Wonderful Nicaragua tour for families

Managua

Day 1: Arrival in Nicaragua

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at Managua International Airport by your driver. You'll receive your travel documents and enjoy a comfortable private transfer to your hotel in Managua.

Managua - Leon Viejo - Leon

Day 2: Leon Cities Old & New

After breakfast, pick up your rental car and depart from Managua to Leon, the old capital of Nicaragua (approx. 2-hour drive). This dynamic colonial city is the ideal starting point for you to discover the region, including its numerous volcanoes and beautiful Pacific beaches. Along the way, you might like to make a stop to visit an interesting artisanal brick and tile factory before continuing to the ruins of Leon Viejo. Located on the edge of a lake, León Viejo is one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas, dating back to the 16th century. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many fascinating structures to explore. After your visit, continue to Leon, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening in this charming city.

Leon - Volcan Cerro Negro - Leon

Day 3: Volcano Climbing

This morning we recommend you visit the Cerro Negro Volcano. Visitors should climb the volcano along the designated hiking trails. Once you reach the summit, you can observe the crater with its smoking fumaroles. To make your descent, choose between returning along the hiking trails or opting for an exciting toboggan ride back down on a specially designed wooden board. Later, spend the afternoon exploring the colourful colonial city of Leon, walking its historic streets and visiting some of the many sights. Don’t miss the impressive cathedral standing tall in the central park and perhaps climb up to its roof to admire panoramic views of the city.

Leon - Las Peñitas - Leon

Day 4: To the Pacific Coast

After breakfast, head towards the Pacific Coast and the village of Las Peñitas. Spend the day exploring the village and relaxing at the beach. There’s the option here to rent a surfboard or take a lesson or simply kick back and enjoy the sunshine. Another option is to take a guided boat trip around the nearby Juan Venado Island nature reserve. A local guide will take you through the mangroves in search of turtles, caiman and iguanas. Located within sight of the Las Pañitas beach, this island is a refuge for numerous species of birds and is a lovely place to swim from (excursion approx. 3 hours).

Leon - Matagalpa

Day 5: Journey to the Coffee Region

After a relaxed morning, begin your drive north to the Matagalpa region and your eco-lodge accommodation. The region is famous for its verdant landscapes and coffee plantations and it is a lovely place to relax and enjoy nature. Along the way, make a stop in the town of Esteli, famous for its cigars, then stretch your legs in Matagalpa town with its pretty white church. The journey takes around 4 hours and upon arrival, you can settle in at your lodge before enjoying a delicious evening meal.

Matagalpa

Day 6: Immersed in Nature

During your stay, you will have the opportunity to take part in several different activities. Start early today with a guided walk to observe the local birdlife. Later you might like to visit the Eden Waterfall or tour the coffee plantation and learn about the coffee-making process. After a full day immersed in nature, enjoy dinner at the lodge and a good night’s rest.

Matagalpa - Granada

Day 7: Journey to Granada

After a relaxed morning, begin your journey to Granada - another of Nicaragua’s magnificent colonial cities. Along the way, make a stop in Masaya to visit the craft market and enjoy a snack before continuing to Granada (approx. 4-hour drive). After check-in at your hotel, we suggest you discover this colonial jewel on foot or by carriage. Visit the Cathedral, the church of Merced and the church Xalteva, around which the city of Granada was originally built, then continue to the central plaza for an evening cocktail.

Granada - Volcan Mombacho - Granada

Day 8: Hiking & Chocolate Workshop

We recommend an early start to hike the trails of Mombacho Volcano in the cool of the morning. There are various hiking trails to suit all that can be explored either with or without a guide. In the afternoon, discover the secrets of artisanal chocolate making during a one-hour workshop. You’ll be meeting a local chocolate maker in a community close to the Mombacho Volcano and will learn about the full chocolate-making process. Of course, there will also be a chance to taste the finished product.

Granada - Masaya - Granada

Day 9: Boat Excursion & Craft Villages

Today, discover the Archipelago de las Isletas by boat. There are nearly 400 basalt islands dotted around Granada's bay, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy excellent views of the Mombacho Volcano and observe some interesting wildlife (boat trip approx. 2 hours). Later, visit the small villages around Masaya, famous for their handicrafts, including pottery, leather goods and hammocks. Continue to Catarina and spend a relaxing afternoon at the Apoyo Lagoon, walking, swimming, kayaking or simply relaxing in this enchanting setting. In the evening, you might like to discover the Masaya Volcano with a guide. The tour begins at dusk in order to enjoy the sunset, the lava lake and the observation of the local fauna, including parrots and bats.

Granada - Ometepe

Day 10: Journey to Ometepe Island

This morning, set off from Granada and make your way to the port of San Jorge. From here you’ll board a ferry to the lake island of Ometepe (approx. 1.5 hours by road and 1.5 hours by boat). Once on the island, you’ll continue on to your accommodation. We recommend that you make a stop around Punta Jesus Maria to admire the sunset, then check-in at your hotel and relax for the evening.

Ometepe

Day 11: Kayaking & Hot Springs

Today you’ll be kayaking on the Istian River with an expert local guide. This unique ecosystem is set between the two volcanoes that make up the island. You will start your excursion on the largest lake in Nicaragua, then head into the mangroves to explore the interesting wildlife and vegetation. Look out for caiman, birdlife and monkeys as you paddle (approx. 3 hours). In the afternoon, relax in the thermal waters of the Ojo de Agua's natural hot springs.

Ometepe - San Juan Del Sur

Day 12: Pacific Waves

Today you’ll leave the island, setting off for the mainland by ferry. At the port begin an hour’s drive to the small fishing town of San Juan del Sur. From here you can explore the wild beaches of the Pacific coast and discover typical dishes in several seaside restaurants. Enjoy sea views and sunset over the beautiful bay of San Juan del Sur.

San Juan Del Sur

Day 13: Free Day at the Beach

Today is left free for you to relax at one of the local beaches or choose one of the many optional activities. In season you could observe turtle spawning on the beaches of Ostional (July to January) or head to the Punta La Flor Forest Life Reserve. There are also horse riding trips, buggy excursions, yoga classes, kayaking, diving or surfing classes to choose from. Take your pick and enjoy.

San Juan Del Sur - Managua - Big Corn Island

Day 14: Big Corn Island

Enjoy a relaxed morning in San Juan del Sur, then drive to Managua Airport (approx. 3 hours). You’ll be dropping off your rental car and taking a domestic flight to Big Corn Island in the Caribbean (approx. 1.5 hours flight with a stop). Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and take a relaxing evening stroll along the beach as you settle into the peaceful pace of island life.

Big Corn Island

Day 15: Free Day on Corn Island

Free day to relax on Big Corn Island. You can take advantage of the sun, sea and sand, kicking back and listening to the gentle waves of the Caribbean Sea. There are options to take a yoga class or go diving or fishing. 

Big Corn Island

Day 16: Last Day in Paradise

Another full free day to relax on Big Corn Island. You might like to hike along forest trails today or perhaps visit the neighbouring Little Corn Island for the day. This small idyllic island is even more laidback than Big Corn. There are no motorised vehicles used here, so all is peaceful. This evening enjoy one last sunset over the Caribbean.

Big Corn Island - Managua

Day 17: Return to the City

Free morning to relax on Big Corn Island, so make the most of it with a swim and a sunbathe. Later you’ll take a domestic flight from Big Corn Island to Managua. Upon arrival, your driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the city.

Managua

Day 18: Homeward Bound

Your driver will pick you up at the hotel for a transfer to the airport in good time for your flight home.