Hiking Nicaragua - the land of lakes & volcanoes

Managua

Day 1: Welcome to Nicaragua

You will be welcomed at Managua International Airport by your driver. Receive your travel documents and enjoy a comfortable private transfer to your hotel in Managua.

Managua - Leon

Day 2: Exploring Colonial Leon

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. Spend the afternoon exploring the colourful colonial city of Leon, walking its historic streets and visiting some of the many sights. We recommend the indigenous neighbourhood of Sutiaba and the Ruben Dario Museum. Also, don’t miss the impressive cathedral standing tall in the central park, and perhaps take the time to climb up to its roof to admire panoramic views of the city.

Leon

Day 3: Climbing Volcanoes

Today you will discover two volcanoes in the department of Leon: Pilas El Hoyo and Cerro Negro. In the morning, you will start with an ascent to the summit of the Pilas El Hoyo Volcano at 1050 meters. This active volcano is part of a 30 km-long volcanic chain and has a huge crater from which fumaroles escape. After five hours of walking and having come down from Pilas El Hoyo Volcano, you will continue to the youngest volcano in Central America. Formed in 1850, Cerro Negro is only 728 meters high. It’s an hour's walk to reach its summit from where you will be able to observe its crater, sulphur walls and traces of its various eruptions. You will then have a choice of how to get back down again, either by sandboarding (optional), running or simply sliding down.

Note: Today involves around 7 hours of trekking in total

Leon - Las Peñitas - Leon

Day 4: To the Pacific Coast

Today you leave the city and 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, 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, caimans and iguanas. Located within sight of Las Pañitas beach, the island is also the refuge of numerous species of birds and is a lovely place to swim from (excursion approx. 3 hours).

Leon - Telica

Day 5: A Night at the Volcano Crater

Depart around midday for the mighty Telica Volcano, one of the most active in the region. You will start by visiting the Hervideros de San Jacinto, an area of very active fumaroles at the foot of the Telica Volcano. Many legends and myths surround this timeless place and it is fascinating to experience. You’ll then begin the ascent of the volcano, hiking at your own pace as the gradient becomes steeper (approx. 3–4 hours). Once at the top, settle into your camp. At nightfall, we will carefully approach the crater edge to observe the vertiginous depth and feel the heat of the volcanic stones. At night, you will even be able to observe some glowing mouths of molten lava - a magical experience. You will then return to your camp to enjoy dinner under the stars, before settling into your tent.

Telica - Granada

Day 6: Volcano Sunrise & the City of Granada

At dawn, you will have the opportunity to return to the crater rim. The sunrise over the valley and views of the Maribios volcanoes are breathtaking when the sky is clear. You will then return to the camp for breakfast before heading back down (approx. 3 hours). Getting back on the road, you’ll drive past León towards the city of Granada. We suggest you take a break at the famous Masaya Market, one of the most important in the country and renowned for its local handicrafts, before continuing on to Granada (approx. 3-hour drive in total). 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 - Masaya - Granada

Day 7: Sailing the 'Isletas'

Today discover the Archipelago de las Isletas, a group of 365 islands off the coast of Granada. You will leave by boat to sail between these islets where today many Nicaraguans have established their vacation homes. There are nearly 400 basalt islands dotted around the bay and you will have the opportunity to enjoy excellent views of the proud Mombacho Volcano and to observe some interesting wildlife (approx. 2 hours).

Granada - Mombacho - Granada

Day 8: Hiking the Puma Trail

Today you’ll discover the landscapes of the Mombacho Volcano, an area composed of four volcanic craters with the highest peak reaching 1,345 meters. At the entrance to the park, you’ll meet a 4x4 truck to help you gain access to the only rainforest on the Pacific coast of Central America. We’ll be following the Puma Trail, quite a challenging hike in the heart of the reserve. The trail will allow you to penetrate the Cloud Forest, to the edge of a smoking crater. The route is winding with intense climbs but dotted with lookout points offering spectacular views. This guided hike will take approximately 4 hours and is considered challenging. In the afternoon relax at the Laguna de Apoyo - an old volcano crater now filled with cool water. Choose between walking, swimming, kayaking or simply relaxing in this enchanting setting.

Granada - Ometepe

Day 9: Kayaking Ometepe

This morning you’ll leave Granada and make your way to the port of San Jorge, where you’ll board the ferry to Ometepe Island (approx. 3 hours total). In the afternoon, you’ll be kayaking on the Istian River with a local guide. This unique ecosystem is set between the two volcanoes of the island. You will start your boat trip on the largest lake in Nicaragua, then head into the mangroves to explore interesting wildlife and vegetation.

Ometepe

Day 10: Summit Concepción Volcano

From the town of Moyogalpa, you will have a 1-hour drive to reach the foot of the active Concepción Volcano. Accompanied by a local guide, you will start the ascent of the volcano, enjoying superb views across the island and the Maderas volcano and climbing to reach its conical crater. The Concepción Volcano is an active stratovolcano. Since 1883, it has erupted at least 25 times, most recently on March 9, 2010. Its eruptions are characterized by frequent and moderate explosions. Active fumaroles are present just north of the summit crater. This is quite a challenging hike of around 9 hours in total. You’ll have an early start and stop for a packed lunch along the way.

Ometepe

Day 11: San Ramon Waterfall Hike & Swim

The San Ramon Waterfall is located on the south side of the Maderas Volcano, 4 km from the little village of San Ramon. To reach this beautiful natural waterfall, you will hike through the lower wooded part of the volcano (approx. 3 hours of walking in total). Once arrived, you will have the opportunity to jump in and swim in the fresh waters of the Ojo de Agua's waterfall pool and springs. There are several short walks you can take in the area. On the drive home we recommend stopping to enjoy the sunset at Punta Jesus Maria on the lake.

Ometepe - Popoyo

Day 12: Maderas Volcano Hike

Early in the morning, after a good breakfast, depart the hotel for your ascent of the Maderas Volcano. You will be crossing through several different natural habitats as you hike, firstly through the lush forest that covers the lower part of the volcano. This volcano is an inactive colossus with an unusual ecosystem — a humid forest in which there are many unique plants. You will reach the summit of the volcano at 1394 meters and observe the lagoon at the edge of the crater (approx. 7-9 hours of challenging hiking). Later, take the ferry back to the mainland to your next hotel in Popoyo.

Popoyo

Day 13: Surfing Nicaragua

The small village of Las Salinas de Nagualapa owes its name to the saltworks that you will see when you arrive. The main attraction of this place is its proximity to two of the most famous beaches in Nicaragua for surfing - Playa Popoyo and Playa Guasacate. These two beaches have about ten kilometres of white sand with waves to suit all levels. Take advantage of this magical place to improve your surfing skills, have some fun in the water, relax on the beach and watch the splendid sunset over the waves.

Popoyo - Managua

Day 14: Homeward Bound

Depending on the time of your flight today, spend some free time enjoying your hotel and Popoyo Beach. Later, take the road back to Managua International Airport, drop off your rental car and check-in for your flight.