Nicaraguan beaches come in all colors: beautiful stretches of white sand along the Caribbean coast, darker sandy bays along Lake Nicaragua, and stunning dark-sand beaches north of the fishing town of San Juan del Sur. In fact, San Juan del Sur has become a desirable destination for both surfers and ocean lovers, offering rich experiences not only on its less crowded beaches but also through the ecological richness of nearby turtle nesting sites, breathtaking sunsets, and a relaxed Nica-style atmosphere.
Before heading to the Pacific coast, we begin this vacation in Granada with cultural excursions, gastronomy, and adventures to Mombacho Volcano.
Day 1: Colonial Granada
Upon arrival at Managua International Airport, a Careli Tours representative will greet you and transfer you with your luggage to your hotel in Granada. The rest of the day and evening will be free for you to rest or explore this charming and colorful colonial city on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel Plaza Colón (Breakfast included)
Day 2: Granada
Your Careli Tours guide will pick you up at your hotel to begin at the lively central plaza, taking a tour of churches and mansions in a horse-drawn carriage, just as colonizers once did. Then, on foot, you will visit La Merced Church, the Municipal Market, La Pólvora Fortress, and the San Francisco Convent, which houses a Pre-Columbian Art Museum displaying mysterious stone carvings and idols created by cultures that inhabited the islands of Lake Nicaragua.
In the afternoon, you will head out for an adventure excursion at Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve. Rising above Granada, this massive cloud forest is dense with lush vegetation that has grown untouched for centuries since its last volcanic activity, making it the oldest volcano in Nicaragua. You will follow a network of trails near the summit, discovering a rich natural world of flora and fauna.
Accommodation: Hotel Plaza Colón (Breakfast included)
Day 3: Granada
After breakfast, enjoy a kayaking excursion (single or double kayaks) along the beautiful Asese Peninsula, between the impressive Mombacho Volcano and the famous Islets of Granada in Lake Nicaragua—the largest lake in Central America.
The excursion lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, providing enough time to observe several of the 246 bird species that inhabit this beautiful natural environment.
In the afternoon and evening, enjoy free time to further explore the city, shop, or dine at one of the cafés and restaurants along La Calzada Street.
Day 4: San Juan del Sur
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for a 1.5-hour transfer to San Juan del Sur. This small and colorful fishing port stretches along a crescent-shaped sandy beach on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast and is now one of the country’s top destinations.
Travelers are drawn to its charm, beaches lined with small restaurants serving freshly caught fish, lobster, and shrimp, along with perfect sunsets. San Juan offers surfing, fishing, and sailing trips. Beach parties often take place at La Flor Beach, a one-mile stretch known for wildlife conservation and the unique annual arribadas (July to December), when sea turtles come ashore to nest and later return to the ocean.
Accommodation: Hotel Victoriano (Breakfast included)
Day 5: San Juan del Sur
Today you can choose from a variety of excursions: enjoy a bird’s-eye view of San Juan del Sur on a two-hour, two-mile zipline adventure through the forest at Las Nubes Adventure Park, or take a guided horseback tour through farms and along local beaches. Guides will match horses to riders, making the experience safe and suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
Accommodation: Hotel Victoriano (Breakfast included)
Day 6: San Juan del Sur
Today’s excursion includes a full-day sailing trip along the beautiful Pacific coastline. You will anchor for a beach walk and swimming, and from the boat you can watch pelicans diving and seagulls flying overhead. The full-day sailing experience includes lunch, drinks, and a spectacular sunset.
Accommodation: Hotel Victoriano (Breakfast included)
Days 7 & 8: San Juan del Sur
These days are free for you to enjoy your own activities: explore the town, make new friends, find your favorite beach (easily accessible by taxi or water taxi), take surfing lessons, relax by the hotel pool, or enjoy the gardens. Spanish classes are also available.
Accommodation: Hotel Victoriano (Breakfast included)
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to Managua International Airport.
