Nicaragua tour with a stopover in Panama

Welcome at Tocumen international airport in Panama City. First contact with the country, then your driver will take you to your hotel. Night at your Hotel de Panama.

Your driver will pick you up for a tour of the city, starting with Panama La Vieja, the country’s first capital before it was destroyed by the notorious pirate Henry Morgan, then on to the Panama Canal and the Miraflores locks. The visitors’ center offers a bird’s-eye view of all kinds of ships in transit (container ships, liners, tiny sailing boats…), while exhibits retrace the history of the locks’ construction and describe how they work. Then on to the Casco Antiguo. This bohemian district plunges you into the country’s historic past, with its typical alleyways and colorful buildings leading to the Place de France. Discover the art-deco architecture and the cathedral. In the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel. Night at your Hotel de Panama.

Depart Panama for your international flight to Nicaragua.Welcome to Nicaragua!Arrive at the international airport and depart for Léon, the former capital of Nicaragua (approx. 2 hours’ drive). On the way, stop off to visit the ruins of León Viejo, the ancient foundations of the city evacuated following various natural events (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc.).end of the day at leisure in León, a dynamic colonial town and ideal base for discovering the region’s many volcanoes and Pacific beaches.Free time to explore LeónFormer 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 the visit with the indigenous district of Sutiaba, then visit the museum of Ruben Dario, the mythical child of Nicaraguan letters. Next, you’ll take time to discover the imposing cathedralon the Parc Central, and admire the panoramic view from its roof. Finally, you can finish your visit with a look at the revolutionary murals that decorate the city’s walls. Overnight at your Hotel de León.

Toboggan down the slopes of the Cerro Negro volcano.Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the famous Cerro Negro volcano. Born 150 years ago, the Cerro Negro volcano is the most active volcano in Nicaragua, having last erupted in 1999. At an altitude of 725m, it lives up to its name, the Black Mountain, with its lunar-like appearance. Its surface is covered with black volcanic rock all the way to the summit. Fumaroles and other sulphur fumes add to the disorientation. You’ll reach the summit from where you can observe the crater, then descend the slope on your sandboard.Thrills guaranteed!Isla Juan Venado nature reserveIn the afternoon, you’ll meet your local guide in the small village of Las Peñitas. The Isla Juan Venado nature reserve is 22km long and 250m wide, and you’ll discover its mangroves by boat, 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. Overnight at your Hotel de León.

Free time to enjoy the colonial city of León. Then off to the north and the Matagalpa region, renowned for its coolness and coffee plantations (approx. 3 hours’ drive). Check-in at your accommodation and end of the day free to enjoy the surrounding area. Overnight in a coffee finca.

Free day to enjoy the coffee finca or activities from the lodge (to be paid locally or consult us): – Visit to the coffee plantation – Birdwatching (over 220 species in the reserve, including the Quetzal) – Self-guided or guided hikes for all levels – Horseback riding – Visit to the Ecological Farm – Visit to the Cacao plantation – Night hikes and birdwatching – Visit to the coffee museum Overnight at your EcoHotel in La Dalia.

Continue to the colonial town of Granada, on the shores of Lake Nicaragua (approx. 3 hrs drive).Discover Granadaon 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 from up there. Then, we invite you to immerse yourself in the central market and its colorful stalls. Before continuing your discovery, enjoy some tostones con queso in the central square under the shade of the trees. In the late afternoon, we suggest you take a seat on the main street La Calzada to observe the pink tones of the late-day sky and see the street begin to come alive. Overnight at your Granada hotel,

El Crater self-guided hike on the Mombacho volcanoWe invite you to discover the wetlands of the Mombacho volcano overlooking Granada. The volcano is made up of four volcanic craters, the highest of which rises to 1,345 m. Meet us at the entrance to Volcan Mombacho, and we’ll take you by 4×4 truck to the easily accessible hiking trails through the only rainforest on the Pacific coast of Central America. 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, and you’ll also visit a museum depicting the volcano’s major telluric events.Tree climbingDepart for a tree-climbing session. With 17 stations, 11 zip lines and 3 suspension bridges, this 2 km-long excursion allows you to appreciate the environment of the Mombacho volcano. This dormant volcano is also a nature reserve with some 700 plant species, 173 bird species, 36 reptile species, 10 amphibian species and 47 mammal species. Plus several thousand species of insect, some of them endemic. Discover the secrets of artisan chocolate-making 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. Overnight at your hotel in Granada.

Discovering Las IsletasHalf-day trip to discover the Las Isletas archipelago, 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 basalt islands, and you’re sure to enjoy excellent views of the proud Mombacho volcano, as well as numerous animal sightings.Discover the Pueblos Blancos, small villages around Masaya renowned for their handicrafts. From pottery to leatherwork to hammocks, the colors of local craftsmanship will fill your eyes! Wander between Catarina and San Juan de Oriente and take a look at these little stores, often set up on the porches of houses. If you wish, you can also stop off to visit a workshop specializing in black ceramics, the region’s specialty. Once in Catarina, you can take in the panoramic view of the Laguna de Apoyo from the belvedere, and walk down the lagoon’s slopes to reach the El Paso del Tren restaurant halfway up. Afternoon free 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. Return to your hotel and overnight at your Hotel de Granada.

Leaving Granada this morning, you’ll make your way to the port of San Jorge and board the ferry to Ometepe Island (approx. 1h30 drive and 1h15 boat ride).Parc Charco VerdeWelcome to Parc Charco Verde, 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. On your return, you’ll discover the open-air butterfly reserve covering more than 1,200 m², which can accommodate up to 3,000 butterflies, including the famous « mariposa » in the colors of the national flag.suggestion: Sunset on the lake!At the end of the day, we suggest you head for Punta Jesus Maria to admire the sunset over this kilometre-long outcrop of land in the middle of the lake. Overnight at a local’s home on Ometepe Island.

Kayak 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. 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.Ojo de Agua.Afterwards, 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 at your hotel on Ometepe Island.

Mirador Maderas volcano hikeAccompanied 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 rocks, to the green of the banana plantations on the heights. Along the way, you’ll come across oxen and horses, as well as the locals who cultivate this highly fertile land. Once you reach the mirador, if the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to observe this spectacular view of the 8 shape of the island of Ometepe and a breathtaking view of the cone of the Concepcion volcano just opposite.

You’ll hike back down 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 (approx. 1 hr by boat and 1 hr by road). Overnight at your hotel in San Juan del Sur.

Free day 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 over the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur. Overnight at your hotel in San Juan del Sur.

Free time to enjoy your hotel and San Juan del Sur, then back on the road toManagua international airport. Three hours before departure, connection to your international flight (approx. 3-hour drive).