NICARAGUA PACKAGES

DAY 1: Managua. Airport greeting and transfer to Hotel Europeo in Managua's quiet gallery district.

DAY 2: Managua - Selva Negra. Tour of the nation's capital of Managua with visits to key political and cultural sites, including its historic center and to see the incredible footprints left by the Managua residents of 4,000 BC. Transfer north along the eastern shores of Lake Managua into the heart of the cofee growing northern mountains Matagalpa. Coffee tour of the great organic shade coffee farm of Selva Negra. Lodging in private cabin surrounded by cloud forest.

DAY 3: Selva Negra. Walking in the peaceful cloud forest reserve at Selva Negra. Lodging in private cabin.

DAY 4: Selva Negra - Estelí - León. Transfer through the onion and rice growing region of Sébaco to the cigar capital of Central America, Estelí. Visit to a small handmade cigar operation to learn about its unique process (Mon-Sat only), then transfer through the rustic mining region of El Jicaral to the 21 strong Maribios Volcanic Range, 5 of which are active. Stop at the rural village of San Jacinto, in the middle of the densely active Maribios Volcano chain, to visit with its population and see their fumarolic fields, the result of water being superheated on a volcanic vein beneath the earth's surface. Transfer to León current location, founded in 1610. Lodging in historic city center at Hotel Austria.

DAY 5: León - Las Peñitas Beach - León. Breakfast at hotel and morning walking tour of Nicaragua's intellectual and artistic capital colonial León, with visits to the world famous poet Rubén Darío's house, a colonial home art gallery, some of the city's 12 colonial period churches, which includes Central America's grandest cathedral. Transfer to the wave-swept Pacific Coast to enjoy the sun and sea. Return to León, lodging at Hotel Austria.

DAY 6: León - León Viejo - Granada. Breakfast at hotel and transfer south to the base of the smoking Momotombo Volcano and the archeological site of León Viejo, now declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site. León Viejo was Nicaragua's first capital before being destroyed by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the late 16th century. It is now being excavated and the tragic history of the site has come to light. Complete historical tour of this ancient colonial locale. Transfer to Central America's oldest European settlement, early 16th century Granada. Granada is quickly becoming a must visit for travelers to Central America for its unique beauty, relaxed atmosphere and great dining possibilities. Private tour of lake front Granada's colonial beauty, history and art. Lodging on historic central park at Hotel Alhambra.

DAY 7: Indigenous Villages - Masaya - Granada. Breakfast at hotel and transfer to the ancient highland villages of "La Meseta", for visits to the indigenous artisan's workshops of Catarina, San Juan de Oriente and Masatepe. All these precious towns have colonial period houses and churches and a hardworking, native population. After the highland villages, transfer to the historic city of Masaya. Masaya has been populated for more than 3,000 years and the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century organized the local artisans in small workshops for export. The principal item was hammocks and today Masaya makes the world's finest hammocks, as well as wood, leather and clothing goods, all created by hand. Masaya's friendly population has restored their 19th century outdoor indigenous market for the sale of their hand made goods. After a visit to the market and a hammock maker's shop transfer to the active cone of Santiago at the Masaya Volcano National Park for hiking or just observing the inside of this big smoking crater. Return to Granada and Hotel Alhambra.

DAY 8: Granada - Ometepe Island. Breakfast and transfer to San Jorge for the ferry to the dual-volcano island of Ometepe. Dock greeting and transfer around the active cone of Concepción with visit to the ancient village of Altagracia in route to Santo Domingo Beach. Lodging at Hotel Villa Paraíso.

DAY 9: Ometepe Island - Maderas Volcano Cloud Forest. Breakfast at hotel and transfer to the Maderas Volcano nature reserve for hiking to a secluded 40 meter cascade on the west face of the mountain. Nature viewing in route. Return to Playa Santo Domingo in the afternoon to relax.

DAY 10: Ometepe Island - Managua. Breakfast and transfer to Moyogalpa for the ferry to the mainland. Dock greeting in San Jorge and transfer to Managua and lodging at Hotel Europeo.

DAY 11: Managua. Breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport for flight home.

From: $1,334
Cost is per person, in US dolars and based on double occupancy.
This cost is based on a minimun of two travelers.
Single room occupancy rates are higher, please ask for quote.
Custom tour itineraries are available upon request.

Package includes:
All transfers in private vehicle with a/c and driver
Assistance of an english speaking guide
2 nights lodging at Hotel Europeo in Managua
2 nights lodging at Hotel Austria in León
2 nights lodging at Hotel Alhambra in Granada
2 nights lodging at Selva Negra Mountain Resort in Matagalpa
2 nights lodging at Hotel Villa Paraíso in Ometepe Island
All breakfasts
Walking tour of León's art and history
Historical tour of León Viejo
Walking tour of colonial Granada
Coffee tour
Cigar tour
Visit to village of San Jacinto
Visit to Masaya Market
Visit to hammock workshop (Mon-Fri only)
Visit to indigenous villages of san Juan, Catarina, and Masatepe
Visit to Volcán Masaya National Park
Hiking on Maderas Volcano
All museum and park admissions

All tours are private and can begin any day of the year.

Package does not include:
Drinks, lunch or dinner
International flights or airport taxes
Assistance of guide during beach time at San Juan del Sur or on free day at Selva Negra
Travel insurance, tips, visas, or medical treatment

To Reserve NOW, or for more information, contact travel@costarica.net, or call us toll-free at
1-800-788-7857

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