This 9-day itinerary is tailor-made for Western Alumni 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 and cloud forests; a healthy dose of active adventure; wonderful food; delightfully authentic and well-appointed accommodation, and private-guided throughout. It’s a remarkably diverse experience, spread across a relatively modest geographic footprint!

This morning we have an early start. At 06.00 am your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Cerro Negro Volcano. At 07.15 you will start your hike up the Volcano for about an hour until you reach the main crater.

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.

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 return to your hotel for a quick ‘clean up’ and prepare to go for lunch in a local restaurant in the colonial city. After lunch, we will explore the majestic city of Leon by bicycle.

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.

In this guided biking tour you will visit revolutionary murals, baroque and neoclassical churches and a surprisingly interesting museum of legends, arts and poetry. In addition, you will get to climb to the rooftop of Central America’s largest cathedral and enjoy the amazing views over the city and surrounding Maribios Volcanic Chain. During the tour we will also explore numerous colonial buildings, among them Nicaragua’s first university.

Today you will embark on a private-guided drive from Leon to Granada. The journey takes 2 hours approximately, and en route you will visit Masaya (Volcano National Park and artisan market).

Masaya’s Volcano National Park, the first national park in the country, was established in 1979. The park includes a beautiful volcanic lake known as the “Masaya lagoon”. Upon arrival, we will witness all the influence that volcanic activities have had in the shaping of the zone. The geography is rough yet peaceful. A diverse mix of vegetation has taken hold following the eruptions. The park is also inhabited by many different kinds of animals, including coyotes, raccoons, opossums, deer, iguanas, and monkeys.

Only ten minutes from the entrance we will be able to visit the environmental center, a museum where we can see a model of the park and also see paintings of Nicaraguan artists relating to the history of the volcano. You will enjoy the view from the summit of the volcano, where we will get out of our vehicle and walk the few steps to see the Santiago crater, active since 1946. Explore the surrounding area and see more volcanic formations.

Following an exploration of Masaya Crater, visit the local artisans market – arguably the best market in Nicaragua. You will see merchants selling goods along narrow passages, offering items such as handmade colorful ceramics, leather goods, wood carvings, hammocks and native paintings.

We then continue to Granada city.

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.

This morning, starting from Granada, we take a 4WD for the 45 minute drive to the slopes of Mombacho volcano where the “Cutirre” coffee farm is located.

We will start with a private-guided hike of the Mombacho Crater Trail.  Our vehicle will take us to the foot of the mountain where we will switch vehicles and start on our way up to the top. The adventure begins on a paved road and right from the start we will be surprised by the biodiversity of this nature reserve and enjoy the breathtaking views. When we reach the summit, we will learn why this ecosystem is a cloud forest, which is full of luscious vegetation grown over the centuries since the last volcanic activity.

We will then hike the trails of the volcano (for approximately 2 hours) to learn about the flora, the fauna, the ancient people who lived there and the Vulcanology of the area. If the day is clear enough, we will visit an impressive viewpoint to observe the plain pacific region of Nicaragua, the neighbouring city of Granada and the great lake of Nicaragua and its islands. Following your hike, you will descend halfway down the volcano, where you will be able to sample some fantastic Nicaraguan coffee and enjoy lunch.

Following lunch, you will continue your descent via a network of ziplines that are strung through the jungle canopy, above the coffee plantation below. It’s a spectacular and exhilarating way to head back down! Qualified staff will assist us to put on all the necessary equipment for our Canopy Zip Line adventure. After we gear up instructions and safety measures will be provided in detail. We will slide on cables, which connect platforms located at the very top of enormous trees. We will be assisted throughout by expert staff so we can enjoy this experience in comfort and safety. As we slide from platform to platform, we can admire the wonderful sights of diverse volcano-side flora and the coffee plantation below.

Note: Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for this hike. It can also get very windy and chilly up at the crater so we advise you take a sweater and a light waterproof jacket in case of rain.

This afternoon we continue our journey with a walking tour of Granada. We’ll show you the highlights, walk the colourful streets, and tour the market, churches and museums. Among the places to visit: “La Merced” church, the famous “Casa de Los Tres Mundos”, and the Pre Columbine museum “San Francisco”. This is an impressive collection of genuine pre-Columbian sculptures in human and animal shapes.

Today will start with a refreshing kayak through some of the 365 islets in the large Nicaragua Lake. It’s an exciting way to explore the area! From the lake, you will see and feel the energy of Mombacho Volcano, one of Nicaragua’s most famous volcanoes.

As you navigate through the calm waters for 2 hours with your bilingual guide, be sure to keep an eye out for the many species of birds and wildlife that inhabit the lake and its surroundings. You will also have the opportunity to pass by local fishing communities and observe their daily island life.

Enjoy a lunch in the centre of Granada city.

In the afternoon we will have a chocolate workshop. Everybody knows about Belgian, Swiss or French chocolate, but have you ever heard about Nicaraguan chocolate? Originally from Central America, this plant has an extraordinary history; it was one of the most important products for the Mayan and Aztec cultures, as well as other Central American cultures. The discovery of America led to the introduction of chocolate in Europe, transforming it into the product we all know today.

At Choco Museum we will follow the entire chocolate-making process, starting from fermented organic cacao beans. We will learn how to roast, winnow, grind, mix, conch, refine and mold. At the end of the 2 hours’ workshop you will leave with a sample of your very own handmade Nicaraguan chocolate.

This morning we will transfer from Granada to San Juan del Sur, on the Pacific Coast (approximately 2 hours).

Enjoy a welcome drink and the rest of your day at leisure! Lunch and dinner will be served at your hotel at the gourmet farm-to-table restaurant.

You will spend the next 3 nights at Tree Casa Resort. Tree Casa offers unparalleled activities to feed the mind, body, and soul. Miles of new trails call out to mountain bikers and hikers, and the stable of horses await sunset riders. Bring your yoga practice to new heights, and get a relaxing massage after a day of surfing. Inquire about the regularly scheduled farm-to-table cooking classes where you can pick what you’ll cook that day. And of course there’s the pool and water slide, which everyone must try at least once. Please note, some of these activities require an additional cost.

Today you have the option to participate in one of two activities:

Option A: Surf Camp at Playa Hermosa Beach

This morning you will be picked up and driven to beautiful Playa Hermosa. The beach is close to San Juan del Sur, but somewhat remote so you’ll likely have the 2-mile long beach to yourselves! This is the area where the TV Series Survivor was filmed!

You will have a 2-hour private surf lesson – first on land, then in the ocean! This beach is perfect for beginners, as there are gentle shore breaks (alongside some of the more advanced breaks in Nicaragua!). The Surf Camp is set up at the Playa Hermosa Beach Hotel, and as such there is a great little restaurant and bar right on the beach. Rashguards and boards are provided.

Surf as little or as much as you like. Head back to your hotel to enjoy lunch, and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Option B: Eco adventure tour with rappelling, walking trails & iguanarium at Parque de Aventuras Las Nubes

This morning we will head to Parque de Aventuras Las Nubes. Situated on top of a mountain at the highest point of San Juan del Sur, Parque de Aventuras Las Nubes offers the best views to the Nicaraguan Pacific Beaches, also known as the Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, and also incredible views to the Volcanoes and Islands of Lake Nicaragua. From the comfort of our 2 viewing decks, you can enjoy the spectacular sceneries and the best bird watching sites in the area. Spider Monkeys, White Faced Capuccin monkeys, Howler monkeys, Tucans and Hawks abound on the mountain tropical forest. Surrounded by a tropical forest, you can spend the day sitting on the hammock chairs and bamboo swings and listening to the sounds of the wildlife.

Take advantage of the activities that Parque de Aventuras Las Nubes offers. Experience a Rappel Tour from the top of a tree, a Walking Trail through the tropical forest, and an Iguanarium where you can learn all about the Big Green Iguanas of Nicaragua.

A light lunch is included on your Eco Adventure.

Enjoy dinner at your hotel.

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

Rest and relax, go for a massage, go into town, or try out one of the activities your hotel has to offer. TreeCasa offers unparalleled activities to feed the mind, body, and soul. Miles of new trails call out to mountain bikers and hikers, and the stable of horses await sunset riders. Bring your yoga practice to new heights in one of the tree lounges, inquire about the regularly scheduled farm-to-table cooking classes, or try out the water slide. You also have access to free shuttles into town.

All meals are provided at your hotel.

The group will be transferred from the hotel to Managua International Airport. Private transfers are available upon request.

Farewell!