Nicaragua 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Nicaragua (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Arrival & Granada City

  • Arrive at Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua.
  • Transfer to Granada (approx. 45 minutes by taxi or shuttle). Check into a colonial hotel.
  • Explore Granada’s historic center, visit the Central Park, La Merced Church, and the Masaya Market.
  • Evening: Enjoy a Nicaraguan dinner at one of the local restaurants.
  • Things to Know: Granada is a safe city for tourists, but it’s always good to keep your belongings secure. Spanish is widely spoken.

Day 2: Isletas de Granada & Mombacho Volcano

  • Morning: Take a boat tour of the Isletas de Granada (Little Islands), home to various bird species and monkeys.
  • Afternoon: Visit Mombacho Volcano, hike its trails and explore the cloud forest.
  • Things to Know: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Bring insect repellent and a jacket as it can get chilly at higher altitudes.

Day 3: Laguna de Apoyo & Masaya Volcano

  • Morning: Relax at Laguna de Apoyo, a beautiful crater lake perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Afternoon: Visit Masaya Volcano National Park to see the active Masaya volcano’s lava lake (accessible only on selected days).
  • Things to Know: The road to Masaya Volcano can be steep and winding, so drive carefully.

Day 4: Transfer to León

  • Morning: Depart Granada for León (approx. 2 hours by taxi or shuttle).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Rubén Darío National Shakespearean Theater, La Recolección Park, and the Central Park.
  • Evening: Enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes or restaurants in town.
  • Things to Know: León is known for its vibrant student life, especially during university exam periods (November/December).

Day 5: León & Surfing

  • Morning: Visit the historic León Cathedral and the Museo de la Revolución Sandinista.
  • Afternoon: Head to one of the nearby beaches for surfing lessons or relaxation, such as Las Peñitas or Popoyo.
  • Things to Know: Be aware of rip currents when swimming in the ocean.

Day 6: Transfer to San Juan del Sur

  • Morning: Depart León for San Juan del Sur (approx. 2 hours by taxi or shuttle).
  • Afternoon: Relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the town, or participate in various water activities such as paddleboarding or fishing.
  • Evening: Dine at one of the beachfront restaurants while enjoying the sunset.
  • Things to Know: San Juan del Sur is a popular tourist destination, offering numerous dining and accommodation options.

Day 7: Transfer to Managua & Departure

  • Morning: Depart San Juan del Sur for Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (approx. 3 hours by taxi or shuttle).
  • Afternoon: Check-in for your international flight home.
  • Things to Know: Nicaragua is a developing country, and infrastructure can be unpredictable, so allow extra time for travel when necessary.

Visa Requirements: Most nationalities do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Always check the most current requirements with your local embassy or consulate.

Transportation: Taxis and shuttle services are widely available in Nicaragua, but prices may vary. Car rental is also an option, but be aware of road conditions. Bus travel is less expensive but can be slower.