15 days in Nicaragua Itinerary

The lakeside city of Granada has the look and feel of a historically important economic and political center, with grand colonial architecture, a unified look, and many cultural attractions.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Kayaking & Canoeing and Cementerio De Granada. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at ChocoMuseo Granada and Catedral de Granada. Change things up with a short trip to Apoyo in La Laguna de Apoyo (about 36 minutes away). Next up on the itinerary: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de La Merced and look for gifts at Masaya Crafts Market.

To find photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Granada attractions planner.

New York City, USA to Granada is an approximately 10-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central Standard Time (CST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Matagalpa.

Nicaragua's second city, Matagalpa offers an authentic window into the country's cultural and natural heritage.

On the 14th (Sat), pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral San Juan and then pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia San Rafael del Norte. On your second day here, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Cerro Apante and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral.

To see reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Matagalpa sightseeing planner.

Traveling by car from Granada to Matagalpa takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or take a bus. In May in Matagalpa, expect temperatures between 82°F during the day and 68°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) early enough to drive to San Juan del Sur.

Set in a crescent-shaped bay, San Juan del Sur has become known as a popular surfing spot and coastal holiday destination for Nicaraguan families and international visitors alike.

On the 16th (Mon), stroll through Playa Hermosa and then kick back and relax at La Flor Beach Natural Reserve. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: tour the pleasant surroundings at San Juan del Sur Beach and then discover the deep blue sea with Extreme Nicaraguan Adventures.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, read San Juan del Sur road trip planning site.

Traveling by car from Matagalpa to San Juan del Sur takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Traveling from Matagalpa in May, things will get somewhat warmer in San Juan del Sur: highs are around 90°F and lows about 79°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) so you can travel to Isla de Ometepe.

Isla de Ometepe may be small in size, but it boasts two large volcanoes that dominate its landscape and influence the local lifestyle.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Dinarte's Rental and El Ceibo Museums. Step out of the city life by going to Volcan Concepcion and Cascada de San Ramon. There's more to do: step off the mainland to explore Isla Ometepe and admire the local landmark of Ojo de Agua.

To find where to stay, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Isla de Ometepe journey maker website.

You can do a combination of bus and ferry from San Juan del Sur to Isla de Ometepe in 3 hours. Another option is to do a combination of bus and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) to allow time to take a bus to Leon.

A cultured and storied city, Leon attracts guests from all over the world, drawn to the second city's style, thriving intellectual life, and liveliness.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): pause for some serene contemplation at Church The Recollection and then pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: pause for some serene contemplation at Calvary Church - Sweet Name of Jesus and then get impressive views of Telica Volcano.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Leon day trip planning app.

Traveling by bus from Isla de Ometepe to Leon takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In May, daytime highs in Leon are 93°F, while nighttime lows are 78°F. On the 24th (Tue), you'll travel back home.