12 days in Nicaragua Itinerary

Nicaragua's largest and capital city, Managua remains relatively unknown as a tourist destination, though it boasts a scenic location on the southwestern shore of the Xolotlan Lake.

On the 6th (Tue), ponder the world of politics at Museum National Palace of the Culture, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Santiago of Managua Cathedral, then make a trip to Puerto Salvador Allende, then make a trip to Loma de Tiscapa, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

To see reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Managua travel planner.

San Salvador, El Salvador to Managua is an approximately 13-hour car. You can also do a combination of car and flight. Traveling from San Salvador in December, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 26°C in Managua. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Wed) early enough to drive to Leon.

A cultured and storied city, Leon attracts guests from all over the world, drawn to the second city's style, thriving intellectual life, and liveliness.

Leon is known for nature, museums, religious sites, beaches, and historic sites. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: get impressive views of Volcan cerro negro, examine the collection at Museo de Arte Fundacion Ortiz-Gurdian, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral de la Asunción, and kick back and relax at Playa Las Penitas.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Leon travel itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Managua to Leon takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 38°C, and evening lows to 26°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) so you can catch the shuttle to Isla de Ometepe.

Isla de Ometepe may be small in size, but it boasts two large volcanoes that dominate its landscape and influence the local lifestyle.

Isla de Ometepe is known for nature, sightseeing, museums, beaches, and adventure. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: ponder the design of Ojo de Agua, head off the coast to Isla Ometepe, examine the collection at Museo Ometepe, and contemplate the geological forces at Maderas Volcano.

To find maps, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Isla de Ometepe travel itinerary creator.

You can take a shuttle from Leon to Isla de Ometepe in 3.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Traveling from Leon in December, expect nights in Isla de Ometepe to be about the same, around 28°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 34°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Tue) so you can catcht the bus to San Juan del Sur.

Set in a crescent-shaped bay, San Juan del Sur has become known as a popular surfing spot and coastal holiday destination for Nicaraguan families and international visitors alike.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Tue): take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback, then push the limits with an extreme tour, then kick back and relax at San Juan del Sur Beach, and finally don't miss a visit to Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia. Here are some ideas for day two: kick back and relax at La Flor Beach Natural Reserve, then soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and then make a trip to Plaza del arte, san juan del sur.

To find other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the San Juan del Sur trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by bus from Isla de Ometepe to San Juan del Sur takes 1.5 hours. In December in San Juan del Sur, expect temperatures between 34°C during the day and 28°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) so you can take a shuttle to Granada.

The lakeside city of Granada has the look and feel of a historically important economic and political center, with grand colonial architecture, a unified look, and many cultural attractions.

Take a break from Granada with a short trip to Laguna de Apoyo in La Laguna de Apoyo, about 32 minutes away. There's lots more to do: get impressive views of Mombacho Volcano National Preserve, pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral de Granada, examine the collection at ChocoMuseo, and admire the striking features of Guadalupe Church.

For ratings, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Granada trip planner.

Traveling by shuttle from San Juan del Sur to Granada takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In December in Granada, expect temperatures between 38°C during the day and 26°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) early enough to go by car back home.