You drive from San Juan del Sur via Rivas to San Jorge, where you take the ferry to the island of Ometepe in the giant Lake Nicaragua (cost of ferry not included). On this island with its two volcanoes you have the opportunity to go on a snorkel tour (optional), visit the legendary Charco Verde (optional), a green lagoon where you can get to know the local flora and fauna on a walk. Other highlights of the island are the pre-Columbian stone figures and petroglyphs of Alta Gracia (optional). At Playa Santa Domingo you can have a lunch break and a swim in the fresh water of Lake Nicaragua. After an exciting day on the island of Ometepe, return to the mainland by ferry and then to San Juan del Sur. In the nesting season of the sea turtles and in good weather you can book a turtle tour in the evening (optional).
Distance today: 130 km incl. ferry

Overnight stay: Hotel La Estación **, Standard Room (or similar) – Meals included today: none

Today you drive to the Pueblos Blancos on the Panamericana with a detour to the viewpoint of Catarina, which offers a magnificent view of the Apoyo Lagoon. From there, continue to the Pottery Village of San Juan de Oriente, and then continue along Lake Managua and the volcano chain to the colonial university town of León. On the way, you can watch the green landscape turn slowly into a dry steppe landscape as you drive through the Corredor Seco area.
Distance today: 230 km

Overnight stay: La Posada del Doctor ***, Standard Room (or similar) – Meals included today: breakfast

The colonial town of León, the oldest university town in the country, is the cradle of the revolution and famous for its numerous poets and writers such as Rubén Darío. On an English-guided tour you will visit the imposing cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from whose roof you will have a spectacular view over the city with its many churches. The stroll through the city leads to other sights and attractions of this time-honored colonial city. Afterwards drive to Chichigalpa, past the largest active volcano of the country, San Cristobal. There you will visit the factory of the legendary Rum Flor de Caña, where you can get an insight into the rum production process and also taste it.
Distance today: 60 km

Overnight stay: La Posada del Doctor ***, Standard Room (or similar) – Meals included today: breakfast

After leaving León, you can get to know the ruins of original León, destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1610 (optional). León Viejo (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was one of the earliest Spanish settlements in America. Drive past Managua or take a trip to the city center to get to know the capital of Nicaragua. Then we recommend a visit to the active volcano Masaya, where one can see the light reflexes of the lava in the crater. You continue to Masaya’s craft market, which offers a good overview of the work of the Nicaraguan artists and where high-quality, handmade souvenirs can be found. Then continue to Granada, probably THE highlight of Nicaragua!
Distance today: 160 km (incl. visit of León Viejo)

Overnight stay: Hotel El Almirante ***, Standard Room (or similar) – Meals included today: breakfast

In the morning you will take an English-guided visit to the city in Granada’s typical horse carriages. On the way, you will get to know the most important sights of the city, including the old Franciscan monastery, the Clock Tower of the Church of La Merced and the House of the Three Cultures.
Then you will take a boat trip through the Las Isletas, a collection of small islands of lava in Lake Nicaragua, which brings you closer to the fauna and flora of this important habitat. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Distance today: 10 km

Overnight stay: Hotel El Almirante ***, Standard Room (or similar) – Meals included today: breakfast

Granada is located at the foot of the non-active volcano Mombacho, which we will visit today. From the park entrance, trucks adapted for tourist transportation take us the steep path up to the crater. From there we have a spectacular view of Granada and Lake Nicaragua. In the cloud forest reserve around the crater we take an instructive hike, learning about animals and plants of this special habitat. On the way back we make a stop at Hacienda Las Flores, where we can learn and appreciate the cultivation and processing of coffee. Later on you return to Granada.
Distance today: 30 km

Overnight stay: Hotel El Almirante ***, Standard Room (or similar) – Meals included today: breakfast

Morning at leisure in Granada to discover this colorful city on you own or you can book a half-day tour (optional).  In the afternoon drive to Managua or Peñas Blancas (border with Costa Rica), where you will leave your car (in Peñas Blancas with extra charge). End of your Highlights of Nicaragua self-drive tour.

Meals included today: breakfast