In the shadow of the forest covered Mombacho Volcano, is Granada, one of Latin America's most beautiful cities. This ancient town on the shores of mighty Lake Nicaragua is full of history and Spanish colonial charm and is one of the oldest European settlements in the western hemisphere. This private program gives the visitor an in-depth look at the beauty and history of Granada with the aid of an expert English speaking guide. A quiet tour of the city's precious architecture and history is featured, as is lodging in a beautifully restored colonial home. In the hills behind Granada are the historic Chorotega Indian settlements that became colonial villages in the 16th century and maintain a rich mix of their pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial heritage. The program includes a visit to some of these pueblos and their inhabitants, talented artisans who work in ways that have long since vanished in other parts of the world. Villages such as San Juan de Oriente were fine earthenware is made and Masatepe home of the Nicaraguan handmade rocking chairs. The program also includes a stop in the folklore center of Masaya for shopping at its restored 19th century Indian market and a visit to a hammock workshop to see how they are woven. The program will also visit the 5 crater complex at the Masaya Volcano National Park for a look inside of the very active Santiago Crater, with a chance to see the volcano's rare crater-dwelling parrots who have managed to adapt to this toxic environment.

Granada and Masaya Costa Rica Extension Tour Itinerary

DAY 01: PEÑAS BLANCAS, COSTA RICA - GRANADA, NICARAGUA
Border greeting at Peñas Blancas, Costa Rica and assistance with immigration and customs in Nicaragua. Transfer along the western shores of Central America's largest lake, Lake Nicaragua, north. The route passes the massive dual volcano island of Ometepe via the isthmus of Rivas the historic land bridge that connected the two great continents north and south. Arrival to Central America's oldest European settlement, early 16th century Granada. Granada is quickly becoming a must visit for travelers to Central America for its unique beauty, relaxed atmosphere and great dining possibilities. Private tour of lake front Granada's colonial beauty, history and art. Lodging at the Hotel Plaza Colón on historic central park.
DAY 02: INDIGENOUS VILLAGES - MASAYA - GRANADA
Breakfast at Hotel and transfer to the ancient highland villages of "La Meseta", for visits to the indigenous artisan's workshops of Catarina, San Juan de Oriente and Masatepe. All these precious towns have colonial period houses and churches and a hardworking, native population. After the highland villages, transfer to the historic city of Masaya. Masaya has been populated for more than 3,000 years and the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century organized the local artisans in small workshops for export. The principle item was hammocks which are considered my many the world's finest, as well as wood, leather and clothing goods, all created by hand. Masaya's friendly population has restored their 19th century outdoor indigenous market for the sale of their hand made goods. After a visit to the market and a hammock maker's shop transfer to the active cone of Santiago at the Masaya Volcano National Park for hiking or just observing the inside of this big smoking crater. Return to Granada and Hotel Plaza Colón.
DAY 03: GRANADA - PEÑAS BLANCAS, COSTA RICA
Breakfast at Hotel and transfer south to the border Costa Rica at Peñas Blancas, assistance with border formalities and transfer to the frontier with Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Extension Tour includes:

• All transfers in private vehicle with a/c and driver
• Full time assistance of an English speaking guide
• 2 nights lodging at the Hotel Plaza Colón in Granada
• Breakfasts
• Private tour of colonial Granada
• Visit to Masaya Market
• Visit to hammock workshop (Mon-Fri only)
• Visit to indigenous villages of San Juan, Catarina, and Masatepe
• Visit to Volcán Masaya National Park
• All museum and park admissions

Tours are private and can start and finish any day of the year.

Tour costs depend on the number of travelers in your party; please specify number when requesting a quote. Custom tour itineraries are available upon request.

Please contact us