Highland Birding
Explore coffee plantations and search for quetzals amidst the cloud forests of central Nicaragua.
Covering the central biodiverse cloud forests and coffee farms in Matagalpa, descending through the colonial cities of Leon and Granada, and finishing with private beach days on the Pacific coast, this route through Nicaragua strikes the perfect balance of nature, history and marine experiences.
Tropical rainforest hikes, mangrove kayaking, explorations of the oldest city in Central America and a visit to the ancient twin volcanic island of Ometepe, delivers a standout introduction to Nicaragua’s highlights.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Colonial Cities
Roam the cities of Leon and Granada on foot or by bike soaking up their colonial heritage.
Volcanic Vistas
Circumnavigate dormant craters enjoying grandstand, panoramic views.
Beachfront Ecolodge
Relax, surf, snorkel and kayak on the shores of the Pacific.
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Day 1
Managua
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Day 2
Managua - Matagalpa
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Day 3
Matagalpa
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Day 4
Matagalpa - Leon City
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Day 5
Leon City
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Day 6
Leon City
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Day 7
Leon City - Granada
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Day 8
Granada
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Day 9
Granada
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Day 10
Granada - Ometepe Island
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Day 11
Ometepe Island
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Days 12
Ometepe Island - San Juan del Sur
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Days 13 & 14
San Juan del Sur
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Day 15
San Juan del Sur - Managua
Day 1
Managua
Arrive in Managua on the shores of Lake Xolotlán, wedged between towering flanks of extinct volcanoes, crater lakes and lagoons – a dramatic setting for the nation’s capital.
Day 2
Managua - Matagalpa
Travel overland to Matagalpa, a journey of around two and a half hours. On arrival take a walking tour around a coffee estate. From the plantations to the processing sheds, understand the cycle from seed to cup and gain an appreciation of the social and economic aspects of coffee production.
Day 3
Matagalpa
Spend today exploring the cloud forests via hiking trails or on horseback. Search for howler monkeys, sloths, ocelots and a plethora of birdlife that includes hummingbirds and quetzals.
Day 4
Matagalpa - Leon City
After breakfast, journey west towards the Pacific and the colonial city of Leon. En route visit Leon Viejo, Nicaragua’s first capital, the ruins of which were discovered in 1967 and were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.
Day 5
Leon City
A early start this morning to transfer to the base of Cerro Negro volcano – hike to the summit to circumnavigate the crater and if feeling adventurous ash board to the bottom! Return to León for a guided tour of this beautiful city, one of Nicaragua´s oldest and most influential.
Day 6
Leon City
Explore the coastal estuary wildlife refuge and barrier island of Isla Juan Venado. This wetland region of huge biodiversity is an uninhabited 22 kilometre long strip of sand on the Pacific coast, that protects a saltwater habitat of mangrove forest, home to a wide variety of fish, birds and reptiles. Explore by kayak with your guide, stopping for a picnic lunch.
Day 7
Leon City - Granada
Today, drive south to the city of Granada, on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, a journey of around two and a half hours. En route, stop at the Masaya Volcano and wander around Masaya market. After lunch overlooking the Apoyo Lagoon continue to the surrounding white villages and onto Granada.
Day 8
Granada
Spend the morning with a guide exploring the city on foot or by bike. Visit sites and colonial buildings including the San Francisco Convent and Church. In the afternoon take a boat tour of volcano-formed Las Isletas Archipelago in the company of a private guide.
Day 9
Granada
Spend today at leisure exploring Granada.
Day 10
Granada - Ometepe Island
After breakfast, drive to Mombacho volcano. After a steep drive to the top, walk the one mile crater trail with incredible views. There is the option of zip lining for those feeling adventurous. Continue onto San Jorge on the shores of Lake Nicaragua from where you will take the short boat ride to Ometepe Island, dominated by the twin volcanic peaks of Concepcion and Maderas.
Day 11
Ometepe Island
Spend today exploring the island via a range of optional activities. Kayak along the Istrian river, spotting wildlife at dawn or dusk, hike to a waterfall or volcano summit or locate the stone carvings and petroglyphs of the islands pre-Columbian past.
Days 12
Ometepe Island - San Juan del Sur
Return to San Jorge by boat and drive around 45 minutes to the coastal town of San Juan del Sur, where lush jungles meet the waters of the Pacific ocean.
Days 13 & 14
San Juan del Sur
Spend the next two days relaxing on the beach with a choice of activities included each day. Take breakfast at the farm, go surfing or horseback riding, take a jungle hike, kayak the mangroves or take to the water to catch shrimp or mullet.
Day 15
San Juan del Sur - Managua
Return to Managua for your onward travels, a journey of around two and a half hours.
More Details
UNESCO World Heritage
Leon Viejo
The first capital of Nicaragua, Leon Viejo (Old Leon), was founded in 1524 by the Spanish conquistadores on the southern slopes of the Momotombo volcano. After frequent volcanic activity and the earthquakes of 1594 and 1610 the city was relocated to its present location, known simply as Leon. Gradually buried by the continuous expulsions of ash and volcanic stone from Momotombo the ruins of Leon Viejo were discovered in 1967 and it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. It is now possible to view the foundations of dwellings as well as partially restored buildings such as the original church.
Volcanoes, Volcanoes Volcanoes
Crater Walking
Twenty seven volcanoes pepper Nicaragua, some dormant, some active, all adding a beauty to the landscape. On this trip, you’ll see some from a distance and experience two crater walks.
A guided hike to the summit of the active Cerro Negro allows you to walk around the caldera before ash-boarding down the west face—an exhilarating experience. Mombacho, one of Nicaragua’s largest and most explosive volcanoes, is just six miles south of Granada. At its summit, two dormant craters in a dense cloud forest provide a habitat for 50 species of mammals, 174 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, and 750 species of flora. The craters also have unique acoustic properties that amplify nature’s sounds.
A beachfront ecolodge
The Pacific Coast
The former fishing hamlet of San Juan del Sur is admired for its tumbling Pacific surf, golden sand dunes and easy-going charm. It is chocked with local markets, stalls serving Nicaraguan dishes in palm leaves and colourful buildings.
Stay at nearby Morgans Rock, an eco-lodge set within 4,000 acres of jungle overlooking its own private beach.
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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Selva Negra Ecolodge and Coffee Estate’s sustainable philosophy extends to its workers and their families, many of whom were previously living in poverty. The estate sponsors a clinic with a full-time nurse, a school with scholarship opportunities for further education, a library and local sports teams for the community of over 600 people. Staying at the ecolodge and purchasing the responsibly produced coffee, helps fund these initiatives, ensuring continued support for the people behind Selva Negra.
Set within 4000 acres of jungle overlooking the Pacific coast, Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge is committed to environmental conservation and sustainability. With half the property a private reserve, and the rest devoted to low-impact agriculture and sustainable tropical forestland, Morgan’s Rock offers immersive experiences in reforestation and aquatic and organic farming, encouraging guests to be a part of the ecolodge’s efforts towards reducing carbon emissions.
Visiting Mombacho Volcano offers a unique opportunity to experience breathtaking cloud forests while supporting local conservation efforts and sustainable tourism. The Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve is home to diverse wildlife including the iconic howler monkey, the endemic Mombacho salamander as well as rare plant life.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £5,495 Per person
When to travel
Nicaragua in January
January to April is a great time of year to visit Nicaragua.
Nicaragua in February
January to April is a great time of year to visit Nicaragua.
Nicaragua in March
January to April is a great time of year to visit Nicaragua.
Nicaragua in April
January to April is a great time of year to visit Nicaragua.
Nicaragua in May
From May you can expect heavy rains and a great swell on the Pacific coast until the end of October.
Nicaragua in June
From May you can expect heavy rains and a great swell on the Pacific coast until the end of October.
Nicaragua in July
From May you can expect heavy rains and a great swell on the Pacific coast until the end of October.
Nicaragua in August
From May you can expect heavy rains and a great swell on the Pacific coast until the end of October.
Nicaragua in September
From May you can expect heavy rains and a great swell on the Pacific coast until the end of October.
Nicaragua in October
From May you can expect heavy rains and a great swell on the Pacific coast until the end of October.
Nicaragua in November
In November, the weather on the Pacific side remains cool, but drier and the coffee harvest begins in the north of the country. The Caribbean side however, is experiencing its rainy season.
Nicaragua in December
December is a busy time to travel, but sees great weather and early in the month is still quiet with relatively low prices.
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