Colonial Jewel
(4 days, 3 nights)

Category: relaxing

Built by the Spanish conquistadors in 1524, Granada is the best place for tourism because of its beauty and colonial architecture, charming hotels and activities to enjoy nearby: Lake Nicaragua and the islands, Mombacho volcano with its natural reserve, Masaya, with its active volcano and its folklore, the Apoyo Lagoon and its pure waters... Located only 1 hour away from the capital Managua and 90 minutes from the border with Costa Rica, Granada is also the perfect place for a combined trip with the 2 countries!

Day 1: Arrival in Nicaragua

Pick up at the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua (Peñas Blancas) or in Liberia area in Costa Rica (Liberia airport, Papagayo, Ocotal, Tamarindo…) and transfer to Granada. Accommodation at your hotel in Granada.
Overnight in your hotel.

Day 2: Managua-Masaya area-Granada (B)

After breakfast, we will start the tour in the city of Masaya. You will discover the First National Park created in Nicaragua in 1979, that of the still active Masaya Volcano. Then we will visit the finest Handicraft Market where you can enjoy the creativity and variety of Nicaraguan art at bargain prices.
Later, enjoy a delicious lunch in Catarina with a magnificent view on the Apoyo lagoon, Mombacho volcano, Granada and Lake Nicaragua.
In the afternoon, we will go to San Juan de Oriente, famous for its ceramic arts.
You will be back in Granada, around 6.00. Pm. Enjoy this lively and very safe city, and its numerous bars and restaurants.
Night in your hotel.

Day 3: Granada-Mombacho volcano & Natural Reserve-Lake Nicaragua & the islands-Granada (B)

After breakfast, we will drive to the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve (open Thursday-Sunday). A Jeep or truck ride will take us to the top. We will go through coffee plantations to the cloud forest, which offers exceptional sites to discover its flora and fauna. We will walk around one of the craters and discover amazing views!

Then, we’ll drive to Lake Nicaragua. You will go for a Boat Ride and discover Lake Nicaragua and some of its 356 islands “isletas”, a must see. First you will enjoy a lunch in one of the islands (fresh fish from the lake available!). You will tour the islands in a very nice boat, also equipped for fishing if you feel like trying your chance. Our captain will be glad to help catching a “Guapote” (Raimbow Bass from the lake). The boat is fully equipped with individual lifevests, and a cooler with sodas.

The islands “Isletas” were formed thousands years ago, after an eruption of nearby Mombacho volcano (now extinct). They are now covered with lush, tropical vegetation, some of them are inhabited by natives, others have vacation houses built on them, and others are still deserted. You will be able to observe some of the many species of tropical birds that live in the islands. The inhabitants (“Isleños”) live peacefully in simple yet decent conditions and dedicate themselves to fishing and small agriculture, and now to tourism too.

Free night in your hotel in Granada.

Day 4: Granada-Managua (B)

Transfer back to Costa Rica or to Managua int’l airport. Extensions are possible for activities like beach and ecological tours on Ometepe Island or other places in Nicaragua.

Package includes:

Lodging:

Meal plan: As specified

Others:

Does not include: