Nicaragua Wildlife and Birds Itinerary

1nt Managua, 3 nts Matagalpa, 2 nts Leon, 2 nts Masaya, 3 nts Ometepe Island, 3 nts Tola

Overview

In this itinerary, you will explore off the beaten track areas of Nicaragua. You will start in the cloud forest near Matagalpa, known for its abundant wildlife and birds, as well as coffee plantations and indigenous communities. Next you will head to Leon, where you will visit locations including the active Telica volcano and the wetlands on the Pacific Coast.

Then, you will travel south and stay at a lodge on the shores of Laguna de Apoyo. This area is also rich in wildlife and birds, you can also relax on its beaches or maybe do some scuba diving.

Ometepe Island is a must for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This incredible island formed by two active volcanoes, situated in Lake Nicaragua, is incredible for hiking and secret lagoons.

Your last destination is the calm and less visited Tola region, also know as 'Emerald Coast' located north of San Juan del Sur. Relax on the beautiful and wild beaches or have a surf lesson.

Price Guide

14 nights from £3,190 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.

Call for specialist advice

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Day to Day

Below is an example day by day itinerary

Day 1

Met on arrival at Managua Airport and transferred in an air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel. Overnight Hotel Los Robles.

Day 2

You will transfer to the Matagalpa region, also known as 'Pearl of the North' and to your hotel. In the evening, you will have a guided night walking tour around the lodge where you could spot frogs, bats, oppossums, wild cats, owls and many more species in their natural habitat. Overnight at Selva Negra (B)

Day 3

Selva Negra sits on the continental divide between the Pacific and Atlantic lowlands. Today you will have a guided birding tour around the property where you will be able to spot a variety of birds including the Three Wattled Bellbird, Slate Coloured Solitaire and Highland Guan. Overnight at Selva Negra (B)

Day 4

Day at leisure to explore the area on your own. Overnight at Selva Negra (B)

Day 5

Today you will transfer to Leon stopping at the San Jacinto Mudfields to see the bubbling mudholes and hotsprings connected to the nearby Telica volcano, includes lunch in a local home. Overnight El Convento (BL).

Day 6

In the morning, you will hike to the crater of Telica Volcano, one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes, you will hike through farmland before ascending through rainforest before the majestic volcano appears before you with its persistent vapor. In the afternoon, you will transfer to the Pacific Coast to Las Penitas. Here, you will have a guided boat tour around Natural Isla Juan Venado Reserve which protects birds, wildlife and nesting turtles. August to October is the high season for turtle nesting. Overnight El Convento (BL)

Day 7

Today you will transfer to the Laguna de Apoyo. It was formed around 20,000 years ago by a volcanic explosion and the lake is the remains of the crater, its crystal-clear waters are surrounded by lush tropical forests. Afternoon at leisure to explore this beautiful location. Overnight Casa Marimba (B)

Day 8

Today you will hike through the lush dense forests around the lagoon. Around 225 bird species inhabit the area, including hummingbirds, golden orioles, toucans, falcons and many more. You could also spot (or hear) howler and white-faced monkeys. Overnight Casa Marimba (B)

Day 9

Today you will transfer to the town of San Jorge on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, before embarking on a ferry to Ometepe Island. Afternoon visit to the protected area of Charco Verde, located between the two volcanoes. Overnight Ananda Guesthouse (B)

Day 10

Today you will hike to the San Ramon Waterfall, located at the feet of Madeira Volcano. End the day with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water of Ojo de Agua. Overnight Ananda Guesthouse (BL)

Day 11

Today you will hike the highest volcano on the island, Concepcion, this is a full day physical hike leaving early and returning between 8 and 10 hours later. From the top you will have beautiful 360 degrees views. at 1,610 metres above sea level. Overnight Ananda Guesthouse (BL)

Day 12

Today you will transfer to the Tola Region on the Pacific Coast. It is known for its isolated and undiscovered beaches. It also popular for surfing, hiking, fishing, birding and marine turtle observation. Overnight Hotel Punta Teonoste (B)