike, approx. 1h30 walking time.

Return to León for lunch (included).

Early afternoon departure for the Telica volcano, one of the most active in the region.

Start your ascent. You’ll hike at your own pace, as the slopes become increasingly difficult. Once at the top, approach the crater to observe the dizzying depths, smell the sulfur and heat of the volcanic rocks and enjoy the magnificent sunset.

Return to León around 8pm.

Note: Moderate hike, approx. 3 hrs total.

overnight in a charming hotel

From León, drive towards Masaya

Note: 120 km – 2h40 drive approx.

Self-guided tour of Masaya Volcano National Park by day.

With its 54km2 and 20km of wilderness trails, Masaya Volcano National Park offers the chance to explore a spectacular landscape shaped by volcanic activity. The volcano, called « Popogatepe » by the indigenous Nahuált people, has five craters

Well-marked trails take you through fields of solidified lava, steaming craters and impressive views of the spectacular, active Santiago crater. You can see fumaroles rising from the ground.

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

This is a lake formed in the submerged volcanic crater of the now-extinct Volcán de Apoyo, whose floor is 200 metres deep – 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.

Enjoy a swim, a kayak outing, or simply a nap in a hammock on the edge of this relaxing setting.

overnight in a charming hotel overlooking the lagoon

Depart Laguna de Apoyo for Granada, Nicaragua’s colonial jewel.30-minute drive

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

Guided tour of Granada with an English-speaking guide

« La Gran Sultana » is a colonial jewel that we suggest you discover on foot. You’ll start this guided tour with the Church of San Francisco, the oldest in the city. The tour ends with the Church of Xalteva, the Cathedral and the Central Park.

overnight in a charming colonial-style hotel

Self-guided El Crater 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 meters.

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 hike 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 marked hike; moderate difficulty.

Self-guided hike.

Discover the secrets of traditional chocolate-making.

You’ll meet in a community on the slopes of the Mombacho volcano. Donald, the community leader, will welcome you into his home.

You’ll learn about and witness all the stages of cocoa processing, from the cocoa bean to the chocolate.

Duration: 1-hour workshop.

Lunch in the community included. Overnight in a charming colonial-style hotel

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: short hike along the Charco Verde lagoon.

Welcome to Charco Verde Nature Park, at the foot of the majestic Concepción volcano. We recommend a hike along the emerald Charco Verde lagoon. This route offers impressive views of the island’s two emblematic volcanoes: Concepción and Maderas. You can observe howler monkeys and a wide variety of tropical birds.

1h hiking – 2.6 km – easy.

Entrance fee to be paid on site.

overnight in a charming ecolodge

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.

Duration: 3 hours.

overnight in a charming ecolodge

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. 1h by boat and 1h by road

Free time in San Juan del Sur to discover this small town on the Pacific coast.

San Juan del Sur has a lively atmosphere. Stroll through its vibrant downtown, explore its stores and savor local specialties in seaside restaurants. And don’t miss the spectacular sunsets over the bay.

Overnight in a charming hotel

Free time to enjoy your hotel and San Juan del Sur. Then on to the Costa Rican border at Peñas Blancas.

Note: approx. 1 hour drive.

return your rental car at Peñas Blancas, on the Nicaraguan border

Pick-up of your vehicle at Peñas Blancas on the Nicaraguan border.

Note : please allow for the Nicaraguan exit tax of us$13 and the Costa Rican entry tax of us$8

Drive from Peñas Blancas to Tenorio.

Once in Costa Rica, continue on the road to Tenorio.

Approximate driving time: 3 hours.

overnight in a small Finca

Tenorio National Park

You’ll explore one of the country’s most beautiful trails through jungle, waterfalls and natural hot springs. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the Rio Celeste, renowned for its unreal turquoise-blue color (which intensifies with the reflection of light rays) due to the minerals in its waters, which contrast with the intense green of the tropical vegetation.

36 km long, the Rio Celeste begins where 2 rivers meet, passing through hot volcanic springs and sulfur springs before forming a magnificent waterfall.

Approximate duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Note 1: Despite the fact that you have tickets in digital format, you’ll have to queue to have them checked at the entrance.

Note 2: The terrain can be muddy, so bring good shoes. Boots can be rented at the entrance.

Road from Tenorio to Arenal.

Departure for the La Fortuna region and the majestic Arenal volcano (1,635 m).

Approximate driving time: 2 hours.

Overnight in a very comfortable hotel overlooking the Arenal volcano

Your English-speaking guide will take you on a suspension bridge adventure in Arenal!

Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, embark on a 3-kilometer walk through the primary forest.

On the program: 15 bridges, including several suspended above the canopy, for total immersion in the tropical jungle. Stunning views of lush vegetation and the Arenal volcano, encounters with wildlife… a magical experience between forest and sky!

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Relax in Arenal’s hot springs

Immerse yourself in an interlude of well-being in the heart of nature: the thermal waters, naturally heated by the nearby volcano, offer you a moment of absolute relaxation in soothing surroundings.

This experience can be enjoyed during the day, to take full advantage of the lush landscape, or at night, for a more intimate and romantic atmosphere.

It’s also possible to include a delicious meal prepared using fresh produce from our hosts’ garden.

Approximate duration: 3 hours.

Overnight in a comfortable hotel overlooking the Arenal volcano

Route from Arenal to Monteverde.

Departure for the Monteverde region, whose reserve offers alpine pasture landscapes in the heart of the Tilarán mountain range. Known the world over for its tropical cloud forest, which helped promote Costa Rica’s reputation in ecotourism, Monteverde is home to extraordinary vegetation and wildlife.

Approximate driving time: 4 hours.

Discover the Monteverde region.

Enhance your stay by booking one of the following activities:

• Nature reserves: Monteverde, Santa Elena, Curi Cancha, Bosque de los ñinos, with a naturalist guide
• Orchid garden
• Agricultural tours: coffee plantations, sugar cane plantations, cheese factories
• Canopy exploration (suspension bridges, cable cars, zip lines)
• Hiking and horseback riding
• Night hikes
• Visit to the local market (Friday afternoon)

overnight stay in a charming B&B

Curi Cancha reserve accompanied by our French-speaking naturalist guide Rafael

You’ll explore the various trails and immerse yourself in this unique cloud forest ecosystem. If you pay close attention, you may catch a glimpse of the mythical Quetzal, whose tail feathers were long used as ornaments by the Aztecs.

Rafael’s company makes this an exciting exchange that will leave a lasting impression on your trip!

Approximate duration: 3 hours.

A walk to meet nocturnal animals

In Monteverde, night is never silent, so it’s time to listen, open your eyes wide… and let nature surprise you! Your exploration of this small family estate, nestled between forest and ancient banana fields, begins by the light of your lamps.

Accompanied by your enthusiastic naturalist guide, you enter the nocturnal world of tropical biodiversity. Here, birds sleep upside down on the branches, frogs display their bright colors, and the armadillo, a discreet inhabitant of the undergrowth, sometimes makes a furtive appearance. An intimate immersion in the heart of the cloud forest!

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Difficulty level: easy

overnight in a pretty gîte

Route from Monteverde to San José.

Today, you leave the heights and beautiful views of Monteverde for the capital.

Approximate driving time: 3 hours.

Return your vehicle to our local service provider , who will then arrange your transfer to the airport.