Colourful Culture - Nicaragua

COLONIAL CITIES

Destination 1, Granada

Historically, Granada always has been one of Nicaragua’s most important cities, economically and also politically. Today this beautiful colonial town is the Nicaragua’s most famous tourist destination, although mass tourism is still an unfamiliar concept.
Granada was established by Fransisco Hernandez de Cordoba in 1524 and is the oldest city in the Americas. The city was named after the Spanish city of Granada, but is also known as ‘Gran Sultana del Gran Lago’ or the Great Sultan of the Great Lake, because of its strategic location at the shore of Lake Cocibolca.

Granada has an illustrious past of wars and was attacked by British, French and Dutch pirates. There are a number of historic forts left which are now possible to visit. Granada’s rival in the struggle for economic and political power has always been that other colonial city Leon; home to the liberals (Granada was predominantly conservative). Finally, as a compromise, Managua was therefore chosen as Nicaragua’s capital.

Hotel

You will stay in a comfortable hotel with a garden pool, restaurant and bar. Enjoy your breakfast on the patio and get to know the Dutch owners, they can tell you everything about the educational projects they support.

Activities

The center of Granada is not really big and best explored by foot. Visit the cathedral, have a drink with the locals in the Central Park, view the city from the church tower of La Merced and don’t forget the Mercado, the busy market that already starts in the early morning and where you can buy absolutely everything.

Around the city there is plenty to do. Hike around the lake and sail with a boat to Las Isletas. Climb the still active Masaya Volcano and take a look at the huge craters or go for a refreshing afternoon swim in the beautiful Laguna de Apoyo.
The perfect way to experience today’s rivalry between Granada and Leon is to watch a baseball match between the two cities in a local café.

Finally, you can book a fun Edventure tour with local guide, Jimmy the Man. For more information about this project, please click here.
 

Destination 2, Leon

Leon is a colonial city which took (and still takes) a prominent position in Nicaragua’s economic, political and cultural landscape. The colonial architecture in the city center and the largest cathedral in Central America show its historical importance. Leon was the capital of Nicaragua several times, but after a fierce civil war with Granada, Managua became the country’s new capital in 1856.
Leon has suffered less from attacks in the past but has not yet acquired the polished, tourist-magnet image of Granada. The city is breathing an authentic, friendly atmosphere and the locals are always up for a chat. Today you’re free to, for example, visit the Cerro Negro volcano where you can go sand boarding or visit the nearby beaches of Las Penitas.
 

Hotel

You will stay 2 nights in a stylish, comfortable hotel in the historic city center.

Activities

Like Granada, Leon is good to explore on foot and a walk through the historic center is a must. Furthermore, there is plenty to do around the city. Visit Leon Viejo, the excavated ruins are a UNESCO world heritage since the year 2000. Relax in Las Penitas Poneloya or on the Pacific coast. Both towns have pretty beaches. Try the hot springs (or the hot mud pools) in San Jacinto or climb the active volcano Cero Negro.

Package Pricing

This tour lasts 5 nights.