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.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Tue): look for gifts at Masaya Crafts Market, contemplate the waterfront views at Apoyo, and then get great views at Mirador de Catarina.

For where to stay, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, read Masaya attractions planner.

Managua to Masaya is an approximately 1-hour car ride. You can also take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Wed) to allow enough time 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 18th (Wed): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de La Merced and then step off the mainland to explore Islets of Granada.

To see where to stay, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Granada online holiday planner.

Granada is just a short distance from Masaya. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 18th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Tola.

Tola is a municipality in the Rivas department of Nicaragua. To find other places to visit, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Tola sightseeing planning app.

Traveling by combination of shuttle and taxi from Granada to Tola takes 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 18th (Wed).

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 19th (Thu): kick back and relax at La Flor Beach Natural Reserve, then stroll through San Juan del Sur Beach, and then make a trip to Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia.

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for San Juan del Sur using our trip 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 May, daytime highs in San Juan del Sur are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) early enough 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. Kick off your visit on the 20th (Fri): experience rural life at Ecoalbergue La Fundadora, take in the architecture and atmosphere 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. Here are some ideas for day two: learn more about the world around you at Museo Precolumbino de Chaguitillo.

To find ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Jinotega trip itinerary app.

Traveling by car from San Juan del Sur to Jinotega takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from San Juan del Sur in May: high temperatures in Jinotega hover around 32°C and lows are around 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 22nd (Sun) to allow time for the car ride to Somoto.

Somoto is a city and municipality located in the hills of northern Nicaragua, and capital of the department of Madriz. Start off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): explore the stunning scenery at Somoto Extremo and then take in breathtaking views at Cañón de Somoto.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Somoto trip planning app.

Getting from Jinotega to Somoto by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. In May, daytime highs in Somoto are 32°C, while nighttime lows are 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 23rd (Mon) 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.

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Mon): pause for some serene contemplation at Church The Recollection. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 24th (Tue): enjoy the sand and surf 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 see where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Leon route website.

Drive from Somoto to Leon in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Somoto in May, things will get a bit warmer in Leon: highs are around 39°C and lows about 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Wed) early enough to drive back home.