Nicaragua - Land of Lakes and Volcanoes

This escorted tour by Explore Worldwide begins in Granada, Nicaragua’s oldest town, where brightly coloured Spanish colonial buildings and quiet cobbled streets with rooftop bars set the scene. A visit to a rural community nearby includes a chocolate workshop and homemade lunch, before a walking tour of Granada takes in churches and views over Lake Nicaragua and Mombacho Volcano.

Next, the journey crosses Lake Nicaragua to Ometepe Island, with its twin volcanoes standing out against the water. Two volcanoes, each with distinctive vegetation and climate, shape much of the island’s atmosphere. Visitors can choose a hike or a visit to a women’s cooperative, complete with a cooking class. Back on the mainland, the historic city of Leon offers revolutionary murals, grand churches, and an active university. A boat tour at Juan Venado Reserve and time at Las Peñitas Beach follow, before the quieter northern highlands of Selva Negra and a cloud forest walk.

The final days include volcanic mud fields, artisan markets, and a hike around Mombacho Volcano. The accommodation at Pacaya Lodge looks down on the volcanic crater lake Laguna de Apoyo, where there is time to swim or kayak before a farewell dinner. Travel is paced with free afternoons and optional activities, suited to those who like a mix of culture, wildlife and natural landscapes.