Nicaragua
is colonial opulence
is the sand between your toes
is volcanic energy
Why I love Nicaragua
“I didn't get to know Nicaragua by traveling through its landscape. I hardly saw any of the country when I first came here – I was a volunteer at a non-profit organization in Granada. But I learned some things about Nicaraguan culture and the way people are; I learned to love Nicaraguan food and I started reading about the nation's complicated history. All of that has served me well during my travels here. I don't see...” Read More
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Get into the groove at Nicaragua's Maypole festival
If the concept of Maypole summons images of little girls in frilly dresses dancing merrily around a tree covered in ribbons, you may be in for a bit of a surprise when you arrive at the festival in Bluefields. Sure, the tree and the ribbons are there, but Bluefields has taken the fertility theme and run with it, throwing copious amounts of alcohol, loud music and steamy Caribbean dancing into the mix.
How to eat like a Nicaraguan
The nacatamal is a traditional corn dough dish stuffed with different meats, rice and vegetables © Roberto Machado Noa / Getty Images
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Nicaragua adventures
Volcano Trail
From the crystal-blue ocean teeming with marine life to tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies, take the road less travelled on this trip through Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica with other travellers your own age. This is one of our most exciting trips, filled with breathtaking scenery and a chance to experience local culture with a two-night homestay on the island of Ometepe. Enjoy a blend of public and private transportation, which not only keeps costs down but also gives you a chance to really meet the locals.
Cerro Negro Volcano Sandboarding Tour from Managua
Enjoy a thrilling sandboard adventure down Cerro Negro Volcano on this day trip from Managua! Hike to the top of Cerro Negro and take in panoramic views of both the Telica and San Cristobal volcanos before surfing down the side of the volcano on a custom sandboard. This adrenaline-filled activity is a unique way to discover Cerro Negro Volcano, one of Central America’s youngest volcanoes, and its surrounding sites. After hotel pickup in Managua, begin your day trip with a journey approximately 1.5 hours north to Cerro Negro Volcano. Located in the Cordillera de los Maribios mountain range, Cerro Negro is one of the youngest volcanos in Central America. Its terrain consists of gravel-type volcanic debris, and it’s often referred to as the 'Black Hill.' When you reach Cerro Negro, your guide will give you a brief overview and safety instruction before leading you on a hike up the steep volcano. Although it's less than a mile to the top of Cerro Negro, the hike up is very steep and considered difficult, so be prepared for a tough but rewarding 1.5-hour climb! Feel free to bring along snacks and water to refuel on this hike. When you reach the top, at an elevation of about 1,640 feet (500 meters), take in gorgeous views of the surrounding Telica and San Cristobal volcanos. Then, strap in and enjoy a thrilling sandboard adventure down the volcano! You'll have the option to sit or stand on your board, depending on your comfort level. After your tour, you’ll have time to stop for lunch (own expense) in León before returning to Managua.
Essence of Nicaragua
From the colonial streets of Granada and León to the beauty of San Juan del Sur's horseshoe bay, discover the best of Nicaragua on this unique 12-day adventure. Encounter a nature-lover's paradise on Ometepe Island and see both dormant and active volcanoes amidst this country's stunning wilderness. Emerging from a long and turbulent history, Nicaragua is set to become the next big thing. Discover it before the others do and come away with a greater understanding of both the volatile past and a passion for this country's vibrant modern culture.
5-Day Best of Nicaragua Tour: Managua, León and Granada
Explore western Nicaragua’s popular destinations on a 5-day tour of Managua, León and Granada. Visit some of the country’s most famous sites, including Managua’s National Palace of Culture, the World Heritage-listed Ruins of León Viejo, Leon’s Rubén Darío Museum, Masaya Volcano National Park and the Cathedral of Granada. Plus, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua (also known as Lake Cocibolca) and hear all about the history of Nicaragua while you tour each city with your bilingual guide. With four nights of accommodation at 3.5-star or 4-star hotels, transportation between all sites, breakfast and entrance fees all included, this is the perfect way to see Nicaragua’s top attractions with a knowledgeable guide!
Day Trip to Masaya and Granada from Managua
Visit the Nicaraguan cities of Masaya and Granada on this day trip from Managua. First explore Masaya, where you'll discover a large local market filled with beautiful handmade crafts and jewelry. You’ll also see an active volcanic crater in Masaya Volcano National Park before you head to colonial Granada, where you’ll visit the Convent and Museum of San Francisco, Cathedral of Granada , Independence Plaza and more! Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through both cities and teach you about their histories along the way. After pickup from your Managua hotel, head 18 miles (29 km) to Masaya, known both as the 'City of Flowers' and as the ‘Cradle of Folklore.’ First visit Masaya Volcano National Park, where you’ll see its active crater up close before visiting the Ecological Museum to learn about the geology and history of the volcano. Then head into town and walk through the local market, where you'll find beautiful handmade crafts made from wood and ceramics, as well as clothing and jewelry. Masaya is known for its handicrafts, so this is a great place to pick up a souvenir, if you wish!Next, re-board your coach and enjoy the drive to Granada. Located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua (also known as Lake Cocibolca), Granada is a quaint colonial city filled with colorfully painted buildings and rich history. Admire the colonial architecture, sample local food like the delicious vigoron, a plantain wrap filled with pork and cabbage (own expense), and learn about the city’s culture and history from your guide. Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant (own expense), and then continue your tour of Granada to Independence Plaza, where you'll find an obelisk dedicated to the heroes of the 1821 struggle for independence. Then head to Central Park, where you'll see the Cathedral of Granada, originally built in the early 1500s. Admire the cathedral’s four chapels and 12 stained-glass windows, and then walk along the pedestrianized street of La Calzada to marvel at the colorful colonial buildings.Next, visit the Convent and Museum of San Francisco, which houses one of the best museums in the region. Tour the museum to see Primitivist art, a to-scale model of the city and the Zapatera statuary. Then visit Casa de los Tres Mundos, a foundation created to support and promote cultural projects in Nicaragua. Tour the beautiful mansion that houses Casa de los Tres Mundos, and browse through a few art displays. Your tour ends when you are transported back to your Managua hotel.
5-Day Best of Nicaragua Tour: Managua, León and Granada
Explore western Nicaragua’s popular destinations on a 5-day tour of Managua, León and Granada. Visit some of the country’s most famous sites, including Managua’s National Palace of Culture, the World Heritage-listed Ruins of León Viejo, Leon’s Rubén Darío Museum, Masaya Volcano National Park and the Cathedral of Granada. Plus, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua (also known as Lake Cocibolca) and hear all about the history of Nicaragua while you tour each city with your bilingual guide. With four nights of accommodation at 3.5-star or 4-star hotels, transportation between all sites, breakfast and entrance fees all included, this is the perfect way to see Nicaragua’s top attractions with a knowledgeable guide!