Luxury trip of Nicaragua
15 days – from €6,175 per person
off the beaten track – nature – history
- Look out over the city of León and the surrounding volcanoes from the tower of the old cathedral
- Feel the warmth of swirling lava at the crater rim of Masaya volcano
- Learn about the history of the oldest city on the Latin American mainland
- Stay overnight in an eco-lodge built on a lava island in Lake Granada
- Paddle a kayak on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea or go snorkelling above the reef
Itinerary
Day 1 | Amsterdam – Managua
Your trip of Nicaragua begins today. You’ll take an intercontinental flight from Amsterdam to Nicaragua’s capital, Managua. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by one of our local staff and taken to your accommodation in Managua (approx. 25-minute drive).
Overnight stay: Hotel Los Robles | bed and breakfast
Day 2 | Managua – León
In the morning, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to your accommodation in León. León is the former capital and boasts a rich history. You will be staying in a hotel built in a former monastery, situated in the centre of León. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the city with a guide. You’ll be taken to the historic part of the city, where you’ll find more than 12 churches dating from the colonial period, ranging from small parish chapels to the imposing cathedral. Along the way, you’ll see murals from the revolution, Baroque and Neoclassical churches, and an art museum featuring works by internationally renowned artists. You’ll pop into the fruit and vegetable market. To round off the city walk, you’ll climb to the top of the impressive cathedral, from where you’ll enjoy a magnificent view over the colonial city with the volcanic range visible in the distance.
Overnight stay: Hotel El Convento | bed and breakfast
Day 3 | León
In the morning, you’ll set off with your guide to the foot of the Cerro Negro volcano. From here, you’ll take a walk up to around 700 metres above sea level. Walking across the lava field, you’ll reach the crater, where you’ll encounter various natural colours: yellow, red, green and white. These colours are caused by the constant escape of gas. From here, you can see the volcanic range stretching all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Once you’ve taken in the surroundings, it’s time for the descent. The descent takes about 30 minutes; a fun way to get back down is by sliding and shuffling over the fine volcanic sand. Afterwards, you’ll be taken back to your hotel in León. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. You can explore the city further at your leisure. For example, visit the impressive ruins of León Viejo, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. León Santiago de los Caballeros is the original name of this second city in Nicaragua. Spanish influences can be seen in the streets, buildings, churches and monuments. Stroll through the charming working-class neighbourhood of El Laborío. You’ll also find the former home – now a museum – of the great poet and writer Rubén Darío here.
Overnight stay: Hotel El Convento | bed and breakfast
Day 4 | León – Laguna de Apoyo
In the morning, you’ll bid farewell to the city of León and travel on to Laguna de Apoyo. On the way, you’ll visit the ‘Volcán Masaya’ National Park, renowned for its beauty and unspoilt nature. The Santiago crater is one of the most active craters in Central America – enjoy this natural wonder! Visit the museum located at the park entrance, where you’ll learn more about how active volcanoes work. Afterwards, you can drive to the National Handicrafts Market in Masaya, a town renowned for its folklore. At the market, you’ll find beautiful hammocks, items made from leather, wood and reed, as well as clothing. For lunch, you’ll be taken to the Catarina viewpoint. In San Juan del Oriente, you can visit a local pottery workshop and buy a nice little souvenir to take home. Once you’ve seen everything, you’ll drive on to your accommodation in the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. This reserve is situated between the cities of Granada and Masaya. It has been a nature reserve since 1991 and is known as the lake with the cleanest water in Nicaragua. The lagoon is easily accessible, yet is not overrun by tourists. You can enjoy a wonderful stay in this breathtaking natural setting. You’ll be staying at the small-scale boutique hotel Pacaya Lodge, which offers stunning views over Lake Apoyo. Here, you’re invited to enjoy a relaxing stay.
Accommodation: Pacaya Lodge & Spa | bed and breakfast
Day 5 | Laguna de Apoyo – Granada
Today you’ll travel on to the city of Granada. In the afternoon, a city trip with a private guide through the historic centre of Granada is planned. The city is the colonial jewel of Central America; it was founded in 1524 by Hernández de Córdoba, making it the oldest colonial city on the Latin American mainland. For a long time, it was the most important city in Nicaragua, and the city is rich in architecture from the colonial and neoclassical periods. You will visit the San Francisco church and monastery, built in 1529. You will also visit La Merced church, which you can climb to enjoy the magnificent views over the city, Lake Nicaragua and the Mombacho volcano. The final stop is in the oldest part of the city, where you’ll visit the Xalteva Church and the old city walls.
Overnight stay: Tribal Hotel | bed and breakfast
Day 6 | Granada
This is a free day, during which you can stroll through the city at your leisure. The pastel-coloured houses and stately classical buildings invite you to take a long walk, with a beautiful sunset over Lake Nicaragua as your final destination.
Accommodation: Tribal Hotel | bed and breakfast
Day 7 | Granada – Las Isletas
Today you’ll be taken to Las Isletas, situated just a few minutes’ boat ride from Granada. Eruptions of the Mombacho volcano have created more than 300 small islands in Lake Granada. You’ll be staying on one of the islands, at the Jicaro Island Lodge. This ecolodge is situated on Jicaro Island, a private island accessible only to guests of the ecolodge. You’ll stay in your own casita, situated on the edge of the lake. There are only nine casitas, so you’ll never find yourself amongst large crowds on the island. A true haven of tranquillity! During construction, mature trees and the island’s natural contours were preserved. As the casitas are raised above the ground to avoid disrupting the island, they feel as though they are part of the island itself. The buildings and furniture are made from wood sourced from trees felled by Hurricane Felix (2007). The restaurant uses local produce and supports projects that sustainably produce food for the restaurant and the local community.
Accommodation: Jicaro Island Lodge | full board
Days 8 & 9 | Las Isletas
These days are free to spend as you wish. You can relax here whilst enjoying a massage, a yoga class or a delicious meal in the restaurant. You can also explore the island, which boasts a beautiful jungle setting.
Accommodation: Jicaro Island Lodge | full board
Day 10 | Las Isletas – Little Corn Island
Today you’ll travel to the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. From Jicaro, you’ll sail to Granada, from where you’ll be taken to Managua airport. Here, you’ll board a domestic flight to Corn Island. Once you arrive, you’ll be taken by boat to your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for the next few nights. You’ll be staying at the Yemaya Island Hideaway, surrounded by coconut palms and lush jungle, situated on the northern side of Little Corn Island. The resort’s cabanas are located on the beach and overlook the Caribbean Sea.
Accommodation: Yemaya Reefs | ocean-front casita | bed and breakfast
Days 11 & 12 | Little Corn Island
These days are free to spend as you wish, allowing you to enjoy the Caribbean coast. Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast is home to beautiful beaches, dense jungles and stunning, remote islands surrounded by turquoise waters. This was once a haven for pirates and buccaneers. As a result, the area has a rich and interesting history, reflected in the colourful local population. Many of the local people are descendants of British gold prospectors and freed slaves. Corn Island offers an idyllic Caribbean retreat, with very friendly locals. What’s more, the underwater world here has plenty to offer. You can go snorkelling and diving here.
Accommodation: Yemaya Reefs | ocean-front casita | bed and breakfast
Day 13 | Little Corn – Managua
At the end of the morning, you will be taken by boat to Little Corn Airport, from where you will take a domestic flight to Managua. Once you arrive, you will be taken to your accommodation.
Overnight stay: Hotel Los Robles | bed and breakfast
Day 14 | Managua – Amsterdam
Your trip of Nicaragua comes to an end today. You will be taken to Managua airport, where you will board your intercontinental flight to Amsterdam.
Day 15 | Amsterdam
You’ll be arriving in Amsterdam today.
Travel price
From €6,175 per person
- Based on two people travelling together
- Subject to the time of booking, accommodation availability and the travel period
Included:
- 13 nights’ accommodation, meals as stated
- All transfers and excursions as stated
- Domestic flights to and from the Corn Islands
- local taxes, where applicable
- entrance fees, where applicable
- Travel Calamity Fund levy; €2.50 per booking
- SGR contribution of €5 per person per booking
- 24/7 our backup; locally and in the Netherlands
- comprehensive travel pack with small gift
Not included:
- International flights, we will book them for you if required
- Early check-in/late check-out, based on availability sometimes given by hotel. If you want to make sure you have this, please enquire with us about the extra cost.
- travel and cancellation insurance
Request a travel proposal - Nicaragua Trip
Would you also like to take this roundtrip? We can of course arrange the above trip for you, but we would also be happy to put together a programme based on your wishes and ideas. Please feel free to contact us, call +31 73 610 62 04, send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl or request a tailor-made quote below. We will be happy to help you.
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