Nicaragua and Costa Rica Holidays: Granada + Volcanoes + Leon + Montelimar
Nicaragua and Costa Rica holidays combine beautiful colonial cites with indigenous culture, wonderful wildlife, pristine rainforests and glorious beaches. The elegant city of Granada is set on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and is surrounded by volcanoes. The city of Leon matches Granada in colonial splendour, but has more political and intellectual buzz, whilst Montelimar offers pristine wetlands and beaches.
Nicaragua is a land of lakes and volcanoes, of colonial richness, unspoilt beaches and pristine tropical rainforest. It is a unique and beautiful place, ideal for relaxing, exploring and adventure. With over six million people it is the largest country in Central America, and the capital Managua is the second largest city after Guatemala City. Despite its size, Nicaragua remains one of Central America’s least visited and best preserved countries. There is variety here, with something for everyone on Nicaragua and Costa Rica holidays to Granada & its volcanoes, Leon & Montelimar.
Granada and Leon both offer extraordinary colonial architecture, as well as chaotic energy. They have outstanding art and museums, volcanic lagoons, exceptional food and vibrant university life. You can explore some of the hundreds of islands in Lake Nicaragua, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, or climb one of the dozens of volcanoes and look over the edge. On Nicaragua and Costa Rica holidays to Granada & its volcanoes, Leon & Montelimar, check out the largest rainforest outside the Amazon, take a river boat ride all the way to the Caribbean, or wonder at the ruins of a town once buried in volcanic ash for over 400 years. Then head via the wetlands of Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve to famous Poneloya beach and Montelimar on the Pacific coast for some relaxation.
Granada is a beautiful, picture-postcard colonial city on the northern edge of Lake Nicaragua. Founded in 1524 it is said to be the first European city in the America and its Moorish and Andalusian style architecture mirrors its Spanish counterpart, after which it was named. It is full of museums, galleries, churches, restaurants and bars. At the centre of everything is the main plaza, Central Park, which is dominated by the cathedral.
Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua. It is a university town resplendent with churches and cathedrals – and a non-stop night life. Like Granada, it is named after its namesake in Spain and the two cities only stopped quarrelling about which was more important when Managua was made the country’s modern capital in 1858. Of all its many churches, Leon Cathedral is the most impressive and the largest in Central America - a very solid construction which has withstood earthquakes, volcanoes and civil war bombings, and a memorable sight on Nicaragua and Costa Rica holidays to Granada & its volcanoes, Leon & Montelimar.
On the Caribbean Coast you will find the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve. With an area of 7,700 square miles, this pristine rainforest occupies 15% of the country. It is relatively unexplored and has an outstanding biodiversity: 700 bird species, a multiplicity of mammals including jaguar and puma, and 200,000 species of insects. Nicaragua and Costa Rica holidays to Granada & its volcanoes, Leon & Montelimar combine ethnic culture with incredible wildlife, geographic drama and beauty, instilling an excitement rarely equalled, so when you visit Central America please do not miss it.
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Granada is not only an outstanding historical and cultural centre but it is also a foodies paradise. Amongst its many attractions are the Mi Museum, a magnificent private collection of 5,000 pre-Columbian ceramics, and the oldest church in Central America, the San Francisco Convent & Museum. Established in 1585, it houses a superb museum that includes the Zapatera Statuary, a fascinating collection of black basalt statues dating from 800 to 1200 AD, gathered from the ceremonial island of Zapatera in Lake Nicaragua. You also have to visit the Chocolate Museum, where children (of all ages) can experience the whole ‘beans to bar’ process of producing the Nicaraguan chocolate which many of us enjoy. The city has its own volcanic crater lagoons, the most famous of which, Apoyo is 4.4 miles wide. It is the largest in the country and ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The city is increasingly the country’s major tourist base, providing the ideal hub for a wide range of excursions on Nicaragua and Costa Rica holidays to Granada & its volcanoes, Leon & Montelimar. Chief among these is Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve. Just 6 miles south of the city, the reserve offers great hiking on the volcano, canopy zip lining, horse riding and a fascinating tour of a coffee plantation and its production.
Lake Nicaragua is the 10th largest freshwater lake in the world and the only one with its own sharks. These are the famous Nicaraguan or Bull sharks, which are now protected. The fishing, water sports and beaches here are good and very popular. The amazing Isletas Archipelago of 365 volcanic islands originated when Mombacho exploded long ago and deposited much of its cone into the water. It extends far into the lake and all the main islands offer their own attractions. These include a Spanish fort and a troupe of friendly wild spider monkeys. There are luxury hotels and houses on some of the islets, but most of the 1,200 inhabitants are fishermen. The birdlife here is spectacular. You can see hawks, herons, cormorants, parrots, vultures & much more on Nicaragua and Costa Rica holidays to Granada & its volcanoes, Leon & Montelimar. Take a boat trip, sail or kayak to these stunning islands. By far the largest island in the lake is Ometepe, formed in a peanut shape when two volcanoes rose from the water. With an area of over 100 square miles and a population of 30,000 it is a largely self-contained community, with the most traditional folk culture in Nicaragua. Ecotourism is well established, based on the exotic plant and wildlife found here and the astounding archaeology. Symbolic rock art in the form of petroglyphs from 300 BC abounds on the island with 1,700 discovered so far. Magnificent ceramic hoards have also been discovered. For a relaxing treat head for the laguna in the Charco Verde Nature Reserve.
In Leon, the architectural styles and colours of the city’s churches vary widely and wandering around and comparing them makes for a fascinating walk. Check out the Art Deco City Hall, one of a number of remarkable buildings that include the Posada Colonial, the Mena Theatre and the old Railway Station. On Nicaragua and Costa Rica holidays to Granada & its volcanoes, Leon & Montelimar, the art galleries and museums are superb. Heading the list of must-see collections in Leon is the Ortiz Gurdian Foundation, with its spectacular hoard of Latin American and international art. 20 miles east of the city are the Ruins of Leon Viejo, the original town founded in 1524. It was abandoned after a series of devastating earthquakes and only rediscovered in 1967. Because it lay covered in volcanic ash, it is the only city in the Americas which has remained in its original state, so do not miss this fascinating Pompeii-like World Heritage Site. There are also many day trips available, including volcano hiking and for the more adventurous, volcano ‘boarding’, plus mangrove forest swimming and kayaking. A stand-out tour is to Herrideros de San Jacinto to see the boiling mud pits and steam plumes on the side of Telica Volcano. There is a lot of environmental and social tourism in Leon, with proceeds going to all sorts of genuine local causes, so look out for them and support them when possible.
Managua, the capital city, is located in the west on the southern shore of Lake Managua. Home to over a third of the population, it has suffered from several devastating earthquakes. The city is sprawling and chaotic, but it remains the heart of Nicaragua. The Museum of Acahualinca houses the famous 6,000 year old footprints found in the mud of Lake Managua. On Nicaragua and Costa Rica holidays to Granada & its volcanoes, Leon & Montelimar, the food is good and varied, from local Nicaraguan, French, seafood and sushi to some of the best steaks in the world. Managua also has a nature reserve, Tiscapa Lagoon, located in the crater of an extinct volcano. You can zip-line across the lagoon or and take a canopy ride. At night you can see the illuminated fountain at the Ruben Dario Rotunda. The new cathedral is also near the Rotunda, with its unusual 63 mosque-like roof domes. This and the atmospheric shell of the original in Old Managua are must-sees for those interested in church architecture. Managua is also the base for trips to the Masaya Volcano, just 13 miles south of the city in Nicaragua’s first and largest national park, where you can look into the craters of two of the most accessible active volcanoes in the country. There is a little hiking involved, but the crater views and geology are unforgettable. This is a truly exceptional trip during which you can also do at night, after enjoying a magnificent sunset. Don’t forget to explore the underground tunnel of lava.
On the Caribbean Coast you will find the incredible Bosawas Biosphere Reserve. With an area of 7,700 square miles, this pristine rainforest occupies 15% of the country’s land. It is relatively unexplored and has outstanding biodiversity: 700 bird species, a multiplicity of mammals including jaguar and puma, and 200,000 species of insects. The local jewels are the Corn Islands, Little and Greater, lying 44 miles offshore with lobsters, thick jungle, pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. On Nicaragua and Costa Rica holidays to Granada & its volcanoes, Leon & Montelimar, you can also take a trip on the majestic San Juan River, which flows for 120 miles east from Lake Nicaragua to the sea, dividing the country from Costa Rica. Before the Panama Canal was built, this was part of the route across Central America. You can explore the upper reaches or go all the way - and fly back if necessary. The villages, people, their art and traditions will fascinate and captivate you.
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FEATURED HOLIDAY
Nicaragua: Granada to Leon + Montelimar Beach
7 NIGHTS FROM:
$1,575
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
QPN7M
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• Rum Factory
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• Granada
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• Masaya Volcano
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• Isletas Archipelago
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• Leon
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• Juan Venado Nature Reserve
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• Concepción & Maderas Volcanoes
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• Nicaragua Holidays: Guided Tours
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• Montelimar Beach
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• Ometepe Island
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Our Nicaragua holidays & guided tours start in the colonial gem of Granada on Lake Nicaragua. We then visit beautiful Ometepe Island & the Isletas archipelago, before continuing via the Masaya Volcano to the city of Leon. Explore the wetlands of Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve, then relax on Montelimar beach on the Pacific coast. All transfers & sightseeing with English speaking guides included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Costa Rica to Nicaragua - Private Tour
12 NIGHTS FROM:
$4,372
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
RPN12S
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• Rincon Vieja
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• Ometepe Island
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• Granada
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• Cost Rica & Nicaragua Holiday
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• Arenal Volcano
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• Isletas Archipelago
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• Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
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• Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs
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• Tortuguero National Park
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• La Fortuna Waterfall
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Combine the wildlife of Costa Rica with Nicaragua & its Spanish colonial culture on this two-country privately guided holiday. Visit Tortuguero Wetlands, Arenal Volcano, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge & volcanic Rincon Vieja, ending in picturesque Granada on Lake Nicaragua, with excursions to Ometepe Island & Islets Archipelago. All guiding, transfers & specified sightseeing included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Panama City + Costa Rica + Nicaragua (private guides)
16 NIGHTS FROM:
$4,736
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
RPP16P
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• Arenal Volcano
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• Tortuguero Wetalnds
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• San Jose
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• Holidays Panama Canal, Costa Rica
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• Rincon de la Vieja
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• Leon
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• Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua
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• Panama Canal
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• Panama Railway
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• Granada
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Travelling with your own English-speaking guide, enjoy our amazing 3 country holidays to the Panama Canal, Costa Rica & Nicaragua. Visit the famous Panama Canal & ride 'Coast to Coast' on the Panama Railway. Then fly to San Jose to visit Arenal volcano & Rincon de la Vieje, before continuing to the colonial cities of Granada and Leon. English speaking guide & all specified sightseeing included.
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