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

Day 1

Morning 9am – Airport or Hotel Pick Up and 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 2

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 3

Morning 8am Check out, Drive to Masaya Volcano and Masaya City Masaya Volcano is 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. There is also a very informative museum on site that we will visit and learn about volcanoes from the inside out.

A short way away we will arrive in the city of Masaya, also known as “La Ciudad de la Flores”, the City of Flowers. It is known for its handicraft market and has endless choices for souvenirs to accommodate any budget.

Things to See and Do

We will visit the Masaya Volcano, the museum, and shop at the town of Masaya

Afternoon – Drive to Catrina, San Juan de Oriente Another short drive will land us in Catarina where we will have time for lunch. Considered one of 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, they head to Catarina.

Leaving Catarina we drive south to San Juan de Oriente, another of the “White Towns” where we will have a chance to see the locals making pottery. This is a great place to buy a piece of Nicaraguan pottery for your collection as well as an opportunity to contribute to the livelihood of the local artists. There is also time to try out pottery making for yourself.

Things to See and Do

We will see the “White Towns”, Crater Lake and visit a pottery artist.

Evening – Drive to Granada Hotel Plaza Colon Check In We will take a short stroll through the central part of the city to acquaint yourself with your surroundings.

Meals included today are breakfast and lunch

Day 4

Morning 8am – Granada City Tour & Little Island We will start the morning with a relaxing horse and carriage ride through the city of Granada. 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”. We will stop at the oldest train station in Nicaragua for some photo opportunities before heading over to the fortress, originally used for making gunpowder to defend the city from pirates in the late 1500’s.

We will stop at the oldest house in the city, built in 1590 and then climb the bell tower and take in an expansive view of Granada City. We will then head towards Lake Nicaragua passing through La Calzada street known for its shops and wide open space and Parque Central with beautiful colonial houses all around.

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.

Afternoon – Lunch, Check Out and Little Islands of Granada Boat Tour Arriving at the lake we take an hour boat tour and discover some of the 365 Islands of Granada, a natural phenomenon created by Mombacho 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 monkeys, 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.

Evening – Transport to Final Destination and Good Bye

Meals included today are breakfast and lunch