This tour is for those wanting a fast but full 3-day experience
of Nicaragua. Please read the tours Liberia
to Leon and Grand Granada for
further information on the areas related to this tour.
After crossing the Costa Rica/Nicaragua
border we'll drive (approximately 2 hrs) directly to Granada,
the crown jewel of the country. Upon checking into your hotel
and a short time to relax, you'll receive a tour of this colorful
city. It is abundant with colonial architecture in the form of
wealthy mansions and classic churches. The main plaza is very
impressive surrounded by Baroque and Renaissance style buildings.
Granada is located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua,
the 10th largest fresh water lake. We'll also drive to nearby
Puerto Asese with a beautiful lagoon and a view of the volcano
Momobacho.
The next day we'll tour the small artisan villages of San
Juan del Oriente, Masatepe and Catarina. The latter has a vista
overlooking a large lagoon with Granada in the distant background.
You'll have lunch at a traditional restaurant while enjoying
the magnificent view. Masaya is the market center for the best
arts and crafts of the country.
After a city tour and visit to the "malecon" or lakefront
walk we'll go the open-air Craft Market. It has a large selection
of 200 shops to chose from. After shopping you'll dine and stay
the night in Masaya.
Your last full day starts with a trip
up to the active volcano in Masaya National Park. There is also
an accessible trail and guided nature tour as an option. Before
leaving the area we'll see Coyotepe, a fortress built on a hill
with a breath taking panoramic view. Afterwards we head back
towards Costa Rica with an overnight stay either in historic
Rivas or the seaside resort of San Juan del Sur.
After crossing the Costa Rica/Nicaragua
border we'll drive (approximately 2 hrs) directly to Granada,
the crown jewel of the country. Upon checking into your hotel
and a short time to relax, you'll receive a tour of this colorful
city. It is abundant with colonial architecture in the form of
wealthy mansions and classic churches. The main plaza is very
impressive surrounded by Baroque and Renaissance style buildings.
Granada is located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua,
the 10th largest fresh water lake. We'll also drive to nearby
Puerto Asese with a beautiful lagoon and a view of the volcano
Momobacho.
The next day we'll tour the small artisan villages of San
Juan del Oriente, Masatepe and Catarina. The latter has a vista
overlooking a large lagoon with Granada in the distant background.
You'll have lunch at a traditional restaurant while enjoying
the magnificent view. Masaya is the market center for the best
arts and crafts of the country.
After a city tour and visit to the "malecon" or lakefront
walk we'll go the open-air Craft Market. It has a large selection
of 200 shops to chose from. After shopping you'll dine and stay
the night in Masaya.
Your last full day starts with a trip
up to the active volcano in Masaya National Park. There is also
an accessible trail and guided nature tour as an option. Before
leaving the area we'll see Coyotepe, a fortress built on a hill
with a breath taking panoramic view. Afterwards we head back
towards Costa Rica with an overnight stay either in historic
Rivas or the seaside resort of San Juan del Sur.