Overview & Highlights
A self-drive holiday offering freedom and flexibility in an unspoilt, ultra-friendly country. Visit mountainside coffee plantations, restored colonial cities and even a super cool surf-beach resort.
Nicaragua is one of Latin America’s remaining true adventure destinations. Although its civil war ended in 1990, this friendly country still feels relatively off the beaten track, especially when compared with its near neighbours. And this is exactly where Nicaragua’s appeal lies: gorgeous rural scenery, crossed by sometimes empty roads where you are more likely to come across cattle being herded by cowboys or rickety overloaded buses than queues of cars. You’re never far from a hammock or rocking chair and age-old traditions survive.
As roads and infrastructure improve, more adventurous self-drivers have begun to discover Nicaragua. Whether driving west or east over the continental divide you are never far from a spectacular volcanic view. The landscape is peppered with colonial cities, tropical forest reserves and defined by a rugged stretch of golden Pacific coastline. In your pre-booked hire car you can drive at your own leisurely pace, with the freedom to stop off at interesting little market towns or a panoramic viewpoint and still be at your next pre-booked hotel in plenty of time for a sun-downer on the terrace.
Our 2-week self-drive holiday connects cloud forests of northern Nicaragua with Granada and Leon – twin cities with very different histories, before crossing Lake Nicaragua by ferry to Isla de Ometepe. Finally there’s time to unwind on the Pacific shores of San Juan del Sur. Our route covers some of the most enjoyable attractions of this land of soothing scenery, tropical warmth, and low-key towns where a genuine welcome is extended by local people to visitors passing through.
- Discover the colonial cities of Granada and Leon
- Explore the timeless countryside of rural Nicaragua
- Take the ferry to Isla de Ometepe on Lake Nicaragua
- Relax at San Juan del Sur on the beautiful Pacific coast
THE UK’S NO. 1 SPECIALIST IN TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA
Mary Anne Nelson
Travel Expert
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Managua, transfer to hotel in a smart residential district.
Day 2
Pick up your car; drive to Selva Negra cloudforest, Matagalpa
Day 3
At leisure in the Selva Negra Cloud Forest Reserve.
Day 4
Drive to León.
Day 5
Explore León with a local guide
Day 6
Drive from León to Granada.
Day 7
Explore Granada with a local guide
Day 8
At leisure in Granada. Evening visit to Masaya Volcano (conditions permitting).
Day 9
Drive from Granada to San Jorge and take the ferry to Ometepe Island.
Day 10 & 11
At leisure on Ometepe.
Days 12
Ferry back to the mainland and drive to San Juan del Sur.
Day 13
At leisure on the Pacific coast.
14
Drive back to Managua airport, drop off car, take international flight.
Things to do
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Accommodation
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Inspired by this trip
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Papagaio
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Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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