…a charming journey inside the heart of Nicaragua’s diverse people, culture and traditions, from colonial cities to cloud forests and  volcano islands this tour is perfect for anyone wanting to recall a more simple time  

Day 1

Airport Arrival – Hotel Camino Real Check In

Julio Tours Nicaragua will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel where you can unwind from your flight, have a refreshing swim in the pool or enjoy a beverage in the air conditioned lounge.

Day 2

Morning 9am – Managua City Tour

Managua, originally a small pre Columbian fishing village is the capital of Nicaragua. During the tour you will learn about Managua’s rich history. The city suffered greatly from floods, earthquakes, fires and a devastating loss in 1972 when Managua lost over 19,000 people and 90% of their buildings from yet another earthquake. When Mother Nature rested, Nicaragua’s political environment exploded and in 1979 Managua’s infrastructure once again was halted by the civil war. Today the people of Managua continue to build and the city continues to expand outwards and away from its original infrastructure.

Things to See and Do

We will see the Metropolitan Cathedral, Revolution Plaza, National Palace, Central Park, the Malecon and visit Tiscapa Hill to see the presentation area of “Sandino”, a very important political figure, an unrecognized guerilla General that greatly influenced the Sandinista ideology of Nicaragua which is present to this day.

Afternoon – Old Leon Ruin Tour

Discovered in 1967, these ruins are one of the first Spanish settlements in the new world. Originating in 1524 at the foot of Momotombo Volcano, this archeological site is recognized by UNESCO and declared by law a Cultural Heritage of the Nation. Due to the continued eruptions of Momotombo, the most severe dating back to 1610, the site was found buried in ash and sand which kept the site very much intact. Today it remains a perfect representation of colonial architecture.

Things to See and Do

We will see Momotombo Volcano, Managua Lake, agriculture, landscape and explore Viejo Leon Ruins.

Evening – Leon Casique Adiact Hotel Check In and Time on Your Own

Meals Included today are breakfast and lunch.

Day 3

Morning 830am – Leon City Tour

Moved from the foot of the Momotombo Volcano in 1610, Leon City plays a very important role in Nicaragua’s economy as well as its politics. Leon was the capital of Nicaragua and is still considered the Capital of the Revolution. Although Leon is a colonial city filled with beautiful churches and an amazing cathedral, it also has a significant number of universities making the city young and full of passion and vigor. The architecture combined with telltale murals, poetic history, the finest museum of art in all of Central America, make this bustling little city a delight for those with an appetite for culture.

Things to See and Do

We will see the Cathedral of Leon, Mosuleo of the Revolution, Plaza Central, historic murals, Ortiz Gurdian Museum of Art, a local market, UNAN University, Poet Park and Ruben Dario Museum.

Afternoon – Your Choice

Choose from invigorating volcano boarding on Cerro Negro, a relaxing afternoon and sunset at the local beach, a visit to an historical civil war military forte for breathtaking views and sunset, or time on your own to further explore the charming city of Leon.

Evening – Leon City and Your Own Time

Meals included today are breakfast and lunch.

Day 4

Morning 11am – Hotel Check Out and Transport Pick Up

Afternoon – Northern Nicaragua

Leaving the backpackers of Leon behind northern Nicaragua offers an opportunity to experience a thriving farming community, for here is the land of coffee! 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 the Hot Mud Springs, Sebaco vegetable and fruit market, Matagalpa City, Carlos Fonseca Museum, Coffee Museum and Central Park.

Evening – Hotel San Jose Check In and Dinner

Meals included today are breakfast.

Day 5

Morning 8am – Hotel Check Out and Selva Negra Coffee Farm 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 explore and learn everything there is to know about the coffee bean process, from tree to table including coffee tasting.

Afternoon – Selva Negra Eco Lodge Check In and Your Choice

Choose from a relaxing afternoon at the eco lodge, one of the many activities available at the eco lodge, or a drive to the neighboring towns of Jinotega and San Rafael del Norte to explore the way of life in small communities.

Evening – Time on Your Own

Meals included today are breakfast.

Day 6

Morning 830am – Hotel Check Out and Pan American Hwy Drive

Afternoon – Ometepe Island and Charco Verde Hotel Check In

Accessible only by plane or boat, Ometepe is a unique southern island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua. One of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, it is home to two majestic volcanos each with its own small city. The government of Nicaragua declared Ometepe a “Natural Reserve and Cultural Heritage Site” in 1995. A natural biosphere, surrounded by beautiful beaches, natural springs and waterfalls, it is no wonder this island is a must see while visiting Nicaragua.

Things to See and Do

We will take the ferry to Ometepe on Lake Nicaragua, see volcanos, walk on Punta Jesus Maria sandbar, explore Charco Verde Lagoon while learning about “Chico Largo” and see the Butterfly Garden, many different species of birds as well as Spider monkeys, Capuchin monkeys and Congo monkeys.

Evening – Time on Your Own

Meals included today are breakfast.

Day 7

Morning 830am – Check Out and Ometepe Island Exploration

As well as Ometepe ’s natural beauty there are many other attractions to see. Along with impressive stone carvings of idols, there are over 2000 boulders with petroglyphs carved in them, some dating as far back as 1000 BC said to have been carved by the Chorotega people, which were later discovered by the Nahuatl, the first recorded indigenous people of Ometepe.

Things to See and Do

We will visit San Diego de Alcala Church, Altagracia City, explore the petroglyphs at El Porvenir, and enjoy a swim in Ojo de Agua, a beautiful freshwater spring.

Afternoon – Return to Mainland, Rivas Plantain Farm and Granada City Horse Drawn Carriage Tour

Bordering Lake Nicaragua, Rivas is a lush farming area abundant in plantains, a crop that is harvested year round.

Founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernandez Cordoba, Granada’s history is important to Nicaragua economically and politically. Its amazing architecture has been well preserved, a distinction from many other cities in Central America. Discover the meaning behind “La Gran Sultana”. Granada’s wide streets and lakeside views offer a breath of fresh air from the closed in streets of its neighboring cities.

Things to See and Do

We will see spectacular architecture, the oldest house in Nicaragua and an historical Train Station, climb the church’s spiral staircase to the bell tower for photos and views of Granada City, walk La Calzada Street, see San Francisco Church and the House of Three Worlds, and enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride.

Evening – Plaza Colon Hotel Check In and Time on Your Own

Meals included today are breakfast and lunch.

Day 8

Morning 830am – Granada Islands Boat Excursion

The 365 Islands of Granada are a natural phenomenon created by Mambacho Volcano thousands of years ago, when it erupted and threw enormous rocks from its belly into Lake Nicaragua. These rocks later became small islands and today are inhabited by fishermen and are weekend vacation homes of Nicaragua’s elite.

Things to See and Do

We will explore the many waterways between the islands and see birds, local fishermen, wonderful architecturally designed homes, monkeys and visit San Pablo Fortress.

Afternoon – San Juan Oriente, Catarina and Masaya Souvenir Market

Considered the “White Towns” or Pueblos Blancos, no one knows why for sure, some say it is due to the color of the homes while others say witches or “witch doctors” live there. Whatever the reason, the towns are well worth the visit. San Juan Oriente is known for its pottery while Catarina offers a lovely view of its volcano crater Apoyo Lagoon and splendor from its many flowers and gardens. When “Nica” people want pottery or flowering plants, these are their destinations. Masaya is known for its handy craft market with endless choices for souvenirs to accommodate any budget.

Things to See and Do

We will visit pottery shops of local artisans, see Apoyo Lagoon Volcano Crater and Mombacho Volcano.

Evening – Masaya Volcano

An impressive active volcano and Nicaragua’s “first” National Park. Since the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in Nicaragua in 1524, this volcano has been active. The last major eruption was in 1776 when it destroyed the small town of Nindiri and recently in 1993 when many vehicles in the park were destroyed by rocks from the volcano. Masaya Volcano offers visitors the opportunity to see lava when circumstances are optimal.

Things to See and Do

We will explore Masaya Volcano, its lava rocks and the surrounding area.

Meals included today are breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 9

Morning am – Check Out, Good Bye Breakfast and Transportation to the Airport

Meals included today are breakfast.

Your Tour Includes

airport transfers to and from, 8 nights hotel, all transportation including ferries, all admission costs for excursions, 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner

Cost of Your Tour

• 1 to 2 people – $3000 in total
• 3 to 4 people – $4200 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