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? One that could rival the mighty Aztecs to the north and the imperial Incas to the south? What was life like for the Nicaraguas, before their society was suddenly turned upside down? What of the slightly less sophisticated yet more democratic Chorotegas and the still mysterious cultures before them? 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 Europeo in Managua's gallery district.
DAY 02: MANAGUA - MASAYA - NINDIRÍ - GRANADA
Departure for visits in and around the active Masaya Volcano. Including, Nindirí, a small village, but for the last 1,500 years before the first contact with the Spaniards the most densely populated settlement in the area. Visit to the Cailagua site, 100 meters of petroglyphs overlooking Laguna Masaya, a lovely crater lake. 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 Alhambra.
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 Alhambra.
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 cottages at Villa Paraiso. 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. Breakfast and lodging at beach front Villa Paraiso.
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 Europeo.
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 Europeo.
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 Europeo / Managua
• 2 nights lodging at Hotel Alhambra / Granada
• 2 nights lodging at Hotel Villa Paraiso / 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; please specify number when requesting a quote. Hotels described in itinerary are standard, optional upgrades available at some locales. Please see below for hotel descriptions relevant to this itinerary. Custom tour itineraries are available upon request.
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Tour does not include: Breakfast on arrival day. Drinks, lunch or dinner. International flights or airport taxes. Travel insurance, tips, visas, or medical treatment.
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MANAGUA - STANDARD

Hotel Europeo, located in Managua's quiet gallery district, within one block of two of Managua's finest modern art galleries and minutes from both the old and new centers of Managua. This quiet personal hotel is part of a European non-profit organization. The hotel has charming rooms with telephone, private bath, hot water, A/C and cable TV. The lobby has free Internet service and meals are served in the garden area next to a swimming pool.

MANAGUA - UPGRADES

Hotel Los Robles, located near the new center of Managua, just two blocks from many fine restaurants and bars, 5 minutes from the new cathedral and 35 minutes from the international airport. This is Managua's most stylish bed and breakfast style hotel with a good location and personal, efficient service. 14 rooms high quality rooms, private bath with hot water, A/C, telephone, cable TV, safe deposit box and cellular telephone. The beautifully decorated rooms are set around a quiet interior garden. This is a classy little hotel, Managua's best bed and breakfast.

Hotel Seminole Plaza, located near the new center of Managua, next to many fine restaurants and bars, just 5 blocks from the new cathedral and 30 minutes from the international airport. This is Nicaragua's newest 4-star hotel and it is in a great location with friendly and efficient service. 84 rooms, private bath, A/C, telephone, cable TV, internet links in room, swimming pool, restaurant and all the amenities of an international 4 star. Managua's best located hotel.

Hotel Intercontinental Metrocentro, located in the new center of Managua, next to the country's biggest shopping center and two blocks from the new cathedral and 20 minutes from the international airport. This is Nicaragua's newest 5-star hotel and it is in a great location with friendly and efficient service. 157 top quality rooms, private bath, A/C, telephone, cable TV, swimming pool, restaurant, gym, and all the amenities of an international 5 star. Managua's finest hotel.

GRANADA - STANDARD

Hotel Alhambra, located on central park, facing the cathedral with a great balcony for watching the life of Granada and dinning or enjoying a drink. This hotel owned and operated by one of the city's oldest families. A landmark in Granada and convenient to all attractions with a friendly staff. The interior of the hotel has an open-air garden and is smartly decorated with antiques and Nicaraguan art. 56 rooms, private bath, A/C, telephone, cable TV, swimming pool. Restaurant (not owned or operated by hotel) offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and is best enjoyed on its long veranda that looks out on Central Park, great for people watching. Granada's best 3 star hotel.

GRANADA - UPGRADES

Hotel Colonial, located a half-block from central park, this 27 room hotel is a ground-up restoration of a classic colonial home. The hotel has a great deal of charm with many colonial Nicaraguan touches. The hotel's high quality rooms are decorated with traditional Nicaraguan art and use four-post beds. Each room has private bath, A/C, telephone, cable TV, swimming pool. The hotel restaurant is for breakfast only. This is very comfortable and charming hotel, one of Granada's two best.

Hotel La Gran Francia, located just off central park, this 15 room hotel is a ground-up restoration of a classic colonial home. The hotel has a great deal of charm with many colonial Nicaraguan touches. We feature the hotel's Jr. suites which all have big wooden colonial doors that open out onto balconies with a view to the Cathedral. These top quality rooms are decorated with traditional Nicaraguan art. Each room has private bath, A/C, telephone, cable TV, swimming pool. The hotel restaurant is located across the street and is one of Granada's finest. This is very comfortable and charming hotel, one of Granada's two best.

OMETEPE ISLAND, LAKE NICARAGUA

Hotel Villa Paraiso, located above the Santo Domingo beach on the isthmus between the two volcanoes that make up the island. Truly a paradisiacal location with a year-round breeze off the great lake, many exotic plants and outdoor beach and lake view eating in thatched huts. Owned and operated by an Austrian-Nicaraguan couple, this lodge has great access to attractions on both side of the dual volcano island and a good kitchen with a varied menu. Rooms are simple bungalows made of wood and brick with private bath and surrounded by lush gardens. The complex has 25 cabañas, private bath, A/C and a full menu restaurant. The hotel rooms have no heated water and geckos (harmless, but at times noisy). Ometepe island's best hotel with the best location

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