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- Destination: Nicaragua
- Duration: 11 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Nicaragua on this 11-day classic tour, designed for travelers seeking a mix of nature, adventure, and culture. Journey through lush rainforests and sail the scenic San Juan River to the Indio-Maíz Biosphere Reserve, home to diverse wildlife and vibrant bird species. Explore the crystal-clear crater lake of Apoyo Lagoon, hike in the Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve, and relax on the sun-kissed Pacific beaches of San Juan del Sur. Immerse yourself in the colonial charm of Granada, stroll historic streets, and enjoy a private island retreat on Jicaro Island in Lake Nicaragua. This tour offers a perfect blend of Nicaragua’s natural wonders, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Managua
Arrival
2
San Carlos - Bartola
San Juan River Sailing
3 - 4
Bartola
Indio-Maiz Biosphere Reserve, Jungle Hiking Tour, Birds Watching, Bartola River Boat Trip
5
Bartola - San Carlos - Apoyo Lagoon
El Castillo
6
Apoyo Lagoon
Nature Walk Tour
7
Apoyo Lagoon - San Juan del Sur
Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve
8
San Juan del Sur
Discovery Programs by Morgan Rock, Pacific Beaches
9
Granada
Granada City Exploration
10
Jicaro Island
Private Island Holiday
11
Managua
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Managua, Nicaragua
Arrive in Managua, Nicaragua, where your private guide welcomes you at the airport and assists with a smooth transfer to your hotel. As the cultural and commercial heart of Nicaragua, Managua offers your first glimpse into the country’s vibrant lifestyle, warm hospitality, and scenic lakeside setting. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing or enjoying a short walk to soak in the local atmosphere.
Highlights: Airport welcome · Private transfer · Lakeside city views.
- Managua
- Day 2: Managua – San Carlos – Bartola | San Juan River Adventure
Travel south through rural Nicaragua, passing fertile farmlands and traditional villages en route to San Carlos, a historic port town at the meeting point of Lake Nicaragua and the San Juan River. Board a boat and cruise deep into the rainforest along the San Juan River, a vital waterway rich in history and biodiversity. Arrive at your jungle lodge near the Indio-Maíz Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by untouched wilderness.
Highlights: Scenic countryside · San Juan River cruise · Jungle lodge stay
- B , L , D
- Bartola
- Day 3: Bartola – Indio-Maíz Biosphere Reserve Jungle Exploration
Today is dedicated to discovering one of Nicaragua’s most pristine natural sanctuaries. Join a guided jungle hike through the Indio-Maíz Biosphere Reserve, home to towering trees, exotic orchids, colorful frogs, monkeys, and rare bird species. Learn about the rainforest ecosystem before enjoying a peaceful boat ride along the Bartola River, followed by a refreshing swim in natural surroundings.
Highlights: Guided rainforest hike · Wildlife spotting · Bartola River boat ride
- B , L , D
- Bartola
- Day 4: Bartola – Birdwatching & Eco-Lodge Experiences
Wake up early for an immersive birdwatching excursion led by a knowledgeable naturalist. Nicaragua’s rainforests are renowned for their avian diversity, offering chances to spot parrots, toucans, and kingfishers. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying eco-friendly activities at your lodge, such as guided nature walks, river kayaking, or relaxing in a hammock surrounded by jungle sounds.
Highlights: Early-morning birdwatching · Eco activities · Rainforest relaxation
- B , L , D
- Bartola
- Day 5: Bartola – El Castillo – Apoyo Lagoon
Cruise back along the scenic San Juan River and stop at El Castillo, a charming riverside village steeped in Nicaragua’s colonial history. Visit the historic Fortress of the Immaculate Conception and enjoy panoramic views of the river and rainforest. Continue by road to Apoyo Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake known for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil setting.
Highlights: San Juan River views · El Castillo Fortress · Volcanic crater lake
- B
- Apoyo Lagoon
- Day 6: Apoyo Lagoon – Nature Walk & Volcanic Landscapes
Explore the tropical dry forest surrounding Apoyo Lagoon on a guided nature walk. Discover unique plant species and wildlife native to Nicaragua, including howler monkeys, iguanas, and vibrant butterflies. After lunch at a lakeside restaurant, enjoy leisure time swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful natural lakes.
Highlights: Tropical dry forest hike · Wildlife encounters · Lagoon leisure
- B , D
- Apoyo Lagoon
- Day 7: Apoyo Lagoon – Mombacho Volcano – San Juan del Sur
Travel toward Nicaragua’s Pacific coast with a visit to the Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve. Ascend the volcano by 4×4 vehicle, walk through lush cloud forests, and enjoy breathtaking viewpoints overlooking Granada, Lake Nicaragua, and surrounding volcanoes. Visit a coffee plantation to learn about local production before continuing to San Juan del Sur, a lively coastal town known for its beaches and sunsets.
Highlights: Cloud forest walk · Volcano viewpoints · Pacific coast arrival
- B , L , D
- San Juan Del Sur
- Day 8: San Juan del Sur – Pacific Coast Discovery
Enjoy a full day exploring the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. Take part in eco-friendly activities offered by your lodge, such as horseback riding along the beach, kayaking, guided hikes, or birdwatching. In season, witness the nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles, a remarkable natural phenomenon unique to Nicaragua’s southern coast.
Highlights: Beach activities · Eco adventures · Turtle nesting (seasonal)
- B , L , D
- San Juan Del Sur
- Day 9: San Juan del Sur – Granada – Jicaro Island
Journey to Granada, one of the oldest and most colorful colonial cities in Nicaragua. Walk through the historic center, visit iconic churches, local markets, and social projects supporting the community. Later, board a boat across Lake Nicaragua to reach Jicaro Island, where lush vegetation and serene lake views create a perfect island escape.
Highlights: Colonial Granada tour · Cultural encounters · Lake Nicaragua boat transfer
- B , L , D
- Jicari Island
- Day 10: Jicaro Island – Luxury Island Leisure
Spend a leisurely day on Jicaro Island, surrounded by the calm waters of Lake Nicaragua. Enjoy upscale amenities at your eco-lodge, kayak through nearby islets, go birdwatching, or relax by the pool amid tropical greenery. This day offers a peaceful retreat and a deeper connection to Nicaragua’s natural beauty.
Highlights: Private island stay · Kayaking · Birdwatching · Relaxation
- B , L , D
- Jicaro Island
- Day 11: Jicaro Island – Granada – Managua Departure
After breakfast, return by boat to Granada and continue to Managua International Airport. Depart Nicaragua with unforgettable memories of volcanoes, rainforests, wildlife, colonial heritage, and tranquil island landscapes.
Highlights: Scenic lake crossing · Tour conclusion · Departure from Nicaragua
- B
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