9-Nights Highlights of Nicaragua: Granada, Leon & More - Active & Adventure, Private Guided Experiences

Day 1: Arrive in Managua and to Granada

Transfer: Managua Airportto Granada - Nicaragua

Hotel: Hotel Plaza Colon (4 Star Rating)

Plaza Colon is a boutique hotel located in the historic center of Granada, just 45 minutes from Managua International Airport. The hotel is a unique and elegant building that preserves the original style and architecture of the 19th century. With internal courtyards and balconies overlooking the Cathedral, the hotel offers 27 guest-rooms fully equipped with all the amenities of a modern hotel. The hotel also enjoys a privileged location that is close to the main tourist attractions and restaurants in Granada.

Day 2: Boat Tour of Las Isletas and Private Tour of Granada

Explore the picturesque Las Isletas archipelago from the water on this private-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.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.

Day 3: Day at Leisure in Granada



Day 4: Granada to Leon with Walking City Tour

Transfer: Granada - Nicaragua to Leon-Nicaragua

Hotel: Hotel La Perla 1858 (4 Star Rating)

Hotel La Perla resides in one of the oldest buildings of the nation, built in 1858. The house was originally built by a wealthy noble man when cotton production was at the center of the cities economy. It is one of the few neo-classic architectures present in the city. Our Hotel counts with 10 rooms in the original house, 5 in the pool patio and 8 in the contemporary annex. Since the building was preserved to keep its original facade room configurations may vary in the same room category. The hotel preserves many original items including maps, paintings, and furniture dated back to the 1800s.

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. Leon 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.

Day 5: Half Day Private Juan Venado Motorboat Tour

Juan Venado Island is a nature reserve situated 25 minutes from Leon and located to the south of the beaches of Las Peñitas and Poneloya. On one side is a deserted 20 kilometer (12 mile) beach strip and on the other side a winding channel in the heart of a mangrove swamp. Juan Venado is well-known as a vital coastal wetland region and includes known turtle nesting grounds and a bird nesting region. You will be transferred from your hotel in Leon to the Pacific bay of Las Peñitas where you will board a motorboat towards the island. Lined with mangrove forest between the island and coast, your captain will find the perfect route through the curvy waterway to the secluded Pacific beach side of the island. Here, set out for a walk and if you like, you can have a refreshing dive into the Pacific Ocean.

Day 6: Day at Leisure in Leon



Day 7: Leon to San Juan del Sur

Transfer: Leon-Nicaragua to San Juan del Sur

Hotel: Black Pearl Inn (3 Star Rating)

Black Pearl Inn is centrally located in San Juan del Sur, a 2-minute walk from San Juan del Sur Beach and 13 minutes by foot from San Juan del Sur Port. This hotel is 3 mi (4.9 km) from Nacascolo Beach and 4.3 mi (6.9 km) from El Remanso Beach.

Pamper yourself with onsite massages or enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, a picnic area, and barbecue grills.

Day 8: Half Day Canopy Tour

This canopy tour is located only five minutes from the popular beach town of San Juan del Sur. The tour offers 2.5 kilometers (roughly 1.5 miles) of zip-lines in a rural setting where nature prevails. The canopy tour is located on the border of a farm at the foot of a hill. Nature is abundant in the area, and you will see animals, including monkeys, raccoons, birds, and other wildlife. The canopy tour starts at the top of one of the hills, from where you have a superb view of the bay of San Juan del Sur and its surroundings. The tour consists of 16 cables that connects with 17 platforms; most of them located up in the trees. It is a fun and safe experience that is often a key highlight during stays in San Juan del Sur.

Day 9: Day at Leisure in San Juan del Sur



Day 10: Departure from San Juan del Sur

Transfer: San Juan del Sur to Granada - Nicaragua