+44 (0)20 8741 7390 The rising star of Central America, Nicaragua offers towering volcanoes, colonial charm and a stunning array of natural and cultural highlights. One of the region s best-kept secrets, it is one of the easiest countries in Latin America to get close to volcanoes - to hike amongst them, sand-board down them, or simply relax in their hot springs. It can also be easily combined with neighbouring Costa Rica to create a truly unforgettable Central American adventure. Beginning in the charming colonial city of Granada, the journey then takes you on a tour of some of the country s finest attractions including the volcanoes of Masaya, Telico and Cerro Negro, the stunning natural beauty of the Indio Maiz Reserve and the Refugio Bartola and Lake Nicaragua, the largest freshwater lake in Central America.
Along the way you ll also have chance to search out some of the country s phenomenal birdlife and explore the beautiful colonial gems of Grenada and León, before finishing the journey basking in the idyllic charms of the Corn Islands, spending your time enjoying the delights of Nicaragua s Caribbean beaches. Highlights: Explore the colonial cities of Granada and León Climb the slopes of the Masaya and Telico Volcanoes. Discover some of the country s abundant flora and fauna Hike through the impressive canyons of the mountainous northern highlands Unwind on the Caribbean beaches of the serene Corn Islands Tour Includes: 16 nights in mid-range accommodation, 1 night camping Four domestic flights in economy class 17 breakfasts Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide Private driver and vehicle Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
Las Peñitas Itinerary Day 1: Managua - Granada After being met on arrival in Managua, your guide will transfer you to Granada. Day 2: Granada This morning you'll head out to Cocibolca Lake, from where you can explore by kayak the labyrinthine collection of volcanic islands that make up 'Las Isletas'. After returning to Granada for lunch, this afternoon then sees you enjoying a walking tour of the cobblestone streets of this charming colonial city. Founded in 1524 and filled with baroque and renaissance architecture, the tour takes in the city's main highlights before ending at La Merced church. (B) Day 3: Granada Today you will visit the popular handicraft market at Masaya, before moving on to discover the tranquil beauty of the Masaya Volcano National Park and its active volcanic crater. Continuing on to the 'Pueblos Blancos' (the White Villages), you'll then have an opportunity to discover the gleaming white colonial architecture of these centuries old villages and wander through stalls of vividly painted handicrafts, before stopping off in Catarina en route back to Granada, to enjoy the panoramic views of the Apoyo Lagoon. (B)
Day 4: Granada - Ometepe Departing Grenada today, the journey takes you on to the port of San Jorge next, from where you take the ferry across to the island of Ometepe. Lying amongst the waters of the expansive Lago de Nicaragua, the island is made up of two volcanoes, connected together by an isthmus. Passing between the two volcanic peaks, on arrival at your accommodation the rest of the day is free to enjoy some leisure time around the lake. (B) Day 5: Ometepe After breakfast this morning you'll head to Finca El Porvenir, a small lodge located on the slopes of the Maderas Volcano on the eastern side of the island. With a local guide to accompany you, you'll explore the nearby petroglyphs and dry forest, before climbing up to enjoy some stunning views across the island. Continuing to the green lagoon at Charco Verde, there will then be time to relax in the natural pool of 'Ojo de Agua'. (B)
Day 6: Ometepe - El Castillo Taking a private transfer to Ometepe airport today, you'll fly on to San Carlos, on the Rio San Juan. From here you then take a public boat across the river to the remote town of El Castillo, where you will spend the next three nights. (B) Day 7: El Castillo El Castillo lies just a short boat ride from Nicaragua's best-preserved lowland rainforest, the beautiful Indio Maiz Reserve. Travelling there this morning, you'll have chance to walk amongst its remarkable array of flora and fauna, which includes over 400 species of birds, manatees, jaguars and brightly coloured poison dart frogs. Returning to El Castillo, the rest of the day is then free to enjoy the charms of this sleepy fishing community, or perhaps pay a visit to the impressive 17th century fortress that gave the town its name. (B)
Day 8: El Castillo Following breakfast you'll travel by boat to the Refugio Bartola, located next to the Indio Maiz Reserve. In the company of a local guide you'll explore the area by boat and on foot, taking the opportunity to search out some of the abundant species of tropical birds that inhabit the region. After a chance for a swim in the river, you'll then return to El Castillo for a final evening. (B) Day 9: El Castillo - Managua - Esteli Returning to San Carlos by boat you'll fly on to Managua next, located on the shores of Lake Managua. On arrival you will be transferred into the rich mountainous country that lies to the north of the city, famed for its plantations of coffee and tobacco. (B)
Day 10: Esteli Making your way towards the Honduran border this morning you'll spend the day in Somoto, lying in the northern foothills along the Pan-American Highway. Here you can spend some time enjoying the unique environment of its impressive canyon, with opportunities for swimming, walking and diving. Lunch today will be taken in a nearby town famed for its doughnuts. (B) Day 11: Esteli - León This morning provides an opportunity to visit the Garnacha region, well known for its production of cheese and handicrafts. There will also be a chance to climb Apaguaji Mountain, to enjoy the views across the surrounding countryside, before continuing the drive on to the beautiful colonial city of León later this afternoon. (B) Day 12: León - Telica Volcano Considered to be the country's cultural capital, León's charming streets are filled with a captivating collection of elegant old buildings, wrought iron balconies and arched colonnades. Today you will have a chance to discover its resplendent churches and fascinating museums, before enjoying the views from the roof of the city's immense cathedral. Joining a local guide, you will then climb to the summit of the nearby Telica Volcano, following the forested trail to the top in time for sunset. Camp this evening by the crater. (B)
Day 13: Telica Volcano - León Waking to some truly spectacular views this morning, you'll descend from the crater's rim and head for the hot springs of San Jacinto, where you'll take breakfast with a local family. Continuing on towards the basaltic cinder cone of the Cerro Negro Volcano, there will be an opportunity for a short hike and a chance to sandboard back down the slopes, before ending the day back in Leon. (B) Day 14: León - Managua - Corn Islands Transfer back to Managua today and fly on to the idyllic Corn Islands. (B)
Day 15: Corn Islands Lying amongst the azure waters of the Caribbean and blessed with some three miles of white sand beach, Big Corn Island provides the setting for two days of relaxation and leisure. A fascinating mix of cultures and traditions, the island has opportunities for snorkelling, exploring by bike, or simply relaxing under the palm trees. Sample some of the fresh seafood and enjoy the laid-back charm of the Caribbean. (B) Day 16: Corn Islands Day to relax or enjoy the activities on offer. (B)
Day 17: Corn Islands - Managua Transfer to the airport in time to catch the flight on to Managua. (B) Day 18: Managua Depart to the airport for your return international flight home. (B)
Accommodation Corn Islands Arenas Beach Located right on the beach on one of the best coastlines with white sand, warm turquoise water and the Caribbean breeze, Arenas Beach offers wood bungalows with private cabins around the main building and comfortable rooms located in the main building. The restaurant serves a good selection of meals such as lobster, shrimp, local juices and handpicked selection of wines. There is a bar on the beach, golf cart rental and sun loungers available. Activities around the hotel such as scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are also offered. El Castillo Hotel Victoria Hotel Victoria is a homely wooden Caribbean style house set by the river a short walk from the fortress. It is a simple but charming little hotel with 15 basic comfortable rooms complete with airconditioning or a fan. The restaurant serves up tasty dishes and is set by a small tributary feeding into the river. Esteli Los Arcos Hotel Los Arcos is a comfortable three star hotel with 32 rooms located in downtown Esteli. Each air-conditioned en-suite room has an outside area. The hotel is a typical colonial building with a courtyard and is adorned with paintings and crafts from local artists. There is also a good quality restaurant on site. Granada
Los Patios Located in the centre of Granada, Los Patios is a stylish hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, spa and gym. Its attractive rooms have views of the surrounding countryside and you can enjoy a drink on one of the charming patios. The five rooms combine colonial and bright, modern decor, complete with air conditioning and flat screen TV. A range of fresh, Nicaraguan cuisine is served for breakfast and lunch. The spa offers treatments including massage, facials and manicures. Leon Flor De Sarta Flor De Sarta is an elegant, colonial style hotel a few minutes' walk from Leon's historic cathedral. There are only eight ensuite rooms here, all with modern amenities. The outdoor pool is a lovely place to relax after a day of exploring the city. Other facilities include a garden, terrace and lounge. Managua Camino Real Camino Real is a pleasant resort just a few kilometres from the airport. There are 116 well equipped rooms with access to a swimming pool, lobby bar, restaurant around the pool, Mediterranean restaurant for fine dining, tennis court and fitness centre. A free airport shuttle service is also provided. Ometepe Island Finca San Juan Finca San Juan de la Isla is a comfortable and authentic island lodge with a lakefront location on Santo Domingo Beach. The lodge enjoys stunning vistas of Isla Ometepe s towering volcanoes, the
rugged, active Volcán Concepción and the misty, cloud forest wrapped Volcán Maderas. The beach-front location is the ideal base for swimming in Lake Nicaragua s clean, warm waters, hiking inside nature reserves, mountain biking, horseback riding and volcano climbing. The 15 rooms are all cosy and tastefully decorated. There is also a good quality restaurant and bar on site. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com