zA Private Week in Nicaragua

On arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to the stylish Elements Hotel Boutique in the heart of the city. The balance of this day is yours to relax, enjoy and explore as you wish.

Join your personal guide this morning to explore Managua’s Old Town and its modern downtown district. Among the highlights of your private sightseeing tour is the National Historic Park of Loma de Tiscapa - set on a hill with panoramic views and home to the former palace of the notorious Anastasio Somoza García. After lunch in the capital, you’ll travel northward to tour the ruins of Leon Viejo, founded in 1524. From this World Heritage archaeological site, you’ll have fine views of the Momotombo Volcano and Lake Xolotlan.
 
Continue onward to the city of Leon, the capital of Nicaragua for more than 200 years - until 1851 when Managua became the capital. The city has preserved much of its old architecture and your sightseeing here will include the impressive 18^th-century Leon Cathedral, the largest in Central America. You’ll also visit the Ruben Dario Museum to learn about Nicaragua’s beloved poet. Enjoy two nights here in historic Leon at the charming El Convento Hotel, set on the grounds of a 17^th-century convent.  Meals B+L

After breakfast, you’ll be chauffeured to Las Peñitas Beach where you’ll board our chartered motorboat for a private, guided excursion to Juan Venado Island, a pristine barrier island and protected nature reserve. Within its dense mangrove forests, this is an ideal habitat for a rich variety of birds including white ibis, boat billed heron, American pygmy king fisher and brown pelicans. Sea turtles, crocodiles and numerous crustaceans also inhabit the waters of this uninhabited and virtually untouched island. Today’s excursion also includes lunch in a local restaurant and leisure time to relax or explore Las Peñitas Beach at your own pace. You’ll head back to Leon in the afternoon where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.  Meals B+L

Depart Leon this morning and travel with your private car, driver and guide to Masaya Volcano National Park. You’ll visit the Environmental Interpretive Center to learn more about the local impact of the volcanic activity as well as the geology, flora and fauna of the region. Continue to the summit of Masaya to marvel at the Santiago Crater, which has been active since 1946. At the nearby Masaya Market, you’ll be able to experience a slice of local life. This bustling market is also a terrific place to shop for locally made artisan crafts including ceramics, wood carvings and leather goods.
 
After lunch, you’ll continue to Granada – founded in 1524 by Captain Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba. Rich with Colonial charm, your sightseeing tour includes a guided stroll through the charming streets surrounding the historic main plaza. Among the handsome landmarks and architectural sites you’ll see today are the 16^th-century La Merced Church, San Francisco Convent and Casa de Los Tres Mundos. You’ll end your day with a relaxing boat ride through the islands and islets that dot Lake Nicaragua. Enjoy the wonderful lakeside scenery and visit local artisans before heading to the Plaza Colon, our evocative hotel set in a beautifully restored Colonial home.  Meals B+L

After breakfast, you’ll be chauffeured to Mombacho Volcano for an exciting, expertly guided 4WD adventure into the nature reserve. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll set out on a narrated walk through the cloud forest along the Crater Trail. Lasting about an hour and 45 minutes, this fascinating guided nature expedition offers insight into the summit’s unique eco-system, including more than 90 species of orchids.
 
At Café Las Flores, a welcoming coffee plantation surrounded by rainforest, you’ll learn about the cultivation and roasting techniques that have been refined here. You’ll also sample a variety of their fine blends before returning to Granada. The balance of your afternoon is free to explore more of the town’s Colonial-era ambience at your own pace.  Meals B

Depart Granada this morning and enjoy the scenic chauffeured drive to the Pacaya Lodge & Spa. Our enchanting eco-resort is set on a forested hill overlooking the Apoyo Lagoon, a stunning crater lake. After checking in and settling in to your spacious guestroom, you’ll embark on a privately guided walk that takes you through the tropical forest – home to howler monkeys and brightly colored parakeets. After descending to the shoreline, you can refresh with a swim, explore the beach on your own, or ride back up to the Lodge.  Meals B

This entire day is yours to enjoy the sweeping hilltop views, pristine natural setting and amenities of your spa resort overlooking the crater lake. You can relax on your private balcony, indulge in a spa treatment (as available and at additional charge), return down to the Apoyo Lagoon waterfront or take a dip in the hilltop infinity pool. Yoga classes and artisan workshops are also offered by the Pacaya Lodge. For your dining pleasure, the onsite Restaurante Guardabarranco offers tempting breakfast, lunch and dinner menus; both internationally-inspired and regional Central American dishes are prepared with ingredients fresh from the resort’s own organic garden or sourced from local farmers.  Meals B

After breakfast, your private car and driver will take you to the international airport in Managua for your onward journey.  Meals B