Nicaragua Discovery

In the morning, leave for the colonial city of León Santiago de los Caballeros—for centuries, a political, military, cultural, and religious center of Nicaragua. In the ruins of Leon Viejo, we experience the old town and enjoy its pre-colonial and colonial heritage. UNESCO designated León Viejo as a “Patrimonio de la Humanidad” (World Heritage Site.) The Spanish influence on the city is visible throughout. The streets, classic buildings, churches, and monuments are testaments to the rich history and culture of the region. Many consider the Metropolitan Cathedral the most impressive colonial monument Central America. Step up to the roof of the cathedral and enjoy an exceptional view over the colonial town and up to the volcano skyline of Nicaragua. The great poet and writer, Ruben Dario, is buried in the Cathedral. Dario reformed the Castilian language and is called the Father of Modern Spanish letters. During our visit, we will see Dario’s childhood home, the site of an excellent museum. Have lunch in the colonial environment and, later, visit the hot springs of San Jacinto, at the foot of the Maribios volcano chain. Return to Managua before dinner.

You will be picked up from your hotel (or airport) and transferred to Granada. Private Vehicle/English Speaking Driver. Distance 47 Kms / 1 hrs

The city of Granada is the colonial jewel of Central America. Founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, it is the oldest continuously occupied city on the American continent. Examples of colonial and neoclassical architecture abound. Site of many important historical events, the city rests beside the magnificent Lago Cocibolca—or Lake Nicaragua. It’s streets, homes, churches, museums and other attractions will be recalled through the years. Our tour is a walk through the historic center of Granada, your English-speaking guide will show you the cathedral of Granada, La Casa de los Tres Mundos, El Convento San Francisco, and the churches La Merced and Xalteva and other important building. The trip is excellent for lovers of history, colonial architecture, and for those who wish for a peek into the past.

We depart from Granada in the morning to visit the National Park Volcán Masaya.The Santiago Crater is one of the most active in Central America, with a constant emission of gases that condense to form a column rising to the heavens. The flora and fauna of the dry tropical forest is backlit by the extensive habitat amid the lava fields. We drive to the edge of the crater, where you can peer into the opening that leads to the core of the Earth. We will visit the museum located at the entrance of the national park. Here you will learn much about volcanoes. Later, in Masaya—known as the Cradle of Nicaraguan Folklore—we visit the handicraft market. Here we find a great variety of hammocks, typical garments, fine leather goods, primitive art, wood products, and cane furniture. There is the possibility to have lunch at this market. During the afternoon, we will visit the Pueblos Blancos, Catarina and San Juan de Oriente. The tour is ideal for all ages.

Local Indian legend says that Lake Nicaragua was created by the tears of an Indian girl. The beautiful story underscores the sacred nature of the lake. Beeing at the island of Ometepe upon which stand two volcanoes Maderas and Concepciòn you will come to understand the story of the Indian girl captured in rhyme, prose, statues and petroglyphs Our tour takes us by bus to Granada, to the port of San Jorge and by ferry the port of Moyogalpa on the island of Ometepe. In the town of Altagracia we will visit Indian statues and the museum of the island. Afterwards we have lunch at the beach of Santo Domingo . and have the chance to swim. We return by bus to the port of Moyogalpa and then by ferry, we travel to the coast of Nicaragua, to reach Granada in the fading sunshine.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Enjoy a private vehicle and driver as you transfer from Granada to Managua.