Arrive to the Managua airport where you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Managua has been Nicaragua's capital since 1852. The northern area holds remnants of the old city center, damaged by a 1972 earthquake, while the southern part thrives as a cultural and commercial hub.

After breakfast, meet your driver and begin your journey to Leon City. In Managua, explore the capital’s history, starting in the northern sector, heavily affected by a 1972 earthquake. Head south to the cultural and commercial center to visit National Historic Park Loma de Tiscapa, where you learn about national hero Augusto Cesar Sandino and the Somoza dictatorship. Take in a panoramic view of key historical landmarks.

On the way to Leon, stop at the Old Leon Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1967. Discover the early history of Nicaragua’s first capital and admire views of Momotombo Volcano and Lake Xolotlan from a hilltop vantage point.

In Leon, explore this colonial city at your own pace. Known as the artistic and intellectual heart of Nicaragua, Leon has served as a former capital for over three centuries and the home of iconic poets like Ruben Dario. Originally located near the Momotombo Volcano, Leon was relocated after an earthquake in 1609 to its current location 90 kilometers north of Managua. Spend the rest of the day as you wish.

In the morning, choose one of the following tour options:

Option 1: Juan Venado Nature Reserve features a stunning mangrove ecosystem, often overlooked by visitors. Navigate through the winding mangrove channels while observing various bird species and aquatic creatures that call this area home. Keep an eye out for crocodiles and, during the season from August to February, the remarkable Paslama Sea Turtle.

Option 2: Head to Cerro Negro, a striking black-sand volcano. Ascend to the summit for the chance to either hike or sandboard down its western slope, with sweeping views of the lush landscape around you. This experience offers a thrilling perspective on the area’s volcanic scenery.

Note: Museums are closed on Mondays; many churches close to visitors on Sundays.

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and travel to Matagalpa.

Make a stop at San Jacinto Hot Springs to experience the natural geothermal activity up close. Witness the impressive spectacle of boiling mud and steam rising from the earth's interior, showcasing the region's geological wonders.

Upon arrival at Selva Negra, join a guided truck tour operated by the hotel staff. Discover innovative and sustainable farming methods that have earned Selva Negra its reputation. Explore the organic laboratory, worker housing, greenhouses, cheese houses, chicken coops, and stables. Learn about the farm-to-table concept, seeing how local produce contributes to the restaurant's menu. Visit the cattle pasture, coffee plantation, and composting areas to understand the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle in practice at Selva Negra.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a guided coffee tour at the lodge’s Hacienda, offering a comprehensive journey from seed to cup. Explore coffee nurseries and learn about shade coffee cultivation and sustainable organic farming methods at the organic laboratory. Witness the process from picking and weighing beans to their journey through the wet mill. Wrap up the tour in the museum with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, where questions are welcomed. Along the way, discover insights into the history, climate, topography, and social programs tied to coffee production.


 

Granada, founded in 1524, is Nicaragua's most popular city, renowned for its colonial and neoclassical architecture, colorful cobblestone streets, and relaxed atmosphere that captivates both locals and visitors. Experience a guided walking tour of this historic city, visiting notable sites such as La Merced Church, the vibrant cathedral, and the San Francisco Convent, which houses a collection of authentic pre-Columbian sculptures. Afterward, embark on a boat trip on Lake Nicaragua to explore the Isletas, a chain of 354 islands formed by a massive eruption of Mombacho Volcano. These lush islands are teeming with birdlife, including egrets, cormorants, ospreys, kingfishers, and oropendulas, offering a serene and picturesque experience.

Today, choose one of the following tour options:

Option 1: Masaya Volcano & Artisan Market
Begin at the Masaya Volcano National Park, Nicaragua's first national park established in 1979. Start your visit at the Environment Interpretation Center, where a guide will provide insights into the volcano's history, including its cultural significance to indigenous peoples and the geological events that shaped it. Although access to the Santiago crater viewpoint is restricted, explore the "Comalito" trail, which meanders through lush forests and past active fumaroles. This trail allows for observation of diverse plant and animal life. Enjoy scenic views from a lookout point, where Mombacho Volcano and the city of Granada can be seen, along with the culturally significant Masaya Lagoon, a volcanic lake formed by ancient eruptions.

After the volcano, visit the Masaya arts and crafts market to shop for local ceramics, hammocks, woodwork, and leather souvenirs.

Option 2: Mombacho Volcano Crater Trail
This tour begins with a hotel pickup, followed by a drive to the base of Mombacho Volcano. Switch to a four-wheel drive vehicle for the ascent, surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the reserve and stunning vistas. The hike along the Crater Trail lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Learn about the area's flora, fauna, and the ancient civilizations that once thrived here, along with insights into the volcanology of Mombacho. This hike is classified as moderate.

After the hike, return to Granada and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to explore the area independently.

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