One-week tour : Nicaragua Essentials

Welcome to Nicaragua!Arrive at ManaguaInternational Airport Pick up your rental car and depart for Leon, the former capital of Nicaragua. On the way, stop off to visit the ruins of Leon Viejo, the ancient foundations of the city evacuated after various natural disasters.End of the day at leisure in Leon. This dynamic colonial town is the ideal starting point for discovering the region and its many volcanoes, or the beaches of the Pacific.Overnight in a hotel in Leon.

This morning, you’ll meet your local guide at the entrance to the Cerro Negro volcano, the most active volcano in Nicaragua, born 150 years ago and last erupted in 1999. At an altitude of 725 m, 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 – aguaranteed thrill whether you’re standing or sitting on your board!During the day, you’ll head for the Pacific beaches to get out of the León heat. Arrive at Las Peñitas beach, a bucolic fishing village where you can enjoy a stroll and the sea air.Overnight in a hotel in Leon.

Drive to the town of Granada, where we suggest you take a stroll through the Masaya market, one of the most important in the country and renowned for its colorful local handicrafts.You can then visit the village of Catarina , whose main activity is the production of bamboo furniture. You’ll also enjoy a superb view of the city of Granada, the Great Lake and its islands, the Apoyo lagoon and the Mombacho volcano from its mirador.Overnight in a boutique hotel in Granada.

We invite you to discover the humid nature of Volcan Mombacho, which overlooks Granadaand is made up of four volcanic craters, the highest of which rises to 1,345 m.Meet up 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.

You’ll also visit a museum depicting the volcano’s major telluric events.Afternoon free to enjoy the Laguna de Apoyo, an ancient volcanic crater now filled with fresh water. You can choose to hike, swim or kayak, or simply relax in this enchanting setting.Overnight in a boutique hotel in Granada.

Leaving Granada this morning, you’ll make your way to the port of San Jorge.Welcome to 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.At the end of the day, we suggest you make your way to Punta Jesus Maria to watch the sun set over this kilometre-long outcrop of land in the middle of the lake.Overnight in front of the lake.

Your guide will take you on a kayak tour of 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, then climb into your kayak to approach the isthmus and enter a small stream of water with lush vegetation. On theway back, you’ll be surrounded by two majestic volcanoes and enjoy a panoramic view of the lake, beforerelaxing 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 refreshing dip and a cocktail to cool you down in these temperatures! Overnight on the lake.

In the morning, accompanied by a local, you’ll set off along the slopes of the Maderas volcano towards a viewpoint 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 green of the banana plantations on the heights. Along the way, you’ll come across oxen and horses, as well as the local people who cultivate this very fertile land.

Once you’ve reached the mirador, if the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to take in the spectacular view of the island of Ometepe in the shape of an 8, and a breathtaking view of the cone of the Concepcion volcano just opposite.You’ll hike back down to the hotel in the late morning.Boarding at the port of Moyogalpa for San Jorge, then drive to Managua. Overnight in Managua.

Free morning to enjoy your last moments in Managua, at your hotel or in the surrounding area,then transfer to Managua international airport for your return flight