Volcanic islands, placid lakes, graceful colonial buildings, verdant rainforest and beautiful Pacific beaches

Nicaragua encompasses a wealth of sights, both natural and man-made within its borders, and this trip visits many of them. Starting off in the colonial city of Leon, where the streets are lined with churches and historic buildings, we then get up close to the smoking crater of Masaya Volcano and take a leisurely boat trip on the calm waters of Lake Nicaragua. Granada's stunning colonial architecture and lively cultural scene offers a complete contrast with the slow pace of life in the small communities on Ometepe Island, which is crowned by two towering volcanoes. Moving into Costa Rica, we explore the tropical dry forest of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, a haven for wildlife and dotted with mud pools and hot springs, before heading to the beach at Playa Hermosa to relax.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Managua. 2 Short tour of Managua; to colonial Leon. 3 Full day tour of the city and the nearby bubbling mud pools of San Jacinto. 4 Drive to the crater rim of Masaya Volcano; visit local handicrafts market and artisan workshops. 5 Lake Nicaragua boat trip; afternoon tour of Granada's colonial highlights. 6 Free day for further exploration of the city. 7 Ferry to Ometepe Island; rest of day at leisure to relax in peaceful surroundings. 8 Guided hike to San Ramon waterfall. 9 Ferry back to mainland; cross into Costa Rica and Rincon de la Vieja N.P. 10 Full day exploration of the park. 11 To Playa Hermosa on Pacific Coast; free afternoon. 12 Full day relaxation or optional excursions. 13 To San Jose. 14 End San Jose.

Mode of travel: Travel is by private air-conditioned minibus and boat. Reasonable fitness required for San Ramon hike. Some long drives.
Group size: Min. 7, max. 16, plus leader.
Accommodation: 13 nights hotels.
Food: All breakfasts and 4 lunches included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $480.00
Trip Reference: AUN
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an "R" in the dates and prices table below.