Skip to main content

COLONIAL CITIES & MOUNTAINS TRIP

Highlights & Culture Nicaragua

9 DAYS

This 9 days trip takes you through Managua, Matagalpa, Leon and Granada. 

Enjoy a mix of nature, culture, volcanoes and more! From colonial cities to lush cloud forests to active volcanoes and crystal-clear lagoons, Nicaragua is a fascinating destination for families. Learn the interesting history of the capital Managua, listen to the sounds of nature in Selva Negra, hike to the summit of Telica volcano and swim in Apoyo a crater lagoon with warm waters and exuberant nature.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Nicaragua!

On your arrival at the airport in Managua (MGA), a taxi driver will transfer you to the hotel to check-in and rest after your flight. Transfer time 5m approx.~ Overnight at Hotel Camino Real 3* sup for one night – 1 Standard room. Meals: None

Day 2: Managua City Tour and transfer to Selva Negra in Matagalpa

This morning you will go for a guided visit of Managua, the capital of the country. Destroyed in 1972 by an earthquake, Managua is being currently rebuilt. First, we will visit the historical Loma de Tiscapa, a very interesting place indeed: from there, you will see the ruins of Somoza’s Palace; looking towards north, you will see the volcanos from the Maribios range, as well of the Managua from “before 1972”. Then, visit the National Palace and its natural history museum, see the old cathedral and central Park, as well as the new Presidential House. Only a few minutes away is the Salvador Allende “Malecon”. You will see a miniature replica of how the “old Managua” looked like before the 1972 earthquake! Duration: 3 hours approx. ~ Difficulty: Easy Following this interesting visit, we will transfer you north to the highlands of Matagalpa, a region known for its fresh, cool weather and delicious coffee. Transfer time: 2.5 hours approx. Overnight at Hotel Selva Negra 2* for two nights – 1 Single-room bungalow. Meals: B

Day 3: Matagalpa City Tour & Indigenous weavers

This morning, your guide will meet you for a half day tour of Matagalpa. You will learn about the culture, economy, history, and way of life of the “Matagalpinos”. On this tour, you will visit the workshop of a group of women fabric weavers where we will see the production process as well as the different products that they make such as: bags, purses and backpacks. If interested you may even partake in the production process. The tour continues with a walk to the “El Calvario” viewpoint where you can enjoy great views of the city and surrounding mountains. You will also visit the White Cathedral, coffee museum and Parque Morazan. End the tour tasting the local “güirilas” (a tortilla made of corn) which is a typical dish of Matagalpa! Duration: 3.5 hours approx. ~ Difficulty: Easy Overnight at Hotel Selva Negra 2* – 1 Single-room bungalow. Meals: B

Day 4: Nature Tour and transfer to Leon via San Jacinto Boiling Muds

Early in the morning, you guide will meet you at the lobby of Selva Negra to take you on a hike in the reserve of the property. At Selva Negra all you need to explore the beauty and majesty of nature are your naked senses, but a trained pair of eyes can help you unlock mysteries that you might miss on your own. You will hike into virgin cloud rain forest where you experience nature at its purest, the sights and sounds of the forest will amaze you. Here you will see plants that are found in very few other parts of the world, you could also be surrounded by the all-powerful howl of the resident howling monkeys. Duration: 1.5 hours approx. ~ Difficulty: Easy Later, we transfer you to Leon, former capital of the country. Transfer time: 3 hours approx. Along the way, we will make a stop to visit San Jacinto, a small village located between 2 volcanoes which hide the “Hervideros”, these geysers whose vapor with 300°C leaves the entrails of the ground permanently. Many local kids of the village will propose you their “service of guide”, it is recommended to choose one of them and you can give them a tip at the end of the visit. Duration: 30 minutes approx. ~ Difficulty: Easy Overnight at Hotel El Convento 3* sup for two nights – 1 Executive room. Meals: B

Day 5: Leon City Tour and Telica Volcano Sunset Hike

This morning we will go for an interesting guided tour. We will have the opportunity to visit some of its main churches. The Cathedral of Leon is also known as Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Leon and its official name is Insigne and Real Basilica Cathedral of the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary; here you will be able to take the stairs and reach the cathedrals rooftop for an amazing view of the city and surrounding volcanoes. You will also tour the magnificent Ortiz-Gurdián Art Gallery which features many famous artists painting from Europe and Central America, this gallery is located in 2 colonial homes. Also see the street murals, silent witnesses of the turbulent history of the city… Duration: 3 hours approx. ~ Difficulty: Easy Note: Most sightseeing places are closed on Monday in Leon. In the early afternoon, we will transfer you north to the base of Telica Volcano, 2 hours driving time approx. Telica is a very active volcano and the last eruption was in 2011. At start you will hike up with a 4WD in a rough trail, and then continue hiking. After 1-hour approx. hiking, reach the top of this huge mountain (The crater is 120 meters deep and 700 meters in diameter). You will reach the top just in time to enjoy a breathtaking sunset from its crater (weather permitting). At night, in the background you can see the resplendent incandescent rocks inside the crater. See the activity of this volcano and enjoy a beautiful panorama to the surrounding areas and the volcanic chain of the Pacific. A typical Nica dinner (Gallopinto, eggs, tortilla, cheese) will be enjoyed with a local family. Return to Leon between 9:00 and 9:30 pm. Duration: 8 hours approx. ~ Difficulty: Moderate Overnight at Hotel El Convento 3* sup – 1 Executive room. Meals: B, D

Day 6: Transfer to Granada visiting the Masaya areas

This morning, we will transfer you to Granada, the Jewel of Nicaraguan Cities! On the way we will visit the Masaya areas, rich in nature and culture. First, we will visit Nicaragua’s First National Park created in 1979, one of the country’s most interesting and beautiful natural phenomena. Take a peek into the impressive crater currently displays gaseous activity and incandescent lava lake in its interior. After the National park, we will visit the Handicraft Market in Masaya city where you can enjoy the creativity and variety of Nicaraguan art at bargain prices. Then you will visit Catarina to enjoy magnificent views to the Apoyo lagoon and San Juan de Oriente, where we visit a local workshop. Participate in the creation process of the beautiful souvenirs. Overnight at Hotel Dario 3* sup for three nights – 1 Standard room. Meals: B, L

Day 7: Granada City Tour and visit to Apoyo Lagoon

Meet our guide to enjoy a great cultural experience in a guided city tour. Enjoy a ride in a traditional Horse drawn Carriage and visit places like the La Casa de los Tres Mundos: art gallery and cultural academy, the convent of San Francisco church, Iglesia La Merced, from its tower you will have great views of the city and other interesting historic landmarks. Duration: 3.5 hours approx. ~ Difficulty: Easy Later, we transfer you to Apoyo Lagoon. Have you ever imagined of visiting a crater lake and swim in it? Well, this is the perfect tour if you want to enjoy nature at its best! The Apoyo Lagoon is one of the most beautiful hidden treasures of Nicaragua! The Apoyo lagoon is a 48 sq. kms (30 sq. miles) crater lake with crystal waters and exquisite temperatures, perfect for swimming and relaxing time. We will take you to a small waterfront resort, the perfect spot to spend a very relaxing day with restaurant and amenities; it is a small paradise for relaxation or water sports. Duration: 4 hours approx. ~ Difficulty: Easy Overnight at Hotel Dario 3* sup – 1 Standard room. Meals: B, L

Day 8: At leisure in Granada

Day at leisure in the city. Spend a relaxing time by the pool of your hotel, stroll the street of the city and admire the coloured houses. Optional experiences such as boat/kayak tours in Lake Nicaragua, hike in the cloud forest of dormant Mombacho volcano, chocolate workshop among others are available. Please enquiry for more information. Overnight at Hotel Dario 3* sup – 1 Standard room – 1 Superior. Meals: B

Day 9: Transfer to Managua Airport

Depending your flight schedule, our driver will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and will transfer you to the international airport in Managua to take your flight back home. Transfer time: 45 m approx.~ Come back soon to sunny Nicaragua!

COLONIAL CITIES & MOUNTAINS TRIP

  • From:

included:

  • Lodging at mentioned hotels or similar.
  • Door to door transportation as per itinerary on days 1, 2, 4, 6 and 9.
  • Tours and activities as per itinerary on days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 with bilingual local guide.
  • Lunch on day 6.
  • Local taxes.

Not Included:

  • International airfare.
  • Additional meals.
  • Passenger taxes at borders/airports.
  • Activities suggested.
  • Discretional tips.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Travel Insurance.

Interested about this trip ? Use our quick form below !

Please let us know your name.
Please let us know your email address.
Invalid Input
Please let us know your message.

Note: We will never share your information details with third parties.