Day 1: Arrival in Managua

Upon arrival at Managua bus terminal or airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: El Castillo and Boat Tour on San Juan River

After breakfast, transfer to San Carlos (4.5 hours), capital of Rio San Juan region. After lunch (not included), embark on a boat tour along the San Juan River, historically used by North American merchants to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans towards San Francisco. Arrive in El Castillo for hotel check-in amidst pristine nature. Before sunset, enjoy another boat ride on the river to spot crocodiles.

Day 3: El Castillo, Bartola Refuge

After breakfast, boat ride to Bartola Refuge in the Indio-Maiz Reserve, Central America’s largest, to explore its flora and fauna: monkeys, toucans, parrots, sloths, butterflies, and frogs.

Return to hotel for lunch, followed by a visit to El Castillo and its fortress built by the Spanish in 1672, strategically positioned on a hilltop to defend against pirate raids and foreign invasions.

Day 4: Mancarron Island and San Fernando

Morning boat trip to San Carlos, then continue to Solentiname Archipelago in Lake Cocibolca. Visit Mancarrón Island, known for primitive paintings and Balsa wood craftsmanship, originating from the work of poet and Trappist monk Ernesto Cardenal. Visit the Liberation Church and proceed to hotel on San Fernando Island, a tropical paradise.

Day 5: Los Guatuzos Reserve

Explore the Los Guatuzos Natural Reserve, named after the indigenous community that protects it. Spot diverse forest wildlife: monkeys, turtles, birds, alligators, colorful butterflies, wild cats, and pumas. Walk across various suspension bridges for panoramic views. Picnic lunch included.

Return to San Fernando for a visit to the ecological museum.

Day 6: Laguna de Perlas

Morning transfer by boat and land to Laguna de Perlas, check-in at hotel, and enjoy lunch. Afternoon free for walking, swimming in the lagoon, or renting a kayak. Traditional Creole dinner with folk dances in the evening.

Day 7: Wawashang Ecological Reserve

Visit the Wawashang Ecological Reserve Visitor Center (Fadcacnic) to learn about climate change impacts on tropical forests. Meet rangers and students engaged in environmental sustainability practices. Lunch included. Afternoon visit to Orinoco community for cultural insights and traditional dances.

Day 8: Indigenous Communities of Laguna de Perlas

Visit indigenous and Afro-descendant communities around Laguna de Perlas. Learn about their customs, history, and enjoy lunch with them (included). Head to Awas community for a swim and sunset relaxation.

Day 9: Cayos Perlas, Caribbean Island

After breakfast, boat ride to Cayos Perlas, a small Caribbean island with white sandy beaches and marine turtles. Spend the day relaxing in hammocks, sunbathing, swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkeling, and savoring delicious Caribbean dishes.

Day 10: Return to Managua

Travel from Laguna de Perlas to Managua, stopping in San Carlos for a break and lunch. Check-in at hotel in Managua.

Day 11: Granada

Depart from Managua to visit Granada, Nicaragua’s most beautiful colonial city. Explore its monuments: city park, cathedral, La Merced Church (offering a magnificent city view from its rooftops), and San Francisco Museum, housing significant pre-Columbian artifacts.

Lunch on your own. Afternoon boat tour to small islands of Lake Cocibolca, including Monkey Island.

Evening free, check-in at hotel.

Day 12: Caterina Hill and Masaya Volcano

After breakfast, transfer to Caterina Hill for spectacular views of the turquoise volcanic lagoon. Lunch on your own. Visit the artisan market of San Juan de Oriente, famous for clay crafts. Final stop at Masaya Volcano, where you can see sulfur vents and lava from the crater rim.

Check-in at hotel in Managua, dinner on your own.

Day 13: Flight back