6-Nights Essential Nicaragua: Culture, Island & Beach - Private Guided Experiences from $2,659

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Managua and to Granada

Transfer: Managua Airportto Granada - Nicaragua

Hotel: Hotel Patio del Malinche (3 Star Rating)

El Patio del Malinche is more than just another hotel, it's a dream come true. The interest to live in a different culture and to get to know new horizons took the owners to the ancient town of Granada. The sun-dried bricks of Granada's old walls and the hospitality of its people bewitched them. By restoring an old colonial house they have recreated an ambiance of peace and serenity throughout its inner patios full of history.

Explore the picturesque Las Isletas archipelago from the water on this guided boat tour. Formed by a volcanic eruption over 20,000 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.

Explore Granada's gorgeous historic center on foot and by classic horse-drawn carriage. Along with your local guide, like-minded travellers and well-cared-for horses, you'll discover key sites including the San Francisco Convent and La Merced church, where you can climb the bell tower and enjoy spectacular views over the city, Lake Nicaragua, and Mombacho volcano. You'll finish in the oldest part of the city, the area around the Xalteva church and the old city walls. It's a great way to introduce yourself to this magical city. Please note: If you would prefer not to travel by horse-drawn carriage for any reason, we can arrange a tour on foot or by bicycle instead.

Masaya Volcano National Park is one of the most famous volcanoes in the pacific region of Nicaragua due to its constant activity, and was known to the Spanish as the "Mouth of Hell". With a private guide leading the way, you'll enjoy the unique experience of seeing an active volcano up close, and watching as molten lava glows in the crater just meters away. It's an awe-inspiring experience allowing you to experience a phenomenon once sacred to pre-Columbian Nicaraguans, who were inspired by the raw power and beauty of nature.

Transfer: Granada - Nicaragua to Isla de Ometepe

Journey into the lush cloud forest around the majestic Mombacho Volcano, spotting wildlife and taking in the incredible panoramic views from the top. After travelling to the Mombacho Nature Reserve, you'll begin to climb the volcano by 4x4 truck, stopping for a delicious local coffee at one of the plantations along the way. Once near the top you'll enjoy a short, guided hike along the trail, passing through a variety of landscapes - keep an eye out for the howler monkeys and white-faced monkeys, sloths, dart frogs, and the endemic Mombacho salamander along the way. Once at the peak, you can enjoy views over Granada, the Las Isletas archipelago and Masaya Volcano.

Hotel: Finca San Juan de la Isla (3 Star Rating)

Located lakeside at Santo Domingo Beach, this laid-back and authentic Nicaraguan hacienda is a beautiful and welcoming base for your time in Ometepe. There are wonderful views of the lake and Concepción Volcano, and plenty of activities on offer such as birdwatching, hiking in nature reserves, mountain biking, horseback riding and volcano climbing (available at additional cost). The comfortable rooms and bungalows are set throughout the lush grounds of this fruit tree plantation, whilst the restaurant serves locally produced and delicious meals.a

Natural marvels and pre-Columbian relics are Ometepe's key highlights, and you will visit them during this tour. After being picked up by your private guide, you'll make your way to Finca Magdalena, a community farm. In the area around the finca, several rock carvings (petroglyphs) can be found. Set out on a short tour while you learn of the island's history, and soon after, visit the mystical Charco Verde lagoon. Surrounded by abundant flora and fauna, your guide will introduce you to the natural wonders of this reserve, and share the legend of "Chico Largo." Continuing onward to the Ojo de Agua, a water source situated near the lakeside, you are invited to take a swim in the natural water pool here, after which you may visit an interesting museum with Pre-Columbian artifacts and some well-conserved indigenous statues and ceramics. When the time is right, you'll break for lunch a local restaurant, and following the day's adventure, will be returned to your accommodations.

Transfer: Isla de Ometepe to San Juan del Sur

Hotel: Black Pearl Inn (3 Star Rating)

Black Pearl Inn is centrally located in San Juan del Sur, a 2-minute walk from San Juan del Sur Beach and 13 minutes by foot from San Juan del Sur Port. This hotel is 3 mi (4.9 km) from Nacascolo Beach and 4.3 mi (6.9 km) from El Remanso Beach.

Pamper yourself with onsite massages or enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, a picnic area, and barbecue grills.

Transfer: San Juan del Sur to Managua