19 days in Nicaragua Itinerary

Created using Inspirock Nicaragua sightseeing planner
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Make it your trip
Fly to Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport, Drive to Matagalpa
1
Matagalpa
— 2 nights
Drive
2
San Juan del Sur
— 4 nights
Bus to San Jorge, Ferry to Isla de Ometepe
3
Isla de Ometepe
— 3 nights
Bus
4
Leon
— 2 nights
Fly
5
El Castillo
— 3 nights
Fly
6
Granada
— 4 nights
Drive to Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport, Fly to Newark

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Matagalpa — 2 nights

Pearl of the North

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.
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Nature · Parks · Historic Sites · Wildlife
Find places to stay Jan 25 — 27:

San Juan del Sur — 4 nights

Explore hidden gems such as Spas and Playa Hermosa. Step out of San Juan del Sur with an excursion to Popoyo Beach in Popoyo--about 1h 40 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 La Flor Beach Natural Reserve.

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.
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Outdoors · Beaches · Parks · Shopping
Side Trip
Find places to stay Jan 27 — 31:

Isla de Ometepe — 3 nights

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.
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Nature · Parks · Tours · Wildlife
Find places to stay Jan 31 — Feb 3:

Leon — 2 nights

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.
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Parks · Historic Sites · Nature · Wildlife
Side Trip
Find places to stay Feb 3 — 5:

El Castillo — 3 nights

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Reserva Biologica Indio Maiz and Castillo de la Inmaculada Concepción. When in El Castillo, make a side trip to see San Carlos Sport Fishing in San Carlos, approximately San Carlos away.

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.
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Wildlife · Parks · Tours · Outdoors
Side Trips
Find places to stay Feb 5 — 8:

Granada — 4 nights

La Gran Sultana

Discover out-of-the-way places like Nature & Wildlife Tours and Parque Colon de Granada. Step out of Granada to go to Catarina and see Mirador de Catarina, which is approximately 34 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: admire the striking features of Guadalupe Church, steep yourself in history at Palacio Episcopal, see the interesting displays at Mi Museo, and don't miss a visit to Old Railway Station.

To find photos, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, use the Granada trip app.

Fly from El Castillo to Granada in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. You will have some time to spend on the 12th (Sun) before leaving for home.
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Tours · Outdoors · Wildlife · Shopping
Side Trip
Find places to stay Feb 8 — 12:

Nicaragua travel guide

4.2
Churches · Volcanos · Specialty Museums
Still emerging as a major tourist destination, Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, entices travelers with its rich history and remarkable natural beauty just waiting to be discovered. A holiday in Nicaragua allows you to explore a vibrant culture, scenic beaches, and plenty of spots off the beaten path. Majestic volcanoes, lakes, and forests offer numerous chances for exploration and exciting adventures, while major cities boast splendid colonial architecture. With access to coastlines on both the Pacific and the Caribbean, a vacation in Nicaragua appeals to those looking for thrilling surfing experiences, dramatic views, or a chance to spread out on a deserted tropical beach.
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