Family trip to Nicaragua

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Welcome to Nicaragua!

  

  Arrival in Managua First contact with the country, its people, and its atmosphere. Your private transfer will take you to your hotel in Managua for a night of rest after your flight.

• day 2

  Ruins of León Viejo

  

  This morning, take charge of your rental vehicle. Then, depart from Managua to León, the former capital of Nicaragua (2 hours by road). Ruins of León Viejo On the way, we recommend visiting the Ruins of León Viejo, a site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 2000. León Viejo is one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas, dating from the 16th century, and today has an enormous archaeological heritage. Overnight in a charming hotel in León, in cabins around a swimming pool.

• day 3

  León, capital of the Revolution

  

  Free discovery of León Former capital of Nicaragua until 1851, León is a must-see city in the north of the country. Attractive for its colonial style, fascinating for its rich historical and religious past, we invite you to discover this city through the places that have marked its history. Sledding down the slopes of Cerro Negro volcano Born 150 years ago, Cerro Negro volcano is the most active volcano in all of Nicaragua; the last eruption was in 1999. Standing 725 m high, it lives up to its name "Black Mountain" and its appearance is lunar. Its surface is covered with black volcanic stones all the way to its summit. The fumaroles and other sulfur emissions enhance the sense of being in another world. You will reach the summit from where you can observe the crater, then descend the slope by sandboarding. Thrills guaranteed! Note: moderately difficult hike, about 1h30 of walking. Night in a charming hotel in León in cabins around a swimming pool.

• day 4

  The mangroves of Isla Juan Venado

  

  Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve We invite you to discover the mangroves of the Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve by boat, in search of turtles, caimans, and iguanas. Located opposite Las Peñitas beach, this island is also a refuge for many bird species (3-hour excursion). You can end the excursion with a swim or a walk on the beach. Overnight in a charming hotel in León, in cabins around a swimming pool.

• day 5

  Matagalpa and the lands of the North

  

  This morning, departure towards the northern lands and the Matagalpa region, renowned for its coolness and coffee plantations, up to La Dalia (4 hours by road). On the way, we recommend visiting the Hervideros de San Jacinto, volcanic manifestations at the foot of the Telica volcano, and making a stop in Esteli, a city well known for its cigars. Overnight stay in a lodge at the heart of a coffee finca (full board).

• day 6

  La Dalia, small village in the Sierra.

  

  Discovery of a coffee finca Free day to participate in the activities offered by the hotel, at no extra cost. These are adapted according to the season (especially all activities related to coffee). Here is an idea of what will be offered to you: - Morning walk to observe the birds of the finca, - Tour to the cascada del Eden, - Following the cleaning process of the coffee harvested on the property, - Discovery of the coffee plantation and participation in the picking, - Hike on the Bejuco and Matapalo trails, - Visit to the butterfly greenhouse or the frog vivarium, - Hike in the Peñas Blancas reserve (1h by car). Overnight in a lodge in the heart of a coffee finca (full board).

• day 7

  Granada, colonial city

  

  This morning, departure from La Dalia towards Granada, a superb colonial city (4 hours by road). On the way, you can stop at Masaya to stroll around the city. Don't miss the colorful craft market, which is full of all kinds of handmade items, from scarves to traditional pottery, including the hammocks that have made the city famous. Free discovery of Granada We suggest you explore this colonial gem on foot or by carriage. You can visit the Cathedral, the Church of La Merced, then the Xalteva Church around which the city of Granada was originally built. You can climb the tower of the Church of La Merced to get a view over the city and observe the lake from above. Then, we invite you to immerse yourself in the central market and its colorful stalls. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in the center of Granada. A former colonial house, it has a charming interior patio and a swimming pool.

• day 8

  Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve

  

  Hiking on the Mombacho volcano We invite you to discover the humid nature of the Mombacho volcano, which overlooks Granada. It is composed of four volcanic craters, with the highest peak reaching 1,345 meters. The hiking trails, easily accessible, cross the only humid forest on the Pacific coast of Central America. Note: 1h30 of self-guided hiking; medium difficulty. Ziplining Departure for a ziplining session. Stretching over 2 km with 17 stations, 11 zip lines, and 3 hanging bridges, this excursion allows you to appreciate the environment of the Mombacho volcano. Throughout the course, you can observe the diversity of the local wildlife. Note: about 2 hours of excursion - Minimum age: 5 years. Artisanal chocolate making Within a community located on the slopes of the Mombacho volcano, you will learn about and witness all the stages of cocoa transformation: from the beans to the chocolate we are used to tasting (1 hour workshop). Night in a comfortable hotel in the center of Granada. A former colonial house, it has a charming interior patio and a swimming pool.

• day 9

  Lakes and volcanoes near Granada

  

  Las Isletas Morning dedicated to discovering the Las Isletas archipelago, a group of islands off the coast of Granada. You will set off by boat to navigate between these islets where, today, Nicaraguans have established their holiday homes. There are nearly 400 basaltic islands and you will surely have the opportunity to enjoy an excellent view of the proud Mombacho volcano, as well as observe many animals there (2-hour excursion). Los Pueblos Blancos Take a stroll through the streets of these small villages renowned for their crafts (pottery, leather goods, and hammocks). La Laguna de Apoyo Free afternoon to relax and swim in the enchanting setting of the Laguna de Apoyo, a former volcanic crater now filled with fresh water. The Masaya volcano at night! The Masaya Volcano National Park is a place that will give you another vision of what happens beneath the Earth's crust. With its five craters, the Masaya, called "Popogatepe" by the Nahuatl natives, is the most accessible active volcano in the world. The tour consists of discovering it at dusk to enjoy the sunset, the lava lake, and observe the local wildlife. Night in a comfortable hotel in the center of Granada. A former colonial house, it has a charming interior patio and a pool.

• day 10

  The volcanic island of Ometepe

  

  This morning, departure from Granada and drive to the port of San Jorge. Then, boarding the ferry towards Ometepe Island (1h30 drive + 1h15 boat crossing). Charco Verde Nature Reserve At the foot of the Concepción volcano, we offer you a walk along the Charco Verde lagoon and Lake Nicaragua, during which you can observe many howler monkeys and all kinds of birds. Next, you will discover the open-air butterfly reserve, which can accommodate up to 3,000 butterflies, including the famous "mariposa" in the colors of the national flag... A sunset on the lake! Meet at the end of the day at Punta Jesus Maria to admire the sunset on this stretch of land nearly a kilometer long in the middle of the lake. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in the heart of an ecological reserve, on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, with a private beach and swimming pool.

• day 11

  The volcanic island of Ometepe

  

  Free day to enjoy the many possible activities on Ometepe Island. We recommend a walk in search of the petroglyphs, mysterious imprints left in the stone by the Chorotega Indians in many places on the island more than 1500 years ago. To discover the local fauna and flora, you can go kayaking for half a day in the mangroves starting from the Istian isthmus. For swimming, the ideal is to go on foot, by bike, or by taxi to Ojo de Agua, a natural pool with thermal and clear waters. For hiking enthusiasts, we finally recommend going to see the San Ramon waterfall by walking from your hotel, or climbing the slopes of the Maderas volcano to reach the viewpoint and enjoy the panoramic view it offers. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in the heart of an ecological reserve, on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, with a private beach and swimming pool.

• day 12

  To the Pacific Coast

  

  This morning, drive to the port of Moyogalpa to take the ferry to the mainland, then drive to your hotel on the Pacific Ocean, in San Juan del Sur (1h15 by boat + 1h by road). Overnight in a comfortable and charming hotel located directly on the beach, with a swimming pool.

• day 13

  Relaxation on the Pacific Coast

  

  San Juan del Sur Free day to enjoy the hotel and relax in the small fishing town of San Juan del Sur. From here, you can, among other things, explore the wild beaches of the Pacific coast, visit a natural reserve for the protection of sea turtles, try surfing or other water activities, discover typical dishes in restaurants ideally located by the sea, and end your day with the sunset in the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur. Night in a comfortable and charming hotel located directly on the beach, with a pool.

• day 14

  Departure time!

  

  Return to the road towards Managua International Airport for your international flight (3 hours drive). Return of your rental vehicle at the airport.