When the Spanish explorer Gil González Dávila met and embraced the mighty Nicaraguas chief Niqueragua on the shores of Lake Cocibolca, the fate of a people was sealed. Were the Nicaraguas on the verge of becoming a great civilization? Or simply groups of businessmen, setting up trading posts in Nicaragua, the center of a massive commercial route that stretched from Peru to Mexico? What was life like for the Nicaraguas, before their society was suddenly turned upside down? What of the militarily inferior, but more democratic, artistic and enlightened Chorotegas? The Chorotegas might have reached close to utopia, but they would soon be hit hard by waves of the dictatorial Nicaraguas and equally undemocratic and markedly more brutal Spanish. What of the mysterious cultures before the Chorotegas? These questions and more will be addressed in this fascinating eight-day examination of Nicaraguan pre-Columbian societies. Lead by the country's foremost, working archeologists; Lost Civilizations of Nicaragua is a journey through space and time that will feed your mind and open the doors of your imagination.

Nicaragua Archeology and Anthropology Tour Itinerary

DAY 01: MANAGUA
Airport greeting and transfer hotel. Lodging at Hotel Los Robles in Managua's gallery district.
DAY 02: MANAGUA - MASAYA - GRANADA
Departure for visits in and around the active Masaya Volcano. Transfer to the Colonial gem of Granada (1524) and its relevant sites such as Tepetate in the ancient settlement of Xalteva. The country's most famous pre-Columbian museum is also in Granada located inside the old convent of San Francisco and which houses large basalt pieces from the island of Zapatera. Lodging on central park at the Hotel Plaza Colón.
DAY 03: GRANADA - ISLA ZAPATERA NATIONAL PARK - GRANADA
Transfer to Lake Nicaragua for a private boat journey to the most important archeological islands in Nicaragua. The Zapatera island system, which includes the Island of Death and Zonzapote sites. This was a very special ritual area and the only documented and confirmed monumental architectural complex in Nicaragua (thus far). On the Island of Death we'll examine the islands magnificent petroglyphs. Full day of hiking and boating in this important National Reserve with box lunch and fruit juices on the boat. Transfer to mainland and colonial Granada for lodging at the Hotel Plaza Colón.
DAY 04: GRANADA - RIVAS - SAN JORGE - OMETEPE ISLAND
Overland journey south. Visit of the famous meeting place of the great Nicaraguas chief and the original Spanish explorer. Transfer in ferry to the world's largest freshwater volcanic island called Ometepe. Made up of two majestic volcanoes connected by a lava flow isthmus. Transfer to the sandy beach located on the backside of the isthmus to check into the beach front San Juan del la Isla. Afternoon to enjoy this warm inland sea.
DAY 05: OMETEPE ISLAND
Departure in private vehicle for an archeological survey of this important, legendary and uniquely beautiful island, considered by some to be the richest petroglyphs area in Latin America, home to more than 600 distinct petroglyphs sites. Ometepe just might be the Sicily of Mesoamerica, its lake position in the middle of Central America making it the crossroads of numerous conquests, commerce and cultures. Breakfast and lodging at San Juan del la Isla.
DAY 06: OMETEPE ISLAND - MANAGUA
Transfer to the dock at Moyogalpa for the ferry to the mainland. Transfer overland to the Managua and a visit to the National Museum and then the Las Huellas Museum which protects human footprints from the year 4,000 BC. Lodging at Hotel Los Robles.
DAY 07: MANAGUA - CHONTALES - MANAGUA
Transfer to the east side of Lake Nicaragua and the cowboy town of Juigalpa for a visit to Nicaragua's most impressive pre-Columbian museum, home to numerous unique relics and a distinct yet little studies indigenous culture and history. Visit to a local site. Return to Managua for lodging at Hotel Los Robles.
DAY 08: MANAGUA
Transfer to airport for flight home.

Archaeological tour includes:

• All ground transportation in private car with a/c and driver
• Full time assistance of a National Museum archeologists
• Full time assistance of an English speaking guide
• 3 nights lodging at Hotel Los Robles / Managua
• 2 nights lodging at Hotel Plaza Colón / Granada
• 2 nights lodging at Hotel San Juan del la Isla / Ometepe Island
• All breakfasts
• All admissions to parks and museums
• Full day of private motorboat charter in Lake Nicaragua to Zapatera Island
• Ferry round-trip for Ometepe

All tours are private and can begin any day of the year.

Tour costs depend on the number of travelers in your party and visit dates; please specify when requesting a quote.

Custom tour itineraries are available upon request.
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Tour does not include: Drinks, lunch or dinner. International flights or airport taxes. Travel insurance, tips, visas, or medical treatment.
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