Colonial Cities & Caribbean Bliss

  • Trip Type
  • Romantic
  • Length
  • 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • When to Go
  • November - August
Central America’s best-kept secret

Looming volcanoes, gorgeous colonial towns, charming locals and top-notch hospitality all play part in this delightful adventure through Nicaragua. Journey through enchanting historic towns and dig deep into the culture of this country of lakes and volcanoes, before heading to the Corn Islands for a taste of idyllic beaches, aquamarine surf, and the laid-back, easy vibe that the islands are known for. If you’re looking to sample the sublime, this is your jam.

Trip Highlights

  • Rich history in the colonial cities of Léon and Granada
  • Masaya Volcano & Laguna de Apoyo
  • Cruise Lake Nicaragua & explore the Granada Isletas
  • Rum tour & tasting at global award-winning Flor de Caña distillery
  • Miskito sailboat adventure & snorkeling

similar trips per person from:

$2,100.00 low season (May - Oct)
$2,260.00 high season (Nov - Apr)
prices vary based on departure season.

At a Glance

Click each day for more details

  • Upon your arrival in Managua, you’ll be picked up from the airport and carried off to the stately El Convento hotel in the colonial city of León. The first night is yours to enjoy and acquaint yourself with the city on your own or lounge in your spacious, comfortable room and catch some shut eye to prep for a day out on the town tomorrow.

  • Start your trip off with a guided walking tour of vibrant León, Nicaragua’s cultural hub. A little further off the tourist trail than Granada, your stay in León will give you unique perspective into the culture, daily life, and fascinating history of the country. The best way to see the city is on foot, exploring León ‘s rich history as you wind down narrow colonial streets, past colorful houses and charming architecture, and pay visit to impressive cathedrals, art galleries, and museums. The view from the roof of the Cathedral is a must-see – red terracotta rooftops spreading out in every direction, and the majestic shadows of volcanoes on the horizon.

  • Head north to discover the history and production process of the best rum in the world at the Flor de Caña factory. Flor de Caña is a source of deep national pride, having been widely recognized as the world’s best rum in several prestigious international competitions. Learn about the distilling process from start to finish, tasting and savoring the rum in six different stages as it progresses from raw material to the final, finished product.

  • After breakfast, set off for Granada, a two-hour ride south through dramatic countryside lined with dry tropical forest and dotted with towering volcanoes. When you arrive to Granada, settle into your stylish digs at Hotel Plaza Colón and then get out and explore! There is lots to take in in Granada – cobblestone streets, a thriving culinary scene, and a lively town center, lined with whimsical market stalls and colorful cafes.

  • Today, discover Masaya Volcano National Park, home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Soak up the incredible sights of the lava lake inside Masaya’s crater, and learn about the volcano’s geology, history and recent volcanic activity. Then, browse the stalls of Masaya’s famed artisan market for unique souvenirs and handicrafts to take home, before embarking on a ride to charming and serene Catarina, known for its roadside flower stands and a stunning scenic vista over Apoyo Lagoon.

  • Take a boat ride through the Granada Isletas for a taste of the distinctive flora and fauna that exists in this unique ecosystem or 365 small islets in Lake Nicaragua. Cruise through the largest freshwater lake in the Americas, enjoy the sights and the sounds of the rainforest, and revel in spectacular views of the ever-present Mombacho Volcano looming on the shore.

  • Get an early start today with a ride to Managua, where you'll catch a quick puddle-jumper flight to take you to one of Nicaragua's best kept secrets, the Corn Islands. Spend your day exploring Little Corn, taking a dip in the clear turquoise water, enjoy beautiful ocean views and tropical breezes from your private terrace, or take off on a jungle trail to find your own little private stretch of sand to enjoy.

  • This morning, set out to enjoy some of the very best of what the Corn Islands have to offer - crystalline Caribbean waters, gorgeous island views, and a diverse array of undersea life - as you glide along the coastline in a 40-foot handcrafted sailboat, captained by indigenous Miskito sailors. Enjoy the best snorkeling on the island, then relax on deck with a juicy wedge of watermelon and a cold drink as you sail back to Yemaya.

  • On your final full day on Little Corn, embrace the laid-back island vibe and get your chill on with a 90-minute massage to release stress and melt tension away, leaving you feeling revitalized and limber. After your last island sunset, go down to the beach for a private, beachfront candlelit dinner for two to wrap up a truly memorable trip.

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Accommodations

Hotel El Convento, León

Built on the site of the former San Francisco Convent, this colonial manor was designed to mirror the architectural features of the original building, damaged by an earthquake in 1898. Centrally located just a short walk from León’s Central Park and famed cathedral, El Convento boasts spacious suites surrounding a carefully tended garden courtyard, and contemporary amenities that create an intimate, exclusive ambiance that will leave guests yearning to return. View hotel website.

Hotel Plaza Colón, Granada

Situated in an ideal location across from Granada’s Central Park and its famed cathedral, this 19th century colonial home was converted into a deluxe hotel, retaining the façade of the original home, with beautiful inner courtyards, rich hardwood and stone construction, vaulted ceilings, and a blissful outdoor pool located in the central courtyard. View hotel website.

Yemaya, Little Corn Island

With views over the crystalline Caribbean and white sand beaches from every corner of the room, Yemaya’s deliciously deluxe guest suites are designed to maximize the stunning landscape beyond. Be it from the bed or your private veranda, every space is a viewpoint. Sliding doors can be opened, blurring the lines between building and nature, or closed for privacy (or to escape into the air conditioning). All suites come equipped with king beds, ensuite bathrooms with rain showers, and beach towels to take with you when you set out to explore. View hotel website.

What's Included?

Your trip includes everything you want & need, plus a few surprises along the way. Unique, unforgettable destinations; tours with local experts; authentic local cuisine; lessons, demonstrations & new cultural insights; more adventure than you can handle; blissful relaxation; romantic touches; and a feeling of total freedom. ROAM takes care of everything so that you can enjoy a hassle-free journey without worrying about a thing.

  • Airport pickup
  • All hotel accommodation
  • 9 breakfasts, 2 dinners
  • Detailed maps and trip preparation guide
  • All special events and tours
  • All vehicle and regional air transportation from rendezvous to drop-off
  • All baggage transportation
  • All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service

Know Before You Go

  • Itinerary prices are dependent on season of departure. Christmas, New Years and Easter (Semana Santa) are peak season, and prices during these periods are significantlky higher than other times of year. High season runs from November through April, and green season from May through September.

  • Arrival: hotel check-in times are at 3:00pm, but you may arrive at any time during the day. If you arrive prior to the scheduled check-in time, we will arrange for early check-in wherever possible.

  • Departure: hotel check-out times are at 9:00am. International flights on your departure day should be arranged to depart after 1:30pm.

  • All prices in USD.

  • For vaccination recommendations, please visit the CDC website.

  • For American, Canadian, and British citizens, a valid passport with 6+ months remaining is required for entry to Nicaragua.

  • Debit cards may not work in Central America, but most establishments accept major credit cards.

  • Please ensure you have immediate access to a minimum of USD $250 as an emergency fund to be used if circumstances outside our control (e.g. a natural disaster) require changes to your planned route.

  • All visitors are required to purchase a tourist card for USD $10, payable in US currently only.

  • All departure taxes are included in the cost of airfare.

  • It is customary to tip service providers (waiters) around 10% depending on service. Tipping taxi drivers is not required.

  • Gratuities for guides and drivers are deeply appreciated, and provide an important supplement to their income. If you are pleased with the tour services you've received, a guideline for tipping in Central America is USD $8-10 per person per day for multiple-day tours, or USD $5-10 per person for day tours.

Terms & Conditions: By reserving your space with registration and payment, you are agreeing to the policies, terms and conditions in our Terms & Conditions Agreement.

Privacy Policy: Before communicating with ROAM – and particularly before you provide personally identifiable information to us – you should check out our Privacy Policy. Your use of this site, and any communication with us constitutes your agreement to the terms of this policy. Questions? Contact us here.

Getting There

From North America: several airlines offer direct and connecting flights to Nicaragua’s international airport: Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua (airport code: MAN). Including connection time, flights from the USA typically range from 2.5-9 hours in duration, while most flights from Canada range from 9-15 hours in duration.

From the UK: there are currently no direct flights to Managua from the UK, but there are several flight options connecting in the United States and/or Canada. Including connection time, flights from the UK typically range from 12-18 hours in duration.

When you arrive in MAN, there will be an airport transfer waiting to take you to your first destination. If you have questions about flights, or require assistance booking, please contact us here. We're here to help!

How it Works

Step 1: Get Inspired

Browse our trip ideas. We specialize in creating custom trips centered around your special event, so this is a starting point - your trip will be unique! Then, we want to get to know you and your travel companions better. Once you send us your inquiry, our team will reach out to you within 48 hours to schedule an intake call.

Step 2: Plan

We'll discuss your trip ideas, what matters to you, and your budget. We take your vision, and our ideas, and turn it into a tangible plan.

No idea what you want? No problem! Have as little or as much input as you want to. You can select your dream resorts and activities, or leave it to us. We've got you.

Step 3: Experience

From here, the process is simple. We refine your itinerary until it's perfect, then you pay a deposit, and we get to work behind the scenes to prepare & arrange your trip.

We'll be here if you have any questions before your departure. Next thing you know, you're in paradise!

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