Nicaragua

DAY 1: MANAGUA - GRANADA

For your added comfort, an English-speaking assistant will be waiting for you outside of customs holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will help coordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation in Granada. Approximate travel time is one hour.

A welcome package containing a country map, 24/7 emergency contact information, a confirmed version of the program and other useful information will be waiting for you upon arrival to your first hotel.

Accommodation: Plaza Colon (4*)

The elegant Hotel Plaza Colón is a beautifully refurbished colonial house overlooking Granada’s Central Park, and is located in the historical center of this striking city. Restored to its original style and architecture, the hotel features two courtyards and balconies overlooking Central Park and Granada Cathedral. Centered in the heart of Granada, guests can explore the city from this property or relax on site, enjoying a drink at El Bar or taking a dip in the outdoor swimming pool.

DAY 2: GRANADA

Satisfy your sweet-tooth on this privately-guided chocolate tour! First, depart for the ChocoMuseo to learn everything about chocolate and cacao. After exploring the museum, participate in a museum-led workshop where you will prepare handmade chocolate from 100% Nicaraguan organic cacao beans. This one and a half hour workshop covers the entire chocolate making process, starting from the cocoa bean and ending with a handmade bar of chocolate in your very own hands. The preparation of cocoa-based beverages is also detailed in the workshop, including how to prepare an ancient Maya drink. This unique and enjoyable tour provides guests with the opportunity to learn about cultural and economic heritage of Nicaragua, all with the promise of delicious chocolate to conclude the tour. After this workshop, you will understand that there is more to chocolate than meets the eye and that it has as much depth and complexity as wine.

Includes: Guide, entrance fees, chocolate bar.

In the late afternoon, you will head to Masaya Volcano National Park. Wildlife is very active during this time of the day with diurnal animals looking for a place to sleep, and nocturnal animals waking up; you might even see green parakeets returning to their nests inside the crater. The Masaya is very active at the moment, so for those who have always wanted to see an active volcano, this is your unique chance to see boiling lava inside an active crater. Because of volcanic activity, it is possible that conditions will prevent you from reaching the crater of the volcano; this is subject to prevailing conditions during your time in the region.

Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance fees.

Accommodation: Plaza Colon (4*)

 DAY 3: GRANADA - OMETEPE ISLAND

After being picked up from your hotel by a private vehicle and driver you will transfer to Ometepe Island boat dock where a shared ferry will deliver you to Ometepe Island. Upon arrival, a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Total travel time is approximately three and a half hours.

This adventurous tour of Ometepe's natural treasures begins at Peña Inculta, a reserve where groups of white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys live, as well as armadillos, sloths, lizards and no less than 48 species of birds including trogons, wrens, and parrots; keep your eyes peeled!

Afterwards you will visit the historical coffee hacienda Finca Magdalena, which was constructed in 1888. After gaining insights into the process of organic coffee cultivation, you will participate in a short hike to nearby rock carvings, where you will learn about these fascinating petroglyphs. If you so desire, you can enjoy your lunch overlooking the beach (lunch not included) and then continue to Ojo de Agua, a natural pool, where you can swim, relax, and enjoy a drink before ending your tour.

Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance fees.

Accommodation: San Juan de la Isla (4*)

Experience one of the world's unique lake islands from an unrivaled vantage point: San Juan de la Isla - Nicaragua's most comfortable and authentic island lodge. Located lakefront on Santo Domingo Beach, San Juan de la Isla enjoys stunning vistas of Isla Ometepe's towering volcanoes, the rugged, active Volcán Concepción, and the misty, cloud forest wrapped Volcán Maderas. The lodge's beach-front location is the ideal base for swimming in Lake Nicaragua's clean, warm waters, hiking inside nature reserves, mountain biking, horseback riding and volcano climbing. The understated, century-old Spanish colonial hacienda house has been faithfully restored and serves visitors as the lodge’s restaurant. The property consists of four colonial rooms, a newly constructed building with four rooms and porch, two independent bungalows and three log cabins set along the beach under swaying coconut palms.

DAY 4: OMETEPE ISLAND

Journey to the head of Istiam River on a scenic kayaking trip lasting three to four hours. You will first kayak for approximately 45 minutes through a floating garden of native plant life to the mouth of the river on Lake Nicaragua and then follow the river inland for two to three more hours of paddling. While kayaking along the Istiam you may observe jacanas, turtles, caimans, and howler monkeys, and will surely enjoy fantastic panoramic views of Ometepe's volcanoes. When you have finished the route and arrive at the landing point, you will be returned to your hotel.

Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance fees, kayak and materials.

Accommodation: San Juan de la Isla (4*)

DAY 5: OMETEPE ISLAND - SAN JUAN DEL SUR

Today you will be privately transferred from Ometepe Island to Morgan's Rock Hotel in San Juan del Sur. Along the way you will stop at Parque Las Nubes, an adventure park. Upon arrival at Parque Las Nubes, you will drive to the beginning point of your canopy adventure. Zip-lining from platform to platform, ten in total, you can experience the sights and sounds of the jungle, and with luck, also encounter a range of animals including monkeys and tropical birds.

Includes: Transportation, guide (at Parque Las Nubes), entrance fees and equipment use.

Accommodation: Morgan`s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge (4*)

Barefoot luxury on a private tropical beach, stunning ocean-view bungalows, all within a 4,000-acre jungle define the Morgan's Rock Hacienda Ecolodge experience. The Ecolodge is a 15-bungalow hideaway on a mile-long picturesque sandy beach, frequented year-round by nesting sea turtles. Nearly half of the vast property is a government-designated reserve. The sustainably constructed bungalows nestle into the jungle, not far from the hacienda’s private beach. They are exquisite when lit up at night. Guests can relax on the beach and participate in numerous activities and off-site excursions.

DAY 6: SAN JUAN DEL SUR

There are plenty of activities to participate in during your stay at Morgan's Rock! Optional activities include: Kayaking, surfing, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, massages, nature hiking, night hiking, baby sea turtle encounter (typically on site from August to February) and more! Activities are subject to additional cost and are paid for on-site.

Accommodation: Morgan`s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge (4*)

DAY 7: SAN JUAN DEL SUR

San Juan del Sur, once a quiet fishing village, has in recent years become a hot-spot for local and international tourists. Characterized by its happy-go-lucky atmosphere, San Juan del Sur is the ideal place to relax, dine, drink and is also home to many fantastic artisan craft vendors. Nightlife in San Juan del Sur is excellent, with many lively bars to visit, including Iguana Bar, Howler Bar and Arribas Bar, all of which are located on the beach-front. The Dale Pues House of Sandwiches is a local favorite, and for guests looking for a more upscale dining experience, El Bocadito Tapas Bar and G & G Gourmet are also found in this lovely seaside town.

Accommodation: Morgan`s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge (4*)

DAY 8: SAN JUAN DEL SUR

Enjoy a private vehicle and driver as you transfer from San Juan del Sur to Managua. Total travel time is approximately three hours and 30 minutes.

Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard)

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary