Day 1: Indianapolis/ Managua
Arrive Managua International Airport (MGA) where you'll meet your local English-speaking guide for private transfer to your hotel. Arriving in Managua is a bit puzzling. It is like no other capital in the world. The original city center was destroyed by the horrific earthquake of 1972 when half the population was left homeless. Since then, Managua has grown outward, but not upward, sprawling over hills and across the flat southern shores of Lake Managua. Managua is the capital without a city, a suburb of a million people. Despite having no center, no skyline and no logic, Managua is still a good place to start our visit for it is a city full of energy; the heartbeat of the Nicaraguan economy and psyche. Welcome drink. Hotel Casa Naranja - Managua, NI (or similar)

Day 2: City Tour Managua / Leon Viejo / Leon
After breakfast at your hotel, tour the Nicaraguan capital of Managua. Begin by ascending Loma de Tiscapa, the former location of the presidential palace. From here, you have great views of crater lake Tiscapa, the city of Managua and Momotombo volcano. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1972, Managua has been rebuilt and today more than one third of the population lives here. During your city tour you will view both of Managua’s cathedrals and the recently renovated National Palace. As you drive northwest on the shores of Lake Managua, you can observe several of the many Nicaraguan volcanoes. Near the northwestern corner of Lake Managua you will stop for a visit of the ruins of León Viejo, declared world heritage site by Unesco in 2000. The city was founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernandez de Córdoba, but left by its inhabitants only sixty years later because of a series of eruptions. Upon arrival in León, check in to your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner at Al Carbon (open menu). Hotel El Convento - Leon, NI (or similar) (B, D)

Day 3: City Tour of Leon / Playa Poneloya / Leon
In the morning discover the charms of León together with your guide. Leon, Nicaragua's intellectual and artistic capital, the finest examples of colonial Spanish architecture in the country reside here. It is a beautiful city full of intellectual vitality and artistic tradition. Colonial León is the home of Nicaragua's greatest passion, poetry. It is home to many internationally renowned poets including the national hero, Rubén Darío. Dario is considered one the Spanish language's five greatest literary figures. Visit the most important feature in León, its Cathedral. It is the largest in Central America and burial site of Nicaragua’s famous poet, Rubén Darío. From the roof top you have fantastic views of the city and the surrounding volcanoes. The city is home to 12 colonial period churches and cathedrals including Central America's largest and grandest cathedral, Cathedral of the Assumption, built from 1706 to 1740, in which you will tour. Apart from its Cathedrals, León is also known for its great museums. Have a look at Rubén Darío’s house and visit the finest contemporary art museum, the Ortiz-Guardián Collection. Lunch on your own. In the late afternoon drive to Poneloya / Las Peñitas for a walk along the beach and time to watch the sunset. Then return to León and dinner in at your hotel restaurant (open menu). Hotel El Convento - Leon, NI (or similar) (B, D)

Day 4: Leon / Esteli / Esteli / Matagalpa / Granada
Today you drive northeast to the mountainous region of Nicaragua and the town of Estelí. The finest tobacco in Centeral America is grown in the mountains surrounding Esteli and the town is rich in cigar factories which produce some of the best puros and habanos in the world. Most of the factories were founded by Cuban exiles in the 1960’s who brought their seeds and expertise with them. You visit a cigar factory where you are taught about the art of hand rolled production of cigars.

After lunch we will continue to Matagalpa.  Visit the chocolate factory of El Castillo, where you will have a guided tour of the facilities, and then transfer to the colonial city of Granada, the "Gran Sultan," one of Latin America's most beautiful colonial cities. This ancient town founded in 1524 on the shores of mighty Lake Nicaragua is full of history, Spanish colonial charm and is famed as one of the oldest European settlements in the Western Hemisphere. Arrive in Granada and check into your hotel for the next five nights. Dinner at El Zaguan (open menu). Hotel Plaza Colon - Granada, NI (or similar) (B, D)

Day 5: Granada City Tour
Begin your day with a half-day walking tour of the city with your guide. On the list of “must sees” is the Convento San Francisco with its ancient statues from Zapatera Island, La Merced church with its stunning view of the city, and the Casa de los Leones. Enjoy a cooking class and lunch at Escuela Taller. Then visit the lively and colorful local market and hear about the exciting history of Granada. The rest of the afternoon you can spend at leisure, or visit other local sites and shops with your guide returning to the hotel late afternoon. Hotel Plaza Colon - Granada, NI (or similar) (B, L, & Cooking Class)

Day 6: Granada / Masaya Market /Masaya Volcano N.P. / Pueblos Blancos / Apoyo Lagoon / Granada
Then we will drive to the National Park Masaya Volcano, one of the most interesting and beautiful natural phenomena of Nicaragua. Take a look into the impressive Santiago Crater, which is still active with gas rising from its interior. Then we will drive to the “Pueblos Blancos”, here we will visit the colorful town of San Juan de Oriente, renowned by its high quality pottery and other arts and crafts. View Apoyo Lagoon Nature Reserva where you will have an opportunity to observe abundant species of flora and fauna; enjoy lunch at Villas de Apoyo loverlooking the beautiful blue waters of the lagoon and surronding jungle reserve. Rest of the day is free to enjoy the lagoon.  Hotel Plaza Colon - Granada, NI (or similar) (B, L)

Day 7: Granada / Boat Tour Las Isletas / Granada
Learn more about the local culture today when we will visit a public school located 5 kms from town, road to El Guayabo. Costumers will be happy with children, they are very poor, however, the school is clean and teachers are  friendly. Then enjoy a late lunch on Lake Nicaragua, the second largest fresh water lake in Latin America at a restaurant on the water enjoying a view of Las Isletas.  Then your private boat will pick you up for a late afternoon opportunity to admire the lush vegetation and the rich bird life of Las Isletas, an archipelago of more than 350 small islands. Upon return to Granada you have the rest of the evening at leisure to enjoy one of Granada's fine restaurants. Hotel Plaza Colon - Granada, NI (or similar) (B, L)

Day 8: Granada / Optional Mombacho Hike and Canopy Tour / Granada
Today is free at leisure. Enjoy strolling the plaza, shopping, spa or just relaxing at your hotel. Optional excursion to Mombacho volcano and canopy tour (additional price). In the evening farewell dinner at Bistro Estrada (open menu). Hotel Plaza Colon - Granada, NI (or similar) (B, D)


Option: The Mombacho Canopy Tour, is located in the El Progresso coffee plantation. This 1,500-meter course is made up of a total of fifteen platforms and one twenty-five meter long rope bridge that hangs in mid-air making for a wonderful adventure. The canopy platforms are attached to the top of the large trees that grow on the reserve and from there you can get a wonderful view of the surrounding areas as well as the Mombacho Volcano and Lake Cocibolca.
• Mombacho Sendero de Crater Walking Tour: $35
• Mombacho Sendero de Crater Walking Tour & Canopy Tour: $65

Services Included:
• Transportation Granada – Mombacho – Granada in private vehicle with a/c
• Entrance fee Mombacho volcano & Eco movil
• Local English-speaking guide (same guide as in main program)
• Sendero de Crater Walking Tour (approx. 1 to 2 hours)
• Canopy Tour (approx. 1.5 hours)

Day 9: Granada / Managua / Indianapolis
Transfer from your hotel in Granada to the airport in Managua. (B)

Optional Tour Extension:
Extend your stay at Rancho Santana, at a beachfront villa only 1 hr. from Granada, on the Pacific Ocean. Pricing from $300 per night for 3 bedroom accommodations. Call for pricing and availability. Minimum 2 night stay.

Commercial Air: Book Now to ensure your place on this trip because this trip operates on commercial air. Space is limited and may not be available less than 90 days before departure. Airfare pricing subject to change until booked.