Nicaragua Natural Highlights

1nt Managua, 2 nts Solentiname, 3 nts Rio San Juan, 3 nts Granada, 4 nts Corn Islands, 1nt Masaya

Overview

This itinerary explores some of the incredible natural highlights of Nicaragua, starting the trip with a visit to the less visited Solentiname Islands. One of the highlights here will be Los Guatuzos Wildlife Reserve, one of the best birdwatching spots in Nicaragua. You will then visit the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve and stay at Guacimo Lodge, situated on the San Juan River and in the rainforest.

You will then transfer to Granada, a beautiful colonial town located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. As well as exploring the colorful streets and markets of this town, you will be able to see wildlife by kayak at Las Isletas de Granada and in the cloud forest of Mombacho Volcano.

Transfer by small propeller flight from Managua to the Corn Islands, located 80km from the mainland, small tropical islands with coral reefs that can be explored by snorkelling and diving, a great place to unwind as your holiday ends. You will stay at the Little Corn Island which is the smaller of the two islands less developed for tourism.

For your last night, stay at the Apoyo Lagoon, for the last connection with nature and wildlife, before taking your flight back home.

Price Guide

14 nights from £4,185 per person based on double occupancy

These prices are excluding international flights. Average flight prices vary depending on time of year and can be considerably more expensive at peak times (Christmas, Easter, Summer). Flight routes vary, please contact us for accurate flight pricing for your timings and place of departure.

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Day to Day

Below is an example day by day itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Managua Airport and transfer to the city. Overnight Hotel Los Robles.

Day 2

Transfer by car to San Carlos (approx. 5 hours) and then by boat to the Solentiname Islands, a small group of islands in the southern part of Lake Nicaragua. These islands offer a chance to slow down, relax and enjoy the surrounding nature, there is an interesting native community on the islands where art plays an important part in their lives. Overnight Hotel Cabanas Paraiso (BLD).

Day 3

Guided boat trip to the Las Guatuzos Wildlife Reserve, and extensive wetland area with over 400 species of birds, green iguana, spider monkeys, tapirs, jaguars and spectacled caimans. You will travel to an observation platform for a birds eye view of the reserve. Overnight Hotel Cabanas Paraiso (BLD).

Day 4

Take a boat back to San Carlos, you will then board onto another boat and travel along the San Juan River to Guacimo Lodge. This remote and rustically comfortable, sustainable lodge is situated on the edge of the vast Indo-Maiz Biosphere Reserve and on the banks of the San Juan River. The cabins have large screened windows allowing your spectacular views towards the river. This evening take a guided night boat tour around the lodge and have the opportunity to see nocturnal species on the river such as owls, kingfishers and basilisks. Overnight Guacimo Lodge (BLD).

Day 5

Enjoy a guided tour of the primary rainforest reserve at the back of the lodge where you may see howler monkeys, white faced monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans and many other species of birds including the great green macaw. Overnight Guacimo Lodge (BLD).

Day 6

Today you take a guided kayak trip along the San Juan River to a ranger station in the Indo Maiz Reserve, there you will disembark and take a circular trail into the forest looking for wildlife and birds. Back in your kayak you will head along the beautiful and peaceful Bartola River before returning to the lodge. Overnight Guacimo Lodge (BLD).

Day 7

Transfer back to San Carlos by boat and then on by vehicle to the beautiful town of Granada (approx. 4.5 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in 1524 on the shores of Lake Nicaragua the town has wonderful architecture, is full of history and colonial charm. Overnight Hotel Plaza Colon (B).

Day 8

In the morning you will explore the main sights of Granada with your guide, including a visit the Casa de Los Leones, San Francisco convent and its museum and many other buildings of architectural significance. In the afternoon, kayak on the calm waters of Lake Nicaragua at Las Isletas de Granada (volcanic islands), looking for birds and observing life on the lake. Overnight Hotel Plaza Colon (B).

Day 9

Today, you will head to the cloud forest of Mombacho Volcano and will take a guided hike to explore this different ecosystem. The Puma Trail is one of the most challenging, but you can also opt for the Crater Trail if you are looking for a more gentle hike. A fun option is to combine the hike a zipline canopy tour and a coffee tour. Overnight Hotel Plaza Colon (B).

Day 10

Transfer back to Managua and fly to Little Corn Island, the smaller of the two islands located 81 kms from the mainland. Relax and enjoy exploring this tiny island where there are no cars or motorcycles. Overnight Yemaya Reefs (B).

Day 11

Day at leisure. Snorkel from the beaches or organise a guided snorkel through the hotel to explore the beautiful corals of the reef. Alternatively there are several dive operators on the island that you can arrange a trip with. Overnight Yemaya Reefs (B).

Day 12

Day at leisure. Relax on the beach, do a guided snorkel or scuba dive or take a walk through the island or a water taxi to the local town where there are a handful of bars and restaurants. Overnight Yemaya Reefs (B).

Day 13

Day at leisure. Overnight Yemaya Reefs (B).

Day 14

Fly back to Managua and road transfer to the Apoyo Lagoon. This is the perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings before ending your trip. Overnight Casa Marimba (B).