Suggested Itineraries

It might appear small, but Nicaragua has lots to see and do. It is impossible to visit everywhere in the country in 1 week, especially when you experience the country's awful bumpy roads and decrepit public transport system. And you probably won't want to leave most towns after just a bit of time spent there -- with the possible exception of Managua. Below is a sweeping tour of the country that leaves out some amazing places, such as León and the Northern Highlands. You might very well want to expand your trip by another week so as to see these parts of the country. In order to do this itinerary, you'll also have to get around on private transport shuttles or taxis. If you are on a tight budget and plan on using public transport, you'll need to allot more time for getting around the country.

Days 1 & 2: Arrive in Managua & Head to Granada

After flying into Managua, don't hang around the capital too long. It has its hidden charms, but more beautiful places beckon, like the radiant colonial city of Granada, 2 hours south. Head there immediately, and settle into the Hotel Plaza Colon to relax and perhaps sip a rum on the rocks from the gigantic balcony overlooking the colorful plaza. The next morning, catch a horse and carriage ride through the city's enchanting cobbled streets and down to the lake shore, where you can take a short boat tour of Las Isletas archipelago.

Days 3 & 4: Tour Isla de Ometepe & Arrive in San Juan del Sur

Arrange a tour company to pick you up at your hotel and take you to the small town of San Jorge, where you can catch a boat across to the twin peak jungle island of Ometepe. You won't have time to climb its volcanic peaks, but a 4WD will take you on a coastal tour of this island of howler monkeys, pre-Columbian carved stones, and mud-bathing farm animals.

Arrive back in San Jorge in the early evening to be transferred to the beach town of San Juan del Sur. Stay at the lovely villa known as La Posada Azul and eat in the garden of El Colibri. The following day, catch a water taxi up the coast to some beautiful, secluded beaches or, depending on the time of year, take a night excursion to watch the spectacular turtle hatching in Playa La Flor.

Days 5 & 6: The Corn Islands

Catch a taxi back to Managua for the midday flight to these Caribbean treasure islands. Soak up the sunset on bleach-white Picnic Beach before retiring to a rustic restaurant on stilts amid turquoise waters called Anastasia's on the Sea. Stay at the very comfortable Casa Canada and enjoy its gorgeous pool before snorkeling the pink coral beach of Sally Peaches.

Day 7: Managua

Head back to Managua, and give the capital a second look if you have time to do so before your flight. Take a tour of its ghost-downtown, the Zona Monumental. Visit the tomb of poet Rubén Darío and peer into the majestic ruins of the city's old cathedral. Have time for dinner? Enjoy deep-fried shrimp at the fondue restaurant Urbahn and shop for some last-minute gifts of rum and cigars in the shopping mall below.