Overview & Highlights
A medley of Spanish colonial cities, visible wildlife, volcanoes and the continent’s largest freshwater lake. Travel down jungle-fringed Rio San Juan, visit tranquil Ometepe Island and learn about a history of rebellion and innovation.
- El Castillo:
- Caiman-spotting by night
- El Castillo:
- Guided walk in Indo Maíz Biosphere Reserve
- El Castillo:
- Guided tour of the fortress
- Granada:
- Guided city tour
- Ometepe Island:
- Guided tour of the island
The variety you will discover on your highlights holiday is staggering - the volcanic and jungle-choked scenery, timeless colonial cities, cultures ranging from Spanish to indigenous communities: you could extend your trip to visit its English speaking Caribbean Corn islands.
Nicaragua, following a history of political and economic upheavals is now a peaceful and congenial place which has become impressively reconciled with the conflicts of its past. Visitors are increasingly drawn to its wonderfully unspoilt landscapes, where the bucolic tranquillity of countryside little changed over the centuries has as its counterpoint seething volcanoes and the legacy of earthquakes in times gone by.
Here you’ll find a couple of the continent’s finest Spanish colonial cities, Granada and León. Spruced up now, with their central Spanish cores faithfully restored, they have a real historical atmosphere, with lovely old mansions, baroque churches and cobbled lanes.
Beyond, rising from the vast silvery waters of Lake Nicaragua is the dozy island Ometepe, whose isolation has protected it from the political upheavals of the past, and held back modern development. Rio San Juan is too important a river to be called a backwater, but its jungle-fringed banks have a timeless, wilderness feel, and the quaint little port of wooden houses on stilts, El Castillo, will make you feel you are on a real adventure of discovery.
There’s more: alongside the cowboy cattle country, quiet, yawning, pure-gold Pacific beaches and rolling coffee plantations: think about an extension to make your holiday complete.
Outline itinerary
Day 0
UK clients depart, arriving Managua, Nicaragua, the same day.
Day 1
Transfer to your hotel in the capital.
Day 2
Drive to San Carlos; by boat along Rio San Juan to El Castillo; caiman spotting.
Day 3
Nature walk in Indo Maíz Biosphere Reserve; guided fortress tour.
Day 4
Return by boat to San Carlos, continue to Granada.
Day 5
Guided tour of colonial Granada, lake boat trip to las Isletas.
Day 6
By ferry to Ometepe island with its twin volcanoes.
Day 7
Guided tour of the island, its nature reserves and pre-Columbian artefacts.
Day 8
By ferry to the mainland, drive to León.
Day 9
At leisure in this University city, traditional centre of rebellion.
Day 10
Road transfer to Managua airport for international flight home.
Day 11
UK clients arrive home the following day
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.
View Extraordinary InspirationHolidays Signature Nicaragua: Fire, water and revolution
From expertly designed Pre-designed Holidays to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.

Private Journeys
Costa Rica / Nicaragua
Active Costa Rica and Nicaragua: Rivers and volcanoes
16 days from £3,629pp
Classic holidays

Group - Discovery
Panama / Costa Rica / Nicaragua / El Salvador / Honduras / Guatemala
Alcion: Central America Discovery
22 days from £3,061pp

Group - Discovery
Nicaragua
Cotinga: Off the beaten track Nicaragua
18 days from £2,886pp

Private Journeys
Costa Rica / Nicaragua
Luxury Nicaragua and Costa Rica
13 days from £5,068pp