10 Day Trips from in Nicaragua That You Shouldn't Miss

December 11, 2021 Velvet Mowry

Nicaragua (/ˌnɪkəˈrɑːɡwə, -ˈræɡ-, -ɡjuə/ ( listen); Spanish: [nikaˈɾaɣwa]), officially the Republic of Nicaragua (Spanish:  República de Nicaragua (help·info)), is the largest country in the Central American isthmus, bordered by Honduras to the north, the Caribbean to the east, Costa Rica to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Managua is the country's capital and largest city and is also the third-largest city in Central America, behind Tegucigalpa and Guatemala City. The multi-ethnic population of six million includes people of indigenous, European, African, and Asian heritage. The main language is Spanish. Native tribes on the Mosquito Coast speak their own languages and English.
Restaurants in Nicaragua

1. Leon and Old Town Leon Tour

Vive Travels
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Enjoy the experience of exploring the ruins of the Ciudad Vieja Leon, the first capital of Nicaragua, founded in 1524 by Spanish captain Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba on the shores of the Momotombo volcano. By several earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in 1610, this city was relocated 53 miles (90 km) north of Managua. After the 1 hour trip on a scenic road along the lake Xolotlan or Lake Managua, with a breathtaking view of the Old City Momotombito Momotombo and volcanoes. We end our tour with a stroll through the San Jacinto Volcanic Fields, a place where hot steam and gas bubbles through the deep mud volcano Telica Field is not large, but it is interesting as it is hot walk to see the different holes that vary in size and color. The sometimes mud thrown small pebbles and steam is always being thrown by many children in the area offer their guide, which is a good idea since there is no sign indicating where it is safe to walk and locals know where to take. 

Inclusions: Lunch, Bottled water, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By MParker2

I booked the combo tour via web site (Viator), and paid for tickets. On the reservation form requested the local traveling company (Vive Travel) to contact me to finalize the details of transportation pick up. At the time of reservation, the web form indicated the local transportation would pick up at any private residence or selected hotel list in the San Jose area. After not hearing back from local touring company, contacted Viator, explained the situation. I was instructed to go to a specific hotel as suggested by Viator and was also told that they had made note with the local touring company to pick me up at that location by 5:00AM on the touring day. I was also given local touring company contact information via WhatsApp and phone # to call if required. Decided to drive two hours and stay at the local recommended hotel the night before tour. Checked into the hotel and reached out to local touring company via WhatsApp informing them of my location. WhatsApp confirmed that they read the message but the local traveling company did not respond back. Finally 8:00PM the night before the tour, I called Viator and informed them that I have had zero feedback from local touring company and was started to get concerned about the being picked up from the hotel. After one hour of phone call with Viator, I was told to go to the hotel lobby area and was assured that someone would be picking us up for transport. Was in the lobby before 5:00AM, and still no sign of transportation. Called Viator, and was told to wait till 6:00AM and call back again. 6:00AM still no sign of local transportation. Called Viator, got the refund, but could not believe the agent attempted to sell me another tour package. Seriously! Four calls to Viator, multiple attempts via email to local travel touring company, several confirmed WhatsApp messages and our planned day of going on several tours got completely abolished with significant disappointments. I hold Viator completely responsible for what happened and this is false advertisement on their behalf. Although they refunded my money, I would never ever book anything with them again. Book at your own risk. Don't expect too much and be ready for being disappointed.

2. Masaya Volcano Night Tour and Apoyo Lagoon.

Duran Tours Nicaragua
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

We will start our tour in Granada with an outskirt city tour of the most important site of the colonial center ,later we will drive to the most active volcano in Nicaragua which is Masaya Active Volcano and we will have the opportunity to see lava inside of this crater.After the great experience to see real lava we will head to Masaya Market and spend a hour exploring,here you will have the opportunity to try local food inside of the market.Now is time to visit Apoyo Lagon which is a crater lake with blue and crystal water,just great for swimming,kayaking,paddle boards and relaxing.We will spend about 3 hours in this resort. Optional Boat tour in Isletas of Granada

Inclusions: Profesional guide, National Park fee during the day, Private tour, Apoyo Lagoon entree fee, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By MikeMaynes

Duran Tours is everything you need in Nicaragua. Gerald and his crew are professional, knowledge, and provide excellent transportation pored with sight seeing. I had an amazing adventure and will use them again.

3. León City tour and Mud pools of San Jacinto

El Perezoso - Day Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

During the León City Tour, you will visit the most beautiful places of this colonial city. After this you will go and see the mud pools of San Jacinto where you can admire boiling mud pools.

Inclusions: Guide., Travel insurance by INISER., Bottled water

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By nicatraveler1

We went volcano boarding on Cerro Negro.....it’s a pretty small volcano compared to others....we thought it would be easy. It. Was. Not The hike up was treacherous ( wear good sturdy hiking shoes ) and very hot ( until close to the top then extremely windy- which felt good but you really had to be careful and mindful of getting g blown off the trails !) Oh and we ( 3 Ladies in good shape ) could not carry the boards..we paid $1.00 each to the locals to take them up thank GOD. The sliding down was cool,...it is very much controlled by the way you sit and lean which made it not scary at all. It was a 2 minute slide down . We got videos which was cool,..but at the bottom you had to pick up your board and walk quite a ways in the sand to get to the truck that drives you back to the parking lot. The lagoon was so so,....the hike DOWN to that was equally as hard as the volcano . Just different terrain ( dirt,tree roots, rocks and sticks and stones ) it took forever to get down there ..the lagoon is beautiful but you really can’t swim in it. We tried.the bottom is very silty and it gets deep as soon as you walk in. We saw wild horses which was cool also....then the hike back up omg all 3 of us thought we were going to pass out. Very steep and slippery if shoes aren’t excellent for hiking. Long drive back to Leon where we then had to take the chicken bus back to las penitas. It was a very long day. Be prepared ,!

4. Private Daytrip In Leon And Ruins Of Leon From Managua

Show Me Nicaragua Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

• This colonial adventure starts when you meet your guide at your hotel in Managua or Leon • Private Bilingual Local Tour Guide. • Hotel Pick up and drop-off Private Transportation. • Go sightseen  the most popular spots in  Leon( City and Ruins of Leon) • Walking Tour in  the city of Leon and the Ruins of Leon.  • Visit to 2 meums and 2 Cathedrals • Private Transportation from Leon city to the Ruins of Leon-  Back and Forth. • Tour may start by picking you up at the airport. A reliable staff member waits for you at the airport holding a sign with your name and take you to the transportation( if flight is dalayed we always wait for you, never let no one behind.)

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by private vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Entrance fee to museums and churches

Reviewed By daniellegF7328YB

I had so much fun. It was me and bae and it was great bc it’s a private tour so we could get to know each better with less distractions. Our tour guides were sweet and patient. I love taking pictures so they waited whenever I wanted to stop for photo ops. The chocolate factory was delicious. The lake was beautiful. The town was colorful and the volcano was crazy. Although I thought we would get a closer view like how I’ve heard it described in Hawaii. But I still could see the lava with their provided binoculars and they provided a selfie stick!! I wish I could remember my tour guide name but I a picture of him!

5. Apoyo Lagoon, Masaya & Mombacho Volcanoes

Next Adventure Nicaragua
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Nicaragua is known as The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes. It has two enormous water bodies and more than 10 active volcanoes that are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. In this day tour, you will visit three these colossi Volcanoes: Masaya Volcano (Volcán Masaya): Ranked as one of the most active in the world. Apoyo Lagoon (Laguna de Apoyo): It’s an extinct volcano’s crater, with a beautiful lagoon. Mombacho Volcano (Volcán Mombacho): This colossal and stunning volcano´s cloud forest offers impressive panoramic views and it is also the home of hundreds of orchids.

Inclusions: Bilingual Guide, Transportation, Crater Trail on Mombacho, Lunch, Apoyo Lagoon Lookout, Masaya Volcano Entrance

Exclusions: Tour Guide gratuity, Services not listed on the itinerary

Reviewed By jennifer m

Next Adventure Nicaragua exceeded every expectation we had! They created an unforgettable experience for myself and 2 friends. We only had 1 day in Granada and wanted to see as much as possible. NAN put together an itinerary for us that included the islets of Granada, Volcano Mombacho, Laguna de Appoyo and Masaya Volcano night tour. We were all so impressed with this itinerary that we decided to free up another day to do the other recommendation of volcano boarding Cerro Negro. NAN even helped us pick a hotel to stay at in Granada and booked it for us! NAN went above and beyond with every request we had. NAN arranged transportation pick up for us from San Juan Del Sur and our driver, Julio, and tour guide, Gustavo, were the best! Gustavo even brought us snacks which included homemade brownies! Gustavo is very charismatic and we had a lot of fun with him. He recommended that we go to masaya volcano a little earlier than the itinerary said to catch the sunset and he was right. He brought us up the mountain to the most amazing views. I am so happy we chose to do a custom tour with this company. This would have been very difficult to plan on our own. There are certain vehicles you need to use to go to the volcanos and NAN took care of all of that. They even had an additional tour guide, Marjorie, meet us when we went volcano boarding. Marjorie was so knowledgeable about all the rocks and minerals on the volcano and she took the most amazing photos/videos of us while we were boarding! Also the equipment that we used/wore while volcano boarding was very high quality and included gloves and a bandana which I don’t think many other companies include. We had the expectation that we would be carrying our own boards up the mountain but when we arrived it was already arranged for our boards to be carried for us which was a wonderful surprise! At first we were hesitant to book with this company since there were not a lot of reviews, but do not hesitate! This company will take care of all your needs and exceed every expectation!

6. Private -Full day tour: Granada City + Boat ride+Handicraft Market+Lava Tour

Show Me Nicaragua Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Live this eco colonial and volcanic adventure enjoying 3 tours paying only for one. Give yourself the luxery of having your private local guide who is knowledgeable, fluent in English who also provides a personal approach and have safe private transportation. Explore the islets and the majestic colonial architecture of the city and feel the adrenaline of taking a stuning picutre with the orange color of the lava in the background at the active volcano in Masaya. *We follow WHO guidelines for covid 19 Activities: Picture taking /Bird watching/Nature tour Boat ride on lake Granada/Nicaragua ( you get to actualluy get off in one of the islets to visit the historic san pablo fortress) Walking tour downtown/hall of churches and chocolate museum. Visit to La merced church and its view point from bell tower. Lunch at la calzada street ( not included). Visit to Masaya volcano at night. ( take breath taking pictures on the top of the hill with the lava in the background.( Sunset beholding)

Inclusions: Boat Tour ride, Hotel/airport pickup and drop-off, Tour guide and driver, Walking tour in the city of Granada

Exclusions: Entrances fees to some churches., Food and drinks, Masaya volcano entrance fee is not included, Gratuities

Reviewed By daniellegF7328YB

I had so much fun. It was me and bae and it was great bc it’s a private tour so we could get to know each better with less distractions. Our tour guides were sweet and patient. I love taking pictures so they waited whenever I wanted to stop for photo ops. The chocolate factory was delicious. The lake was beautiful. The town was colorful and the volcano was crazy. Although I thought we would get a closer view like how I’ve heard it described in Hawaii. But I still could see the lava with their provided binoculars and they provided a selfie stick!! I wish I could remember my tour guide name but I a picture of him!

7. Granada+Apoyo Lagoon +handicraft market+ Masaya volcano night tour

Show Me Nicaragua Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

• This volcanic and refreshing outdoor activity starts when your meet your Local tour guide at your hotel or airport in Managua at 1pm • The Aventure will take about 6 hours including the drive back and forth to your Hotel.-*We follow WHO guidelines for covid 19 • Learn about the historics event from Masaya Volcano and the intersting way the lava belt works. Visit the handicraft market from masaya • Take stunning pictures with an orange background from the lava reflecting on the crater.  • Have a walk on the pointview by the edge of the crater. • Have a nice swim in apoyo Lagoon ( cristal clear water by Masaya) • Kayaking • Have lunch by the lagoon, try tipycal food.( Optional and has aditional cost)

Inclusions: Pictures and video will be sent out to you at the end of the tour( upon request), Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Apoyo lagoon($7pp) and masaya volcano $10pp, Food and drinks, Drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By ashmv23

Davis was great! We visited so many fantastic locations: chocolate museum, cigar factory, colonial church, and had a traditional lunch. The boat ride was amazing. So beautiful and we got to see monkeys! We tried to visit the masaya market but most vendors were closed because it was a Sunday. Our last stop was the masaya volcano. Wow! What an incredible experience to visit at night. It was very busy and we waited a long time to get in. I think the crowds were a combination of it being the weekend and also the park had recently reopen. It was totally worth the wait! We had such a great time that we arranged a driver for the next day. Rafael and Christopher were as sweet as they come! We went to the masaya market, apoyo lake lookout, and Rafael found a potter in San Juan de Oriente who invited us into his home to show us his process! Definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Please contact Show Me Nicaragua. You will not be disappointed!

8. Granada Isletas and City tour

Show Me Nicaragua Tours
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.7 based on 3 reviews

Go back to nature and enjoy your private boat tour with a bilingual local guide for about 1 hour. *We follow WHO guidelines for covid 19*.Live the adventure and meet a cute family of monkey in one of the islets, get off the boat and learn about the fortress San Palo built more than 250 years ago. See birth life on the islands and take a wonderful picture from the best view of Mombacho volcano. the father of the 365 islets. Visit the city of Granada and its main cathedrals so you learn about the Spanish colonization and its majestic architecture. Have a free taste of a special chocolate drink at the Chocolate museum and discover the real history of chocolate.

Inclusions: Hotel/airport pickup and drop-off, Tour guide and driver, Boat Tour ride, Walking tour in the city of Granada

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Entrances fees to some churches.

Reviewed By daniellegF7328YB

I had so much fun. It was me and bae and it was great bc it’s a private tour so we could get to know each better with less distractions. Our tour guides were sweet and patient. I love taking pictures so they waited whenever I wanted to stop for photo ops. The chocolate factory was delicious. The lake was beautiful. The town was colorful and the volcano was crazy. Although I thought we would get a closer view like how I’ve heard it described in Hawaii. But I still could see the lava with their provided binoculars and they provided a selfie stick!! I wish I could remember my tour guide name but I a picture of him!

9. Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour

Show Me Nicaragua Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.7 based on 3 reviews

• This volcanic and refreshing outdoor activity starts when your meet your Local tour guide at your hotel or airport in Managua at 1pm • The Aventure will take about 6 -7 hours including the drive back and forth to your Hotel. • Learn about the historics event from Masaya Volcano and the intersting way the lava belt works. • Take stunning pictures with an orange background from the lava reflecting on the crater.  • Have a walk on the pointview by the edge of the crater. • Have a nice swim in apoyo Lagoon ( cristal clear water by Masaya) • Kayaking • Have lunch by the lagoon, try tipycal food.( Optional and has aditional cost)

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Drinks, Food and drinks, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Entrance fees( To Apoyo Lagoon, tey charge $7 USD that is spendable in food and drinks.

Reviewed By daniellegF7328YB

I had so much fun. It was me and bae and it was great bc it’s a private tour so we could get to know each better with less distractions. Our tour guides were sweet and patient. I love taking pictures so they waited whenever I wanted to stop for photo ops. The chocolate factory was delicious. The lake was beautiful. The town was colorful and the volcano was crazy. Although I thought we would get a closer view like how I’ve heard it described in Hawaii. But I still could see the lava with their provided binoculars and they provided a selfie stick!! I wish I could remember my tour guide name but I a picture of him!

10. Flor de Caña Rum Factory Tour

Vive Travels
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 2 reviews

Sample Nicaragua’s unique historical sights and its thriving rum industry during this full-day private trip to Flor de Caña distillery and the colonial city of León. Head to Flor de Caña for a rum tasting, distillery tour and a visit to a museum housed inside the world’s largest rum barrel. Then visit León, the one-time capital of Nicaragua, discovering its rich history and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral. This rum tour and León visit also covers a private guide and vehicle, entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport.

Inclusions: Lunch, Rum tasting, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By MParker2

I booked the combo tour via web site (Viator), and paid for tickets. On the reservation form requested the local traveling company (Vive Travel) to contact me to finalize the details of transportation pick up. At the time of reservation, the web form indicated the local transportation would pick up at any private residence or selected hotel list in the San Jose area. After not hearing back from local touring company, contacted Viator, explained the situation. I was instructed to go to a specific hotel as suggested by Viator and was also told that they had made note with the local touring company to pick me up at that location by 5:00AM on the touring day. I was also given local touring company contact information via WhatsApp and phone # to call if required. Decided to drive two hours and stay at the local recommended hotel the night before tour. Checked into the hotel and reached out to local touring company via WhatsApp informing them of my location. WhatsApp confirmed that they read the message but the local traveling company did not respond back. Finally 8:00PM the night before the tour, I called Viator and informed them that I have had zero feedback from local touring company and was started to get concerned about the being picked up from the hotel. After one hour of phone call with Viator, I was told to go to the hotel lobby area and was assured that someone would be picking us up for transport. Was in the lobby before 5:00AM, and still no sign of transportation. Called Viator, and was told to wait till 6:00AM and call back again. 6:00AM still no sign of local transportation. Called Viator, got the refund, but could not believe the agent attempted to sell me another tour package. Seriously! Four calls to Viator, multiple attempts via email to local travel touring company, several confirmed WhatsApp messages and our planned day of going on several tours got completely abolished with significant disappointments. I hold Viator completely responsible for what happened and this is false advertisement on their behalf. Although they refunded my money, I would never ever book anything with them again. Book at your own risk. Don't expect too much and be ready for being disappointed.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.