Nicaragua Tours & Vacations
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Vacations
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Overview
Explore one of Central America's most captivating destinations on one of our Nicaragua tours.
Sandwiched between the Caribbean and the Pacific coast, lies the region’s largest country. Unlike its Neighbour Costa Rica, Nicaragua is still largely undeveloped, its combination of natural beauty, colonial charm and vibrant energy make it one of the most affable and unspoiled countries in the Americas.
Experience the pristine rainforests, towering volcanoes, beautiful colonial ...
Explore one of Central America's most captivating destinations on one of our Nicaragua tours.
Sandwiched between the Caribbean and the Pacific coast, lies the region’s largest country. Unlike its Neighbour Costa Rica, Nicaragua is still largely undeveloped, its combination of natural beauty, colonial charm and vibrant energy make it one of the most affable and unspoiled countries in the Americas.
Experience the pristine rainforests, towering volcanoes, beautiful colonial architecture and the largest body of fresh water in Central America on a Tailor-Made Nicaragua holiday, all designed around you.
Conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century, it is home to a fascinating and lively mix of cultural traditions; a mix that has generated a rich diversity of art, language and cuisine that is strongly influenced by European, Amerindian, creole and mestizo traditions. But it is its natural beauty that first captivates. Known as “The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes”, Nicaragua is home to a chain of towering peaks that provide some stunning opportunities for outdoor adventure, with climbing, hiking, swimming and camping all popular pursuits.
Nicaragua is also home to a staggering wealth of flora and fauna, with nearly 20% of the country making up national parks and protected reserves. Considered the lungs of Central America, its forests provide a haven for over 700 species of birds, more than 180 species of mammals and nearly 12,000 different varieties of plants. Add to that the golden beaches of the Caribbean and the colonial elegance like the city of Granada and León, and you really do have a spectacular setting for an offbeat adventure.
Start your journey
Group tours
Travel to Nicaragua with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
Whether you want to travel on one of our award-winning itineraries or build your own journey from scratch, our expert consultants will help create the perfect tour for your tastes and budget. Below are a few suggestions of the kind of trips we can offer, all of which can be tailored to you.
EXAMPLE ITINERARIES
HIGHLIGHTS OF NICARAGUA
BEST EXPERIENCES
Immerse yourself in Granada culture
Take a city tour with guided visits to Granada's key cultural sites in the historic centre including the cathedral, churches and convents, enjoying the classic colonial architecture. There is also the option to include a chocolate or cigar workshop.
Climb Maderas or Concepción Volcano
The option to hike of one of two spectacular guided volcano climbs: dormant Maderas in muddy cloud forest with great wildlife and a crater lake or, active Concepción through pretty steep, tropical dry forest and loose rocks but even better views.
Relax On The Corn Islands
Head to the best swimming beach on Big Corn; For those who don’t want to snorkel or swim, Picnic Center a beautiful sandy beach to relax on and good eating options.
Kayak in Juan Venado Wildlife Refuge
Kayak in the mangrove forests of Juan Venado with a local expert guide. Juan Venado a barrier island with precious bird and reptile life in protected waters and a great diversity of fauna. The ocean side has a long beach used by marine turtles for nesting.
Sled or hike down Cerro Negro Volcano
In the heart of the Maribios Volcano Range, the active Volcán Cerro Negro is just one hour from León. Accompanied by a local expert guide you will head up the volcano by 4x4 to hike to its summit before either hiking or sledding down the west face.
Snorkel around Little Corn Island
Take a day trip by boat to the pristine beaches of Little Corn Island to snorkel around its lovely reefs full of rays and nurse sharks for the day. With a private guide and boat, the location of this great escape is fully flexible and adaptable to your interests.
Kayak around Las Isletas Archipelago
Kayaking in Lake Nicaragua with our local guide is the perfect way to experience the tranquillity and rich bird life of the archipelago. Islanders travel in row boats, so kayaking is also a sociable and sustainable way to experience community life.
Take a thorough island culture tour
You will be taken on a private guided visit to Altagracia to see the basalt statues, visit Pul and La Concha’s local artisans in their homes, check out the island’s museums and end in Charco Verde Lagoon and Finca Magdalena with lunch at an islander’s home.
Gaze down into an active volcano
Take a night tour from either Managua or Granada to the incredible Masaya volcano. Explore around the rim of the active volcano and gaze down into the Santiago crater to see the molten lava flowing side to side.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT
Corn Islands
This is the Caribbean as it used to be, relaxed islands that live mainly from fishing and a bit of tourism. There are small family-owned hotels on both of the main islands which are modest and comfortable,...
Granada
Granada is Nicaragua’s most famous destination, mostly for the beauty of its spacious and brightly painted Andalusian-styled Spanish colonial homes. The historic centre is full of large ...
León
León is the artistic and intellectual heart of Nicaragua, the colonial capital for three centuries and the former home of its three greatest poets, including the undisputed national hero ...
Managua
A dramatic setting by any measure, Managua sprawls along the southern shores of Lake Managua, and being covered mostly by trees, it’s almost invisible from the air. It is a capital without a ...
Ometepe Island
Known as the most iconic of all Nicaraguan destinations, the sight of Ometepe’s two volcanoes rising up out of Lake Nicaragua seem improbable, prehistoric and almost otherworldly. The ...
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
El Convento, León
A favourite among travellers, the Hotel El Convento is a ground-up restoration of the 17th century San Francisco Convent. Elegant décor and colonial-style, dark-wood furniture can be found throughout…
Flor De Sarta, León
Flor De Sarta is an elegant, family-owned, colonial-style hotel located within the historic centre just a few minutes' walk from León's colonial cathedral. There are only eight ensuite rooms here, all…
Morgan's Rock Ecolodge, Morgan's Rock
Located just north of San Juan Del Sur, Morgan’s Rock maintains a focus on the preservation of Nicaragua’s ecology, biodiversity and culture, which is lived and breathed throughout the hotel experience…
Plaza Colon, Granada
The boutique Hotel Plaza Colón sits across Granada’s main square opposite the cathedral. The building has housed many a local aristocratic family in the city, with the latest deciding to turn it into a…
San Juan De La Isla, Ometepe Island
Lakefront on Santo Domingo beach, San Juan de la Isla occupies a place on the sandy isthmus that connects dormant Maderas Volcano with the active Concepción Volcano. The three-star, family-run property…
Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa, Corn Islands
This Little Corn Island gem is tucked away on the most remote corner of the lesser-visited island and considered the best hotel option in the archipelago. With 16 oceanfront cabañas offering barefoot…
Casa Canada, Corn Islands
This simple hotel, located on most scenic part of Big Corn Island, is great for cultural interaction as well as some downtime with a quaint village and friendly locals always nearby. Rooms are basic,…
Hotel Boutique Adela, Granada
This exclusive Spanish-style home built in the early 19th century houses only four suites and is a great way to experience the charm of Granada. Hotel Boutique Adela is located just steps from the…
Hotel Real Intercontinental Metrocentro, Managua
The best of the chain hotels in Nicaragua with soundproof rooms, some of which have impressive lake and cathedral views. The hotel is centrally located close to Managua’s restaurant district Zona Rosa.…
Xalli Beach Hotel, Ometepe Island
This European owned lakefront lodge is set on a beautiful stretch of Santo Doming Beach surrounded by landscaped gardens. It is laid back hotel with nine ensuite rooms that offer a simple contemporary…Discover more
WHEN TO GO
The rainier months tend to be May through to October, so the high season is December through to April.
Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640
LGBTQIA+ Guidance
When planning to travel as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there may be additional things you wish to consider doing, such as:
- Speaking to one of our travel experts for information about travelling in your chosen destination and local attitudes towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Checking the Human Dignity Trust map which highlights regions and countries which are potentially dangerous to LGBTQIA+ people, or Equaldex, which tracks the progress of LGBTQIA+ rights around the world.
- Checking the ‘Local laws and customs’ section of your country's official foreign travel advice page
- Looking for any updates for your desired destination on the Human Rights Watch LGBTQIA+ rights page
- Buying a recommended guidebook, as many include an LGBTQIA+ section and advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Nicaragua though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is present in some parts of Nicaragua so you need to consider taking anti-malarials. Please note we are not medical professionals and so we highly recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Nicaragua the official unit of currency is the Nicaraguan córdoba
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.
In the churches and cathedrals women should cover their heads with a scarf or hat and also cover their shoulders, while men should take their hats off.
Language & Religion
The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish; however, Nicaraguans on the Caribbean coast speak indigenous languages and also English. The communities located on the Caribbean coast also have access to education in their native languages.
Additionally, Nicaragua has four extinct indigenous languages. Religion in Nicaragua is predominantly Christian and forms a significant part of the rich culture of the country as well as its constitution. Religious freedom and religious tolerance is promoted by both the Nicaraguan government and the constitution.
Time
Nicaragua is 6 hours behind GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
The traditional food and drink of Nicaragua is representative of the diversity of its residents. Spanish, Creole, Garifuna, and Indigenous Nicaraguan cuisines have all influenced in the modern Nicaraguan food, which most travellers find delicious—and exceptionally inexpensive. The majority of Nicaraguan meals include corn, beans, plantains, yucca, and peppers.
A characteristic Nicaragua meal that you can try all over the country might include a meat like chicken, pork, or fresh seafood from Nicaragua’s expansive coasts, deep-fried plantains, rice, and beans (gallo pinto) and a cabbage salad. Coconut water and meat are also a common ingredient, mostly on the Caribbean coast.