Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Starts any day. January to December
8 days from $6545.00Arrive Managua, Nicaragua
Upon arrival you are escorted to your luxury accommodations in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
Managua Sightseeing
Begin today with a VIP tour of the Flor de Caña Rum Factory, a family owned rum business that started in 1890. Learn the origins of rum as you witness the fascinating manufacturing process, and see their impressive warehouse stocked with hundreds of rum-filled oak barrels. Savor a rum tasting session before exploring the Pellas family’s museum. Next, depart the city for a drive to the base of Momotombo Volcano and the colonial city of Leon. Founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1524, the city still retains its colonial character. Visit the unusual La Asuncion Cathedral - climb up to the roof for an extraordinary panoramic view of this charming city and the imposing mountain backdrop. After lunch at a local Leon restaurant, arrive back in Managua in the late afternoon. (B,L)
Managua Sightseeing
This morning you will embark on a Managua city tour, including both the old city center, destroyed by an earthquake in 1972, and the modern downtown. Visit the National Historic Park Loma de Tiscapa, and discover the story behind national hero Augusto Cesar Sandino and the Somoza dictatorship. See the ruins of the old presidential palace, the symbolic Park of Peace, and the monument to Simon Bolivar, as well as the National Theater Ruben Dario, and the 6000 year old human footprints of Acahualinca. View the modern metropolitan cathedral and visit the arts and craft market before driving to Granada, the oldest European settlement in the Americas. After lunch, enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride, followed by a walking tour of this 500-year-old city. Admire La Merced church and the famed convent of San Francisco, before visiting the Cacao Museum for a chocolate-making cooking class. Your Granada tour ends at the port, where you transfer by boat to the Jicaro Island Ecolodge and your private casita home for the next two nights. (B,L,D)
Granada Sightseeing
Enjoy the morning of Day 4 at leisure, before afternoon visits to the Masaya market, artist workshops, and the Masaya Volcano. At the volcano, view the impressive Santiago crater as a local expert tells you about its history, myths, and geology. Then, equipped with a flashlight and helmet, explore the underground tunnel formed by lava streams, to observe the rock formations, bat chambers, and perhaps spy the glowing lava hidden inside the crater mouth. Afterwards, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B,L,D)
Granada to the Emerald Coast
This morning, drive to the foot of the Mombacho Volcano, then transfer to a 4WD vehicle for a nature adventure through this cloud forest region. Surrounded by exuberant vegetation and breathtaking views, your park guide leads you on a trail walk while narrating details of the flora and fauna, as well as the ancient history of the volcano. Relax in this mountain setting with lunch at the park’s Casa Hacienda, before driving to Mukul Resort, a boutique retreat on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast. (B,L)
Mukul & Ometepe Island
Begin Day 6 with an early rise for a full day exploration of Ometepe Island, the biggest volcanic lake island in the world. Begin with a ferry ride through the fresh waters of Lake Nicaragua to reach this island recently designated a UNESCO Biosphere. Once ashore, visit the Numismatic & Pre-Columbian Museum, to learn about the island’s different ethnic groups, then drive through colorful rural villages to the natural reserve of Charco Verde. Explore the tropical wonders of the reserve on a light trek, viewing the native birds, mammals, and reptiles, lush vegetation, and the breathtaking landscapes of famous Charco Verde Lake. After a succulent lunch by the shores of Lake Nicaragua, your exciting journey continues to the base of Maderas Volcano, an impressive cloud forest mountain located in the southwest of Ometepe. View the ancient petroglyphs and discover the abundant variety of tropical fruit trees before returning to your resort.
Day 7 is at leisure to enjoy the white-sand beach or other luxury facilities at your resort. (B,L)
Mukul & Depart
This morning you will be transferred to the Managua airport for your flight home or onto your next destination. (B)
Casa Naranja Hotel, Managua
A pleasant, comfortable and natural environment inside a distinctive colonial Nicaraguan home. The hotel Casa Naranja, is committed to creating an atmosphere that shows the abilities of Nicaraguan artists and artisans as well as focusing on efforts of a gracious and personalized attention. The location also allows our guests to walk safely to some of the finest culinary, business and entertainment centers of the capital. Nicaragua is a very beautiful country, rich in nature and traditions.
Jicaro Island Ecolodge, Granada
Tropical splendor as far as the eye can see, from the verdant grandeur of Mombacho Volcano to the tranquil shimmer of Lake Nicaragua, greets you as you arrive at the fabulous Jicaro Island Ecolodge. On a secluded islet just off the shores of Granada, Nicaragua your private casita awaits, an escape to complete peace and relaxation. Spaciously designed with bedroom upstairs and separate living room downstairs, enjoy the warm, relaxing ambiance and bright natural light streaming through open windows each day. Crafted from rich, vibrant Rainforest Alliance wood, each casita puts a stylish modern twist on the tropical bungalow. Stretch out on your private deck in a hammock, and at night sleep in deeply plush king-sized beds. At Jicaro Island Ecolodge immerse yourself in the beauty of the tropics.
Mukul Luxury Resort & Spa, Guacalito de la Isla
In 1875, 25-year old Francisco Alfredo Pellas Canessa came to Nicaragua to take over the family business, Caribbean Pacific Transit Co., founded by his father Carlos Napoleon. More than 135 years later and through five generations, the family business has grown into 16 companies in more than a dozen countries – from transportation and computers to sugar, ethanol, Flor de Caña Rum and the world-class Vivian Pellas Hospital. Now led by Don Carlos Pellas, named by America Economia as one of the 50 most influential persons in Latin America, has committed himself to creating one of the most exclusive boutique resorts in the world. With it, Pellas is establishing his family legacy – a pristine natural sanctuary where you make authentic connections to the land, culture and people of Nicaragua. And in return, the surrounding community will benefit from the resulting improved quality of life. For as long as you're able to stay, consider Mukul home. Consider Playa Manzanillo's immaculate white sands your personal playground. Consider the entire Emerald Coast of Nicaragua your kingdom. And certainly consider your accommodations your own private estate.