After breakfast today, choose between two day tour options:
Mombacho Volcano Crater Trail & Canopy Tour: The tour begins with a 45-minute 4x4 drive up the slopes of nearby Mombacho Volcano. The surrounding cloud forest is full of lush vegetation that has regrown since the volcano was last active. At the foot of the mountain meet the park keepers and switch vehicles for the ascent to the summit. Along the way enjoy breathtaking views and become acquainted with the biodiversity of the region. At the summit set off on a moderate hike along the trails of the volcano. Throughout the hike, learn about Mombacho's wildlife, ancient inhabitants, and volcanic history. If the day is clear, the hike affords amazing views of the plain Pacific region of Nicaragua, neighboring Granada, as well as beautiful Lake Nicaragua. The hike takes about two hours, after which you are driven back down the mountain and have a typical Nicaraguan lunch at the Mombacho reserve. After lunch take an invigorating zip line canopy tour through Cafe Las Flores Canopy Adventure, also located on the reserve. The tour takes two to three hours and offers a truly unique perspective on this beautiful region. Local guides provide assistance throughout, showing you how to properly use the equipment and safely pass from one platform to the other. After zip lining, relax on Cafe Las Flores' farm and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, produced entirely onsite.
Masaya Volcano, Artisan Market, Catarina & San Juan de Oriente: This tour takes you to half an hour from Granada to the first national park in the country, established in 1979, home of the Masaya Volcano. At the environmental interpretive center, learn about the history of the volcano as well as the flora and fauna of the surrounding wildlife refuge. Continue with your guided drive up to the summit of Masaya, where you can get out and explore the Santiago crater. Learn about the volcanic formations, the famous Aratinga strenua, a bird that makes its home in the toxic crater walls, as well as the history of the Spanish explorers and native inhabitants of the area. After the volcano tour, travel 15 minutes down the road to visit the Masaya arts and crafts market featuring locally-made ceramics, hammocks, and wood and leather goods. Dine at a local restaurant and continue on to the charming, adjacent towns of Catarina and San Juan de Oriente. Here you are introduced to Nicaraguan craftsmen and learn about how typical pottery, furniture, and baskets are made, while taking in the beauty of the surrounding water and volcanic landscape.
After finishing the tour of your choice, return to the hotel in Granada and enjoy dinner on your own.