9 days in Nicaragua Itinerary

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.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Fri): stop by Artesania de Leon, contemplate the geological forces at Cerro Negro Volcano, and then contemplate the geological forces at Telica Volcano. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 9th (Sat): take an in-depth tour of Museum of Legends and Traditions (Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas), examine the collection at Museo de Arte Fundacion Ortiz-Gurdian, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral de la Asunción.

For ratings, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, use the Leon visit site.

Louisville, USA to Leon is an approximately 12-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time to Central Standard Time is minus 1 hour. In January, Leon is warmer than Louisville - with highs of 93°F and lows of 71°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Sat) early enough 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.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Sun): contemplate the waterfront views at Laguna Charco Verde, then step off the mainland to explore Isla Ometepe, and then relax and rejuvenate at Temazcal Omeyocan. Keep things going the next day: contemplate the geological forces at Volcan Concepcion, examine the collection at Museo Ometepe, and then ponder the design of Ojo de Agua.

To see where to stay, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Isla de Ometepe visit planning website.

You can take a bus from Leon to Isla de Ometepe in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Mon) to allow time 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 12th (Tue): don't miss a visit to Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia, enjoy the sand and surf at San Juan del Sur Beach, and then enjoy the sand and surf at La Flor Beach Natural Reserve.

Plan trip to San Juan del Sur with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

Getting from Isla de Ometepe to San Juan del Sur by combination of ferry and bus takes about 3.5 hours. January in San Juan del Sur sees daily highs of 86°F and lows of 75°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Tue) early enough to 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 13th (Wed): indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, then head off the coast to Islets of Granada, then get impressive views of Mombacho, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at La Capilla Maria Auxiliadora. Here are some ideas for day two: admire the landmark architecture of Palacio Episcopal, then explore the activities along Apoyo, then don't miss a visit to Parque Colon de Granada, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de La Merced.

To see more things to do, reviews, photos, and tourist information, go to the Granada driving holiday planner.

You can 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. You'll have a few hours on the 15th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling home.