en
- Signature
- 14-day trip
- From €17,030 p.p.
Nicaragua travel | Nicaragua at its best
Nicaragua is a great destination not yet well known to the general public. You start your trip in beautiful colonial Granada; a city that showcases Nicaragua's rich culture. On a guided walking tour, you will learn more about the beautiful historic centre. Next on the programme is a fun excursion where you spend a whole day on an island in Lake Nicaragua. Your next destination is the very comfortable Nekupe lodge, where you will be surrounded by a natural oasis. Here you can relax to the fullest - by the pool, in the spa, or during a yoga class - or instead do active activities such as horse riding, bird watching, or mountain biking. The last destination of the luxury Nicaragua trip is Calala Island. A true paradise off the country's east coast. On this private island, you will be completely pampered and enjoy ultimate tranquillity. A fantastic end to your trip through Nicaragua!
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Arrival in Nicaragua
- Day 2 Private city tour of Granada
- Day 3 Free day in Granada
- Day 4 Paradise-like Zopango Island
- Day 5 Mombacho volcano, coffee plantations and trip to Nekupe
- Days 6–8 Free days in Nekupe
- Day 9 – 13 Stay on Calala Private Island
- Day 14 End of your trip
- Day 15 Arrival
Arrival in Nicaragua
Welcome to Nicaragua, the land of lakes and volcanoes! You’ll arrive at the airport in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. Once you’ve cleared customs, your private driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in Granada.
Granada, also known as ‘Gran Sultana’, is one of the most beautiful cities in Latin America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city, founded in 1524 on the shores of the vast Lake Nicaragua, is steeped in history and Spanish colonial charm, and is known as one of the oldest European settlements in the Western Hemisphere. Amidst the narrow streets and stunning architecture, you’ll find a number of excellent hotels, good restaurants and plenty of interesting sights and museums to fill your days.
The city is also an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area, with volcanoes, beaches, national parks and the incredible aquatic world of Las Isletas de Granada all within easy reach.
Included:
• Meet & greet on arrival
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Exclusive:
• Intercontinental flight
Private city tour Granada
In the morning, meet your local guide, who will take you through Granada. Explore Granada's beautiful historic centre on foot and learn about the city's rich history and beautiful colonial architecture. Discover key sights such as the old city walls, the San Francisco Monastery and the La Merced church, where you can climb the bell tower and enjoy spectacular views of the city, Lake Nicaragua and the Mombacho volcano. After visiting the local cigar factory, you will finish at the Tio Antonia social centre, an initiative to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Here you will enjoy a cup of coffee and learn more about hammock making. The walk is a great way to get acquainted with this magical city.
Included:
• Private city tour with an English-speaking guide and lunch
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Free day Granada
Today is yours to spend as you wish. We recommend starting the day with a leisurely breakfast in one of the cosy cafés around Parque Central, the lively heart of the city. Here you can people-watch, admire local art or enjoy a fresh smoothie in the shade of the palm trees. Afterwards, you can stroll at your own pace through the historic city centre, with its pastel-coloured houses and impressive churches such as the Iglesia de La Merced, where you can climb the tower for a magnificent view. Visit the Convento San Francisco, which houses a small museum and pre-Columbian sculptures.
You can also cool off with a boat trip amongst the Isletas de Granada, an archipelago of small islands in Lake Nicaragua, just outside the city. There you’ll see stunning natural scenery, local fishermen and sometimes even monkeys in the trees.
Includes:
• Accommodation including breakfast
Mombacho volcano, coffee plantations and trip to Nekupe
You’ll enjoy breakfast before setting off for your next accommodation, just an hour’s drive away. On the way, you’ll first stop at a coffee plantation. For true coffee lovers, this is an unforgettable experience. You’ll visit the Café Las Flores coffee plantation, idyllically situated on the slopes of a dormant volcano within the Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve. During this tour, you’ll learn all about sustainable coffee cultivation, from planting to harvesting, and round off the visit with a delicious coffee tasting at Hacienda Café Las Flores.
At 10:00, the next adventure begins: the crater walk around the Mombacho volcano. You’ll travel upwards in a 4x4 truck through the lush cloud forest of the Mombacho reserve. On the way, you’ll stop for a fresh cup of local coffee at one of the plantations. Once at the top, you’ll take a short guided walk along the crater trail, passing through various ecosystems. Along the way, you’re likely to spot howler monkeys, white-headed capuchin monkeys, sloths, poison dart frogs and even the rare Mombacho salamander, found nowhere else. At the highest point, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view over Granada, the islets of Las Isletas and the impressive Masaya volcano.
After these special excursions, you’ll be taken to your accommodation, Nekupe. This is an exclusive retreat tucked away in the lush landscape of Nandaime. What makes Nekupe truly special are the bespoke activities and experiences. On arrival, you’ll be given your own ATV and a personal ranger, with whom you can explore the reserve’s terrain and trails. From horse riding and mountain biking to clay pigeon shooting, yoga sessions with views of the volcano and guided walks through the cloud forest, there is something for every type of traveller. There is also a gym, tennis courts and a swimming pool available.
Included:
• Private transfer to Nekupe, including a visit to a coffee plantation and the Mombacho volcano en route
• Accommodation on a full-board basis, including activities
Free days in Nekupe
The upcoming days are up to you. The accommodation offers many facilities that will make your stay here enjoyable. Explore the surroundings by foot, quad, horse or mountain bike. Go in search of the monkeys and other animals living in the area. Make use of the sports facilities, such as the tennis court and fully equipped gym. The choice is yours!
Included:
• Accommodation on a full-board basis, including activities
Accommodation on Calala Private Island
Early in the morning, your private chauffeur will be waiting to take you to Managua airport. After a short domestic flight, you’ll arrive at the small airport in Bluefields. Here, you’ll board the boat, which will take you to your next accommodation in just under three hours.
You will be staying on Calala Island for the next few days; a private island situated in the beautiful Pearl Keys. It is a typical Caribbean island: white beaches, palm trees and an azure-blue sea. The suites on the island were designed by renowned architect Matthew Falkiner and are fully furnished with the finest handcrafted furniture from Nicaragua.
The accommodation features all the facilities to make your stay here as pleasant as possible. Float in the infinity pool whilst enjoying a drink at the swim-up bar, discover the colourful underwater world whilst snorkelling, and savour carefully crafted meals.
Calala Island is not only a haven for those seeking luxury, but also a sanctuary for nature. The island plays an active role in the conservation of local wildlife, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. Thanks to a partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society, the number of nesting sites for these turtles has increased significantly, with an estimated 6,000 eggs laid on the island each year.
Included:
• Private transfer to the airport
• Domestic flight from Managua to Bluefields
• Private transfer to your accommodation
• Accommodation on a full-board basis (including snorkelling and non-motorised water sports)
Accommodations
Tribal Hotel
Tribal Hotel is located in the heart of the colonial city. It offers guests the perfect location in Granada to enjoy the charm and treasures of the historic place. The hotel offers luxurious rooms, all with private terraces. A daily changing breakfast, is served on the hotel's own terraces, which at night are...
Tribal Hotel is located in the heart of the colonial city. It offers guests the perfect location in Granada to enjoy the charm and treasures of the historic place. The hotel offers luxurious rooms, all with private terraces. A daily changing breakfast, is served on its own terraces, which are shrouded in candlelight at night.
Your stay: 4 nights
Nekupe
Enjoy the ultimate private experience at the most luxurious hotel in Central America. We offer access to the entire estate located within 2,400 hectares of nature reserve. Nekupe Resort consists of 8 luxury accommodations with various amenities. It is the perfect place for a luxury getaway in Central America...
Enjoy the ultimate private experience at the most luxurious hotel in Central America. We offer access to the entire estate located within 2,400 hectares of nature reserve. Nekupe Resort consists of 8 luxury accommodations with various amenities. It is the perfect place for a luxury getaway in Central America if you are looking for a peaceful, private yet exciting holiday.
Surrounded by nature and majestic views, the entire compound and staff are on hand to fully customise your luxury holiday experience. This includes private chefs, rangers, butlers, Michellin-inspired healthy meals and access to the various activities within the Nekupe Luxury Resort.
Your stay: 4 nights
Calala Island
Calala Island is located in Nicaragua, close to Isla Crowl and Isla Wild Cane Cay. Suites have a private veranda, a safe, a fan, a hairdryer, a private bathroom and free toiletries. There are two in-house restaurants where guests can enjoy meals. Additional amenities include an outdoor swimming pool,...
Calala Island is located in Nicaragua, close to Isla Crowl and Isla Wild Cane Cay. Suites have a private veranda, a safe, a fan, a hairdryer, a private bathroom and free toiletries. There are two in-house restaurants where guests can enjoy meals. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool, a wellness centre, room service, a 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi.
Your stay: 5 nights
Destinations
Granada
Granada is one of the more beautiful colonial cities and also the oldest city in Central America. It is an elegant and romantic city where it is possible to ride by carriage through the ancient streets and where colonial buildings, antique forts and pastel-coloured churches exude history. Its location along Lake Nicaragua adds to its pleasant atmosphere. The place is popular with travellers and there are many nice restaurants, terraces and shops.
Nicaragua
Pearl Cays
Intertwined by sandbanks, seagrass beds and stretches of coral and rocky reef, the Pearl Cays are a picturesque cluster of small islands off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. With dazzling blue waters and powder-white beaches, these uninhabited gems are lush and fringed with palm trees. The warm, sparkling waters around the bays are bursting with life and are home to colourful fish, vibrant coral reefs and various marine creatures, including bottlenose dolphins, filtering manta rays and endangered hawksbill turtles. Visitors can snorkel or dive to explore the vibrant underwater world, take part in boat trips to discover the unique charm of each island or fish with local fishermen. For those seeking relaxation, the quiet beaches offer the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy the sun.
Nandaime
Situated in a fertile valley in southwestern Nicaragua, Nandaime means "place of abundant streams". This municipal hub is well off the beaten tourist track and untarnished by development. Get to know the locals by exploring the town on foot. Take a quiet moment to explore the large Catholic church, Iglesia Santa Ana, a national monument, take a stroll through central park, pose for a photo under a colourful gazebo and pick up a snack from one of the local vendors. Pop in at the local fresh produce market and bulk up your supplies. If you haven't strolled through the cloud forest at Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve yet, you can plan your trip from here.
Nicaragua travel | Nicaragua at its best
We offer this itinerary from €17,030 per person.
The tour price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Domestic flights
• 13 nights’ accommodation in excellent and stunning properties in unique locations
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• All necessary private transfers mentioned in the itinerary
• All excursions as specified in the itinerary
• National park entrance fees for planned excursions
• Meet and greet on arrival
• Booking fees (worth €50)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €100 per person towards positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Accommodation on Calala Island
Not included
• Intercontinental flights
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Calamity Fund contribution (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)