Nicaragua Family Trip

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's rest after your flight.

This morning, pick up your rental car. Then, departure from Managua to Leon, the old capital of Nicaragua (2 hours drive).

Ruins of León Viejo

On the way, we advise you to visit the Ruins of León Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 2000. León Viejo is one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas, dating back to the 16th century, and today has an enormous archaeological heritage.

Night in a charming hotel in León in cabañas around a swimming pool.

Free discovery of León

Former capital of Nicaragua until 1851, Leon is a city not to be missed in the north of the country. Seductive for its colonial style, fascinating for its rich historical and religious past, we invite you to discover this city through the places which marked its history.

Sandboard on the slopes of the volcano Cerro Negro

Born 150 years ago, the Cerro Negro volcano is the most active volcano in Nicaragua; the last eruption was in 1999. It is 725m high and bears its name "Black Mountain". Its appearance is lunar. Its surface is covered with black volcanic stones up to its summit. The fumaroles and other sulphur releases accentuate the disorientation. You will reach the summit from where you will observe the crater and then go back down the slope by sandboard. Strong sensations guaranteed!

Note : Moderate difficulty hike, about 1h30 of walking.

Night in a charming hotel in Leon in cabañas around a pool.

Natural reserve Isla Juan Venado

It is by boat that we propose you to discover the mangroves of the natural reserve of the island Juan Venado in search of turtles, caimans and iguanas. Located in front of the beach of Las Peñitas, this island is also the refuge of numerous species of birds (3 hours excursion).

You can finish the excursion with a swim or a walk on the beach.

Night in a charming hotel in Leon in cabañas around a pool.

This morning, departure towards the northern lands and the region of Matagalpa, famous for its freshness and its coffee plantations, until La Dalia (4 hours of road).

On the way, we recommend you to visit the Hervideros de San Jacinto, volcanic manifestations at the foot of the Telica Volcano and to stop in Esteli, a town well known for its cigars.

Night in a lodge in the heart of a coffee finca (all inclusive).

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 the activities related to coffee). Here is an idea of what will be offered:

- morning walk to observe the birds of the finca,

- a tour to the cascada del Eden,

- following the cleaning process of the coffee produced on the property

- discovery of the coffee plantation and participation in the harvesting

- hike on the Bejuco and Matapalo trails

- visit the butterfly house or the frog vivarium

- hike in the reserve of peñas blancas (1h drive)

Night in a lodge in the heart of a coffee finca (all inclusive).

This morning, departure from La Dalia to Granada, a beautiful colonial city (4 hours drive).

On the way, you can stop in Masaya for a stroll through the town. Don't miss the colorful handicraft market that is full of all kinds of handmade objects, from scarves to traditional pottery to the hammock that the city is known for.

Free discovery of Granada

We suggest you discover this colonial jewel on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. You will be able to visit the Cathedral, the church of the Merced and 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 bird's eye view of the city and observe the lake from up there. Then, we invite you to immerse yourself in the central market and its colorful stalls.

Night in a comfortable hotel in the center of Granada. An old colonial house, it has a charming interior patio and a swimming pool.

Trekking on the Mombacho volcano

We propose you to discover the humid nature of the Mombacho Volcano which overhangs Granada. It is composed of four volcanic craters whose highest peak reaches 1,345 meters. The easy access hiking trails go through the only humid forest of the Pacific coast of Central America.

Note: 1.5 hour self-guided hike; medium difficulty.

Canopy Tour

Departure for a session of canopy. 2 km long with 17 stations, 11 zip lines and 3 suspension bridges, this excursion allows you to appreciate the environment of the Mombacho Volcano. Along the way you can observe the diversity of the local fauna. 

Note: Approximately 2 hours of excursion - Minimum age: 5 years.

Artisanal chocolate making

In a community located on the slopes of the Mombacho volcano, you will learn and witness all the stages of cocoa processing: from the beans to the chocolate we are used to taste (1 hour workshop). 

Night in a comfortable hotel in the center of Granada. An old colonial house, it has a charming interior patio and a swimming pool. 

Las Isletas

Morning dedicated to the discovery of the archipelago of Las Isletas, set of islands off Granada. You will leave by boat to navigate between these islands where today the Nicaraguans have established their vacation homes. There are almost 400 basaltic islands and you will surely have the opportunity to enjoy an excellent view of the proud Mombacho volcano as well as to observe many animals (2 hours excursion).

Los Pueblos Blancos

Take a walk through the streets of these small villages known for their handicrafts (pottery, leather goods and hammocks).

The Laguna de Apoyo

Free afternoon to rest and swim in the enchanting setting of the Laguna de Apoyo, an ancient volcanic crater now filled with fresh water. 

The Masaya volcano by night!

The Masaya Volcano National Park is a place that will give you another view of what goes on under the earth's crust. With its five craters, the Masaya, called "Popogatepe" by the Nahuált 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 the observation of the local fauna.

Night in a comfortable hotel in the center of Granada. An old colonial house, it has a charming interior patio and a swimming pool. 

This morning you will leave Granada and drive to the port of San Jorge. Then board the ferry to the island of Ometepe (1h30 drive + 1h15 boat ride).

Natural reserve of Charco Verde 

At the foot of the volcano Concepción, we propose a walk along the lagoon of Charco Verde and the lake Nicaragua during which you will be able to observe many howler monkeys and all kinds of birds. Then, you will discover the open-air butterfly reserve that can accommodate up to 3000 butterflies, including the famous "mariposa" in the colors of the national flag... 

A sunset on the lake !

At the end of the day, you will go to Punta Jesus Maria to admire the sunset on this land advance of almost one kilometer long in the middle of the lake.

Night in a comfortable hotel in the heart of an ecological reserve, on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, with private beach and swimming pool.

Free day to enjoy the many activities available on the island of Ometepe.

We recommend a walk in the footsteps of the petroglyphs, mysterious imprints left in stone by the Chorotega Indians in many parts of the island over 1500 years ago. To discover the local fauna and flora, you can kayak for half a day in the mangroves from the Istian isthmus. For a swim, the ideal way is to go on foot, by bike or by cab to the Ojo de Agua, a natural pool with thermal and transparent waters. For hiking enthusiasts, we recommend going to see the San Ramon waterfall by walking from your hotel, or climbing the slopes of the Maderas volcano to reach the mirador and the panoramic view that it offers.

Night in a comfortable hotel in the heart of an ecological reserve, on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, with private beach and swimming pool.

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 boat + 1h drive).

Night in a comfortable and charming hotel located directly on the beach, with swimming pool.

San Juan del Sur

Free day to enjoy the hotel and rest in the small fishing town of San Juan del Sur. From there, you will be able to explore the wild beaches of the Pacific coast, visit a natural reserve for the protection of sea turtles, try your hand at surfingor other aquatic activities, discover the typical dishes in the restaurants ideally located on the seashore 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 swimming pool.

Drive back to Managua International Airport for your international flight (3 hours drive).

Return your rental car to the airport.