Nicaragua Highlights

Arrival at Managua International Airport, transfer to hotel. Nicaragua's capital city is home to almost two million people, and is the heartbeat of the nation's culture and commerce. Managua hosts the country's main airport and is the starting point for many Nicaraguan vacations, but it's worth spending a couple of days exploring what the city has to offer, with a vibrant dining and nightlife scene, buzzing markets and impressive revolutionary landmarks. There's a selection of good quality hotels, and popular day trips include the nearby Chocoyero-El Brujo Natural Reserve and the spectacular Masaya Volcano National Park.

You are transferred to the colonial city of Leon. Seen by many as the intellectual center of Nicaragua, Leon offers energy and beauty in equal measure. A picturesque colonial town dating back to the 1600s, it has grown into a city full of political spirit, art, great food and buzzing nightlife. The city has a fascinating history, having been relocated from its original location at Leon Viejo, which you can still visit today. The historic center of Leon is filled with stunning colonial architecture and museums, whilst nearby you'll find fantastic beaches and volcanic landscapes which are perfect for adventure seekers.

Explore the gorgeous historic center of Leon along with a local guide, learning about the city's past and its stunning colonial architecture. You'll see a number of Leon's famous churches, as well the mighty Leon Cathedral - the largest in Central America. On route, you'll also visit Ortiz Gurdian museum, which houses the works of renowned classic and contemporary artists, and see daily life unfold in the local fruit and vegetable market. The tour ends with remarkable views from the cathedral's picturesque rooftop.

Transfer to Granada, a beautiful colonial city situated near the Lake of Nicaragua. Along the way, you visit the Masaya volcano and Masaya handicraft market. Granada, or the "Gran Sultana", is one of Latin America's most beautiful cities, and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Founded in 1524 on the shores of vast Lake Nicaragua, this ancient town is full of history and Spanish colonial charm, and is famed as one of the oldest European settlements in the western hemisphere. Amongst the narrow streets and glorious architecture, you'll find some excellent hotels, fine restaurants and plenty of interesting sites and museums to fill your days. Look inside an active volcano, explore a colorful market, and have lunch at a crater lake all in one day! The tour starts at Masaya Volcano National Park. Your driver brings you to the summit of the volcano, where you can peek inside the active crater. Your next stop is Masaya ́s artisan market, where you can purchase quality Nicaraguan handicrafts. You have lunch overlooking the impressive Apoyo Lagoon before you continue to your destination, Granada.

Explore the picturesque Las Isletas archipelago from the water on this guided boat tour. Formed by a volcanic eruption over twenty thousand years ago, these forest- covered islands are now home to fishing communities, luxury homes and resorts, and a wide variety of incredible wildlife. Your guide will point out the exotic flora and fauna as you glide across the clam waters, making stops along the way to visit one of the islands and a former Spanish fortress. It’s a great way to experience this wonderful part of Nicaragua.

Transfer to San Jorge where you take the ferry to Isla de Ometepe. Once thought to have been the promised land by Aztec explorers, Isla de Ometepe is made up of two imposing volcanic cones rising out of western Lake Nicaragua. Ometepe has been inhabited for thousands of years due to its fertile volcanic soils, and evidence of its past can be found in archeological sites dotted all around the island. Most travelers come here for the sandy beaches, clean waters, diverse wildlife and stunning scenery, with numerous forests, waterfalls and springs on the island's center. Ometepe is beautiful, unique and one of Nicaragua's lesser-known highlights. The natural reserve Charco Verde is a protected area located between Ometepe’s two volcanoes. The area consists of a lagoon, a beach, and a forest. The reserve is named Charco Verde (Green Puddle) due to the green color of the lagoon. Many birds find shelter in this part of the island, so bird watching enthusiasts should keep an eye out!

Day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna of the area. OPTIONAL TOUR (not included): Nature Tour Discover the natural beauty of Ometepe as you explore the island with a local guide. Your experience starts at the Peña Inculta nature reserve where you see lava rocks overgrown by primary forest, home to white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, squirrels, iguanas, bats and many birds. After hiking through the reserve for approximately 45 minutes, you'll visit Hacienda Finca Magdalena, a community-run farm founded in 1888, where you get insight into the process of organic coffee cultivation. A short hike brings you to a site with remnants of pre-Columbian times, before your tour finishes at Ojo de Agua, a pristine natural spring surrounded by dense forest.

Transfer by ferry to San Jorge, and you continue to Laguna de Apoyo. Formed some 20,000 years ago, this giant volcano crater lake is one of Nicaragua's most beautiful natural landmarks. Tropical dry forests surround crystal-clear waters, making it a place of great serenity and incredibly diverse wildlife, including iguanas, hummingbirds and howler monkeys. Although the area is a protected reserve, you'll find some excellent eco-friendly lodges around the shores of the lake, and there are great opportunities for hiking, swimming, kayaking and diving.

Day at leisure.

Transfer to Managua International Airport for your return flight, or join the post tour.