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The Best of Nicaragua: Granada, Matagalpa, Leon & More 01 Apr, 2025

Independent/Tailor-Made / Nicaragua

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Amazing Experience

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Overview

Trip Overview

Embark on this 10-day Nicaraguan vacation from the world’s oldest occupied colonial city to verdant highlands and tropical jungles. 

Begin in Granada, Nicaragua’s oldest city, and explore the storied cobblestone streets on a horse-drawn carriage. Marvel at the town’s beautiful colonial architecture as you trot to historic churches, including the 16th-century San Francisco Convent, now the city’s main museum highlighting Nicaragua’s pre-Columbian history. Take a private guided boat tour of the volcanic-formed Las Isletas archipelago, stopping at a 17th-century Spanish fortress built to defend the city against pirate attacks.

Continue your adventure in the lush highlands of Matahalpa, where you’ll enjoy a captivating birdwatching tour and hike at the Cerro Apante Nature Reserve. Follow your guide into the temperate cloud forest outside your charming ecolodge and coffee estate in search of incredible Pacific- and Atlantic-slope bird species.

Travel to León, another of Nicaragua’s most influential and historic cities and perpetual rival of Granada. Discover the revolutionary murals, baroque and neo-classical churches, Nicaragua’s first university, and captivating museums, defining the city as Nicaragua’s historical, cultural, educational, and religious capital. Marvel at the awe-inspiring views from atop the UNESCO-listed León Cathedral, Central America’s largest cathedral.

Settle into your exclusive Emerald Coast resort just outside Nicaragua’s most famous beach town and enjoy three long days in San Juan del Sur. Indulge in the idyllic beach charm of San Juan del Sur at your own pace, riding the waves, lounging on the beaches, and catching unforgettable sunsets.

Highlights

Departures

Daily

 

Trip Includes

  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers
  • 2 nights in first-class accommodations in Granada
  • 2 nights in first-class accommodations in Matagalpa
  • 2 nights in first-class accommodations in Leon
  • 3 nights in first-class accommodations in San Juan del Sur
  • Shared tour of Las Isletas by Boat (max 10 guests)
  • Private-guided tour of Granada
  • Private transfer from Granada to Matagalpa
  • Private-guided birdwatching tour at Selva Negra Ecolodge
  • Private-guided hike at Cerro Apante Nature Reserve
  • Private transfer Matagalpa to Leon
  • Private-guided walking tour of Leon
  • Private transfer from Leon to San Juan del Sur
  • Breakfast daily (excluding Day 1), 1 lunch

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees if applicable

Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

Managua Airport to Nicaragua - Granada

 

Hotel Dario

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Buffet Breakfast

Located in the heart of Granada, Hotel Darío is just steps from Granada’s central park and of the city’s magnificent cathedral. This lively area is full of restaurants, activities and other attractions, allowing you to explore and enjoy Granada’s vibrant night life. Hotel Darío’s rare architectural beauty and warm ambience come together to recreate Granada’s traditional majestic homes, helping to establish the property as on the of the finest boutique hotels in Granada.

Hotel Dario

Shared Boat Tour of Las Isletas

Explore the picturesque Las Isletas archipelago from the water on this guided boat tour. Formed by a volcanic eruption over 20,000 years ago, these forest-covered islands are now home to fishing communities, luxury homes and resorts, and a wide variety of incredible wildlife. Your guide will point out the exotic flora and fauna as you glide across the clam waters, making stops along the way to visit one of the islands and a former Spanish fortress. It's a great way to experience this wonderful part of Nicaragua.

 

Private City Tour of Granada

Explore Granada's gorgeous historic center on foot and by classic horse-drawn carriage. Alongside your private local guide and well-cared-for horses, you'll discover key sites including the San Francisco Convent and La Merced church, where you can climb the bell tower and enjoy spectacular views over the city, Lake Nicaragua, and Mombacho volcano. You'll finish in the oldest part of the city, the area around the Xalteva church and the old city walls. It's a great way to introduce yourself to this magical city. Please note: If you would prefer not to travel by horse-drawn carriage for any reason, we can arrange a tour on foot or by bicycle instead.

Nicaragua - Granada to Matagalpa

 

Selva Negra Ecolodge

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Full Breakfast

Selva Negra Hotel is located in kilometer 140, between the cities of Matagalpa and Jinotega highway. It is located on the historical highlands, where German immigrants set up the first coffee farm back in the 19th century. Their descendants are the founders of the Selva Negra Ecolodge, which still preserves some centenary traditions. The Resort still keeps interesting historical articles such as the original Railroad with no rails, that was brought to Nicaragua by German Immigrants, and was used for coffee transportation from the farm to Corinto Port, for exporting.

Selva Negra Ecolodge

Private Birdwatching Tour at Selva Negra

There are so many birds at Selva Negra that even novice birders regularly identify dozens of species in a single day, thanks to the diversity of habitats on the property. Selva Negra's virgin cloud forest lies between 1,300 and 1,500 meters athwart the continental divide between the Pacific and Atlantic lowlands. As well, the properties coffee plantation is full of fruiting trees that cast shade on the coffee plants. Additionally, several wetlands such as marshy ponds around the farm provide additional habitats for birds. As a result, Selva Negra's bird community is a mix of both Pacific- and Atlantic-slope bird species as well as mountain species whose ranges extend south from Mexico. On-site, you'll have the opportunity to review the properties bird list of sighted species, developed by Cooper Ecological Monitoring, Inc. Better than reviewing a list, you'll also head out in the company of a local guide to explore the grounds at Selva Negra in search of all sorts of flying beauties.

 

Private Hike at Cerro Apante Nature Reserve

Cerro Apante is best known for the panoramic views afforded while hiking; it is also located in what is locally known as the natural heart of Nicaragua, just a couple kilometers away from Matagalpa. This three-hour tour takes you to "La Cruz de Apante" viewpoint, and more specifically, to a beautiful waterfall found in this northern tropical rainforest. Along the way, your private guide will also help you enjoy the sightseeing of a variety of birds, mammals and flora. After hiking Cerro Apante, you will be returned to your hotel in Matagalpa.

Matagalpa to Leon-Nicaragua

 

Hotel El Convento

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Full Breakfast

Hotel El Convento is located at the heart of the city of Leon, Nicaragua, on the site of the former San Francisco Convent. Its colonial buildings and lush gardens offer a unique atmosphere which will make your stay a very pleasant experience. The hotel offers comfortable guest rooms, conference and banqueting facilities, a cafeteria and a gourmet restaurant which is considered by many to be one of the best in Nicaragua. Whether you are visiting Leon for business or pleasure, Hotel El Convento should be your first choice!

Hotel El Convento

Explore the fascinating history of one of Nicaragua s oldest and most influential cities by foot. It is considered to be Nicaragua's historical, cultural, educational and religious capital. León was dismantled, moved, and rebuilt due to volcanic activities, ransacked (and reconstructed) by pirates, and won and lost its struggle as the most important city in Nicaragua against Managua. During this guided walking tour, you will visit revolutionary murals, baroque and neoclassical churches and an art museum displaying works by internationally renowned artists. A local market, colonial buildings - among them Nicaragua's first university - will also be explored. In addition, you will climb to the rooftop of Central America's largest cathedral, registered on UNESCO's list of World Heritage, and enjoy the astonishing views over the city and surrounding Maribios Volcanic Chain.

Leon-Nicaragua to San Juan del Sur

 

TreeCasa Hotel & Resort

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Full Breakfast

TreeCasa Hotel & Resort Nicaragua is located 20 minutes from the center of San Juan del Sur. The hotel offers a perfect combination of nature and comfort. It has 16 two-story ranches, each with an independent entrance for a total of 32 rooms. Pool, slide, waterfall, restaurant, bar, organic garden, activities on the property, private beach and more!

TreeCasa Hotel & Resort

San Juan del Sur to Managua

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