This 9-day itinerary is tailor-made for Ivey’s IGL students to provide a wonderful mix of all that Nicaragua has to offer! Insight and exposure into the history and culture of the region; exploration of volcanoes; a healthy dose of active adventure; and relaxation and fun on the beautiful Caribbean coast. It’s a remarkably diverse experience, with lots of leisure time to bond with your fellow classmates!

This morning you will explore the majestic city of Leon by bicycle, discovering churches, plazas, monuments, and more with our local guide. During your bicycle tour you will have the chance to learn about the rich cultural and political history of one of Nicaragua’s oldest and most influential cities. Defined by its graceful Spanish colonial architecture and fascinating political history, you will soon discover why Leon is at once considered to be Nicaragua’s historical, cultural, educational and religious capital. Finally, climb to the rooftop of Central America’s largest cathedral, recently added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites, and enjoy astonishing views over the city and the surrounding Maribios Volcanic Chain.

In the afternoon, head towards Chichigalpa city where  you will experience a Flor de Caña tour. Flor de Caña is Nicaragua’s super premium rum and the country’s #1 exported brand. With more than 125 years and 5 generations of family tradition, Flor de Caña has been recognized as the world’s best rum in prestigious international competitions. Flor de Caña is a naturally aged rum enriched by the unique properties of the San Cristobal volcano, the most active in Nicaragua. The fertility of its soil, the volcanic climate to which the barrels are exposed during the aging process and the enriched volcanic water contribute in creating a singularly smooth and deliciously balanced rum.

On the tour, you will learn about how the sugar cane reached the Americas, the origin of the industry, and the development of a rum culture all around the world. You will also learn about the rum production process and the maintenance needed for the oak barrels to age to an optimum point for up to 25 years. Walk through amazing warehouses where the finest product is stored. You will have the opportunity to taste Flor de Caña Rum and walk through a museum where you’ll witness the Pella’s family business, established in 1890. At the end of this tour, you will get the chance to buy souvenirs or pick up one of the many available varieties of Flor de Caña Rum right from the gift shop, allowing you to take the taste of Nicaragua back home.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to Leon City.

This morning your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Cerro Negro Volcano. Cerro Negro is the second youngest volcano in the American Continent, and the youngest in Nicaragua. It was formed in the middle of the plain of the department of Leon in April of 1850, and has since experienced 18 eruptions (it is still active today!).

Climbing Cerro Negro Volcano is an impressive experience – the peak is 726 meters in altitude and the slopes of the volcano are totally covered with black sand and rock, which provides a striking contrast to the lush green landscape that extends from its base. Standing on top of this volcano you will have an unforgettable view over the Maribios Volcanic Chain.

You will start your hike up the Volcano for about an hour until you reach the main crater. Here’s the best part – you get to slide back down! The loose volcanic material will give you the opportunity to descend in a ski or sled-like manner (depending on your preference).  You also have the option to walk back down (20-30 minutes) if you decide not to slide down.

Following the Cerro Negro excursion, you will be transferred back to Leon for time at leisure.

Today you will be transferred from Leon to Granada. The journey takes approximately 2 hours 45 mins.

The Colonial city of Granada was founded by Captain Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba in the year 1524; it was founded next to the Mombacho volcano and the great lake of Nicaragua. Named after the city of Granada in Spain, this city has plenty of colonial churches, narrow streets and large homes with beautiful indoor patios, tiled roofs and pretty colonial colors. Much of the old central part of town is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The rest of your day is at leisure so that you can explore the city on your own.

Immerse yourself in Nicaragua culture today, with a private Nicaraguan cooking class.

In the class you will learn about the importance of the ingredients, and how to prepare them according to the traditions of the Nicaraguan ancestors. You will learn how to prepare a few different dishes, all representative of traditional Nicaraguan cuisine. You will also get to prepare and enjoy natural fruit juice, taking advantage of Nicaragua’s fresh, seasonal fruits.

At the end of the class, enjoy a leisurely lunch, indulging in the dishes you just finished cooking yourself!

This morning, you will be transferred from Granada to Corn Island. The domestic flight takes approximately 1 hour. Upon arrival a regular taxi will take you to your hotel for check-in.

Located roughly 45 miles off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, the Corn Islands are comprised of two small atolls ringed by palm trees and white sandy beaches. Undeveloped, peaceful, incredibly laid-back and English-speaking, here the Caribbean casts its lilt on Nicaragua’s own culture. There is little in the way of hotels and infrastructure but intrepid travellers are rewarded by pristine beaches and some of the best diving and snorkelling in the Caribbean.

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Enjoy a day at leisure on Corn Island. There is so much to do and explore! Here are some ideas:

Hiking: It is possible to walk around the island in about 2 hours, following the paved road and trails. The southern point, ‘El Bluff’, involves some rock-climbing, therefore requiring solid hiking shoes. A tower near the soccer field at the South End provides some excellent views of the island. Hiking around at Big Corn Island or in any other part of Nicaragua requires water and sunscreen.

Motorbike, Golfcart, and Bike Rental: There are several ways to explore the island. Hiking is one, but in order to see more in less time, a bike, motorbike, or golfcart can come in handy. The paved road of the island is 12 kilometers long and there are several dirt roads that lead into the different neighbourhoods. Prices for motorbikes are around $17 for half a day; golfcarts go for around $24 for half a day. They can be rented at Hotel Arenas Beach and Hotel Sunrise. Bikes are about $10 per day, and they can be rented at Hotel Morgan.

Snorkelling: The crystal clear water of the Caribbean is full of life and ready for you to jump in and look around. Ask at your hotel about arranging a snorkelling trip. Your trip should include a professional guide and snorkelling gear. Knee boarding, tubing or fishing during this trip may also be available. Depending on where your snorkelling trip takes you, you may get to see a real pirate ship, the coral reef and many of the reef’s inhabitants like turtles, spotted eagle rays, snapper, barracuda and all the common reef fishes.

Diving: Diving on Corn Island is a really special experience. Guided by professional instructors you are able to see the turquoise waters, the coral reef, blowing rock and most of the Caribbean underwater species. We suggest you speak with your hotel to identify experienced suppliers in the area.

Day Trip to Little Corn Island: The Corn Islands are two sister islands consisting of Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island. Both are located approximately 50 miles east of the Caribbean (eastern) coast of Nicaragua. Only eight miles of ocean lie between Big Corn and Little Corn Island but the two feel a world apart! Go explore Little Corn Island for the day!

Getting to Little Corn Island from Big Corn Island: Ask the hotel for a taxi to the municipal dock to catch the panga to Little Corn Island. The cab ride to the panga takes less than 10 minutes. Once you arrive at municipal dock, on the right hand side as you pass through the harbor entrance gate is the “ticket office” for the Panga. Purchase tickets here US$6.00 per way + harbor tax. Tickets are sold on a “first come, first served” basis so be sure to purchase your ticket prior to boarding as soon as you can. They will collect your ticket and hand out life jackets when you are on the boat. Pangas go between the two islands twice per day and take approx. 30 minutes each way. Be sure to check the panga schedule! Alternatively, arrange a day trip to Little Island on a private basis through your hotel.

Live Music: Every now and then local musicians jam at Myers Bar near the dock or at the Nautilus restaurant. Listen to Calypsos and Mentos from the good old times.

Enjoy another day at leisure at your hotel and surrounding area!

Today you will fly back to Managua Airport, and be transferred to your Homestay in Managua to begin your IGL experience!