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Highlights of Nicaragua:
Managua, León, Granada & San Juan del Sur
Nicaragua has long been known as a hidden gem of Central America, much like Costa Rica 30 years ago - home to magnificent wildlife, thriving jungles, and tranquil beaches, but without any of the tourist crowds or condo developments to cloud the coastline. With friendly locals, mouth-watering cuisine, and boundless adventure, now is the time to discover the highlights of Nicaragua, before everyone else catches on. This select itinerary takes you through quaint colonial cities rich with history and culture, and ends with a relaxing beach stay.
ACCOMMODATIONS
• 1 Night Managua
• 2 Nights León
• 2 Nights Granada
• 2 Nights San Juan del Sur
 
INCLUSIONS
• Private Transfers Throughout
• Managua and León Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
• Flor de Cana Rum Experience
• San Juan de Oriente and Catarina White Towns, Artisan Market & Masaya Volcano Night Experience with Lunch
• Colonial Granada by Horse Carriage and Walking Tour, Chocolate Workshop & Boat Trip with Lunch
• Mombacho Volcano Crater Trail Tour
• Shared Snorkeling Tour
• Daily Breakfast
Arrive Managua:

Arrive in the nation's capital - Managua. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.


(Accommodations, Managua)

León:

Depart Managua for the "City of Poets", León. A university town with beautiful colonial buildings, León features a lively central plaza surrounded by artisans and street food stalls. On the way, you will tour Managua, visiting the National Historic Park Loma de Tiscapa where you will learn about the city's history. Visit the modern center, with the striking Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue on to León, where you will enjoy lunch. Visit the monumental Cathedral, the largest in Central America and a UNESCO site. Walk through the cobblestone streets and spot colorful birds in the trees. Check in to your boutique hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure.

(Breakfast, Managua; Lunch & Accommodations, León)

León:

Explore León on your own this morning, discovering why it is at once considered to be Nicaragua's historical, cultural, educational and religious capital. In the afternoon, quench your thirst with a Flor de Cana Rum Tour. Nicaragua produces some of the finest sugar cane in the world, which makes its rum the finest quality. On this tour, you will learn about how the sugar cane reached the Americas, the origin of the industry and the development of a rum culture all around the world, as well as the rum production process. You will have the opportunity to taste Flor de Cana Rum and walk through a museum where you will witness the Pellas family business since 1890. At the end of this tour, you will get the chance to buy souvenirs or pick up one of the many available varieties of rum Flor de Cana produces right from the gift shop, allowing you to take the taste of Nicaragua back home.

(Accommodations & Breakfast, León)

Granada:

Depart León for Granada. On the way, you will stop to learn a tradition that goes back more than 1,500 years: pottery making in San Juan de Oriente. This emerging local art form is becoming increasingly recognized by the outside world while remaining rooted in its ancient ways. Today you will visit the local pottery school operated by Valentine Lopez where you will learn how to make ceramics.

Then you will continue to the edge of the Catarina viewpoint, an amazing view of the Apoyo Volcanic Lagoon and the perfect photo opportunity. After lunch, you will visit the Masaya arts and crafts market for local ceramics, hammocks, wood, and leather souvenirs. You will finish your day at the Masaya Volcano for the lava night adventure. Finally, on to Granada.



(Breakfast, León; Lunch & Accommodations, Granada)

Granada:

After breakfast, explore the city of Granada. This colonial jewel was founded by the Spanish in 1524, but has been a center of indigenous culture and trade for much longer. Enjoy the local color and culture of this small by international city as you stroll along streets once walked on by Capitan Henry Morgan, and other pirates. Take a ride in a traditional horse carriage to see the surrounding area.

Next, visit a chocolate workshop. The discovery of chocolate in America led to its introduction in Europe, transforming it into the product we all know today. At the Choco Museum we will follow all the processes to make chocolate from fermented organic cacao beans. We will learn how to roast, winnow, grind, and mix, conch, refine and mold. At the end of the 2 hours' workshop, you will leave with a sample of your very own handmade Nicaraguan chocolate.

Finishing your day with a relaxing ride around some of the islands by boat. Formed by the impressive Mombacho volcano. See the volcanic evidence and influence of the area. Enjoy great landscape views and wildlife and of course have a chance to take pictures.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Granada)

San Juan del Sur:

Head to your last destination - the beach! After picking you up in the lobby of your hotel, our vehicle will drive to the foot of the mountain where we will switch vehicles and start your way up in a four-wheel drive. The adventure begins on a paved road and right from the start you will be surprised by the biodiversity of this natural reserve. When we reach the summit, we will understand why this ecosystem is a cloud forest. We will then hike the trails of the volcano learning about the flora, the fauna, and the ancient people who lived there. If the day is clear enough, we will visit an impressive viewpoint to observe the plain pacific region of Nicaragua. In the afternoon, check in to your San Juan del Sur hotel and head to the beach.



(Breakfast, Granada; Accommodations, San Juan del Sur)

San Juan del Sur:

Spend the morning relaxing on the beach or by the pool, and in the afternoon embark on a snorkeling tour to discover the beautiful underwater work just outside San Juan del Sur Bay. Swim in the clear water as you spot tropical fish. In the evening, take in the sunset with a cocktail and enjoy your last night in Nicaragua.



(Breakfast & Accommodations, San Juan del Sur)

Depart San Juan del Sur:

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer back to the Managua Airport for your flight home, or on to your next Avanti Destination!



(Breakfast, San Juan del Sur)

 
** Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
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