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The famed Cathedral of Granada

Nicaragua Vieja

Example 8 Day Tour
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This tour focuses on the two main twin cities of Granada and Leon and surrounding attractions. Start by visiting the Masaya market and explore the local handicrafts. Continue on to explore the city of Granada and the nearby cloudforest of Mombacho Volcano. Continue on then to see Leon city in the North. Visit also the remaining ruins from Old Leon, as well as get a view of the volcanoes from the rooftop of the cathedral!
Masaya National Park, NicaraguaThe crater of the Cerro Negro Volcano.A traveler sand boards down the Cerro Negro Volcano.Main cathedral in Leon City, from its roof, you can see farLeon MarketA family waiting to start sand boarding down a volcano.Christmas in Granada.Old LeonVents on top of Cerro Horse drawn carriage anyone?Cerro NegroOld Leonman still rowing his boatA traveler sand boards down the Cerro Negro Volcano.The famed Cathedral of Granada
Highlights
  • Climb past fields of petrified lava on Masaya Volcano
  • Tour the oldest colonial city in Central America, Granada
  • Visit Old Leon, ruins buried in the eruption of Momotombo Volcano
  • Explore Juan Venado Reserve, a nesting place for sea turtles
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Managua

Upon arrival at Managua Airport, a representative will greet you and lead you on a sightseeing tour of the city. Managua has served as Nicaragua's capital since 1852. The northern area features the old city center, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1972, while the southern part is the cultural and commercial heart of the country. Key sites include the National Historic Park Loma de Tiscapa, where you'll explore significant aspects of the city’s history. Discover the story of national hero Augusto Cesar Sandino and the Somoza dictatorship, and enjoy panoramic views of the main historical landmarks.

Day 2: Old Leon City and Colonial Leon City

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and travel to Leon City. On the way, visit the Old Leon Ruins, founded in 1967 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Leon Viejo on an engaging tour, learning about the early history of Nicaragua's first capital. From the hill where the fort is located, enjoy stunning views of Momotombo Volcano and Lake Xolotlan.

Continue to Leon City for a guided tour of key highlights, starting at the colonial heart with a visit to the Cathedral, the largest in Central America, and the Main Plaza. During the walking tour, discover the city's historic murals and understand Leon's significant role in Nicaragua's social, economic, and political development.

Note: Museums are closed on Mondays, and many churches are closed to visitors on Sundays.

Day 3: Juan Venado Reserve

This morning set out on a boat tour of the islets on Nicaragua Lake, then explore city of Granada on foot. The oldest colonial city in all Central America, Granada was first founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba. Though it has been sacked by pirates multiple times and undergone many civil wars, Granada boasts beautiful Spanish architecture, making it the must-see of Nicaragua. Explore San Francisco Convento Museum, one of the best in the region. Originally constructed in 1585, it was burned by pirates and then later again by William Walker and recently restored in 1989. Inside you can see primitivist art, paper mache figurines depicting indigenous life, as well as the Zapatera Statuary, with black basalt statues carved between 800 and 1200 AD.

Explore also La Merced Church, arguably the most beautiful in the city. Enjoy a climb to the belltower for an extra dollar! Also visit La Fortaleza, an old Spanish fort constructed in 1748 with the best view over the city! Spend the rest of your tour wandering around the main plaza, perhaps even take a horse-drawn buggy ride! Feel free to explore more museums as time allows.

This afternoon head to the shores of Lake Nicaragua for a boat tour of the tiny isletas offshore. Over 365 tiny islands were created by the eruption of Mombacho. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife as you pass each island.

Day 4: Masaya Volcano and Artisan Market

After breakfast, depart from the hotel for a drive to Granada City.

Visit Masaya Volcano and the Artisan Market. Masaya Volcano National Park, established in 1979 as Nicaragua's first national park, showcases nature, geological wonders, and rich history. Begin at the Environmental Interpretation Center, where a guide outlines the volcano's significance to indigenous peoples and the geological processes that shaped it. While access to the Santiago crater lava viewpoint is restricted, explore the "Comalito" trail, winding through lush forests and active fumaroles. Observe diverse flora and fauna along the way. Reach a scenic lookout offering panoramic views of Mombacho Volcano and Granada City, with close-up sights of Masaya Lagoon—a volcanic lake with cultural importance to indigenous communities.

Next, visit the Masaya Arts and Crafts Market, just fifteen minutes away, to shop for local ceramics, hammocks, wood, and leather souvenirs.

Continue to Granada City. Founded in 1524, Granada is Nicaragua’s most visited city, known for its colonial and neoclassical architecture, vibrant cobbled streets, and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 5: Cooking Class & Colonial Granada city tour & Isletas Boat Trip

Experience the authentic flavors of Nicaragua with a hands-on cooking class in Granada. Start with a guided visit to the bustling local market to select the freshest ingredients for your dishes. Then, step into a charming colonial house for a 2-hour class, where you'll prepare traditional Nicaraguan cuisine. Enjoy a cultural and culinary journey that brings the region’s rich flavors to life.

Afterward, continue with a guided walking tour to explore Granada's highlights, including the "La Merced" church, the brightly colored cathedral, and the San Francisco Convent, which houses a collection of pre-Columbian sculptures. Conclude your day by visiting the warm waters of Lake Nicaragua and its 354 lush islets, home to diverse birdlife. Created by an ancient eruption of Mombacho Volcano, these islands offer stunning views and a peaceful retreat.

Day 6: Mombacho Volcano & White Towns

Start your day with a pickup from your hotel, heading to Mombacho Volcano's base. Switch to a four-wheel-drive vehicle for the ascent, surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning views. The 1 hour and 45-minute hike offers a close look at the area's biodiversity, including unique flora and fauna, and insights into the region's volcanology and ancient inhabitants. This moderate hike provides a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.

Next, take in panoramic views from Catarina Viewpoint, where you can see the Apoyo Lagoon, Mombacho Volcano, Lake Nicaragua, and Granada. It's a prime spot for exceptional photos.

End your day with a visit to San Juan de Oriente, a village known for its traditional pottery. Learn about the craft’s history and evolution at a local pottery school, where artisans like Valentine Lopez share their techniques and creations, blending ancient methods with modern designs.

Day 7: Return to Managua

Today you can explore on your own. Visit nearby landmarks such as Iglesia de La Merced, Granada Cathedral, and Parque Colon, or walk through the Mercado Municipal to experience the local market.

Day 8: Return Home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

Accommodations

Hotel Los Robles

Hotel Los Robles
Hotel Los Robles
Hotel Los Robles

Hotel El Convento

Hotel El Convento
Hotel El Convento
View of the garden at Hotel El Convento

Hotel Real La Merced

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,949 2-3 travelers

Notes

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Included
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
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May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

Nicaragua Travel Guide

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