16 days in Nicaragua Itinerary

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

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Fri): explore the striking landscape of Cerro Apante. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: admire the sheer force of Cascada Santa Emilia and then pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral San Juan.

To see photos, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Matagalpa day trip planning app.

Managua to Matagalpa is an approximately 2.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 30°C in March, and nighttime lows around 20°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Sat) early enough to go by car 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.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Calvary Church - Sweet Name of Jesus and Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Church The Recollection and Stand-Up Paddleboarding.

To see photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Leon trip maker tool.

Traveling by car from Matagalpa to Leon takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Traveling from Matagalpa in March, expect Leon to be a bit warmer, temps between 41°C and 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Tue) to allow enough time to take a bus 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Dinarte's Rental and El Ceibo Museums. Get in touch with nature at Rio Istian and Isla Ometepe. There's more to do: get all the information you need at Los Ramos.

For ratings, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Isla de Ometepe journey planning website.

Getting from Leon to Isla de Ometepe by bus takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) early enough to travel 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.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Sat): stroll through Playa Remanso and then kick back and relax at San Juan del Sur Beach. Here are some ideas for day two: get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour and then head outdoors with Outdoor Activities.

For other places to visit, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read San Juan del Sur day trip site.

Traveling by combination of ferry and bus from Isla de Ometepe to San Juan del Sur takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and bus. In March, daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 29°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Mon) so you can drive to Granada.

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.

Get in touch with nature at Apoyo and Kayaking & Canoeing. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Iglesia de Xalteva and Mi Museo. Next up on the itinerary: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de La Merced, explore the different monuments and memorials at Cementerio De Granada, and stop by Masaya Crafts Market.

Plan a Granada trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

You can drive from San Juan del Sur to Granada in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and shuttle; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 18th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly back home.