Itinerary

Day 1 Managua

Managua is the capital of Nicaragua. It has a population of about 2 million inhabitants. Before the earthquake of 1972 it used to be quite an unattractive and unstylish city. Reconstruction has really brought back the atmosphere of the days of old. One of the most unsuccessful rebuilds is the new cathedral with its pink and purple dome architecture. What remains of the city’s early colonial architecture is most interesting to the visitor however.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and English speaking driver.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Real InterContinental Metrocentro Managua puts you in the heart of the entertainment and commercial district with a prestigious address across from Plaza Ruben Dario. Metrocentro Mall, the new cathedral, Ruben Dario National Theatre and Lake Managua are nearby. Less than a half hour away is the Volcano Masaya located in Nicaragua's first and largest National Park.

Overnight at Intercontinental Metrocentro.

Day 2 Managua

In the morning, we 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. We 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.

Overnight at Intercontinental Metrocentro.

Day 3 Granada

Granada, with an estimated population of 110,326, is Nicaragua's fourth most populous city. Granada is historically one of Nicaragua's most important cities both economically and politically. It is situated on the north-western shore of Lake Cocibolca and has a rich colonial heritage, seen in its architecture and layout. Granada is commonly nicknamed the "Gran Sultana del Gran Lago" - the Great Sultan of the Great Lake.

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.

Hotel Plaza Colon is located right in front of Parque Colón, known as Parque Central in the historical city of Granada. The hotel is set in an elegant antique colonial house that has been restored to its original style and architecture, with external courtyards and balconies overlooking Central Park and the Cathedral. You can take a horse drawn carriage right at the front of the Hotel and tour the city around.

Overnight at Plaza Colon.

Day 4 Granada

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.

Overnight at Plaza Colon.

Day 5 Granada

Transfer to the center of Granada and to the port of the Islets of Granada. A boat will take us across Cocibolca—the Great Lake of Nicaragua—to a world, which has more than 300 islands, created by eruptions of Volcan Mombacho. Within an hour, by boat we will visit the island of the monkeys and will observe a host of different species of aquatic birds. The tour is for all ages. Possibility of a stop over in the island "Corre Viento" where you can enjoy something to eat and drink; and can also swim. Lake Nicaragua.

Overnight at Plaza Colon.

Day 6 Managua

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Managua. Private Vehicle/English Speaking Driver.

Depart from the International Airport in Managua.

Overnight at Depart.

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