Our most recommended things to do in Nicaragua

Granada: Colonial Granada Horse Carriage & Walking Tour

1. Granada: Colonial Granada Horse Carriage & Walking Tour

Tour colonial Granada to discover the first city of the New World, founded by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba in 1524, and now one of the greatest attractions in Nicaragua. This excursion will introduce you to all the most important monuments, as well as give you a flavor of the local life. Following a pick-up from your hotel, start with a stroll around the main streets of the historic center, learning how the city survived pirates, fire, and filibusters. Constructed by the Spanish as a model city, Granada gave the settlers a chance to showcase their glorious architecture, much of it now restored to its former glory. Admire stunning architecture, such as the Convento San Francisco, the oldest church in Central America. Climb the steps of the Fortaleza La Polvora for panoramic views of the Mombacho Volcano. Then, enjoy a horse carriage ride to some of the most scenic spots outside the city center.

Guanacaste: Sensoria Rainforest Walking and Thermals Tour

2. Guanacaste: Sensoria Rainforest Walking and Thermals Tour

Enjoy an eco-luxury rainforest experience at Sensoria in the Costa Rican rainforest on Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Walk through the exotic jungle, see the fluorescent Aguilar Waterfall and swim in Pilon Thermal Pool, before ending your visit with a delicious lunch of local produce.  On arrival, your guide is waiting to take you on a trek through the beautiful tropical rainforest on the northern slope of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. The 6km trail is alive with a vibrant ecosystem and there is plenty of wildlife and plants to be seen along the way.  Feel the strength of the fresh wind channeled through the canyon at Buenos Aires Waterfall. See continuously running fresh water at Danta Pool and Waterfall, a natural magnet for wildlife which can often be seen drinking and bathing here. Walk to Aguilar Pool and Waterfall, rich in silicon which covers the river stones in a smooth white layer. The sun’s reflection produces a magical fluorescent blue color that is hard to resist.  Explore the magnificent Jicara Pool and Waterfall, named after a very special tree - Jicaro de Danto. This unique tree is endemic to the Guanacaste and Tilaran mountain ranges and its fruit which looks like giant pickles is loved by tapirs and bats. Take a dip in the warm, curative volcanic waters of Pilon Thermal Pool. These waters are widely known for their healing and nourishing properties for the skin and hair. If weather permits, your guide can take you to the canopy of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where on a clear day you can see the Lake of Nicaragua and the majestic Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Finish your rainforest experience with lunch. Select from a menu offering vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and omnivorous options. Enjoy delicious Costa Rican coffee afterward along with locally made sweets.

From León: Hike and Volcano Boarding on Cerro Negro

3. From León: Hike and Volcano Boarding on Cerro Negro

On this 5-hour tour from León you experience the adventure of volcano boarding. You take a 45-minute drive from León City to Cerro Negro. From the main entrance of the volcano you walk for approximately 2 hours to the top. It is rocky and there is no shade, but once you are at the top you have the best views over the Volcano Chain of León. You can walk around the crater and can see how active this volcano actually is. Cerro Negro is the youngest volcano of Central America but it is also one of the most active. Once at the top you can enjoy volcano boarding your way down the ash side. Feel the rush as you stand up snowboard style or sit down! Feel the heat and smell the sulfur gases as you reach speeds up to 70 kilometers per hour!

Managua/Granada: Private Masaya Volcano Night Tour

4. Managua/Granada: Private Masaya Volcano Night Tour

Witness the beauty of the Masaya Volcano lit up by the night sky on this tour designed especially for those who want to see the lava glowing at night but do not want to hike.  After getting picked up from your hotel in Managua or Granada, make your way up to the top of the volcano in your comfortable vehicle. Witness the spectacular sunset as the sun descends below the peak of the volcano then head to the edge of the crater and peer inside to witness the inner glow of the lava.  On the return journey, stop along the way at the Visitor Center to learn more about the history of the volcano and culture of the local people before getting dropped off back at your hotel.

Las Isletas: Kayak Tour

5. Las Isletas: Kayak Tour

Kayak across Central America's largest lake, Lake Nicaragua – the home to 365 small islets, inhabited by local people, monkeys, and a colorful array of bird life. Discover the different character of each islet, including a wealthy residential area and an 18th-century, colonial fortress, from which you'll enjoy superb views over the lake, Granada, and Mombacho Volcano. The kayak station is a mere 15 minutes from the city center, with complimentary transportation provided from your hotel. Single and double kayaks are both available, with life jackets included for a safe lake excursion into the areas even motorboats can't reach, passing jungles, savannas, and spectacular wildlife.

From Granada: Full-Day Trip to Ometepe Island

6. From Granada: Full-Day Trip to Ometepe Island

Visit Ometepe Island, a place admired by both local and international tourists, on a full-day trip from Granada. Spend a day familiarizing yourself with the island's nature, hospitality, beautiful landscapes, volcanoes, archeological background, relaxing beaches, and natural reserves and forests. After you are picked-up from your hotel, you'll be transferred to the ferry that takes you to the island. Learn about how the 2 volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas, created this island which is a UNESCO Biosphere Preserve. Upon arriving, spend your day exploring this sanctuary inhabited by a mix of different tribes and cultures, and observe the many petroglyphs, ceramics, and statues that can be found all around. Observe locals taking part in the island's industries of fishing and agriculture. Keep your eyes peeled to see if you can spot some of the varieties of monkeys living on the island. You may choose to check out the shops, eat a traditional meal, hike around the island, or simply relax on the beach.

Las Isletas: Boat Tour

7. Las Isletas: Boat Tour

The largest lake in Centro-america, Nicaragua Lake or well known like the only lake with fresh water sharks, is just 10 mins driving from the center of Granada. Once we are in the small port we take a motor boat (18 people capacity with life jackets) and we go around the  Little Islets where we will show all their secrets like great bird life, Spanish fortress with two floors where we have  great views over the lake, Granada city and Mombacho Volcano. Learn how the people  in the Islets make their living every day. The nature is beautiful with a lots of bird life and amazing  views of the volcanoes and Lake Nicaragua. These serene and rustic islands we will visit by boat, showing you all its secrets!   

Guanacaste: Sensoria Rainforest Thermal Pools Entry Ticket

8. Guanacaste: Sensoria Rainforest Thermal Pools Entry Ticket

Discover all the sensations that our luxury experience has to offer, surrounded by the impressive rainforests and their gigantic trees near the Rincón de la Vieja volcano. Rediscover the meaning of relaxation while living the luxury experience in our thermal pools that arouse the emotions of all the senses, imagine yourself enjoying the treasures of the forest, while learning about the wonders that the foliage of the forest hides and its thousands of secrets together with our certified guides that will guarantee an experience of knowledge, adventure and contact with nature. An exclusive experience that begins with an impressive view of the rainforest from our platform, here you will be able to see the immensity of Sensoria from its highest point, with views of Lake Nicaragua and our most famous neighbor, the Rincón de la Vieja volcano. Continue taking advantage of the experience with a walk through our trails to explore the incomparable waterfalls of celestial water that cross the 100 hectares of this natural paradise, we are talking about the majestic falls, Buenos Aires and Aguilar. Exercise body and mind immersed in the tranquility of the forest and its world of sounds, while walking the 4 miles of trails that take you to enjoy the different pools that Sensoria offers to all its visitors. Your entry ticket not only includes access to five of our thermal pools, but also the unbeatable opportunity to enjoy the romantic privacy of our luxury pool: the Sanum Per Aqua Pool. Lounge with an on demand butler, surrounded by pristine rainforest; as you delight yourself in a thermal pool and massage your body with a water stream. Enjoy our cheese platters and our selection of wine; as you unwind in the rainforest. Before the end of your trip, enjoy lunch in our main house and please yourself with our special service.

Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve

9. Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve

Depart Granada for the towering Mombacho Volcano, a 45-minute drive from the city center. Travel by 4WD vehicle to the foot of the active volcano, which has luckily not erupted since 1570! Start your ascent to the summit, and continue to 2 dormant craters covered in dense cloud forest of moist evergreen leaves and ethereal sheets of fog. A 2-hour hike awaits at the top, with fantastic views of Granada, Lake Nicaragua, Las Isletas, and the Laguna de Apoyo. Walking along well established trails to an altitude of 3,735 feet (1,115 meters), keep your eyes open for unique flora and fauna, such as red-eyed frogs. Mombacho is home to more than 700 different plant species, including exquisite orchids and dwarf forest, some endemic to the area.

Telica at Twilight: 8-Hour Volcano Excursion from León

10. Telica at Twilight: 8-Hour Volcano Excursion from León

Visit the Telica Volcano, one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes, on an 8-hour trip from León. Depart at 14:00, walking for 3-4 hours until you reach the foot of the volcano. Then begin a 1-2 climb up to the crater. The climb will be steep but not entirely difficult. Along the way you'll see plenty of native vegetation and have the opportunity to take in the views. Before reaching the crater, cross a beautiful valley with grass, trees, and stones. At the top, watch and the sunset, a truly magnificent site. Then, once it is dark, hike the final short distance up to the crater to see the lava glowing in the twilight. It's a pretty spectacular sight.

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What people are saying about Nicaragua

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 66 reviews

Gustavo was outstanding. we had an eight-year-old and a 10 year old so at times your patience was stretched but he never was. pick up and drop off were on time. Gustavo was personable friendly and funny. the canopy tour guys were amazing especially with that age children. we will do it again

This experience was so much fun and our guide was the absolute best! Super knowledgeable and friendly and helpful. It’s a unique and fun experience.

Highly recommend this tour! Our guide Paulo was incredible and super knowledgeable. Fantastic experience which is a must while in Granada!

super recomendado! nuestro guía Russ super atento y nos dio mucha información e historia del cerro y de Nicaragua!

The guide Gustavo was very nice, we feel he is passionate and he makes the visit very pleasant. The view is superb