Arrive in
Managua and transfer to
Granada. Spend your first afternoon soaking in the saturated colors and history of Nicaragua's oldest colonial city.
Morning
Fly into Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in
Managua. Pre-book a private transfer or take a taxi to
Granada (approx. 1 hour). Settle into your hotel and get your bearings in the historic center.
2-3 hours
$30-50 (private transfer)
Pre-book a transfer for ease after a long flight. Taxis are available at the airport.
Lunch
El Zaguan
Nicaraguan (Typical Nica food)
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore the iconic pastel-colored colonial architecture. Must-sees include the bright yellow Cathedral of
Granada on Parque Central, the historic San Francisco Convent & Museum, and the active Calle La Calzada pedestrian street.
3 hours
$0 (self-guided) or $15 (guided tour)
Guided tours are available from local operators on Calle La Calzada.
Evening
Sunset at Lake Nicaragua & Dinner
Enjoy the sunset over Lake Nicaragua from the Malecón. For dinner, try Garden Café for its beautiful courtyard setting and fusion cuisine.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Granada, near Parque Central (Hotel or Boutique Guesthouse)
You'll be in central the action, within walking distance of all major sights, restaurants, and the lakefront.
For the best photo of the cathedral's yellow facade, go in the late afternoon when the sun hits it directly.
Day 1 Budget: $90-140
Kayak among the tropical islets of Lake Nicaragua in the morning, then witness the raw power of an active volcano after dark.
Morning
Kayaking Las Isletas
Paddle through the 365 small islands formed by a volcanic eruption millennia ago. Look for monkeys, birds, and grand island homes. Tours often include a stop at a monkey island or a local community.
3-4 hours
$25-35
Book through a tour operator on Calle La Calzada the day before. Morning tours avoid the strongest sun and wind.
Lunch
The Beach Club at Jicaro Island
International/Seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
Free Time & Travel to Masaya
Relax by your hotel pool or explore
Granada's markets. In the late afternoon, arrange transport (taxi or tour) for the 30-minute drive to Masaya Volcano National Park for the evening viewing.
2 hours (travel & prep)
$15-25 (taxi)
Most hotels can arrange a taxi for a round-trip to Masaya, including waiting time.
Evening
Masaya Volcano Night Tour
Arrive at Masaya Volcano National Park just before sunset. Walk to the Santiago Crater viewpoint to watch the sky darken and the lava glow intensify, creating an memorable spectacle. The park is open for night viewing until 10 pm.
Where to Stay Tonight
Granada (Same as Night 1)
It's more convenient to return to your Granada base after the volcano tour than to switch hotels.
The glow of the lava is most impressive on clear, moonless nights. Check the lunar calendar before you go.
Day 2 Budget: $80-120
Take a scenic ferry across Lake Nicaragua to the mystical Ometepe Island, formed by two volcanoes. Settle in and explore the island's rural charm.
Morning
Ferry to Isla de Ometepe
Take a taxi from
Granada to the port in San Jorge (45 mins). Catch the public car ferry (lancha) for the 1-hour crossing to Moyogalpa, Ometepe's main port. Enjoy impressive views of Concepción and Maderas volcanoes from the water.
3 hours (total travel)
$5-10 (ferry) + $20 (taxi)
Check ferry schedules in advance. The car ferry is more reliable than the faster passenger ferries, which can be canceled in windy conditions.
Lunch
Café Campestre
Healthy, Local Ingredients
Budget
Afternoon
Ojo de Agua & Punta Jesús María
After checking into your hotel, visit Ojo de Agua, a natural spring pool in the jungle perfect for a refreshing swim. Later, head to Punta Jesús María, a thin sand spit that extends far into the lake, for a spectacular sunset.
4 hours
$5 (Ojo de Agua entry) + $15-20 (taxi/rental scooter)
Rent a scooter in Moyogalpa for the ultimate freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
Evening
Dinner in Moyogalpa
Try Pizza at Café Aroma for a casual meal, or Restaurante Soda el Buen Gusto for typical Nica fare.
Where to Stay Tonight
Moyogalpa or near Balgüe (Maderas side) (Eco-lodge or Guesthouse)
Moyogalpa is convenient for arrival. Staying on the Maderas (southern) side has a more rustic, nature-immersed experience.
If you rent a scooter, fill up with gas in Moyogalpa; stations are scarce elsewhere on the island.
Day 3 Budget: $70-100
Hike to a impressive jungle waterfall and learn about organic coffee production on the fertile slopes of Volcán Maderas.
Morning
Hike to San Ramón Waterfall
Trek through a beautiful cloud forest on the slopes of Volcán Maderas to reach the impressive 50-meter San Ramón Waterfall. The trail is moderate, taking you through monkey habitats with great views.
3-4 hours round trip
$5 (park entry)
Start early to avoid the heat and have the waterfall mostly to yourself. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Lunch
El Pital Chocolate great destination
Vegetarian/Ovo-Lacto
Budget
Afternoon
Finca Magdalena Coffee Tour
Visit this historic cooperative coffee farm. Take a tour to see the entire organic process, from bean to cup, and enjoy a tasting with panoramic views of Lake Nicaragua and Volcán Concepción.
2 hours
$5-10
Tours can be arranged on arrival. The farm also offers simple accommodation.
Evening
Relax at Your Lodge
Enjoy a quiet evening at your eco-lodge, perhaps joining a yoga class or simply listening to the sounds of the jungle.
Where to Stay Tonight
Same as Night 3 (Ometepe) (Same as Night 3)
Staying put allows for deeper exploration of the Maderas side of the island.
Buy some freshly roasted coffee beans at Finca Magdalena—they make fantastic gifts and are much cheaper than back home.
Day 4 Budget: $50-80
Return to the mainland and head south to Nicaragua's most famous beach town, a haven for surfers and sunset seekers.
Morning
Ferry to Mainland & Travel South
Take the morning ferry back to San Jorge. From there, pre-book a shuttle or take a taxi for the 2-hour drive south to the Pacific coast town of San Juan del Sur.
4 hours (total travel)
$25-35 (shared shuttle)
Book a shared shuttle from San Jorge to SJDS through your Ometepe hotel or a tour office for the easiest connection.
Lunch
El Gato Negro
Sandwiches, Coffee, Baked Goods
Budget
Afternoon
Beach Time & Christ of the Mercy
Check into your hotel and head straight to the main beach to relax. Later, take a taxi up to the Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia for impressive panoramic views of the entire bay.
3 hours
$3 (Christ statue entry) + $5 (taxi)
Go to the Christ statue around 4:30 PM to secure a good spot for the famous San Juan del Sur sunset.
Evening
Sunset & Bayfront Dinner
Watch the sunset from the bayfront, then enjoy fresh seafood and people-watching at one of the many open-air restaurants like El Timón.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central San Juan del Sur, near the beach (Hostel, Hotel, or Vacation Rental)
You'll be within walking distance of all the town's restaurants, bars, and the main beach.
Sunday is 'Sunday Funday'—a massive pool crawl. It's great for party-goers but very loud; book accommodation away from the main strip if you prefer peace.
Day 5 Budget: $70-110
Choose your own adventure: learn to surf on a pristine beach, take a sailing trip, or (in season) witness an incredible wildlife spectacle.
Morning
Option A: Surf Lesson at Playa Maderas
Take a short shuttle to Playa Maderas, one of Nicaragua's most consistent surf breaks. A 2-hour beginner lesson will get you standing up on your first waves.
3-4 hours total
$25-35 (lesson & board rental)
Book through any surf shop in town. Shuttles to the beach run regularly from the central park.
Lunch
Barrio Café (in town) or food shack at Playa Maderas
Varied / Simple Grilled Food
Budget
Afternoon
Option B: Sailing Trip or Beach Hopping
Join an afternoon sailing trip on the bay, often including snorkeling, open bar, and sunset views. Alternatively, hire a driver to visit secluded beaches like Playa Remanso or Playa Hermosa.
3-4 hours
$40-60 (sailing) / $30-40 (private taxi for beach hopping)
Sailing trips can be booked at kiosks along the beachfront. For beach hopping, negotiate a round-trip price with a taxi driver for 3-4 hours.
Evening
Option C (Seasonal): La Flor Turtle Sanctuary
If visiting between July and January, book an evening tour to La Flor Wildlife Refuge to see thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles arriving to nest (arribada) under the moonlight. A powerful and unique experience.
Where to Stay Tonight
Same as Night 5 (San Juan del Sur) (Same as Night 5)
San Juan del Sur is the perfect base for exploring all the activities the southern Pacific coast has to offer.
For the sailing trip, bring a light jacket—it can get windy and cool once the boat is moving.
Day 6 Budget: $80-130 (varies by chosen activities)
Enjoy one last taste of Nica life with a leisurely morning before your transfer back to
Managua for your flight home.
Morning
Final Beach Walk & Souvenir Shopping
Take a final stroll along the beach, enjoy a relaxed breakfast, and pick up any last-minute souvenirs from the local artisan market or shops in town.
2-3 hours
$0-20 (souvenirs)
Lunch
Simon Says Street Food
Gourmet Street Food (Tacos, Bowls)
Budget
Afternoon
Check out of your hotel and begin the 2.5 to 3-hour shared shuttle or private transfer back to Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) for your departing flight.
3-4 hours (travel)
$25-30 (shared shuttle) / $80-100 (private transfer)
Book your airport transfer at least one day in advance through your hotel or a local tour operator.
Evening
Departure
Check in for your flight home, filled with memories of volcanoes, lakes, and warm Nica hospitality.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (Departure) (N/A)
N/A
Allow plenty of time for the drive to the airport; traffic around
Managua can be unpredictable.
Day 7 Budget: $50-100 (mostly transport)