Project Description
… flowers, chocolate factories, coffee plantations, zip lining, horse rides, swimming and tubing, perfect for active romantic couples or adventurous families
Day 1
Morning 9am – Pick Up and Scenic Drive to Matagalpa
Heading North on the Pan America Highway we will have the opportunity to stop and visit Ciudad Dario, a small city and birth place of Ruben Dario, Nicaragua’s most prominent poet. Nicaragua’s countryside is full of open air markets where the locals buy their fruits and vegetables. “Mercado de Sabaco”, is a wonderfully colorful example and a perfect stop for a morning snack.
Things to See and Do
We will visit the original home of Ruben Dario and the Mercado de Sebaco.
Afternoon – Check In Hotel San Jose, Lunch and Chocolate Factory in Matagalpa City
The area surrounding Matagalpa is a thriving farming community full of coffee plantations. The people are hardworking, humble and very friendly. The climate is cooler, the cloud forests are abundant and nature overflows at every corner. With so much beauty it is no surprise eco-tourism is beginning to take hold in this area.
Things to See and Do
We will visit El Castillo Chocolate Factory, stroll through the city to talk with the locals of Matagalpa, and visit the Museo del Cafe (coffee museum).
Evening – Dinner and Time on Your Own
Meals included today are morning snack and dinner.
Day 2
Morning 8am – Check Out, Breakfast and Coffee Tour
Nicaraguans are famous for their coffee and “Selva Negra Estate” is considered a world class sustainable coffee farm exporting organic coffee. Their commitment to sustainable practices has earned them “Rainforest Alliance Certification” and international recognition.
Things to See and Do
We will enjoy a beautiful drive through the cloud forest where we will reach Selva Negra Estate and enjoy an informative, relaxing coffee tour in a pristine plantation.
Afternoon – Drive to Jinotega and Authentic Nicaraguan Lunch
Jinotega, known by the locals as “The City of Mists or City of Eternal Men”, a unique traditional town sheltered below the Dariense Isabelia ridge. Today, Jinotega produces 80% of Nicaragua’s coffee. Along with coffee this town is home to the “traditional cowboy”. If you want hats, boots, belts or wallets, this is the place for you.
Things to See and Do
We will stop for lunch at a local residents home and enjoy beautiful landscape while eating a traditional Nicaraguan lunch. We will visit the local central market and the central plaza.
Evening – Drive to San Rafael del Norte and Hotel Casita San Payo and Time on Your Own
Meals included today are breakfast and lunch.
Day 3
Morning 8am – San Rafael del Norte and La Brellera Canopy Tour
The highest town in Nicaragua and even more traditional than Jinotega. A quiet peaceful cowboy town, rich in history. Also highly notable are the numerous “Fresco” murals from the 1960’s. Here you can experience the culture and the people on an intimate level. The surrounding area is perfect for hiking, swimming and outdoor activities. La Brellera zip lining is a popular, exhilarating activity enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Things to See and Do
We will visit San Rafael Church and enjoy the many murals throughout the town. We will go zip lining through the pine trees of Lugar La Bretera.
Afternoon – Drive to Somoto City and Hotel Huaca Yaran Check In
Things to See and Do
We will do site seeing and some photography along the way.
Evening – Time on Your Own
Meals included today are breakfast and lunch.
Day 4
Morning 8am – Check Out and Somoto Canyon Tour
Declared a “National Monument” in 2005 Somoto Canyon is a geological wonderland. Besides the incredible rock formations and quiet refreshing pools of the Coco River you will find orchids, cactus, various species of birds and a bounty of flora and fauna. If you like clean cool water and tubing this is a perfect destination.
Things to See and Do
We will take a horseback ride and a boat ride to reach Somoto Canyon where we will float down the river on a tube.
Afternoon – Drive to Miraflor Cloud Forest and Hotel Neblina del Bosque Check In
The Neblina del Bosque hotel is located in the middle of the Miraflor Natural Reserve. This reserve is unlike any other in that it has three distinct climate zones and is home to farmers and several agricultural communities and ecological projects. Here you will find over 200 varieties of colorful orchids, some of which are quite rare. A true paradise for those with an appreciation for nature’s artistic pallet, and of course with flowers come the hummingbirds.
Things to See and Do
We will have plenty of time to explore the beauty of the gardens.
Evening – Time on Your Own
Meals included today are breakfast and dinner.
Day 5
Morning 10am – Check Out and Drive to El Tisey
Things to See and Do
Pass through the city of Esteli for a short refreshment stop at the parque central.
Afternoon – Alberto Gutierrez Rock Carvings
One of the most treasured attractions in this area is the magnificent rock sculpture of Alberto Gutierrez. Located in El Jalacate, Alberto, sometimes referred to as the “Michael Angelo” of Jalacate works with rebar, a metal blade and a stone hammer. Beginning in October of 1977 Alberto began his incredible stone carving and continues to this day to meticulously chisel an entire world into the vast rock wall on his property. A true artist that will leave you inspired for many days to come.
Things to See and Do
We will visit the property of Alberto Gutierrez and discover the history behind this man’s impressive life’s work.
Evening – Return to Final Destination and Goodbye
Meals included today are breakfast and lunch.
Your Tour Includes
transfers to and from your hotel, 4 nights hotel, all transportation, all admission costs for excursions, 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, one snack
Cost of Your Tour
- 1 to 2 people – $1800 US in total
- 3 to 4 people – $2600 US in total
50 % deposit must be paid in advance in US dollars through Western Union and remaining will be collected during the tour.
Please Note – Although this tour has time limits and restrictions Julio Tours Nicaragua is committed to giving you an experience you will never forget. We are always open to your suggestions and will do our very best to accommodate any special requests you have. This is “your” tour and it is our honor to have you as our guests.
For larger groups or questions regarding this tour please contact us at info@juliotoursnicaragua.com