Nicaragua’s Islands and Volcanoes

Nicaragua is known as 'the land of lakes and volcanoes' with good reason. It's one of the few places in the world where you can safely get up close and personal with active volcanoes, while simultaneously enjoying the incredibly diverse nature of this beautiful country. The volcano dotted landscape is home to Central America’s largest lake, Lago Cocibolca, which contains hundreds of islands ranging from the tiny islands of the 'Las Isletas' archipelago to the massive Isla de Ometepe with its twin perfectly conical volcanic peaks and lush, tropical interior. Nearby is the delightful colonial city of Granada, featuring some of Central America’s best historic architecture, museums and gourmet cuisine.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Nicaragua (-)

Upon arrival at Managua’s modern international airport you will be warmly welcomed by our representatives and driven to your luxury hotel in the center of the capital.

Day 2 - Managua City Tour, Transfer to Isla Ometepe (B)

After a leisurely breakfast in your hotel you will be met by your driver and guide and escorted on a private tour of the capital city, where you will learn of its interesting history and curious architecture. You will then drive approximately one hour and a half to the lakeside town of San Jorge to take a ferry to the island of Ometepe. Ometepe is an island of perfectly formed twin volcanic peaks, 6 miles into Lake Cocibolca, Central America’s largest lake, of 3,300 square miles. It is an ecological jewel of unspoiled nature and a lovely place to spend a couple of days. After a leisurely breakfast this morning, you will be driven to the port town of San Jorge and then travel by boat to the island where you will be escorted by 4X4 vehicle to your hotel for one night. Depending on your level of interest, you can enjoy a horseback trek around the island, or a kayak tour up a river under the shade of the forest canopy, spotting kingfishers, white herons, turtles and caimans (crocodiles). Swimming in a crystal clear natural stone pool set in a gorgeous botanical garden, surrounded by the call of monkeys in the treetops and the blur of colorful tropical birds flying by is a relaxing alternative, or for the really adventurous, mountain bike tours around the island, and hiking to the summit of 4,500 foot Maderas Volcano are easily arranged. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the beach and surroundings of your hotel and visit the small but interesting and welcoming villages around the island for a colorful insight into rural Nicaraguan life.

Day 3 - Isla de Ometepe, Transfer to Granada (B)

This morning, after awakening to the peaceful sounds of nature surrounding your island hotel, you will continue your tour of the small, but fascinating ecological treasure of Ometepe. Again, depending on your level of interest, you will enjoy a private tour of the island before returning to San Jorge by ferry and driving approximately an hour and a half to the colonial city of Granada.

Day 4 - Granada City Tour (B)

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast in your hotel, you will be given a private horse-drawn carriage tour of Granada - Nicaragua’s finest colonial city. Granada, founded in 1524, is a wonderful place to spend the next few days. Full of colonial splendor, it boasts beautiful architecture, a network of narrow cobbled streets, red tiled roofs and a lovely lakeside setting on the shores of Lake Cocibolca. You will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful La Merced church, where you can climb the bell tower for the best view over the city before visiting the Casa de los Leones, a colonial era home whose lush interior has been transformed into an interesting international cultural center.

The San Francisco Convent is set around open courtyards festooned with palm trees and centuries’ worth of priceless artwork is another fascinating stop on this morning’s tour. Granada is a very picturesque city that has been painstakingly restored and the colorful building facades practically glow in the sultry and tropical late afternoon sun. This afternoon will be at your leisure to enjoy the delights of this lovely city.

Day 5 - Masaya, the Pueblos Blancos (B,L)

The nearby town of Masaya is Nicaragua’s epicenter of handicrafts. Its clean, neat, sprawling marketplace is the best place in the country to shop for excellent quality hammocks, painted, carved gourds typical of this region, woven mats, ceramics and pottery, wood carvings, leather and textile goods and colorful woven basketry. You will have plenty of time here to practice your haggling skills. Even if you don’t buy anything here, it’s still an enjoyable experience. Your afternoon will be spent visiting the delightful Pueblos Blancos, a series of pretty villages, each known for something in particular - wickerwork, bamboo craftwork, folk dancing, black magic, or simply one of the best views in all of Nicaragua from the cliffside walkway in the town of Catarina.

Day 6 - Las Isletas, Mombacho Volcano (B)

Las Isletas is an archipelago in Lake Cocibolca, close to Granada comprised of over 100 islands of varying size. The best way to experience this fascinating archipelago is on a private boat tour of the area where you can appreciate the many beautiful islands and pristine landscapes of this region, meeting local islanders, watching children paddling dugout canoes to school on a neighboring island and stopping off for a refreshing drink at one of the mellow island bars before continuing your tour. For the more active, this tour can easily be accomplished by kayak instead of by motorboat. Following lunch, you will be driven the short distance to the Mombacho Volcano. Towering over Granada, this beautiful park has well maintained hiking trails and is overgrown with hundreds of orchid species. There are over 1000 howler monkeys here that you will see from two well maintained, one mile and two and a half mile long easy hiking trails with an amazing view over the lake and city. You can also enjoy a bird’s eye view of the forest on a 1-mile long canopy tour or try your hand at horseback riding or walking an easy bird watching trail.

Day 7 - Farewell to Nicaragua (B)

This morning your driver will meet you at your hotel from where you will be driven by private vehicle to Managua airport to check in for your international flight home.

Managua - Luxury - Intercontinental Hotel (Standard Room)

Managua - Deluxe - Intercontinental Hotel (Executive Room)

Enjoy an urban oasis at this award-winning, luxury hotel in Managua. The hotel is ideally placed in the center of the entertainment and business district, adjacent to the country's largest shopping mall featuring more than 120 stores. Indulge yourself at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, enjoy the trendy ambience of the NAU lounge bar or unwind in the tranquil surroundings on the terrace next to the pool and exotic gardens. Explore the city, visit Managua's famous cathedral and its historic downtown area. The Intercontinental sets the standard for luxury hotels in Managua with excellent service and amenities that travelers worldwide expect from this luxury brand.

Isla De Ometepe - Luxury - Xalli Beach Hotel

Isla De Ometepe - Deluxe - Xalli Beach Hotel

Xalli is an elegantly refurbished 7-room hotel located beach-front along the sandy isthmus connecting Isla de Ometepe's two spectacular volcanoes. The hotel´s facilities offer guests a high level of comfort and convenience and their dedication to personalized service combined with their expert knowledge of the island allows you to play hard and rest easy. The hotel´s restaurant focuses on offering delicious nutritionally balanced meals maximizing the use of organic and locally sourced fresh produce. Amenities include WIFI access, room service, laundry, parking and a wonderful beachfront location.

Granada - Luxury - Plaza Colón (Superior Room)

Granada - Deluxe - Plaza Colón (Suite)

The elegant and luxurious Hotel Plaza Colón is a beautifully refurbished colonial house overlooking Parque Central (Central Park). Combining modern amenities with colonial architecture, all rooms have air-conditioning, cable TV, fans, wifi and minibar. Suites feature a large terrace, offering great views of Granada’s main plaza and the colorful cathedral. The hotel has a fantastic location right in the center of Granada, where guests can experience life in in the city’s main square. In the shaded evergreen patio located in one of the hotel’s beautiful internal courtyards, guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in the hotel’s beautiful pool.

Pricing

From $2695 per person (Luxury Hotels) or $3195 per person (Deluxe Hotels), for a private tour based on two people traveling in low season sharing a room.

Hotels listed on the Hotels Tab are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used. 

Price Includes:

All hotels as described in the itinerary
Services of Blue World Journeys’s representatives while in Nicaragua
All transportation as described in the itinerary in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver / guide
Private sightseeing and entrance fees
Meals as described in the itinerary
Bottled water in the vehicle during all transfers 

Price Excludes:

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Sightseeing other than described in the itinerary
Additional room charges of a personal nature in hotels (eg: room service, laundry, phone calls, etc.).