19 days in Nicaragua Itinerary

Nicaragua's second city, Matagalpa offers an authentic window into the country's cultural and natural heritage.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Thu): pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral, make a trip to Mirador El Calvario, and then gain insight at Escuela de Espanol Colibri. On the next day, admire the sheer force of Cascada Santa Emilia, examine the collection at El Castillo del cacao, and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Cerro Apante.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Matagalpa trip planner.

Newark, USA to Matagalpa is an approximately 12.5-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone difference when traveling from Newark to Matagalpa is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Newark in January, things will get much warmer in Matagalpa: highs are around 74°F and lows about 63°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) early enough to drive 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Spas and La Flor Beach Natural Reserve. Step out of San Juan del Sur with an excursion to Popoyo Beach in Popoyo--about 1h 35 min away. Next up on the itinerary: get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, shop like a local with The Art Warehouse, and kick back and relax at Playa Hermosa.

To find where to stay, photos, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our San Juan del Sur itinerary builder app.

You can drive from Matagalpa to San Juan del Sur in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. In January, San Juan del Sur is a bit warmer than Matagalpa - with highs of 86°F and lows of 75°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Tue) to allow time to travel 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Cascada de San Ramon and El Ceibo Museums. Spend the 3rd (Fri) wandering through the wild on Dinarte's Rental. There's still lots to do: explore the activities along Rio Istian, examine the collection at Museo Ometepe, and get in on the family fun at Chico Largo Adventure.

To see where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Isla de Ometepe journey maker app.

Traveling by combination of bus and ferry from San Juan del Sur to Isla de Ometepe takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Fri) to allow time to take a bus 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.

On the 4th (Sat), take in the architecture and atmosphere at Calvary Church - Sweet Name of Jesus and then stroll through Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve. On your second day here, pause for some serene contemplation at Church The Recollection, then get impressive views of Telica Volcano, and then stop by The Souvenir Factory.

For ratings, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read our Leon trip maker site.

You can take a bus from Isla de Ometepe to Leon in 4.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In February, daytime highs in Leon are 94°F, while nighttime lows are 71°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Sun) to allow time to fly to El Castillo.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Reserva Biologica Indio Maiz and San Carlos Sport Fishing.

To see photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read El Castillo day trip planning site.

You can fly from Leon to El Castillo in 2.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight to Granada.

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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Mirador de Catarina and Guadalupe Church. And it doesn't end there: head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia de Xalteva, contemplate the long history of Old Railway Station, and paddle through the water with a kayaking and canoeing tour.

To see maps, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Granada online vacation maker.

Traveling by flight from El Castillo to Granada takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. On the 12th (Sun), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.