Family Activity Holiday In Nicaragua

In comparison with colonial Leon and Granada, Managua is not the most attractive of Nicaragua’s cities but it does have its own curious, if somewhat unorthodox, charm. Badly damaged in the 1972 earthquake, the city has been rebuilt, and is now a busy, modern city.

Overnight Standard Hotel Swimming available

Leaving Managua behind this morning, we head first to Mirador Tiscapa, situated over-looking a volcanic crater lake that is more than 10,000 years old. Before the revolution, the hill was home to the old presidential palace and it provides some superb views down across the city. Continuing on we then drive to the old colonial capital of León, lying in the shadow of the Cordillera de los Maribios Mountains. After checking in to our centrally located hotel, we head out again, following the Pacific coast to our lunch stop in a charming seafood restaurant overlooking the ocean. After lunch we continue to the Natural Reserve Isla Juan Venado, located just to the south of the golden beaches of Las Peñitas. Here we have an afternoon boat tour booked to take us out to the island reserve, a haven for caymans, iguanas, crocodiles and birds. It is also a favoured nesting area for the Olive Ridley sea turtles, who come here between August and December each year to lay their eggs. Late this afternoon we will return to León.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch Swimming available

After breakfast this morning we climb the youngest volcano in Central America, the basal-tic cinder cone of Cerro Negro (Black Hill). Occupying part of the Cordillera de los Maribios mountain range to the east of the city, it rises to a height of 728 metres and, to-gether with a guide, we will spend the morning climbing its gravelly slopes. The views from the top provide some stunning panoramas across the surrounding landscapes and on the descent you can run, jump or roll down the sandy ash! Returning to León there will then be time for a short siesta, before driving to the hot springs at San Jacinto, for a relaxing afternoon.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

We will start this morning with a short tour of the city. Still considered the intellectual centre of Nicaragua, León was founded in 1525 and was the capital for 200 years. The old build-ings, with their wrought iron balconies and the arched colonnades, and the narrow streets, all invest the city with an atmosphere of elegant serenity that seems to been frozen in time. The city’s huge cathedral is believed to be the largest in Central America and a climb up to its roof affords some spectacular views across the city and out towards the volcanoes in the distance. We will also visit the entertaining and illuminating Museum of Legends and Traditions this afternoon. Located in a once infamous prison, today the cells are occupied with mannequins that illustrate some 14 different myths and legends. After this we will continue to Playa Los Cardones. Arriving around midday we check into our lodge, after which the rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy some included surfing lessons with a qualified instructor. The area of water closest to the lodge is ideal for those with little or no experience of surfing and each lesson last about an hour, with children between 6 and 11 being given individual instruction. We will be accommodated for the next two nights in palm thatched bungalows that spread out along the coast, offering private terraces and relaxing hammocks to make the most of the beachside location. The eco lodge is commited to promote conservation.  The lodge it self is constructed with Native materials and construction techniques to bland in with the environment. All energy is supplied by solar panels and water is supplied from their own well. Water and energy conservation is encouraged. Organic refuse is recycled on site by thermophillic compost and all plastic, glass, iron, aluminium and paper are recycled locally. Several acres of the property are preserved for the protection of the wildlife in the area. Please note you will not be able to charge any batteries whilst staying here.

Overnight Simple Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

After breakfast we pay a visit to a local school to learn a little about life and learning in a Nicaraguan school. Education in Nicaragua is free, with elementary education also being compulsory, however it is difficult to enforce in the rural communities as many children have to work. Please note: this activity will not be possible during the school holidays, which run from the beginning of December until the end of January. lBack at our lodge you will be able to visit the turtle hatchery, where we may be lucky enough to watch a baby turtle being born. These shores are a haven for Olive Ridley turtles, who come here every year to nest along the Pacific coastline. The rest of the afternoon is free to hit the beach again, or perhaps enjoy some more surfing (optional).

Overnight Simple Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

Turning our back on the ocean this morning we head inland, towards the expansive shores of Lago de Nicaragua and the island of Ometepe. From here we then drive to the Momotombo chocolate factory, where we can see some of Costa Rica’s world famous cacao beans being turned into a range of organic chocolate - flavoured with an enticing choice of tropical ingredients, including guava, lemon-grass and ginger.We continue to the town of Rivas for lunch, we then drive the short distance to San Jorge, where we take the ferry across to the island. Ometepe is made up of two volcanoes connected by an isthmus, indeed its name comes from the Nahuati language and means ‘two hills’. The perfect cone of Concepción volcano soars from the depths of Lake Nicaragua to 1610m, only just dwarfing the neighbouring Maderas volcano at 1394m. On arrival on the island we transfer to Charco Verde for the next two nights.

Overnight Simple Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

After breakfast we will short walk around the Lagoon at the Charco Verde reserve. Then, drive to the feet of Maderas volcano to Finca Magdalena, a popular place to visit on Ometepe reknown for it organic farming processes. The finca is home to the Cooperativa Carlos Díaz Cajina an agricultural cooperative which consists of 24 members and their families one of whom will show us how organic coffee, plantains, milk, corn, beans, rice and vegetables are produced. From here we will continue to Playa Santo Domingo where you will be able to relax with a cool drink and enjoy a swim in Lago Nicaragua. From here we will drive the short distance to Ojo de Agua, a beautiful swimming hole near Playa Santo Domingo.

Overnight Simple Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

Heading back to the ferry port on the outskirts of San Jose del Sur, we cross back to the mainland this morning, from where we drive to the Mombacho Volcano, one of the most distinctive landmarks anywhere in the country. At the entrance we take the ecomovil up to the top, snaking our way up a steep slope and past fields of coffee plants as we make our way up to the cloud forest. The views from up here can be spectacular and we might even catch a glimpse of Granada and Las Isletas far below. After learning something about the unique flora and fauna of the cloud forest you have a chance to glide through the lush forest on a canopy tour, zipping through the trees on a wire harness far above the volcanic craters. After this adrenaline filled adventure we then return to the base of the volcano to continue our journey north, towards the lovely city of Granada.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Atmospheric Granada is a colonial gem, situated at the foot of Mombacho volcano on the north-west shore of Lake Nicaragua. It was the first colonial city in Nicaragua, founded in 1524 by the conquistador Hernandez de Cordoba and its magnificent setting, set off by baroque and renaissance buildings, is a pure visual delight. We plan a city tour this morning, on foot and by traditional horse carriage, visiting some of the city’s most beautiful colonial buildings and learning more of its fascinating history. Granada is the perfect city to explore on foot, wandering the narrow lanes and alleyways and discovering its hidden delights amongst the lush greenery and historic buildings. After lunch we will visit the popular Masaya market, a major centre for arts and crafts, where you can throw yourself into the hustle and bustle and barter for everything from baskets and pottery to jewellery and leather work. Later we’ll visit the tranquil setting of the Masaya Volcano National Park, where you can peer into the bowels of this smoking, belching giant before continuing to the Chocoyero Nature Reserve to enjoy some more of Nicaragua’s glorious natural beauty. These dry tropical forests are home to monkey and a vast array of birds, including the wonderfully brilliant green parakeets. From here we return to Granada for our second evening.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Puerto Asese lies just 6 kilometres from Granada, making it an ideal destination this morning to head to on bikes. From here we take to the waters of Lake Nicaragua in kayaks, spending the morning paddling through some of the myriad of islands and inlets that pepper this coastline. Beautifully lush, these tropical islets are a magnet for the local birdlife and we’ll have time to linger and enjoy this most tranquil of settings before taking lunch on one of the islands. There are some 365 islands occupying this vast expanse of water and we have the rest of the afternoon to explore before we head back to Granada once more.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Transferring to Managua Airport this morning we fly east, towards the Caribbean and the remote landscapes of Corn Island. Please note that there is a weight limit of 11kg per person on the flight to Corn Island and you can leave any excess luggage on the mainland where you can collect it on your return. On arrival we will check in to our hotel, after which the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure. Corn Island is blessed with three miles of white sandy beach and its crystal clear waters present a slice of turquoise paradise, so we can recommend an afternoon dip in the Caribbean.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Lying 70 km off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast, Corn Island was once a British Protector-ate and English is still widely spoken amongst the local people. Completely different from anywhere else in Nicaragua, the Caribbean islands and coast are largely inhabited by a mix of Creole people of mixed black heritage and Spanish speaking Mestizos, making it a fascinating mix of cultures and traditions. With two days to explore and play, the island is very much yours to enjoy. You can take a walk around the island, sit under a coconut palm tree or snorkel amongst tropical fish on the reef. Nearby Little Corn Island and its palm fringed beach is easily accessible by boat, so why not take a trip across to explore. In the evenings you can try some fresh lobster or prawns at one of the local restaurants and just sit back and enjoy the laid-back charm of the Caribbean.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

We will take an early morning transfer to the airport and flight to Managua. Then transport to your hotel located just two miles away from Airport. Then, we will drive to Mirador Tiscapa, a historical sight and great viewpoint. From here, you will have superb views of the city and Tiscapa Lagoon which is of volcanic origin and more than 10.000 years old. Afterwards, we will drive to Chocoyero-El Brujo Natural Reserve and enjoy to visit its dry tropical forest where we will be able to see monkeys and several species of birds above all “green parakeets”. In the late afternoon we return to Managua.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Our tour ends this morning in Managua.

Included meals: Breakfast