29 days in Nicaragua & Guatemala Itinerary
Created using Klarna Trips Central America trip itinerary planner
Start: Vancouver, Canada
Fly
1
Leon, Nicaragua
— 2 nights
Drive
2
San Rafael del Sur, Nicaragua
— 1 night
Drive
3
Granada, Nicaragua
— 3 nights
Drive
4
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
— 3 nights
Drive
5
Popoyo, Nicaragua
— 1 night
Taxi to Bluefields, Fly to Big Corn Island
6
Big Corn Island, Nicaragua
— 1 night
Fly
7
Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua
— 3 nights
Drive
8
Livingston, Guatemala
— 1 night
Ferry to Rio Dulce, Shuttle to Tikal National Park
9
Tikal National Park, Guatemala
— 1 day
Drive
10
Lanquin, Guatemala
— 1 day
Drive
11
Santa Cruz La Laguna, Guatemala
— 1 day
Taxi to Panajachel, Shuttle to Antigua
12
Antigua, Guatemala
— 7 nights
Fly
End: Vancouver, Canada
Sun, Oct 21 - Sun, Nov 18
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Leon, Nicaragua — 2 nights
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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.Step out of the city life by going to Playa Las Penitas and Playa Poneloya. Take a break from Leon with a short trip to Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve in Las Penitas, about 38 minutes away. There's much more to do: contemplate the geological forces at Cerro Negro Volcano, see the interesting displays at Museo Ruben Dario, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and stop by Juanmarcos Design.
To see ratings, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Leon travel itinerary planner.
Vancouver, Canada to Leon is an approximately 14-hour flight. You can also drive. Traveling from Vancouver to Leon, you'll lose 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Vancouver in October, expect Leon to be warmer, temps between 36°C and 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Wed) so you can drive to San Rafael del Sur.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Oct 22 — 24:
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San Rafael del Sur, Nicaragua — 1 night
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San Rafael del Sur is a municipality in the Managua department of Nicaragua.International relationsTwin towns – Sister citiesGranada is twinned with:Category:Populated places in Nicaragua Category:Municipalities of the Managua DepartmentSome towns in San Rafael del Sur are:-El Salto. Kick off your visit on the 25th (Thu): stroll through Playa de Pochomil.
For maps, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, read San Rafael del Sur road trip planning tool.
You can drive from Leon to San Rafael del Sur in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Thu) to allow time for the car ride to Granada.
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For maps, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, read San Rafael del Sur road trip planning tool.
You can drive from Leon to San Rafael del Sur in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Thu) to allow time for the car ride to Granada.
Find places to stay Oct 24 — 25:
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Granada, Nicaragua — 3 nights
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La Gran Sultana
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.Escape the urban bustle at Islets of Granada and Nicaragua Spanish Schools. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Granada: Mirador de Catarina (in Catarina), Managua (Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception & Puerto Salvador Allende) and Apoyo (in La Laguna de Apoyo). And it doesn't end there: contemplate the geological forces at Masaya Volcano, admire the landmark architecture of Guadalupe Church, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral de Granada, and see the interesting displays at ChocoMuseo Granada.
To see traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Granada trip planner.
Traveling by car from San Rafael del Sur to Granada takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to San Juan del Sur.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Oct 25 — 28:
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San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua — 3 nights
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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.Get outdoors at San Juan del Sur Beach and La Flor Beach Natural Reserve. You'll get in some beach time at Playa el Coco and Playa Hermosa. And it doesn't end there: tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Remanso, head outdoors with Costa Dulce Beach, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and make a trip to Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia.
Plan trip to San Juan del Sur with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.
You can drive from Granada to San Juan del Sur in 2 hours. Other options are to do a combination of shuttle and bus; or take a bus. In October, daytime highs in San Juan del Sur are 35°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Wed) early enough to drive to Popoyo.
Find places to stay Oct 28 — 31:
Highlights from your trip
Popoyo, Nicaragua — 1 night
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On the 1st (Thu), play a few rounds at Hacienda Iguana Golf and then enjoy the sand and surf at Popoyo Beach.
For other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Popoyo journey planner.
Traveling by car from San Juan del Sur to Popoyo takes 2 hours. In October in Popoyo, expect temperatures between 35°C during the day and 28°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Big Corn Island.
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For other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Popoyo journey planner.
Traveling by car from San Juan del Sur to Popoyo takes 2 hours. In October in Popoyo, expect temperatures between 35°C during the day and 28°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Big Corn Island.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Oct 31 — Nov 1:
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Big Corn Island, Nicaragua — 1 night
The larger of the two islands, Big Corn Island offers a laid-back atmosphere and tropical island scenery.Start off your visit on the 2nd (Fri): look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas.
To find reviews, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, read our Big Corn Island trip maker site.
You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Popoyo to Big Corn Island in 10 hours. Another option is to do a combination of car, bus, and ferry. November in Big Corn Island sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 2nd (Fri) to allow time for the flight to Isla de Ometepe.
Find places to stay Nov 1 — 2:
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Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua — 3 nights
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Isla de Ometepe may be small in size, but it boasts two large volcanoes that dominate its landscape and influence the local lifestyle.Get in touch with nature at Punta Jesus Maria and Isla Ometepe. And it doesn't end there: explore the activities along Laguna Charco Verde, examine the collection at El Ceibo Museums, get impressive views of Volcan Concepcion, and trek along Sendero Pena Inculta.
Plan a Isla de Ometepe trip in moments using our itinerary builder.
Traveling by flight from Big Corn Island to Isla de Ometepe takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to drive to Livingston.
Find places to stay Nov 2 — 5:
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Livingston, Guatemala — 1 night
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The largely Garifuna town of Livingston sits at the mouth of a river flowing out into the sea.Kick off your visit on the 6th (Tue): explore the activities along Seven Altars and then stroll through Playa Blanca. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the waterfront views at Rio Dulce.
To find reviews, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, use the Livingston journey tool.
You can drive from Isla de Ometepe to Livingston in 21 hours. In November, plan for daily highs up to 33°C, and evening lows to 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Wed) early enough to travel to Tikal National Park.
Find places to stay Nov 6 — 7:
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Tikal National Park, Guatemala — 1 day
Take a trip to Tikal National Park and discover an ancient city in the thick tropical jungle.For more things to do, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Tikal National Park vacation planner.
Traveling by combination of ferry and shuttle from Livingston to Tikal National Park takes 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and bus. On the 8th (Thu), you're off to Lanquin.
Find places to stay Nov 7 — 8:
Lanquin, Guatemala — 1 day
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San Agustín Lanquín, often referred to simply as Lanquín, is a municipality in the Guatemalan department of Alta Verapaz. Start off your visit on the 9th (Fri): get a dose of the wild on Aventura Grande, then explore the fascinating underground world of Grutas Las Marias, and then admire the sheer force of Monumento Natural Semuc Champey.
For more things to do, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read Lanquin route builder site.
Traveling by car from Tikal National Park to Lanquin takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and shuttle; or take a bus. In November, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 25°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Santa Cruz La Laguna.
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For more things to do, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read Lanquin route builder site.
Traveling by car from Tikal National Park to Lanquin takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and shuttle; or take a bus. In November, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 25°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Santa Cruz La Laguna.
Find places to stay Nov 8 — 9:
Highlights from your trip
Santa Cruz La Laguna, Guatemala — 1 day
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Start off your visit on the 10th (Sat): stop by Manos Crucenas Artisan Store and then explore the activities along Lago de Atitlan.
Plan a Santa Cruz La Laguna trip in moments using our itinerary builder.
You can drive from Lanquin to Santa Cruz La Laguna in 9.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of shuttle and ferry; or do a combination of bus, shuttle, and ferry. Traveling from Lanquin in November, expect nights in Santa Cruz La Laguna to be colder, around 10°C, while days are slightly colder, around 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Antigua.
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Plan a Santa Cruz La Laguna trip in moments using our itinerary builder.
You can drive from Lanquin to Santa Cruz La Laguna in 9.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of shuttle and ferry; or do a combination of bus, shuttle, and ferry. Traveling from Lanquin in November, expect nights in Santa Cruz La Laguna to be colder, around 10°C, while days are slightly colder, around 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Antigua.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Nov 9 — 10:
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Antigua, Guatemala — 7 nights
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The former capital of Guatemala and a World Heritage Site, Antigua retains its colonial charm and remains one of the most visited destinations in the country.Visiting Volcán Pacaya and Volcan de Agua will get you outdoors. Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to Cerro de la Cruz, examine the collection at ChocoMuseo, admire the masterpieces at Casa Santo Domingo Museums, and contemplate the long history of Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande.
To see traveler tips and other tourist information, read our Antigua trip app.
Traveling by combination of taxi and shuttle from Santa Cruz La Laguna to Antigua takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Traveling from Santa Cruz La Laguna in November, expect a bit warmer with lows of 17°C in Antigua. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 17th (Sat) to allow time for the flight back home.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Nov 10 — 17:
Highlights from your trip
Nicaragua travel guide
Still emerging as a major tourist destination, Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, entices travelers with its rich history and remarkable natural beauty just waiting to be discovered. A holiday in Nicaragua allows you to explore a vibrant culture, scenic beaches, and plenty of spots off the beaten path. Majestic volcanoes, lakes, and forests offer numerous chances for exploration and exciting adventures, while major cities boast splendid colonial architecture. With access to coastlines on both the Pacific and the Caribbean, a vacation in Nicaragua appeals to those looking for thrilling surfing experiences, dramatic views, or a chance to spread out on a deserted tropical beach.
Guatemala travel guide
Land of Eternal Spring
Offering a chance to discover a rich history, remarkable landscapes, and a vibrant culture, a holiday in Guatemala remains a great choice for a wide range of travelers. The heart of the Maya civilization, Guatemala boasts stunning ancient ruins and traditional villages that blend with the Spanish heritage of the colonial-era and its stately cathedrals and town halls. While the cities boast splendid architecture and cultural heritage, they make up a small percentage of the mountainous Guatemalan landscape. Adventurous travelers and nature lovers will have plenty of things to do in Guatemala, from boating on the rushing rivers and scenic lakes, to exploring caves, picturesque beaches, and lush national parks.
