Nicaragua's Wild Side

ITINERARY

Note:

This itinerary has suggested activities, daily schedules and lodging can be customized for each client.

Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN MANAGUA

Upon arrival at Managua Airport, meet by your guide and driver and transfer to Montibelli Nature Reserve for an overnight stay in a cabin at the reserve.

Day 2 - MONTIBELLI NATURE RESERVE

Set out for a guided hike looking for birds including the long-tailed manakin, black-headed trogon, and Pacific parakeets. Later, hike to a waterfall to see hundreds of green parakeets (chocoyos) as they return to roost. Overnight at Montibelli. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - SOLENTINAME ISLANDS

Transfer to Managua for a flight to San Carlos that has stunning views of Lake Nicaragua. After lunch, transfer by boat to the Solentiname Islands, a group of islands at the southern end of Lake Nicaragua. Overnight at Hotel Celentiname. (B,D)

Day 4 - LOS GATUZOS OR ARTIST'S WORKSHOPS AND RIO SAN JUAN

Today, choose from a boat tour to Zapote Island and Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge that has one of Central America's highest concentrations of birds. Or visit with local artisans of the Solentiname Islands who are famous for their paintings and wood carvings. Afternoon boat ride down the scenic San Juan River. Overnight at Sabalos Lodge for two nights. (B,D)

Day 5 - INDIO MAIZ BIOLOGICAL RESERVE

Today visit the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve, a large tract of lowland rainforest that is home to 400 species of birds, 300 species of reptiles, and 200 species of mammals including four species of wild cats. Look for monkeys, sloths, tapirs, colorful poison dart frogs, and tropical birds and tour the fortress of El Castillo, an important historical site. (B,D)

Day 6 - GRANADA

Transfer to San Carlos for your flight to Managua, followed by a visit to the colonial city of Granada, which has preserved beautiful colonial architecture. Overnight at Patio del Malinche. (B)

Day 7 - GRANADA AND MOMBACHO VOLCANO

The morning is free explore Granada. This afternoon, head to Mombacho Volcano, an extinct volcano shrouded in cloud forest vegetation. Arrive for a stunning sunset and a guided night hike. Overnight at Patio del Malinche. (B)

Day 8 - MASAYA, PUEBLOS BLANCOS, AND SAN JUAN DEL SUR

Travel to the southern Pacific Coast visiting the Masaya Market and Pueblos Blancos (“White Towns”) where you can find examples of handicrafts from around the country. The white stucco villages of Pueblos Blancos are famous for local artisans specializing in ceramics and pottery. Overnight at Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge. (B,D)

Day 9 - SAN JUAN DEL SUR

Today’s activities are focused on wildlife viewing in the area. If your trip coincides with nesting season for olive ridley sea turtles, you can visit a nearby beach to try to catch an 'arribada', a mass nesting when hundreds of females nest along the short stretch of beach over a few nights. If it’s humpback whale season, take a boat tour in search of these amazing giants. Overnight at Morgan’s Rock. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer back to Managua for your flight home. (B)