
- Boutique
- 18-day trip
- From €5,695 p.p.
Nicaragua trip | Round trip Nicaragua from crater lakes to coastal pearls
During this trip, you’ll immerse yourself in the rich culture and stunning natural beauty of Nicaragua, an unspoilt Central American destination. After a night in Managua, you’ll travel on to León, a beautiful colonial city. Here, you’ll explore the lovely historic centre with a private guide and go volcano boarding on the Cerro Negro volcano. You will then stay at the fantastic Jicaro Lodge, situated on a private island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua. A sublime location from which to enjoy Nicaragua’s unspoilt nature.
After your stay on Jicaro Island, you’ll travel to historic Granada, where you’ll discover its colonial charm during a city tour on foot and by horse-drawn carriage. You’ll then head to Apoyo Lagoon, an impressive crater lake surrounded by tropical dry forest, ideal for swimming and exploring nature. Afterwards, you’ll explore the Chocoyero-El Brujo Nature Reserve, home to waterfalls and tropical birds. This is followed by an adventurous day on the Mombacho volcano, featuring a crater walk and a zipline ride through the cloud forest. You’ll round off your trip on Nicaragua’s unspoilt Pacific coast near Tola, where you’ll enjoy secluded beaches and natural beauty.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Arrival in Nicaragua
- Day 2 Colonial León
- Day 3 Cultural exploration of León
- Day 4 Adventure on Cerro Negro
- Days 5–7 Isletas de Granada
- Day 8 The colonial splendour of Granada
- Day 9 City walk through Granada
- Day 10 Relaxing by a volcanic crater lake
- Day 11 Chocoyero Nature Reserve
- Day 12 Adventure on the Mombacho volcano: crater hike & ziplining
- Day 13–14 Tola & the Emerald Coast
- Day 15 Horse ride along the coast
- Day 16 Turtle spotting at La Flor
- Day 17 Private surfing lessons at Playa Maderas
- Day 18 Departure from Nicaragua
- Day 19 Arrival
Accommodations
Experiences
Destinations
Nicaragua Pacific Coast
Nicaragua's coast has every type of beach you could wish for. From forested hills overlooking the ocean to beautiful wide (black or golden) sandy beaches. There are a few fishing villages along the coast, but in many locations you can walk for miles without encountering a single person. It is hard to believe that such beautiful beaches can still be so pure and pristine.


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

Managua
Located on Lake Managua in western Nicaragua, Managua is Nicaragua's largest city with a population of 2 million. Despite Managua being the main gateway to Nicaragua, few people actually pay attention and spend time in this city. For those who do spend a few days in Managua will be surprised by the culture and creativity that makes the city worthwhile. Pop into a local restaurant for a Quesillo, try a locally brewed beer or venture out for a dance in a colourful salsa bar.


León
The historic centre of the colonial city of León is beautifully preserved and steals the hearts of many travellers. The city has many monuments. The nearby ruins of 'Viejo Leon' are a World Heritage Site. In 1524, Viejo Leon was founded by the Spanish. However, after a violent volcanic eruption, whose lava only narrowly missed the town, the inhabitants decided to move the town to its current location. Abandoned old León was buried under ash from the volcano and sediments from the lake over the centuries and was not excavated again until 1960. Other recommendations in the León area include the hot springs of San Jacinto and Poneloya beach!


Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve
This stunning stretch of Nicaragua’s west coast has been designated a nature reserve and forms a vibrant ecosystem teeming with marine and coastal life. Inland waterways wind through dense mangrove forests, which are home to a rich biodiversity of birds, caimans and iguanas. It is well worth booking a boat trip or kayaking excursion. There are no houses or residents here, ensuring a serene tranquillity, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. The reserve is renowned for the endangered sea turtles that come ashore from the Pacific Ocean between August and December to lay their eggs. It is about a 20-minute drive from León.


Islets of Granada
Las Isletas de Granada is a group of 365 small islets off the coast of Granada. The islets were formed after the nearby volcano 'the Mombacho' erupted 20,000 years ago and the upper part of the volcano exploded, releasing huge boulders into the lake. Many of the islets are covered with unusual vegetation and the area is rich in all kinds of birds. On some islets are private houses, hotels or shops.


Apoyo Lagoon Nature Reserve
Located between Masaya and Granada, the Apoyo Lagoon Nature Reserve is a protected piece of wilderness in Nicaragua's capital region. This exceptionally scenic reserve was established to preserve the area's tropical dry forest ecosystem, as well as the naturally beautiful Apoyo Lagoon, a sapphire-blue volcanic lake lining the caldera of an extinct volcano. This 200m-deep, 20,000-year-old crater lake attracts visitors with its pristine dark sand beaches, providing an ideal setting for a wide range of activities, including, among others: swimming, kayaking, hiking, diving, birdwatching, paragliding and boating.


Las Peñitas
Las Penitas is a laid-back beach village on Nicaragua's Pacific coast, just 20 minutes from the city of Leon. Known for its warm, golden sands and good surf, it attracts both travellers and locals seeking a relaxed seaside escape. The beach is ideal for surfing, sunbathing, and watching dramatic sunsets over the ocean. Nearby, the Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including crocodiles, turtles, and exotic birds. Despite its growing popularity, Las Penitas retains a small-town charm, with family-run hostels, seafood shacks, and beachfront bars lining the shore. Yoga classes, boat tours, and community art projects add to its vibrant, yet tranquil atmosphere. Whether you're chasing waves or just slowing down, Las Penitas offers the perfect mix of adventure and serenity.
Nicaragua trip | Round trip Nicaragua from crater lakes to coastal pearls
We offer the described trip from €5,695 per person.
The tour price is an indication and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Domestic flights including hold luggage
• 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 mentioned in the itinerary, including a city tour of Granada, a hike up the Mombacho volcano with a zipline, and horse riding along the Pacific coast
• Entrance fees to national parks for planned excursions
• Meet and greet on arrival
• Booking fees (worth €50)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• City walk in Granada
• Accommodation at Jicaro Ecolodge & Pacaya Lodge & Spa
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)
























