8 days in Nicaragua Itinerary

The lakeside city of Granada has the look and feel of a historically important economic and political center, with grand colonial architecture, a unified look, and many cultural attractions.

Start off your visit on the 24th (Sun): head off the coast to Islets of Granada, then get impressive views of Mombacho Volcano National Preserve, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Laguna de Apoyo. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: see the interesting displays at ChocoMuseo, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de La Merced, pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral de Granada, then admire the landmark architecture of Guadalupe Church, then look for gifts at Soy Nica, and finally see the interesting displays at Centro Cultural Antiguo Convento San Francisco.

To find reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Granada journey planner.

New York City, USA to Granada is an approximately 11.5-hour combination of bus, flight, and shuttle. You can also do a combination of flight and shuttle; or drive. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from New York City to Granada due to the time zone difference. Traveling from New York City in December, things will get much hotter in Granada: highs are around 90°F and lows about 72°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) to allow enough time to take a shuttle to San Juan del Sur.

Set in a crescent-shaped bay, San Juan del Sur has become known as a popular surfing spot and coastal holiday destination for Nicaraguan families and international visitors alike.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Tue): kick back and relax at La Flor Beach Natural Reserve, then stroll through San Juan del Sur Beach, and then don't miss a visit to Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia.

Plan a trip to San Juan del Sur easily and quickly by telling Inspirock to suggest an itinerary.

You can take a shuttle from Granada to San Juan del Sur in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. While traveling from Granada, expect slightly colder days and about the same nights in San Juan del Sur, ranging from highs of 85°F to lows of 76°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Wed) so you can catcht the bus to Isla de Ometepe.

Isla de Ometepe may be small in size, but it boasts two large volcanoes that dominate its landscape and influence the local lifestyle.

On the 27th (Wed), kick back and relax at Punta Jesus Maria, head off the coast to Isla Ometepe, and then take a stroll through Los Ramos. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the waterfront views at Laguna Charco Verde and then ponder the design of Ojo de Agua.

To see photos, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Isla de Ometepe travel route planner.

Traveling by bus from San Juan del Sur to Isla de Ometepe takes 1.5 hours. In December, plan for daily highs up to 85°F, and evening lows to 76°F. On the 28th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can take a shuttle to Leon.

A cultured and storied city, Leon attracts guests from all over the world, drawn to the second city's style, thriving intellectual life, and liveliness.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Fri): kick back and relax at Playa Las Penitas, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church The Recollection, and then contemplate the geological forces at Volcan cerro negro.

To see traveler tips, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Leon planner .

Take a shuttle from Isla de Ometepe to Leon in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. While traveling from Isla de Ometepe, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Leon, ranging from highs of 91°F to lows of 72°F. You'll set off for home on the 30th (Sat).