Land of thousand volcanoes! Nicaragua emerging affordable Central American gem offers Granada colonial city colorful Spanish churches La Merced yellow Baroque Parque Central horse carriages, Lake Nicaragua Isletas 365 small islands boat tours wildlife, sunset views Mombacho Volcano backdrop. Leon colonial rival intellectual city UNESCO tentative murals revolution history, volcano boarding Cerro Negro black sand downhill adventure unique sliding active volcano protective gear adrenaline rush. Ometepe Island twin volcanoes Concepcion perfect cone active Maderas cloud forest crater lake hiking petroglyphs Charco Verde beaches swimming freshwater lake. San Juan del Sur Pacific surf town beaches Playa Maderas waves, Christ statue hilltop panoramic sunset. Revolution Sandinista history, Granada-Leon rivalry, affordable travel emerging destination nature adventure volcanic landscapes authentic Central America.
Day 1:
Arrive Managua, transfer Granada colonial city, evening Parque Central colorful La Merced Church|
Day 2:
Granada walk Spanish architecture, boat tour Lake Nicaragua Isletas 365 islets wildlife spotting, Mombacho Volcano viewpoint, horse carriage ride|
Day 3:
Drive Leon (90km, 2hrs), city walk cathedral largest Central America rooftop, murals revolution history museums|
Day 4:
Cerro Negro volcano boarding (black volcanic sand downhill sliding protective suits goggles unique adventure), afternoon Leon beaches optional|
Day 5:
Drive Ometepe Island ferry Lake Nicaragua (2hrs crossing), twin volcanoes views, settle eco-lodge|
Day 6:
Ometepe hiking Concepcion lower slopes or Maderas cloud forest, Charco Verde natural reserve beaches, petroglyphs ancient rock carvings|
Day 7:
Morning kayaking or leisure, ferry return mainland, transfer Granada or Managua departure