Overview & Highlights
A self-drive holiday offering freedom and flexibility in an unspoilt, ultra-friendly country. Visit mountainside coffee plantations, restored colonial cities and even a super cool surf-beach resort.
- León: Guided city tour
- Granada:
- Guided city tour and boat trip
In your pre-booked hire car you will drive at your own leisurely pace, with the freedom to stop off at interesting little market towns or a panoramic viewpoint and still be at your next pre-booked hotel in plenty of time for a sun-downer on your hotel terrace.
Nicaragua is one of Latin America’s remaining true adventure destinations. For decades preoccupied with internal struggle, now reconciled, this friendly country remains little developed for tourism, especially compared to its neighbour Costa Rica. The amiable republic soldiers on at its own slow pace, following the rhythms of age-old traditions and an unpressured economy.
But that is where its appeal lies: gorgeous rural scenery, crossed by virtually empty roads where you are more likely to come across cattle being herded by cowboys or rickety overloaded buses than queues of cars. Whether driving west or east over the continental divide you are never far from a spectacular volcanic view. The landscape is peppered with colonial cities, tropical forest reserves and defined by a rugged stretch of golden Pacific coast.
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Managua, transfer to hotel in a smart residential district.
Day 2
Pick up your car, drive to Matagalpa and Selva Negra.
Day 3
At leisure in the Selva Negra Cloud Forest Reserve.
Day 4
Drive to León.
Day 5
Guided tour of León.
Day 6
Drive from León to Granada via Masaya.
Day 7
Guided tour of Granada.
Day 8
At leisure in Granada.
Day 9
Drive from Granada to San Juan del Sur.
Day 10
At leisure on the Pacific coast.
Day 11
Drive back to Managua airport, drop off car, take international flight.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
Very efficient with the booking process and very helpful with his service throughout. Adam was always prompt and helpful in answering all our questions prior to departure.
IR, London
Tailor made holiday
Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.

Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Consultant
After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.
Inspired by this trip
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Papagaio
Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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