24 days in Nicaragua Itinerary

Nicaragua's largest and capital city, Managua remains relatively unknown as a tourist destination, though it boasts a scenic location on the southwestern shore of the Xolotlan Lake.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Tue): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Santiago of Managua Cathedral.

For maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Managua sightseeing planning site.

If you are flying in from Canada, the closest major aiport is Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport. On the 13th (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Matagalpa.

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

To find photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Matagalpa trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Managua to Matagalpa takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In September, daytime highs in Matagalpa are 31°C, while nighttime lows are 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Jinotega.

The city of Jinotega is the capital of the department of Jinotega in the north central region of Nicaragua.The city is located in a long valley surrounded by the cool climate and Dariense Isabelia ridge located 142km north of the capital Managua. You can plan Jinotega trip in no time by asking Klarna Trips to help create your itinerary.

You can drive from Matagalpa to Jinotega in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. September in Jinotega sees daily highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C at night. On the 15th (Thu), you're off to Esteli.

Sitting up in the north central highlands, Esteli enjoys a fairly mild climate throughout the year.

On the 15th (Thu), hike along El Jalacate.

To find photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Esteli holiday planner.

Drive from Jinotega to Esteli in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. September in Esteli sees daily highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 16th (Fri) to allow time for the car ride to San Jacinto.

On the 17th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: witness a stunning natural landmark at Hervideros de San Jacinto.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read San Jacinto journey planner.

Explore your travel options from Esteli to San Jacinto with the Route module. Traveling from Esteli in September, things will get somewhat warmer in San Jacinto: highs are around 37°C and lows about 28°C. On the 18th (Sun), you're off 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 19th (Mon): pause for some serene contemplation at Church The Recollection and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Calvary Church - Sweet Name of Jesus. Here are some ideas for day two: pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and then take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

Plan my Leon trip by asking Klarna Trips to come up with tips and suggestions.

The Route module can help you plan travel from San Jacinto to Leon. In September, plan for daily highs up to 37°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Wed) early enough to 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.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Wed): add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour. On your second day here, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de Xalteva and then pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia de La Merced.

For ratings, photos, maps, and tourist information, use the Granada trip planner.

Drive from Leon to Granada in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Fri) to allow time to 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.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Fri): take a stroll through Los Ramos. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 24th (Sat): trek along Sendero Pena Inculta and then contemplate the geological forces at Volcan Concepcion.

For more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Isla de Ometepe journey planner.

Traveling by combination of shuttle and ferry from Granada to Isla de Ometepe takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Sun) to allow time 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.

Relax by the water at La Flor Beach Natural Reserve and San Juan del Sur Beach. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like The Art Warehouse and Parroquia San Pedro Apostol Rivas. Change things up with these side-trips from San Juan del Sur: Popoyo Beach (in Popoyo) and Playa Redonda (in Playa Redonda). There's lots more to do: kick back and relax at Playa el Coco, stroll through Marsella Valley Nature Center, see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, and don't miss a visit to Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia.

To see more things to do, maps, photos, and more tourist information, go to the San Juan del Sur trip planner.

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 September, daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Mon) to allow time for the car ride to Masaya.

Quickly accessible from both Managua and Granada, culturally rich Masaya remains one of the best places to visit if you're looking to purchase authentic Nicaraguan handicrafts.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Mon): stop by Masaya Crafts Market and then discover the deep blue sea with Volcano Divers Nicaragua.

To find ratings, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Masaya trip planner.

Drive from San Juan del Sur to Masaya in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Mon) so you can go by car to Managua.

Here are some ideas for day two: discover the deep blue sea with Dive Nicaragua and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Santiago of Managua Cathedral.

For where to stay, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Managua itinerary planner.

Drive from Masaya to Managua in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 5th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel back home.