ESCORTED NICARAGUA ADVENTURE TOUR JULY 12-21, 2013 10 Days/9 Nights Visit us at www.wildland.com
Itinerary Overview On our Nicaragua Adventure Tour, families and active travelers hike, bike, and kayak through the rich cultural history, rural villages, and stunning natural landscapes of volcanoes, lakes and tropical beaches. We discover the hidden side of Nicaragua s colonial cities, Leon and Granada, complimenting the historical and cultural with adventures in nature, and conclude at a Pacific beach-front boutique hotel. After an easy cycle from Leon to the Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve we trade pedal for paddle to kayak among mangrove lagoons and the islets of Granada on Lake Nicaragua. Among three of Nicaragua s many volcanoes, we trek to the summit of the Cerro Negro Volcano with an option to descend its black slopes on a sand board, hike in Masaya Volcano National Park, and fly on an exhilarating zip line through the lush cloud forest of Mombacho Volcano. We also visit the Ometepe Island on an overnight trip where we get to learn about the geology of the island and participate in nature activities. Our Nicaragua adventure vacation concludes at the luxurious Morgan's Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge, overlooking a sheltered, crescent-shaped white-sand bay on the stunning Pacific Ocean. Accompanied by an expert local guide, this active Nicaragua tour is designed for a small group of no maximum of 12 participants. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 July 12 LEON 2 July 13 LEON 3 July 14 GRANADA 4 July 15 GRANADA 5 July 16 GRANADA 6 July 17 OMETEPE ISLAND 7 July 18 8 July 19 9 July 20 SAN JUAN DEL SUR SAN JUAN DEL SUR SAN JUAN DEL SUR Hotel El Convento Hotel El Convento Hotel Plaza Colon Hotel Plaza Colon Hotel Plaza Colon San Juan de la Isla Morgan s Rock D Arrive and transfer to hotel 1.5 hr drive City tour by bike and Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve by kayak Hike Cerro Negro w/sandboarding, San Jacinto and Mayasa Volcano Mombacho Volcano and zipline canopy Islet kayaking and city tour Transfer to San Jorge, Ferry to Ometepe, Visit Charco Verde Natural Reserve, local museum Transfer to San Juan Del Sur, activity of your choice Morgan s Rock Activity of your choice Morgan s Rock 10 July 21 DEPARTURE -- B Activity of your choice Surfing lesson for children (10-16) Transfer to Managua International Airport -2-
Itinerary in Detail JULY 12: LEON Arrive at Managua international airport and transfer to the nearby colonial city of Leon. Overnight at the historic colonial Hotel El Convento, a former convent restored as a peaceful and distinctive boutique hotel representing Nicaragua s rich cultural history. [D] Note: We highly recommend to arrive before 3:00 p.m., otherwise we suggest to arrive on July 11 and spend one night in Managua. Those arriving earlier would stay with the guide to do some sightseeing of the Managua city until the rest of the group arrives to all depart to Leon together. JULY 13: LEON One of the oldest colonial cities in Central America and the intellectual hub of the country, we explore Lens beautiful examples of Spanish Colonial architecture by ascending eighty one steep steps up a cathedral tower for a dazzling view of eleven volcanoes, four which are still active. After exploring the city, bike or ride to Isla Juan Venado National Park, an important coastal wetland reserve with a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. The ocean side is a nesting site for sea turtles while the protected estuary is home to many water fowl, iguana, crocodile and caiman. We explore by boat or kayak navigating through the mangrove canals. Keep an eye out for heron, pelicans and the Mangrove warbler. Leather-back and Olive Ridley turtles nest on the small island between August and December. Overnight at Hotel El Convento. [] JULY 14: GRANADA We depart early for our hike up Cerro Negro Volcano. A bumby ride takes us to the skirts of the volcano, the one hour ascent is rewarded with a splendid views. Those looking for excitement can grab a sand board for a thrilling ride down the volcano; others can take the sandy side for downhill running or an easy walk down, not that high winds normally hit the summit of the volcano, we highly recommend to bring good hiking books and rain jacket, it can get chilly at any of the volcano visits. You are welcome to bring your trekking poles if you already have them but most travelers do the hike without them. En-route to Granada we stop the well-known San Jacinto hot springs to observe the active volcanic phenomena of the boiling soil, located on the foot of the Telica-Rota volcanic chain, we also stop at the Masaya Volcano National Park, encompassing two impressive volcanoes and five formidable craters. We explore the lava caves and rock formations always on the lookout for wildlife including coyotes, opossum, deer, iguana, monkeys and bats. We visit the small museum and continue on to historical Granada. Overnight at Hotel Plaza Colon set in an elegant antique colonial house restored to its original style and architecture with external courtyards and balconies overlooking Central Park and the Cathedral. [] JULY 15: GRANADA Mombacho Volcano is one of Nicaragua s most impressive volcanoes, rising like a sleeping giant to 4,626 feet. Often enshrouded in mist, we hike through verdant cloud forest rich in hanging moss and epiphytic plants to the Mombacho Canopy Adventure for an exhilarating zip line ride through the forest canopy. Catch your breath and return to Granada for a hearty lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure, free to -3-
explore the narrow cobblestone streets with many cafes, art studios and artisan shops, or cool off in the hotel swimming pool. Overnight Hotel Plaza Colon [] JULY 16: GRANADA A 10 minute drive take us to Asese Port on the banks of Lake Nicaragua where you have the choice to kayak or take an electric-powered boat through the 365 enchanted islets of Granada. This volcanic archipelago, formed 20,000 years ago when Mombacho Volcano blew most of its cone into the lake, is rich in fauna and flora including caiman, turtles, migrating swallows and a variety of aquatic birds. The San Pablo Fort is an opportunity to learn about colorful stories of marauding pirates attacking the city during the 18th century. Depending on time and the day of the week we visit the local La Esperancita School, where we have an opportunity to interact with children and teachers who commute here by boat and learn how our visit benefits the community**. After a lakeside lunch, we return to Granada to explore the charming cobblestone streets by horse drawn carriage including the Granada market, the Cathedral and the Convent of San Francisco, now a museum with elaborate murals depicting Nicaragua s history in colorful scenes and a vast collection of pre-columbian statues and pottery. **If this activity can t be done due to school schedules, etc, we will coordinate another community activity in Granada. Overnight at Hotel Plaza Colon [] JULY 17: OMETEPE ISLAND Leave the city behind and depart for the small dock of San Jorge, where we take the ferry to navigate through the fresh waters of Lake Nicaragua. If weather allows while crossing the lake, amazing vistas on Ometepe Island, lately designated UNESCO Biosphere, Mombacho volcano and Zapatera Island are enjoyed. Our first destination to reach in the island is the town of Moyogalpa where our local transportation will be waiting for us to begin exploring the island; departing from here and passing through different rural villages like Esquipulas, Los Angeles and San Jose del Sur we will reach the natural reserve of Charco Verde. An hour light trek through this reserve will lead us to explore tropical wonders including birds, mammals, reptiles, plants, breathtaking landscapes and the famous Charco Verde, a natural little lake within the reserve surrounded by lush vegetation. Afterwards we will drive to the former indigenous town of Altagracia ; here we visit its museum which possesses a significant collection of pre-columbian artifacts, containing funeral urns, pots, plates, idols, petroglyphs, and other meaningful findings. Recently Altagracia s main plaza was gracefully renovated holding especially a fountain with a small replica of the island. In addition Altagracia houses two churches dedicated to San Diego de Alcala, whose main celebration takes place in the month of November. Ancient volcanic carved stones with animal and human features can be observed in the yard of the church. Then we will continue our trip to Playa Santo Domingo where we will enjoy our delicious lunch in one of the restaurants by the shores of Lake Nicaragua, here you can also have a chance for a refreshing swim. Overnight at Hotel San Juan de la Isla or similar [] JULY 18: SAN JUAN DEL SUR Our journey continues to the base of Maderas Volcano, an impressive cloud forest mountain located in the southwest of Ometepe. Here we explore one of the farms of the area where several interesting petroglyphs are found, a strong evidence of Middle American cultures that developed in this part of the world. At the same time we will be able to learn about the different type of tropical fruit trees. If weather permits, great views to Maderas and Concepcion volcano are enjoyed from here. Later we drive back to Moyogalpa in order to take the ferry to San Jorge and continue our trip to San Juan del Sur, a small, -4-
unhurried fishing village and coastal town to conclude your Nicaragua vacation on a tropical Pacific beach. Overnight at Morgan s Rock Hacienda and Eco-lodge. [] JULY 19 AND 20: SAN JUAN DEL SUR Enjoy two days relaxing at Morgan's Rock Hacienda and Eco-lodge, the perfect place for getting away from it all. The spacious, open-air, screened-in luxury cabanas are completely private and all have king-size beds, comfortable sofa-beds, and large decks with an outdoor rope-swing day bed. Spacious, tiled bathrooms feature two sinks and a natural shower. Bungalows are situated on a hilltop setting and connected to the main lodge, restaurant and pool area by a long-span hanging foot bridge through the lush forest canopy. Luxuriate the two days in the rainforest and private beach and join local excursions at your leisure with local guides. Your stay at Morgan s Rock includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, tropical fruit drinks, two Nicaraguan beers, one 6 oz Nicaraguan rum bottle, one activity of your choice per day, you can choose from: Horseback Riding, Night Walk, Jungle Walk, Property Tour and Sunset Tour, opportunities to collect eggs or milk a cow while helping prepare a traditional Nicaraguan breakfast on the adjacent farm. Other activities available at additional cost include mountain biking, sea kayaking, turtle walks (when in season) and fishing. Children 10-16 will have the opportunity to try surfing on the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Adults welcome to join at additional cost. Overnight at Overnight at Morgan s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge [] JULY 21: DEPART Enjoy one more Nicaraguan sunrise, gaze at the beautiful Pacific Ocean and prepare to head home. Transfer to Managua International airport for your international flight home or begin post trip extension. [B] END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. PRICING ADULT IN DOUBLE OCCUPANCY TEENS (12-16) CHILD 11 AND UNDER SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $2,600 $2,450 $1,950* $400** *Applies for teens/children sharing the room with 2 adults. **Applies for adults staying alone in the room or with one child. -5-
INCLUDED SERVICES All Services as specified in the itinerary above include lodging and accommodations English-speaking expert guides from Day 1 to Day 10. Airport-hotel transfers and land transportation Meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Services of in-bound land operator offices for tour operations and Wildland Adventures' travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES Services unless specified otherwise in the itinerary above such as international air Airport taxes Tips and gratuities Optional or suggested services that are on your own Insurance of any kind Personal expenses Extra beverages and alcoholic drinks Medical costs and hospitalization and evacuation and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in our itinerary for reasons beyond control Tourist card ($10) Meals, souvenirs and other local and personal expenses not specified in the above itinerary are also not included Always carry enough cash for the international airport departure taxes ($42). NOTE: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Reservation Form Terms and Conditions. -6-
Accommodations HOTEL EL CONVENTO, LEON This historical hotel in the heart of the magical city of Leon, is a true colonial jewel. San Francisco's Convent was the first and most ancient convent in Leon. In the 1830's religious groups were expelled from Nicaragua, so San Francisco s Convent became the Intituto Nacional de Occidente. Now it stands completely refurbished in its original state. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, hot water, international dial tone, internet access. There is also 24 hour room service, laundry service and 24 hour surveillance. Their restaurant, El Victoriano, offers international cuisine. HOTEL PLAZA COLON, GRANADA The Hotel Plaza Colon is located in a historical building with a colonial facade at the center of Granada. It was the home of many of the renowned families of the city, and one of them decided to transform the house into a hotel, for which they acquired the three neighboring properties, taking special care in keeping the style and architecture of the restored house. The current facade of the hotel is the same it had back in 1905. Guests can refresh in the swimming pool or lounge at the patio. The comfortable hotel rooms feature air-conditioning, ceiling fans, cable TV, closets, high-speed Internet access, hairdryers, alarm clocks, hot water, and minibars. SAN JUAN DE LA ISLA, OMETEPE ISLAND Experience the most unique lake island in the world from an unrivaled vantage-point: San Juan de la Isla - Nicaragua s most comfortable and authentic island lodge - located lake-front on Santo Domingo Beach. San Juan de la Isla enjoys stunning vistas of Isla Ometepe s towering volcanoes, the rugged, active Volcán Concepción and the misty, cloud forest wrapped Volcán Maderas. The volcano lodge s 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. Perhaps best of all is the laidback, authentic campesino ambience of San Juan de la Isla, which is set inside the Finca San Juan, a tropical fruit tree plantation surrounded by precious wood trees and rare wildlife. The understated, century-old Spanish colonial hacienda house has been faithfully restored and serves visitors as the lodge s restaurant. Lodging is exclusive, limited to four colonial rooms and two independent bungalows, all are set along the beach under swaying coconut palms. -7-
MORGAN S ROCK HACIENDA AND ECOLODGE True Nicaragua ecotravel is best represented by a stay at Morgan's Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge, a lavish nature retreat that is part of a large nature reserve along the Pacific Coast. Each private, screened-in, open-air individual bungalow is situated on a hill-top promontory surrounded by rain forest. Spacious decks with rope swing lounges maximize the sounds of crashing waves and views of dramatic Central American sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. A large, cable suspension bridge connects the bungalows to the main lodge with an alfresco, poolside restaurant featuring creative, fresh tropical Latin American and international cuisine. Each bungalow has complete visual privacy and features one king size bed, a comfortable sofa bed, a spacious two-sink bathroom with natural shower, and a private deck complete with a rope-swing day bed. -8-