San Juan Del Sur

Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive en route to the National Park. You’ll have an opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the imposing and active Masaya Volcano. As you stand at the edge of the immense crater, marvel at Mother Nature at work.

Browse the collection of crafts and souvenirs at the Masaya Market and shop for wonderful, locally crafted items including ceramics, leather and unique pieces of art.

At a restaurant in Masaya, savour a local-style buffet lunch, accompanied by soft drinks, tea and coffee.

The Conquistador Hernandez de Cordoba founded Granada in 1524. It was the first city to be established on the American continent. Spanish churches and convents, such as the San Francisco Convent, remain in Granada, surviving many wars and invasions.

Granada is the oldest European settlement in the Americas. Sitting in the shadow of the Mombacho Volcano on the edge of Lake Nicaragua, this city has an incredibly picturesque location. Colonial churches, narrow streets and Spanish-style homes in pastel colours make the city a delight to explore.

Upon arrival, you will tour the city by horse-drawn carriage, transporting you back 500 years. Following this orientation, take a guided walk of the main square, and admire La Merced Church, and the famous Convent of San Francisco, with its impressive collection of sculptures. Learn of the civil wars, which nearly destroyed Granada, and the restoration plans to return the city to its original grandeur.

Enjoy a local-style lunch in a colonial house, before a relaxing boat ride around some of the hundreds of small islands which dot Lake Nicaragua, formed following the last mighty eruption of Mount Mombacho. Enjoy the incredible scenery and local wildlife as you pass by.

Just 45 minutes from San Juan del Sur is the historical town of Rivas. Its entire eastern sector is bordered by Lake Nicaragua. The Lake is the 10th largest in the world and home to rare freshwater sharks.

On arrival in Rivas, your guide will tell you the history of the town, which traces back to 606 A.D., when various indigenous tribes gathered and settled in the area. The Spaniards first visited in 1522, creating an interesting mixture of Creole, Indian, Mulatto and Spanish culture. You will have the opportunity to see Rivas’ first Catholic Church, built in 1607.

After your time in Rivas, you’ll head to a viewpoint to see Ometepe Island. Ometepe comes from the Nahuatl word ‘ometepetl’ meaning ‘Two Hills’. The island has 2 majestic volcanoes, Concepcion and Maderas, which give it its distinctive look.

During your tour a complimentary soft drink and fruits will be served.

Visiting the Mombacho Volcano, with its exuberant rainforest and unrivalled views, is a spectacular experience. As you reach the base of the Mombacho, transfer to a 4x4 truck for the ascent to the Volcano peak at 3,936 feet.

Once you reach the summit, commence your walk of the ‘crater trail’, a medium difficult walk around one of the Mombacho’s 4 craters, which will take approximately 1½ hours. Learn about this unique ecosystem, which consists of several cool climates, many endemic species, 90 different types of orchids, steaming fumaroles and fascinating landscapes.

At the end of your walk, the truck will take you back to the base of the Volcano. Travel into Granada where a delicious lunch will be served, before the return drive to San Juan Del Sur.

Located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Granada flourishes as the main colonial city of Nicaragua. It is still a thriving port and community set amidst a striking landscape. Today, Granada is Nicaragua’s 3rd largest city with a population of over 120,000.

Upon arrival, you’ll head to a local hotel to enjoy a soft drink refreshment, before taking a short guided walk of the main plaza. You’ll have the chance to admire the ornate Cathedral, The Culture House and many of the colonial houses that make Granada Central America’s new hotspot.

The City Square is located near to the Central Park and you’ll find a pottery exhibition, famous Nicaraguan embroidery and local crafts. The Square is an ideal place to wander and shop for souvenirs and local knick-knacks.

To round off your visit to Granada, you’ll rejoin your guide and enjoy a short walk to view the San Francisco Convent, before returning to San Juan del Sur. En route, you’ll catch a glimpse of the impressive Mombacho Volcano and Lake Nicaragua.

Setting off from San Juan Del Sur, your journey will take you to the Masaya Volcano National Park, one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful natural phenomena.

The Masaya Volcano is one of the countries shortest and most accessible volcanoes, with a paved road that leads to the summit of the crater. Here you’ll capture spectacular views of this impressive crater with its great circular dimensions and dramatic walls. Past eruptions have left behind rock and volcanic ash which still covers the area surrounding the volcano. In contrast there are the areas of lush green forest, and your guide will provide interesting facts on the wildlife and vegetation that can be found.

Following your visit, you’ll head back to San Juan Del Sur, making a short stop at the Catarina Viewpoint en route. This overlook offers lovely views across the Apoyo Lagoon, Granada and Lake Nicaragua. You’ll also have the opportunity to browse the local stalls for a souvenir.

During your tour a pastry and refreshment will be offered on board the coach.