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 12th (Wed), pause for some serene contemplation at Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and then make a trip to Puerto Salvador Allende.

For maps, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Managua holiday planner.

Bridgetown, Barbados to Managua is an approximately 14-hour flight. You'll gain 2 hours traveling from Bridgetown to Managua due to the time zone difference. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Wed) so you can go by car 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Telica Volcano and Museum of Legends and Traditions (Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas). Your inner history buff will appreciate Catedral de la Asunción and Church The Recollection. There's much more to do: contemplate the geological forces at Cerro Negro Volcano, examine the collection at Museo de la Revolucion, enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Las Penitas, and push the limits with an extreme tour.

For more things to do, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Leon travel planner.

Drive from Managua to Leon in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 41°C in April, and nighttime lows around 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Sun) to allow time to take a bus 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.

Get outdoors at Volcan Concepcion and Laguna Charco Verde. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at El Ceibo Museums and Los Ramos. Next up on the itinerary: get impressive views of Volcan Maderas, ponder the design of Ojo de Agua, and step off the mainland to explore Isla Ometepe.

To find ratings, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Isla de Ometepe online vacation planner.

Getting from Leon to Isla de Ometepe by bus takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Tue) early enough to travel 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.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Wed): kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks and then enjoy the sand and surf at San Juan del Sur Beach. Keep things going the next day: gain interesting insight with Macua Tours & Travel and then don't miss a visit to Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia.

To find ratings, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, use the San Juan del Sur road trip tool.

You can do a combination of ferry and bus from Isla de Ometepe to San Juan del Sur in 3.5 hours. In April, daytime highs in San Juan del Sur are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Fri) so you can drive 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.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Fri): get impressive views of Mombacho, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de La Merced, and then examine the collection at ChocoMuseo Granada. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the waterfront views at Apoyo, then head off the coast to Islets of Granada, then look for gifts at Soy Nica, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral de Granada.

To find other places to visit, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read Granada route planning app.

Drive from San Juan del Sur to Granada in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and shuttle; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.