Nicaragua – Costa Rica
Self-drive tour between lakes and ocean

Welcome to Nicaragua!

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

night in Managua.

Pick-up of your rental vehicle

In the morning, free time to visit Nicaragua’s capital, Managua, discovering the National Museum, the historic district and the cathedral.

Then off to Gran Sultana, Granada, one of Central America’s most important colonial cities. Founded in 1524, it is the oldest city on the American continent and is still today a true colonial jewel!

Let yourself be lulled by the history and folklore of the place as you stroll through the colorful cobbled streets.

Note: approx. 1h drive.

Free time to explore Granada.

We suggest you discover this colonial jewel on foot.

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.

Then, 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.

In the late afternoon, we recommend you take a seat on the main street, La Calzada, to watch the pink tones of the late-day sky and see the street begin to come alive.

Overnight in a charming colonial-style hotel

Day trip to Las Isletas, Isla Zopango

In the morning, rendezvous at Port del Rayo for a day dedicated to discovering Las Isletas, an archipelago of islands off the coast of Granada.

Around midday, you’ll set off by boat to explore these islets, where Nicaraguans have now established their vacation homes. Nearly 400 basaltic islands have been counted, and you’re sure to enjoy excellent views of the proud Mombacho volcano, as well as numerous animal sightings.

You’ll reach Isla Zopango, a 100% natural, private island where the owners have taken great care to preserve this little piece of « floating » paradise. You can use the kayaks to explore the surrounding area and admire the fauna and flora of this archipelago up close. You’ll appreciate the calm that reigns on the island and its surroundings, so close and yet so far from Granada.

For lunch, enjoy fresh fish grilled on the barbecue – a guaranteed delight.

A Robinson and Crusoe atmosphere, a chance to live like an islander for a day.

Note: from 09:00 to 16:00 approx.

Note 2: The owners of the island of Zopango have been supporting the small La E speranza school in Asese Bay for almost 7 years.

Overnight in a charming colonial-style hotel

Free day to enjoy the Laguna de Apoyo.

In the morning, take advantage of the Laguna’s surroundings: listen to the morning birdsong, accompanied by the acrobatics of the nearby howler monkeys, and enjoy a free day at the water’s edge.

Several options are available to you, such as:

– Walk to the Diria viewpoint

– Visit los Pueblos Blancos to discover Nicaraguan handicrafts

– Massage session

– Kayak or paddle

– Swimming and relaxing by the water

Overnight in a hotel overlooking the lagoon

Depart from Apoyo Lagoon and drive to the port of San Jorge – Rivas. Board the ferry toOmetepe Island.

Note: approx. 2h drive and 1h boat ride.

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.

1-hour hike – 2.6 km – easy.

Entrance fee payable on site.

Overnight in a magnificent Finca overlooking the lake

Discover the island’s petroglyphsYou’ll hike in the footsteps of the petroglyphs, mysterious imprints left in stone by the Chorotega Indians in many parts of the island over 1500 years ago.Duration: 2 hrs

Cooking classes, culture & sharing

A unique moment of sharing during your stay in the community of Merida, on the island of Ometepe: a local family opens the doors of their home to you and shares their culinary know-how.

Today’s specialty: fish soup with coconut milk, a typical dish of this island community. A blend of flavor, history and tradition. You’ll learn how to make this recipe from A to Z, using fresh ingredients from the lake and natural spices from the region.

You’ll also discover the importance of corn, the sacred food of the ancestors, the island’s first inhabitants. You’ll knead and cook traditional delicacies such as tortillas, tamales and typical drinks made from this grain that has nourished Nicaragua for centuries.

Corn is not only an essential ingredient in Nicaraguan cuisine: it’s a symbol of life and a source of inspiration

cultural heritage. Since pre-Columbian times, it has been present on tables, during celebrations and rituals, handed down from generation to generation.

Of course, you’ll be able to taste the dishes you’ve prepared… with your host family!

Duration: approx. 3 hours

Overnight in a magnificent Finca overlooking the lake

Drive to the port of Moyogalpa to take the ferry to San Jorge, Rivas. Return to the Costa Rican border at the village of Peñas Blancas.Note 1: approx. 1h boat ride and 1h30 drive.Return your rental car at Peñas Blancas, Nicaraguan border.Pick up your rental car at Peñas Blancas, 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, drive on to Tenorio.Approximate driving time: 3 hours.Overnight in a pretty family 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.

overnight in a lovely family-run Finca

Road from Tenorio to Ostional.

You leave Tenorio and its famous Rio Celeste for the small village ofOstional on the Nicoya Peninsula, renowned for its magnificent beaches and breathtaking sunsets!

In Ostional, it’s possible to observe sea turtles nesting if weather and natural conditions are favorable (we recommend you consult your hotel for more information).

Approximate driving time: 3.5 hours.

overnight in a beautiful waterside hotel

Dive into a magical underwater world in San Juanillo!

Welcome to San Juanillo, a paradise beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for an unforgettable snorkeling excursion! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, this idyllic spot, known for its calm waters and incredible biodiversity, guarantees a fascinating adventure under the ocean.

Ready to explore the seabed? Put on your mask and set off to meet majestic turtles, elegant manta rays and a multitude of colorful fish evolving in their natural habitat. A unique aquatic spectacle awaits you, in water so clear you’ll feel as if you’re floating above a giant aquarium.

A magical moment, a unique connection with the ocean, an experience not to be missed!

So, are you ready to dive in?

Approximate duration: 1 hour and a half

overnight in a beautiful waterfront hotel

Marine wildlife observation tour

Embark on an unforgettable boat trip to meet marine wildlife in their natural habitat, in complete tranquillity and with total respect for these magnificent creatures. Keep your eyes wide open as you sail past playful dolphins, elegant manta rays, graceful sea turtles and, with a little luck, majestic whales. A magical moment, full of gentleness and wonder, to be experienced in perfect harmony with the ocean!

Approximate duration: 2 hours

overnight in a beautiful waterside hotel

Road fromOstional to Arenal.

You leave the Nicoya Peninsula and its magnificent beaches for a completely different setting, that of the Arenal Volcano in the La Fortuna region, famous for its dense tropical forests and hot springs

Approximate driving time: 5 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 charming 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.

Route from Arenal to San José.

Departure for the capital, San José.

Approximate driving time: 3 hours.

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

welcome back!