Nicaragua - Volcanoes & Islands

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Granada

Arrive in Granada at any time. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city. As your fellow travellers are arriving at various times throughout the day, there are no planned activities other than a group dinner and info session. Look in the hotel lobby for notices on when/where the group meeting will occur.

Day 2-3 Granada

Granada is Nicaragua’s oldest and 3rd largest Spanish city, named after it’s Moorish counterpart in Spain. It retains its colonial character with traditional architecture and large cool patios inside of the older homes. In the evenings the rocking chairs come out and visiting time begins.Walking is probably the easiest way to see all the sights of Granada. Stroll over to Casa de Los Leones for a glimpse of what’s going on this week culturally. There’s also a promenade, Centro Turistica, down by Lake Nicaragua, a 15 min walk from the central plaza. Travel down the city’s historic avenues to visit the impressive cathedral, the colourful market or the Convento de San Francisco, which was built in 1529. Today, the convent is a museum complex housing festival masks and a collection of 2,000-year old statues. Optional activities include a scenic boat trip or guided kayak excursion among the 365 little islands (isletas) of Lake Nicaragua.

Day 4-6 Corn Islands

From Granada we fly to Big Corn Island, a former pirate hideout, before boating over to Little Corn Island. This undeveloped island with its white sand beaches, clear turquoise water and friendly people will meet nearly anyone’s idea of paradise. Snorkel the coral reefs on the north or east side of the island, dive the clear blue waters or go for a stroll. Walking across this 6 square kilometre island only takes half an hour. The pace of life on these islands is laid back, so grab a book, find the closest hammock and join in! A half-day snorkelling trip is included.Estimated Travel Time: 5 hoursApproximate Distance: 320 km

Day 7-8 León

Off to politically progressive León. This was the nation’s capital from the colonial period until 1857 and is still the centre of much of the country’s cultural and intellectual activity. Nicaragua’s first University was founded here in 1912, for example. León is still the home to multiple universities, and when in session, you will see many students around town. Many well preserved Spanish colonial buildings and churches line the streets along with the cathedral, which is the largest in Central America. Construction began in 1747 and continued for one hundred years. The famous Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario is buried here, and the house where he grew up is now a museum on calle Central, three blocks west of the plaza. Considered one of Latin America’s greatest poets, he influenced Spanish literature in his time. There is always something interesting to do in León, whether it be a city tour, volcano boarding down Nicaragua’s youngest volcano Cerro Negro, or a trip to the nearby beaches of Poneloya and Las Peñitas. If you’d prefer to just wander through the streets you’ll find several politically-charged murals depicting Nicaragua’s turbulent history and several good museums in the area, including one dedicated to the heroes and martyrs of the Sandinista movement.Estimated Travel Time: 5 hoursApproximate Distance: 470 km

Day 9-10 Ometepe Island

We travel south to the town of San Jorge where we board a ferry and cross Lake Nicaragua to arrive at Ometepe Island. This unspoiled island paradise formed out of the lava flowing in between two volcanoes, Maderas (1394m) and Concepción (1610m), is a nature-lover’s dream with abundant wildlife and beauty. It is located in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, tenth largest freshwater lake in the world and home to the world’s only freshwater sharks. Take a walk through its lush forest for a chance to see howler monkeys and green parrots. Small villages around the island farm a variety of crops in the fertile volcanic soil including plantains, coffee, beans and tobacco. Fishing is another important industry on the island. While here, try hiking Maderas volcano (a but achievable hike), float in clear springs, relax and swim on the beach, or rent a bicycle to visit the small rural villages on this island. You can also view pre-Columbian petroglyphs or the small museum of indigenous artifacts in Altagracia.Estimated Travel Time: 7 hoursApproximate Distance: 200 km

Day 11-13 San Juan del Sur

After taking the ferry back across Lake Nicaragua to the mainland, we catch a bus to low-key San Juan del Sur for some serious relaxation by the sea. Set on a stunning horseshoe shaped cove, this fishing village is the perfect place to combine two of Nicaragua’s best features – its beautiful beaches and its award-winning Flor de Caña rum! Here you can do as little or as much as you want to do. Take surf lessons, try out your luck fishing, go zip-lining on the hills above San Juan del Sur, or just lounge on the beach! A short boat or taxi ride away, the deserted beaches of Playa Maderas and Majagual to the north and Playa Remanso to the south are calling out to be explored. In the evenings you can take advantage of the relaxed seaside nightlife with the friendly locals.Estimated Travel Time: 4 hoursApproximate Distance: 50 km

Day 14 Granada

Travel back to the city of Granada for one final day and enjoy a guided tour of nearby Masaya volcano, one of the most accessible volcanoes in the country. This active volcano is located within the 52 square kilometre Masaya Volcano National Park, established in 1979 as Nicaragua's first national park. Volcano Masaya is just one of two volcanoes situated within the park boundaries, the second being the Nindiri Volcano. The park's landscape is rocky with volcanic ash throughout. Wildlife inhabiting the park include coyotes, deer, iguanas, monkeys and the unique crater-dwelling parakeets who live in the toxic inner walls of the Santiago crater. Hike up the black, gravel trail and get a close-up view at the impressive crater, which continues to emit smoke and sulfur gases. Feel the gentle rumbling of this living volcano beneath your feet - what a way to cap off two weeks of adventure in Nicaragua! Estimated Travel Time: 3 hoursApproximate Distance: 100 km

Day 15 Depart Granada

Depart Granada at any time.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Simple hotels/bungalows (14nts).
Brochure Notes	Tour finishes in Granada, 45 min from Managua's airport.
Departure	Departs Saturdays, monthly
DepEnd	Sat-Sat
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Included Highlights	- Masaya Volcano tour - Snorkelling trip at Big Corn Island
Local Payment	USD250
Meals Included	No meals included.
StartFinish	ex Granada
Testimonial	"The trip has a very well planned itinerary, it provided just the right amount of adventure and leisure time." - Steven Angelosanto travelled on Nicaragua - Volcanoes & islands
Transport	Public bus, van, boat, ferry, local flights and walking.
Brochure Intro	Adventure travel off the beaten track and away from the pack. A friendly country with great highlights ranging from islands and deserted beaches to volcano climbs and colonial cathedrals.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-10-18	2008-11-01	7+
2008-11-15	2008-11-29	7+
2008-12-13	2008-12-27	7+
2009-01-10	2009-01-24	7+
2009-02-07	2009-02-21	7+
2009-03-07	2009-03-21	7+
2009-04-04	2009-04-18	7+
2009-05-02	2009-05-16	7+
2009-06-27	2009-07-11	7+
2009-07-25	2009-08-08	7+
2009-08-22	2009-09-05	7+

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