Central America's largest nation is a tropical land of high volcanoes flanked with coffee plantations; exotic flora in dense rainforest; empty, palm-fringed Caribbean beaches and sleepy old colonial towns - all just waiting to be explored! Peaceful once more, we take the time to uncover some of Nicaragua's special secrets.

Colonial Leon & Lake Nicaragua
After exploring Managua, Nicaragua's ramshackle capital, we'll drive to the old Spanish town of Leon with its colonnaded plazas, magnificent cathedral and colonial churches. From here we will travel to elegant Granada, situated in the shadow of Mombacho volcano. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop through the quaint, baroque streets, adding to its timeless atmosphere. There is the opportunity to visit Masaya and browse the native market colourfully stacked with ceramics, naif paintings and basketry.

Lake Nicaragua & River Exploration
Travelling by bus then boat we reach Ometepe island - two perfect black volcanic cones rise magnificently out of Lake Nicaragua - once a burial ground for native Indians. After a quick glimpse at the Pacific we will head through Costa Rica to finally cruise along the winding San Juan river to El Castillo fortress, where the Spanish forced Lord Nelson to retreat. We'll explore the steamy Indio Maiz Rainforest Reserve - our open-sided boat and foot safaris offer us the chance of sighting scarlet macaw, toucan, monkey and crocodile.

Rainforest to the Caribbean
After and adventurous journey by road and boat via Juigalpa we will reach Bluefields on the coast from where we will fly on to the remote Corn Island in the Caribbean sea. Here, we spend two days simply relaxing, beachcombing, swimming and snorkelling - offshore a sunken Spanish galleon lies entombed in the coral reef. Finally we will return to the mainland for our last night in Managua.

Itinerary:

Day1 Join Managua. 2 Tour of Managua; visit Leon, sightseeing; drive to Granada. 3 & 4 In Granada; sightseeing. 5 Drive to San Jorge; boat to Ometepe Island; optional island tour. 6 In Ometepe; free for optionals. 7 Ferry and bus to San Juan del Sur. 8 Bus via Costa Rica; boat to El Castillo; visit fortress. 9 Cruise to Bartola; walks in Indio Maiz Reserve. 10 At Bartola; birdwatching, optional canoeing. 11 Boat to San Carlos; continue by bus to Juigalpa. 12 Bus and Boat to Bluefields; fly Corn Island. 13 On Corn Island; beachcombing, swimming, optional snorkelling. 14 Fly Managua. 15 End Managua.

Accommodation:11nts hotel, 3 nts lodge; 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Riverboat/On foot/Flights as itinerary.
Comment: Nicaragua has remarkable scenic diversity and some of the friendliest people in the Americas. Using several modes of transport we achieve an in-depth exploration of this little visited and intriguing country.
Group: Approx. 14 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), boatmen and some local guides.
Trip Reference: NI