Nicaragua 6 Day Itinerary

Here’s a 6-day itinerary for traveling in Nicaragua, written in Markdown format:

Day 1: Arrival and Managua City Tour

  • Arrive at Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA)
  • Check into your hotel in Managua (e.g., Gran Hotel Capri or Hotel Plaza Colón)
  • Visit the National Palace of Culture, Ruben Dario National Theatre, and Central Park
  • Grab lunch at local eateries like El Ranchito or Restaurante Tipico Los Gallos
  • Learn about Nicaragua’s history at the National Museum
  • Dinner at a popular restaurant such as La Lupita or Café Las Flores

Day 2: Leon and Surroundings

  • Travel to Leon (approximately 2 hours by car)
  • Visit the Cathedral of León, Ruins of the León Viejo, and Revolutionary Museum
  • Explore the beautiful beaches of Las Peñitas and Poneloya
  • Try local cuisine at La Tortilla Gorda or El Jardin de los Leones
  • Overnight stay in Leon at a hotel like Hotel Casa Mexico or Hostal San Rafael

Day 3: Volcan Boarding & Masaya Volcano National Park

  • Morning activity: Volcano boarding down Cerro Negro (approximately $30 per person)
  • Afternoon visit: Masaya Volcano National Park and the indigenous markets of Masaya
  • Dinner at a local restaurant like Restaurante La Iguana Verde or El Chilamate
  • Overnight stay in Leon or Managua, depending on preference

Day 4: Granada & Isletas of Lake Nicaragua

  • Travel to Granada (approximately 1 hour by car)
  • City tour including the Colonial-era buildings and La Merced Church
  • Boat tour of the Isletas de Granada on Lake Nicaragua, home to a variety of wildlife
  • Lunch at a restaurant with a lake view, such as El Jardín del Frio or Los Patios del Malinche
  • Spend the evening exploring the vibrant nightlife in Granada

Day 5: Mombacho Volcano & Ometepe Island

  • Morning visit: Mombacho Volcano for a hike and coffee tour at Cafetó Los Trapiches
  • Travel to San Jorge Ferry Terminal (approximately 1.5 hours by car)
  • Cross Lake Nicaragua to reach Ometepe Island (ferry ticket costs around $2 per person)
  • Explore the island, including Concepción and Santo Domingo, and visit the Pre-Columbian Sculptures Museum
  • Overnight stay at a hotel on Ometepe like Finca Magdalena or Hotel Villa Paraiso

Day 6: Free Day in Ometepe & Departure

  • Relax on the beaches of Santo Domingo or Santa Rosa
  • Optional activities: horseback riding, hiking to the summit of Volcano Concepción, or visiting the Charco Verde Nature Reserve
  • Return to San Jorge Ferry Terminal for the journey back to Rivas (ferry ticket costs around $2 per person)
  • Transfer to Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) for your departure flight

Things to Know

  • Nicaragua’s official currency is the Cordoba, but US Dollars are widely accepted.
  • Visitors from most countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Check with your embassy to confirm visa requirements.
  • Tap water in Nicaragua is not safe to drink; it’s best to buy bottled water or use a water filter.
  • Spanish is the official language, but many tourist areas have English speakers as well.
  • Nicaragua is known for its friendly locals, so don’t hesitate to engage with them during your travels!

Enjoy your trip to Nicaragua and discover all it has to offer!