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Rental car round trip - Nicaragua

Nicaragua - In the heart of Central America

Highlights

  • Discover original charm in Nicaragua

  • Colonial splendor in León and Granada

  • Price incl. rental car and accommodations & breakfast

  • Enjoy that hammock atmosphere for 8 days

  • Discover the island worlds of Lake Nicaragua off Granada

Description

"Nicaragua, unica...Original!" The country’s official slogan may seem like it promises a lot; it is, however, nothing but the truth: Nicaragua is unique and original.

This country in the heart of Central America is still a destination that flies under the radar of mass tourism, so you should get there as soon as you can. Its tropical rainforest, imposing volcanic landscapes, numerous animal species and colorful colonial cities are waiting for you.

Nicaragua has everything you need for a perfect, memorable vacation - breathtakingly beautiful coasts, Caribbean islands, perfect waves, delicious food, and some of the friendliest people in the world. What are you waiting for? Come with itravel on an unforgettable trip.

Destination

Central America

Managua - Leon - Granada

The best season to visit Nicaragua comprises the months from December to April, when it hardly rains and the temperature is warm and pleasant. The rainy season happens between May and November: Between May and August, rain showers occur mainly in the afternoon and activities can be carried out without problems; from September onwards, the volume of rainfall increases significantly.

In the coming weeks and days, an exciting journey of discovery through this Central American country awaits you. The surroundings are nothing short of inspiring: Magnificent volcanoes, impenetrable rainforests, dreamy and paradisiacal island that guarantee an unforgettable vacation.

After landing in the Nicaraguan capital, Managua, our local partner will be waiting to welcome you. At the airport, you will also receive all the important information you will need to make your life as easy and pleasant as possible for the next two weeks. Important phone numbers, the final itinerary, hotel vouchers - everything will be provided. A private transfer will then transport you to your first accommodation in Nicaragua.

The name “Managua” refers to the large lakes and lagoons that surround the capital. With more than one million inhabitants, it is the largest metropolitan area in Central America after Guatemala City. If you want to feel the Latin American flair right after your arrival, the Mercado Oriental is the place to go. It is the largest market in Nicaragua and the place where you can find anything from beds to chickens, clothes, hammocks, wooden art, great textiles or even toothpaste. "Que buscas, amigo" (“What are you looking for, friend?”) is a question you’'ll hear often while there. The best view of the city is from the Lonada Tiscapa, located in the city's Natural History Park. Another landmark is the Nueva Cathedral with its unique and unconventional architecture.

Airport-hotel in Managua: approx. 14 km / approx. 20 minutes

1 night at Holiday Inn Express Managua*** with breakfast in Standard Room, Managua, Nicaragua

Enjoy your first breakfast in Nicaragua. As scheduled, today your rental car will be brought to your hotel by a representative of our partner agency. Afterwards, you can drive towards Selva Negra.

Selva Negra is a unique cloud forest with a rich flora and fauna. It is also one of the most beautiful areas for hiking in the country. There are 14 trails in total, six of them for horseback riders alone, inviting you to discover the raw authenticity of the area. At an altitude of 1,000 meters, pine trees pile up on mountain slopes, coffee plantations. Pleasant, year-round temperatures can also be expected here. But how did the area get its name? In fact, it is of German origin - just like the people who settled there in the end of the 19th century, answering the Nicaraguan government’s call for assistance in establishing coffee plantations. That’s how German immigrant Hans Bosche founded the Selva Negra coffee farm. If not for the language being spoken around you, the Arabica plantations and the occasional monkeys shimmying from tree to tree, one could actually be tricked into believing they’re in Germany for a few moments while here.

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You will have a wide array of activities to choose from here. The eco-trails are hiking trails that vary in difficulty and are rich in animal and plant diversity. On a coffee tour, you can visit the old mill and see how world-famous coffee gets made. Along the horse trails, you can ride your horse along winding paths and enjoy the indescribable views you will encounter.

Managua -Selva Negra trip duration: approx. 3 hours / approx. 150 km

2 nights in the Selva Negra Hotel*** with breakfast in a bungalow, Matagalpa, Nicaragua

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After breakfast, you will drive from Selva Negra to the colonial city of León, in the west of the country, which was the capital of Nicaragua until 1855. The center of the city of 180,000 inhabitants is the main square with the Parque Central and the baroque cathedral, built in 1747. The square is surrounded by beautiful colonial houses and charming cafes. The city is known for its colonial architecture, red roof tiles and ornate balconies with wood-carved shutters.

Leon is full of poetry, museums and history. It is the intellectual center of Nicaragua - poets and heroes come from here. The city was the revolutionary center in the 1970s and home to the famous poet Rubén Darío. You can still see traces of the more recent past at the Revolutionary Museum.

However, adrenaline junkies will also get their money's worth here. Volcano boarding is the "latest thing". Every day, young people ride down into the valley from the slopes of the Cerro Negro at over 50 km/h. The climb to the top of the volcano alone is paradisiacal. The spectacle is over in the blink of an eye, but every "climber" is rewarded with unforgettable views. The city has a lot of potential to become your favorite in Nicaragua - and maybe in the world. The friendly people, the good food and the warm temperatures are only a few more perks. It is also important to discover the surroundings of the city. For example, a trip to the San Jacinto volcanic field is a good idea. Here, the earth boils. The field steams and spits and the wet earth bubbles. Walk past the hot springs - an absolutely unforgettable event.

You can also visit the picturesque small town of Chichigalpa, known as the rum capital of Nicaragua. Here, at the foot of the San Cristobal volcano, you will learn the secret of "slow aging". Since 1890 they have been producing rum from cane sugar and you can't refuse a rum tasting during a guided tour through the Flor de Caña rum distillery.

Selva Negra-León: approx. 3 hours / approx. 155 km

1 night in Hotel El Convento**** with breakfast in Standard Room, Leon, Nicaragua

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, grab your rental car and drive to Granada (drive: approx. 2.5 hours, approx. 133 km). Next to León, it is the most beautiful city in the country and it is located in the immediate vicinity of the Mombacho volcano, directly on the west coast of Lake Nicaragua.

The colonial style has been preserved in the city until today. Museums, galleries, cathedrals and churches are lovingly restored and remind visitors of Granada's rich past and charm. The most important sight is probably the cathedral in the Plaza Major, which is also the most important colonial building in Central America, built in 1529.

In the nature reserve of the Mombacho, adrenaline junkies get their money's worth and can experience swinging high above the treetops on a canopy tour. Attached to wire ropes, you will go from one tree top to another.

Lake Nicaragua is probably the Granadinos' favorite. The 300-kilometer-long lake is an absolute must when it comes to the highlight around Granada. Numerous cafes and restaurants are located on its shores. Whether you want to go kayaking or cruising around by boat, there are numerous activities offered here. Speaking of Lake Nicaragua, we must not forget the 300 small islands of Las Isletas. They are the result of an eruption of the Mombacho volcano. You can visit them on a boat tour. During the trip there, you will pass small picturesque islets - by the way, almost all of them are privately owned. The islands are separated by watercourses, in which numerous freshwater fish species cavort. Also, the area offers a beautiful home and a tropical paradise for many bird species.

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Another must-go destination is the beautiful Isla Ometepe, which is also the largest freshwater island in the world. But this is not the only reason why the island is worth a trip. Two volcanoes have created a place full of biodiversity over time. These rise 1,300 meters high out of the lake. Both the Concepcion volcano and the Maderas volcano can be climbed. Howler monkeys, parrots, giant lizards also call the area home. Ometepe is also a paradise for those seeking tranquility, hiking and nature lovers. The vegetation here remains quite untouched. Agriculture and coffee farming are only carried out here under the strictest ecological guidelines. An essential experience for all who want to see a piece of natural paradise.

León-Granada: approx. 2.5 hours / approx. 140 km

3 nights in Real La Merced Hotel**** with breakfast in Standard Room, Granada, Nicaragua

After your final breakfast in this slice of paradise, you will drive back to the international airport in Managua. There you will drop off your car and take your flight back home.

Would you like to extend your stay in Nicaragua or in another country of Central America? How about an extension in Costa Rica? We will be happy to advise you in this regard by mail, phone, chat and even WhatsApp. Our itineraries are meant to serve you as inspiration, so if you have any change requests or special places you would still like to visit in the country - just let us know, we will take care of the custom arrangement of your vacation.

itravel - for that moment.

Holiday Inn Express****, Managua, Nicaragua (1 night)

Your first accommodation is located about 20 minutes from the Managua International Airport. The Galerias Santo Domingo shopping center is just a 15-minute walk away. Rooms are modern in design and feature a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a safe, an iron/ironing board, a telephone and a coffeemaker. Two restaurants are available for your dining pleasure. You'll also find an outdoor pool and gym at the Holiday Inn Express.

Selva Negra Hotel***, Matagalpa, Nicaragua (2 nights)

A luxurious eco-lodge, this family-run organic farmhouse sits on a coffee plantation surrounded by a cool, wildlife-rich landscape. The house is charmingly rustic with German design. About 80% of the ingredients are homegrown. Wi-Fi is available free in public areas. There is no internet or TV in the rooms, so you can enjoy the silence and beauty of the surroundings with all your senses.

El Convento Hotel***+, Leon, Nicaragua (1 night)

This time-honored hotel in a former monastery complex has a beautiful cloister. It is also home to a museum with regular exhibitions. The 31 rooms are tastefully decorated and offer lovely views of the interior garden. All have a TV, telephone, Internet access, air conditioning, and laundry service. A delicious breakfast is served in the morning.

Real La Merced Hotel****, Granada, Nicaragua (3 nights)

The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Granada. Lake Nicaragua is just a 5-minute drive away and you are about 50 km from the airport. All rooms are air-conditioned and have a bathroom, hairdryer, coffee maker, safe and a comfortable bed.

Duration of the trip: 8 days / 7 nights

Included

  • 7-night stay including breakfast in the aforementioned hotels
  • Private transfer from Managua airport to the hotel
  • Rental car (Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 or similar) with unlimited kilometers for 7 days
  • Hotel taxes

Not included

  • International flights
  • Entrance fees to national parks, optional tours, etc.
  • Meals and beverages not included in the tour package
  • Rental car: gasoline, daily insurance, GPS, deposit
  • Visa, if needed
  • Tourist card upon entry
  • Tips

Services & Notes

Price per person based on double room occupancy

Rental car:

  • For 4 individuals, you will be offered a Toyota Fortuner Automatic 4x4 or similar.
  • The terms and conditions of Alamo Rent a Car Nicaragua apply.
  • Insurance, additional driver (if desired) and deposit have to be paid on spot
  • Rental car billing is done according to a strict 24h cycle
  • A valid credit card (Amex, Visa or Mastercard) must be presented at the time of pick up.
  • The rental car must be returned with a full tank
  • The driver must be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver's license.

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