Nicaragua Wildlife Adventure

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrival and transfer to Leon

Arrive at Managua international airport and transfer to the nearby colonial city of Leon. Overnight at the historic colonial Hotel El Convento, a former convent restored as a peaceful and distinctive boutique hotel representing Nicaraguas rich cultural history. [D]

Day 2 - Leon & Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve

We explore Leons beautiful examples of Spanish Colonial architecture by climbing up a cathedral tower for a dazzling view of eleven volcanoes. After exploring the city, bike or ride to Isla Juan Venado National Park, an important coastal wetland reserve.

The ocean side is a nesting site for sea turtles while the protected estuary is home to many water fowl, iguana, crocodile and caiman. We explore by boat or kayak navigating through the mangrove canals. Keep an eye out for heron, pelicans, and the Mangrove warbler. Leatherback and olive ridley turtles nest on the small island between August and December. Overnight at Hotel El Convento. [BLD]

Day 3 - Leon & Volcano Hikes

We depart early for our hike up Cerro Negro Volcano. The easy trail is an hour ascent rewarded with a splendid view. Those looking for excitement can grab a sand board for a thrilling ride down the volcano; others can take the sandy side for downhill running or an easy walk down. En-route to Granada we stop at Masaya Volcano National Park, encompassing two impressive volcanoes and five formidable craters. We explore the lava caves and rock formations always on the lookout for wildlife including coyotes, opossum, deer, iguana, monkeys and bats. We visit the small museum and continue on to historical Granada. Overnight at Hotel Plaza Colon set in an elegant antique colonial house overlooking Central Park and the Cathedral. [BLD]

Day 4 - Granada, Mombacho Volcano, & Ziplines

Mombacho Volcano is one of Nicaraguas most impressive volcanoes, rising like a sleeping giant to 4,626 feet. Often enshrouded in mist, we hike through verdant cloud forest rich in hanging moss and epiphytic plants to the Mombacho Canopy Adventure for an exhilarating zip line ride through the forest canopy. Catch your breath and return to Granada for a hearty lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure, free to explore the narrow cobblestone streets with many cafes, art studios and artisan shops, or cool off in the hotel swimming pool. Overnight Hotel Plaza Colon. [BLD]

Day 5 - Granada & Island Boating or Kayaking

At Lake Nicaragua you have the choice to kayak or take an electric-powered boat through the 365 enchanted islets of Granada. This volcanic archipelago, formed 20,000 years ago when Mombacho Volcano blew most of its cone into the lake, is rich in fauna and flora including caiman, turtles, migrating swallows and a variety of aquatic birds.

Depending the day of the week we visit the local La Esperancita School, where we have an opportunity to interact with children and teachers learn how our visit benefits the community. After a lakeside lunch, we return to Granada to explore the charming cobblestone streets by horse drawn carriage including the Granada market, the Cathedral and the Convent of San Francisco, now a museum with elaborate murals depicting Nicaraguas history in colorful scenes and a vast collection of pre-Columbian statues and pottery. Overnight at Hotel Plaza Colonial. [BLD]

Day 6 - San Juan del Sur

Leave the city behind and depart for San Juan del Sur, a small, unhurried fishing village and coastal town to conclude your Nicaragua vacation on a tropical Pacific beach. Overnights at Hotel Piedras y Olas, a boutique beach-front property with sweeping ocean views offering luxury accommodations and spa services with local charm and a commitment to the education and welfare of the local community. [BLD]

Days 7 & 8 - La Flor Wildlife Refuge

During the next two days you can relax at the beach and participate in a myriad of water activities (Not included in trip cost.) Our naturalist guide will accompany you on the white sand beaches and through the mangroves and tropical dry forest at La Flor Wildlife Refuge, habitat of monkeys, green iguanas, kingfishers, tanagers, trogons and other wildlife.

We may witness a sunset migration of hundreds of hermit crabs, all hobbling back to the beach in their infinitely diverse shells. And, from July through January well venture out on a guided night walk to search for some of the 30,000 olive ridley turtles that use this beach to lay their eggs, making La Flor one of the most vital sea turtle nesting areas on the Pacific Coast.

Of special interest to families, we have made arrangements to participate in a community activity such as music around a beach bonfire, soccer or baseball, farm visits, or a variety of community service projects. Overnight at Hotel Piedras y Olas. [BLD]

Day 9 - Departure

Enjoy one more Nicaraguan sunrise, gaze at the beautiful Pacific Ocean and prepare to head home. Transfer to Managua International airport for your international flight home or begin post trip extension. [B]