EL CAMINO SMALL GROUP TRIP
Relaxing Nicaragua Itinerary
Nicaragua serves up a healthy dose of Andalusian and Colonial-style architecture draped in the type of greenery that only a rich, tropical, volcanic hillside can deliver.
Day 1
Morning: Arrive by plane to Nicaragua’s capital, Managua, and be whisked away to stunning Granada (a.k.a. La Gran Sultana—an homage to its Andalusian design and architecture). The colonial buildings found here have stood for centuries. Granada was the first city to be recorded by Spain and as its well-deserved nickname—La Gran Sultana—suggests; it’s like Seville, but, you know...TROPICAL.
Afternoon: Settle into your stylish accommodations that were designed by the internationally recognized and award-winning hoteliers of Tribal Hotel. We’ve booked our group at this hotel and a newly designed private home and can’t wait to share this stunning oasis with you. If the scenery entering the city doesn’t make you want to drop everything and pursue a career in architecture, the stunning boutique homes that we’ll call home for the next 5 days will. Take a break from your busy lifestyle back home and try this on for size: take a dip in the pool, get to know your fellow travelers, and gaze upon the interesting design of the hotel.
Evening: For our welcome dinner, we'll visit a restaurant located in a rustic and charming colonial house in the heart of Granada’s center. Get ready to indulge in a variety of dishes that showcase the best of Nicaraguan local ingredients. Let's raise a glass and toast to the start of our adventure!
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Morning: Grab some breakfast before we head out for a walking tour of Granada in the morning light. There’s much to discover on our tour of this historic city, such as a visit to a local cigar shop where you’ll get to test out your cigar rolling skills, and the climb to the top of the Mercedes Church bell tower for some postcard-worthy views. After all this exploring you’ll certainly be hungry, so we’ll pop into the local market to check out the best hidden gems (with samples, of course) to complete your Granada discovery. Grab your comfiest walking shoes and get ready to fall in love.
Afternoon: After the walking tour, your local host invites us into his home for a home-cooked meal. We'll head to a small, lake-side community where your host's family will be preparing a traditional Nicaraguan lunch. We'll also go on a mini-tour of their neighborhood to learn more about why your local host loves his community.
Evening: Enjoy your first free evening however your heart desires. Tap your city guide—lovingly prepared by yours truly—for our favorite places to dine, dance, sip and relax.
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 3
Morning: Take a dip in Laguna de Apoyo, an azure, volcanically heated lagoon. The water will be warm and surrounded by… well, practically nothing, except for the rolling green hills and open blue sky. Grab a kayak or inner tube, drift around the tepid waters or sunbathe on the shores. Head back to the resort for a cold beer or fruit smoothie, or simply enjoy the unbeatable views from the comfort of your tube.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at the laguna at your leisure before we depart this idyllic locale. Laguna de Apoyo is said to have healing properties, so you’ll feel super relaxed and completely blissed out when it’s time to head out. We'll head to the nearby Masaya Volcano National Park for a glimpse of the Santiago crater, one of the more easily-accessible active volcanoes in the region where you can view the bubbling lava from a safe distance.
Evening: Enjoy a peaceful evening or turn the volume up a little for a night out on the town. Tap your Eat, Play, Shop for some local hot spots.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4
Morning and Afternoon: Discover why the Nicaraguan Pacific coastline is called the Emerald Coast as we travel to San Juan del Sur via catamaran. We’ll sail north to secluded beaches and peaceful coves perfect for swimming, and enjoy some cocktails on the boat. Admire the cliffs and observe the dolphins, sea turtles, birds, and even the occasional howler monkey searching for crabs along the shore. Catch a fish off the boat and indulge in an endless supply of ceviche. Could this be heaven?
Evening: Return to your home away from home in the evening feeling salty, sun-kissed, and grateful after a beautiful day on the water. Freshen up for a free evening out on the town, or melt into the pool if you’re not quite ready for life on dry land.
Meals Included: Breakfast, drinks & lots of snacks on the boat
Day 5
Morning: We have a late start this morning, so enjoy some free time to explore beautiful Granada as you please. Our Eat, Play, Shop guide that you’ll receive prior to departure is packed full of some of our favorite spots around town. We highly recommend checking out a local cafe that serves fresh and nutritious dishes from a stunning indoor/outdoor space. The cafe generates 30 full-time, year-long jobs which positively impacts over 100 family members and they also also have an on-site shop featuring goods from local creators. Late morning, we’ll head out to visit an exciting art studio run by a collective of young female artists. Meet the women and hear the stories behind their work which involves engraving and screen printing.
Afternoon: While marveling at Granada’s vibrant spectrum of colors and style over the last couple of days, you’ll likely have noticed that Granada sits on Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America. Today, we head to a private island in the middle of the lake to enjoy an afternoon of sun and fun at an eco-friendly lodge. We’ll have the opportunity to make our own adventure on this secluded island while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Volcano Mombacho. Simply relax as you let the beauty of this place overcome you. It’s not every day that we have the opportunity to embrace a private island completely to ourselves. Let’s make the most of it.
Evening: On our final night together we'll dine at the quirky private home and art gallery of one of our close friends who also happens to be one of the best chefs in the country. As you raise a glass to new friends and new experiences, it’ll be hard to believe that you all just met only a few days before.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6
Morning Enjoy your coffee while dangling your feet in the pool at our accommodations, ignoring your packed bag which is waiting for you in the lobby as your taxi arrives to take you to the airport. Soak up these final moments. You’ll be full of thanks and overwhelmed with gratitude for these wonderful 5 days we enjoyed together. Take a moment to align yourself with what waits for you at home.
Meals Included: Breakfast