Nicaragua Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1 Managua

Arrival to Nicaragua, transfer to hotel.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.The capital of Nicaragua since 1857, the bustling Latin American city of Managua, is spread across the shore of lake Managua. Devastated by a series of natural disasters, earthquakes and fires (in a 1972 earthquake, 80% of its buildings were destroyed), Managua continues to redefine itself as a modern capital. The central area called Area Monumental with the old cathedral and Palacio Nacional de la Cultura is worth a visit for historical perspective, but the “new” Managua of offices and shopping malls are more scattered on the outskirts. The Malecon, a lakeside promenade, is worth a stroll for snacks and dancing on the weekends.

Day 2 Managua/San Juan Del Sur

Experience the best beaches of the Southern pacific; San Juan del Sur bay, Marsella, Madera’s and Coco Beach.

Day 3 Marsella/Maderas/San Juan Del Sur

From San Juan del Sur we will take a boat ride to Marsella a totally virgin beach and then head to Maderas, a surfer beach. We return to San Juan del Sur and spend the rest of the day relaxing and waiting for the beautiful sunset.

Day 4-5 San Juan Del Sur/Omotepe

Ometepe, a prophecy of our indigenous ancestors as being the paradise they were looking to settle in descending from the Aztec tribe in Mexico down to Nicaragua. It's an Island with two volcanoes, one of which is active. It is considered as a mysterious Island for those who come will one day return. Our tour begins parting from port San Jorge to Port Moyogalpa though Lake Nicaragua on a ferry. Once on the island we will visit the famous and mystical green lagoon, full of flora and fauna such as howler monkeys, turtles, snakes, iguanas, and many species of birds. You may also have the opportunity to do some kayaking as a relaxation sport. On Ometepe there are many beaches to choose from, perhaps the most famous one Santo Domingo, but it's up to you to choose.

Day 6-7 Omotepe/Granada

Granada is "THE MUST" of Nicaragua, truly a colonial jewel founded in 1524 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, today it's the oldest colonial city in the continent of America, not including the Caribbean. Although Granada was sacked on numerous occasions by pirates, suffered from civil wars and burned down by William Walker a filibuster or mercenary, today it is rich with history and beautiful Spanish architecture. We will visit the Fort la Polvora, where we wander around beholding the many churches, the central park and the Cathedral. Visit San Francisco Convent Museum and later take a ride on a boat that will lead us through some of the 365 small islands formed from Mombacho volcano.

Day 8 Granada/Leon

For the indigenous tribes Volcano Masaya was considered a god. This tour offers you the opportunity to visit the park museum and learn a little about the flora, fauna and the indigenous culture. Behold a land ridden in petrified lava and venture into volcanic caverns full of bats as an optional activity.Later we will visit the Masaya market, famous for its handcrafts which are made by the locals. Later visit the Apoyo lagoon and the Catarina view point. Also visit the place where the Masaya market crafts are made in the small town of San Juan de Oriente. Tour the towns known better as "THE WHITE TOWNS" and see all types of handcrafted materials such as; wooden chairs, hammocks, straw baskets, ceramic and many beautiful garden plantations.

Day 9 Leon/Managua

In 1610 the original location of Leon was destroyed by the explosion of volcano Momotombo, leaving the original city in ruins. Now it's a place for tourism declared a National Heritage site by (UNESCO). Old Leon will give you a perspective of the before and the new Leon (located a few miles away) a taste of the after. New Leon city was not only home to many intellectual Nicaraguans like the immortal poet “Ruben Dario”, but also, a religious centre for its 15 churches that and the majestic central cathedral which is a work of art. Once the capital of Nicaragua it now holds great museums like the Ruben Dario house, and The Museum of Legends and Myths of Nicaragua.

Day 10 Managua

Visit the old Historical centre of Managua, destroyed by the earthquake of 1972 in which few buildings still remain. Not only is it the centre of the old Managua but also the heart of the political dictatorship of the Somoza family, governing the country for over 40 years before being overthrown by the Sandinista revolution. Visit several buildings that survived the earthquake, including: the Ruben Dario National theater, the Old Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, the Central Park, Park of Peace and Tiscapa Hill Historical Park which offers and incredible view. We will also visit the New Metropolitan Cathedral in which most of the political leaders of the country today attend mass.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Comfortable hotel (9 nts)
Departure	Daily
Group Size	Minimum 2 passengers
Included Highlights	Relaxing beach experience, Guided city tour of Granada, tour of the Masaya Volcano and Maysaya market, guided city tour of Managua
Meals Included	9B, 8L, 8D
StartFinish	ex Managua
Transport	Bus or Van
Brochure Intro	This tour of the essential Nicaragua allows for beach relaxation and cultural discovery.

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