9 days in Nicaragua Itinerary

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 18th (Sun), stop by Masaya Crafts Market, then contemplate the waterfront views at Apoyo, and then take some stellar pictures from Mirador de Catarina.

To find reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Masaya trip planner.

Managua to Masaya is an approximately 1-hour car ride. You can also take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (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.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Mon): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de La Merced and then step off the mainland to explore Islets of Granada.

To see reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Granada vacation maker app.

Granada is very close to Masaya. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Tola.

Tola is a municipality in the Rivas department of Nicaragua. To see reviews, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, read Tola day trip app.

Do a combination of shuttle and taxi from Granada to Tola in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. You will leave for San Juan del Sur on the 19th (Mon).

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 20th (Tue), kick back and relax at La Flor Beach Natural Reserve, then kick back and relax at San Juan del Sur Beach, and then don't miss a visit to Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, read San Juan del Sur holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Tola to San Juan del Sur takes an hour. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. In December, daytime highs in San Juan del Sur are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Wed) early enough to go by car 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. Start off your visit on the 21st (Wed): experience rural life at Ecoalbergue La Fundadora, then pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral San Juan, then pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia San Rafael del Norte, and finally take some stellar pictures from Cerro De La Cruz. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 22nd (Thu): get a new perspective on nature at Museo Precolumbino de Chaguitillo.

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Jinotega using our trip planner.

You can drive from San Juan del Sur to Jinotega in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from San Juan del Sur in December: high temperatures in Jinotega hover around 28°C and lows are around 21°C. On the 23rd (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Somoto.

Somoto is a city and municipality located in the hills of northern Nicaragua, and capital of the department of Madriz. On the 23rd (Fri), take in breathtaking views at Somoto Extremo and then explore the stunning scenery at Cañón de Somoto.

For maps, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, read Somoto trip planner.

Drive from Jinotega to Somoto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December in Somoto, expect temperatures between 28°C during the day and 21°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 24th (Sat) to allow time for the car ride 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.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Sat): pause for some serene contemplation at Church The Recollection. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 25th (Sun): kick back and relax at Playa Las Penitas, then pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and then contemplate the geological forces at Cerro Negro Volcano.

To find reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Leon day trip planning tool.

You can drive from Somoto to Leon in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Somoto in December; daily highs in Leon reach 38°C and lows reach 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) early enough to go by car back home.