8 days in Nicaragua & Monteverde Itinerary

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.

San Juan del Sur is known for adventure, beaches, and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: enjoy the sand and surf at San Juan del Sur Beach, stroll through La Flor Beach Natural Reserve, don't miss a visit to Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia, and kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.

Plan trip to San Juan del Sur with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

Newport News, USA to San Juan del Sur is an approximately 16.5-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone difference when traveling from Newport News to San Juan del Sur is minus 1 hour. Plan for much warmer temperatures traveling from Newport News in April, with highs in San Juan del Sur at 91°F and lows at 79°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) early enough to go by car 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.

On the 6th (Wed), stop by Masaya Crafts Market and then contemplate the waterfront views at Apoyo.

To find maps, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Masaya trip planner.

You can drive from San Juan del Sur to Masaya in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Monteverde.

Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Thu): stroll through Ranario Monteverde Frog Pond and then stroll through Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. On the next day, gain a rich perspective with El Trapiche Tour and then kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.

For traveler tips, photos, maps, and other tourist information, read Monteverde journey maker site.

Explore your travel options from Masaya to Monteverde with the Route module. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.