El Nica Grande
Luxury:
Focus: Full Nicaraguan Exploration
Areas Visited: Managua, Corn Islands, Leon, Chinandega, Granada
A complete 2 week tour of Nicaragua, experiencing the best that this country has to offer, north to south, coast to coast. You'll take in the colonial cities of Granada and Leon, as well as the capital, Managua. You'll hit the beaches of Marina Puesta del Sol, as well as sail on Lake Nicaragua, and see the Caribbean jewels known as the Corn Islands.
Day 1: Fly into Managua and meet our Rep who will show you to your waiting private transfer, who will take you 20 minutes into the center of town for your first night in Nicaragua. Los Robles is a 14 room boutique hotel in a converted Spanish colonial villa near to the center of Managua in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in town. Enjoy your first evening in one of the many great restaurants within easy walking distance of the hotel.
Day 2: We’ll pick you up at your hotel and take you back to the airport for your early morning flight to one of the Caribbean’s forgotten secret spots! When we say the Caribbean, we really mean the Corn Islands. Two unspoilt gems lying in azure waters 40 miles off the coast of Bluefields. The Old Caribbean lives here – turquoise waters, white sand, excellent fishing, some of the best coral reefs in the hemisphere, and an unhurried pace. Upon arrival at the airstrip on Big Corn Island, a representative from your hotel, Casa Canada, will be there to pick you up to take you the short distance to your tropical paradise home away from home.
Day 3: The two Corn Islands, Big Corn and Little Corn are lush with exotic fruit trees, native palms and surrounded by pristine pink and white sand beaches. A haven for pirates and buccaneers in the 17th century, untold numbers of shipwrecks and treasures still lay scattered along the turquoise shores of these tropical hideaways, creating a new haven for scuba divers and snorkeling aficionados. Spend today under the water, exploring the island in a rented golf cart (the best way to get around!), or simply relaxing by the pool or under a coconut palm!
Day 4: Casa Canada will take you back to the airstrip for your flight back to Managua where we will meet you for your transfer to the colonial city of Leon. The home of Nicaragua’s best museums, oldest learning centres, and finest churches, Leon is the intellectual heart of Nicaragua (if not Central America). The most authentically colonial Spanish city in country, Leon is surrounded by volcanoes and the Pacific Rim is truly visable here, with great opportunities for “volcano boarding”, the new adrenaline sport sweeping… well sweeping northwest Nicaragua! 20 minutes out of town you’ll hit some of the best surfing in the region on the deserted beaches of Poneloya. During your stay in this graceful old city, your home away from home will be the Hotel El Convento for three nights. This beautiful place, dating from the 17th century convent that used to sit on these grounds offers a wonderful snapshot of bygone colonial days.
Day 5: Today we’ll show you around town with your Leon Walking Tour. You’ll explore the rich cultural and political history of one of Nicaragua’s oldest and most influential cities. Defined by its graceful Spanish colonial architecture and fascinating political history, you will soon discover why León is at once considered to be Nicaragua’s historical, cultural, educational and religious capital. Morning or afternoon tours are available, each lasting three hours.
Day 6: An adrenaline packed day today! You are going to try your hand at ash boarding – the new extreme sport which allows visitors to descend the black sands of Cerro Negro Volcano strapped onto a board. You will board all the way down to the base of the volcano and gain huge kudos for doing so! This is a morning tour, bring you back to your hotel early afternoon to relax.
Day 7: Check out of your hotel as we pick you up for your private transfer to one of the most remote beaches in Nicaragua, where you will stay at Marina Puesta del Sol. Nestled in a beautiful azure lagoon on the pristine north Pacific coast of Nicaragua, this 600 acre picturesque resort offers the luxury and amenities befitting a world class hotel while retaining the “off the beaten path” exclusivity of a remote paradise.
Days 8-11: These days are your own to relax by one of the two pools or hang out on the beach. You also have the option of horseback riding, surfing or tennis. Guided boat tours or kayaks are available if you wish to explore the lagoon, and the marina here hosts fully outfitted boats to take you fishing either in the lagoon or offshore.
Day 12: Check out of your beach hotel when we come to pick you up to take you to “La Gran Sultana”, the awesome city of Granada where you will end your Nicaraguan adventure. The oldest European city on the American mainland, Granada represents Nicaragua and Central America at its most photogenic. Over the years the gentrification of Granada has produced an eclectic restaurant and bar scene, and numerous little boutique hotels springing up behind the city’s ornate carved doors. The best thing to do in Granada is just to walk around, soaking up the atmosphere. Granada also has easy access to Lake Nicaragua and its Isletas, the breathtakingly beautiful Laguna de Apoyo, a 200m-deep crater lake with “healing waters”, and also the cloud forests of Volcan Mombacho. While here you will stay at the Hotel Dario for three nights. This hotel is located in the historic center of Granada, on the Calle de la Calzada, the city’s main pedestrian mall. The 19th century building, of neoclassical design, was the home of one of the city’s most prominent families and has been recently converted into one of Granada’s most charming hotel properties.
Day 13: Today we’ll show you around town on your Granada Walking Tour, in order that you can compare with its sister city (and rival), Leon. As you stroll around the historic center of Granada, your guide will tell you about its fascinating history and you will observe the outstanding old renovated colonial, neoclassical and baroque style civil and religious buildings. The afternoon is perfect for exploring yourself, relaxing by the pool or finding a favorite cafe to sit outside and people watch.
Day 14: This morning we’ll show you Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America, the 9th largest lake in the Americas and the 19th largest lake in the world! The Spanish called it “el Mar Dulce”, the “Sweet Sea”, but it is also known by its indigenous name of “Cocibolca”, meaning the same. We’ll pick you up from the Dario and take you the short journey to the small dock of Cabana Amarilla, where we will take a boat for a fascinating trip to observe some of the 360 little volcanic islands that shape the archipelago of “Las Isletas de Granada”. Colorful species of birds such as kingfishers, herons, jacanas, magpie jays, oropendolas, flycatchers, parakeets, sandpipers, and others can be enjoyed.
Day 15: After two weeks exploring and enjoying this beautiful, often misunderstood country, it’s time to go leave. We’ll pick you up for your transfer back to Managua Airport for your flight home (approx 45 minutes).
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*Prices reflect 2011/12 high season rates and are subject to change. The price you are quoted by our sales representatives will be 100% accurate based on the exact time of your inquiry. Price is per person, double occupancy accommodation and includes: all taxes, domestic transportation, tours and hotels. Price does not include international airfare, optional travel insurance, or credit card payment service fee.
About Me
Profile: My name is James Dyde and I have been living in Nicaragua and Costa Rica for over 10 years helping people plan custom vacations using my expert knowledge of the country. Let me help you today!