Taste of Nicaragua, Colonial cities León, Granada & beach San Juan del Sur
(7 Days / 6 Nights) Price from: $ 675.00
Inquire NowThis tour of Nicaragua includes a visit to the old colonial towns of León and Granada. From Granada, you can climb above the canopy of the tropical forest and visit the Mombacho Volcano—part of a nature reserve that is among the most beautiful remaining areas of tropical rainforest in Nicaragua. Before you head home you will spend two relaxing days in the beach area of San Juan del Sur, a tranquil fishing village with beautiful white-sand beaches.
Day 01: Self drive and Drop Off Car or transfer to Peñas Blancas (Nicaragua-Costa Rica Border) at Costa Rican Side. Private transfer to León.
Los Balcones Hotel.
León is a land of volcanoes, hot weather and interesting cities. Here, visitors will find the ruins of one of the first Spanish colonial cities that were built in the continent, which are preserved thanks to the volcanic sand that buried the place after an eruption. The elegant city of León preserves its attractive historical center and colonial buildings. Also, there are many natural attractions as well as little known and remote rural areas. Leon is one of the most important cities in the country. The center itself is an attractive destination due to its museums, art galleries, colorful colonial architecture, an imposing cathedral, and the facades of its churches. The city also has hotels, restaurants, local tour operators, bars and clubs. It is also a good starting point to explore the region.
Day 02: Free day in León. Los Balcones Hotel. (B).
Leon has eight volcanoes, all of which are part of the 'Cordillera de Los Maribios'. The most interesting might be Cerro Negro, which is a young, small volcano that offers incredible views and slopes to practice snowboarding. Other sites are the volcanoes of Santa Clara, Momotombito (volcano/island) and the natural reserves of Pilas-El Hoyo and Telica-Rota. Also, there are two volcanic lagoons: Asososca and Monte Galan.There are even more attractions in Leon, such as several beaches on the Pacific Ocean, which are spread throughout the municipalities of Nagarote and Leon. Both municipalities have beaches with infrastructure, while others remain in their natural state. El Velero, El Tránsito and Puerto Sandino (good waves for surfing and a nice estuary) are located in Nagarote. On the other hand, the municipality of Leon has the most famous ones: Poneloya and Las Peñitas. In front of the last one, tourists will find the Juan Venado Island Natural Reserve.
Day 03: Transfer to Granada. Alhambra Hotel. (B).
Nature and history. These are the elements that prevail in Granada, a small yet interesting department of Nicaragua's Pacific area. An extinct volcano, elongated coasts on Lake Cocibolca (Lake Nicaragua), an archipelago and the oldest city in the country, which still preserves original historic colonial center, are some of the attractions. The city of Granada is one of the most important and most visited destinations in Nicaragua. The colonial architecture of its old center, many museums, galleries, hotels, restaurants, bars and a cosmopolitan ambiance make this city a destination itself. However, it also be could be a good starting point to explore the region.
Day 04: Free day at Granada. Hotel Alhambra.
The Mombacho Volcano, which features an exotic cloud forest, is situated in this department. Some water sports can be practiced around the shores the department has on Lake Nicaragua, which asre also ideal for a good swim. The interesting and easily accessible archipelago of 'Las Isletas', constituted by more than 300 small islets, is also located here. Furthermore, the enigmatic Zapatera Archipelago - which preserves part of its forest and an archaeological pre-Columbian treasure, is situated on the lake. Other interesting sites are the peasant farms that offer rural tourism activities, such as those located in the city of Nandaime, Diriá and Diriomo. The last two cities are also part of the 'Bewitched Villages', together with other cities of Masaya. The Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve covers some of the territory of this department.
Day 05: Private Transfer to San Juan del Sur. Colonial Hotel (B).
Once a quiet, picturesque fishing village, discovered by the Spanish Andres Niño in 1523, is now one of the most visited destinations by foreigners and locals in the country. The city of San Juan del Sur has almost everything: hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, language schools, a post office, a central park, a municipal market, a port, a police station and the famous bay of the same name. This is the obligatory stopover of almost every traveler seeking for relaxation and lots of surfing on unspoilt beaches. The majority of these beaches are located throughout the municipality, including the most famous ones: Marsella, Maderas, Majagual, La Flor, El Ostional, El Coco, Las Salinas, El Astillero and El Yankee. Some of them have hotels, private houses or communities offering lodging options.
Día 06: Free day in San Juan del Sur. Colonial Hotel (B).
The infrastructure of the city of San Juan del Sur has changed in recent years. Today, the number of foreigners who visit and decide to buy a property to turn it into their homes (generally mansions), a hotel or a hostel has increased significantly. Also, tourism has brought economical development in the city. The municipal government has made improvements in public areas, such as the waterfront and the central park. A point worth visiting when in San Juan is the 'Jesus de la Misericoridia' statue, located on the summit of the highest hill and built in 2008. From here, tourists have beautiful panoramic views of San Juan del Sur and its surroundings. In addition, there is a small chapel under the statue, where tourists can read about its building process.
Day 07: Private Transfer back to Peñas Blancas Border. Continue your trip in Costa Rica!
Includes:
Excludes:
- Migration fees
- Other meals than indicated as included.
- Personal expenses
- Services of English speaking guide
- Tours / activities optionals
- Entrance fees
- International Flights.
Price Conditions:
Price per person in US dollars
based on double occupancy
includes local taxes.
Valid Rate All Year Round
November 1, 2011 - October 31, 2012
=> USD$ 675 per person
Important Note:
What makes us different? You can customize your Costa Rica trip to fit your exact needs. Maximize fun time and minimize hassles, mistakes and travel time. Every detail from airport pick-up to adventure tours and activities are arranged by us to make sure the only thing you have to worry about is having fun. Use our quick and easy trip customization form and find out how affordable your dream Costa Rica vacation can be! With CRS you don´t just vacation in Costa Rica, you experience it. Why settle for less? Contact us today.
What To Bring:
The most important things to bring are your travel documents: a valid passport, flight and hotel information, health insurance card and driver's license (if you plan on renting a car in Costa Rica). We advise you to make three copies of these documents. Put one copy in your carry-on bag, one copy in your suitcase and leave one copy at home.
Basic Tropical forests, colorful wildlife and spectacular beaches are part of daily life in Costa Rica. The climate varies depending on where you are, so pack accordingly.
1 Prepare for hot, humid summers. Shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, skirts and tank tops in lightweight fabrics should keep you cool. Take a sweater for evenings at a higher elevation.
2 Bring plenty of sunblock. Also include insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a swimsuit.
3 Take rubber-soled sandals or hiking boots for journeys into the rain forests. Flip-flops and sandals are great for resorts and hanging out by the beach.
4 Pack separate clothes for evenings. Simple dresses are great for women, while men will do well in long shorts and a button-down shirt.
5 Prepare for cool winters, particularly in the northern regions and at higher elevations. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are a must, while a fleece jacket or a sweater is advisable.
6 Take an umbrella if you plan to travel between May and November - Costa Rica's wettest period. A rain slicker will come in handy while hiking.
7 Take an electric converter and adapter.
