San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua - Panama Canal, Central America and Mexico Cruises

An opportunity to discover the colonial and historic city of Granada.

Located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Granada flourishes as the main colonial city of Nicaragua. It is still a thriving port and community set amidst a striking landscape. Today, Granada is Nicaragua’s 3rd largest city with a population of over 120,000.

Upon arrival, you will head to a local hotel to enjoy a soft drink refreshment, before taking a short guided walk of the main plaza. Admire the ornate Cathedral, The Culture House and many of the colonial houses that make Granada Central America’s new hotspot.

The City Square is located near to the Central Park, here you will find a pottery exhibition and famous Nicaraguan embroidery and local crafts. The Square is an ideal place to wander and shop for souvenirs and local knick-knacks.

To round off your visit to Granada, you will rejoin your guide and enjoy a short walk to view the San Francisco Convent, before returning to San Juan del Sur. En route, you will catch a glimpse of the impressive Mombacho Volcano and Lake Nicaragua.

Note: This tour involves approximately two hours of walking, some of which is at your own leisure during free time. There are some uneven and cobbled surfaces including steps. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Transfer time to and from Granada is around 1¾ hours.

For an insight into Nicaragua, this little tour invites you to discover the delights of nearby Rivas.

Just 45 minutes from San Juan del Sur is the historical town of Rivas. Its entire eastern sector is bordered by Lake Nicaragua. The Lake is the 10th largest in the world and home to rare freshwater sharks.

On arrival in Rivas, your guide will tell you the history of the town, which traces back to 606 A.D., when various indigenous tribes gathered and settled in the area. The Spaniards first visited in 1522, creating an interesting mixture of Creole, Indian, Mulatto and Spanish culture. You will have the opportunity to see Rivas’ first Catholic Church, built in 1607.

After your time in Rivas, you will head to a viewpoint to see Ometepe Island. Ometepe comes from the Nahuatl word ‘ometepetl’ meaning ‘Two Hills’. The island has two majestic volcanoes, Concepcion and Maderas, which give it its distinctive look.

During your tour a soft drink refreshment and fruits will be served.

Note: This tour involves limited walking, however there are some steps to negotiate at the Rivas Church and at the viewpoint, as well as onto and off of the coach. Views of the volcano are dependent on cloud cover.

See the sights from land and water - the charming city of Granada and idyllic islands of Lake Nicaragua.

Granada is the oldest European settlement in the Americas. Sitting in the shadow of the Mombacho Volcano on the edge of Lake Nicaragua, this city has an incredibly picturesque location. Colonial churches, narrow streets and Spanish-style homes in pastel colours make the city a delight to explore.

Upon arrival, you will tour the city by horse-drawn carriage, transporting you back 500 years.
Following this orientation, take a guided walk of the main square, and admire La Merced Church, and the famous Convent of San Francisco, with its impressive collection of sculptures. Learn of the civil wars, which nearly destroyed Granada, and the restoration plans to return the city to its original grandeur.

Enjoy a local-style lunch in a colonial house, before a relaxing boat ride around some of the hundreds of small islands which dot Lake Nicaragua, formed following the last mighty eruption of Mount Mombacho. Enjoy the incredible scenery and local wildlife as you pass by.

Note: Guests are advised that there will be approximately 2½ hours’ walking during this tour. The drive to and from Granada is approximately 1¾ hours. Each carriage holds four guests. There may be a short wait while carriages are allocated.

A tour for those with a sense of adventure; hike on one of Nicaragua’s most prominent volcanoes.

Visiting the Mombacho Volcano, with its exuberant rainforest and unrivalled views, is a spectacular experience. As you reach the base of the Mombacho, transfer to a 4x4 truck for the ascent to the Volcano peak at 3,936 feet.

Once you reach the summit, commence your walk of the ‘crater trail’, a medium difficult walk around one of the Mombacho’s four craters, which will take approximately 1½ hours. Learn about this unique ecosystem, which consists of several cool climates, many endemic species, 90 different types of orchids, steaming fumaroles and fascinating landscapes.

At the end of your walk, the truck will take you back to the base of the Volcano. Travel into Granada where a delicious luncheon will be served, before the return drive to San Juan Del Sur.

Note: Children and pregnant women may not participate. This tour is only suitable for those in good physical condition. There is approximately 2½ hours of walking; please wear footwear suitable for hiking over rough, uneven and wet ground. The drive from the base to the summit of the Volcano is approximately 30 minutes, on a narrow road which is steep at times. The peak of the Volcano is approximately 3,936 feet; the temperature will be cool, humidity will be high and it may be windy. Please dress accordingly. Views from the Volcano may be affected by the weather. There are toilet facilities at the top of the Volcano. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Enjoy the sights of Masaya Volcano, the local market and the historical city of Granada.

Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive en route to the National Park. You will have an opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the imposing and active Masaya Volcano. As you stand at the edge of the immense crater, marvel at Mother Nature at work.

Browse the collection of crafts and souvenirs at the Masaya Market and shop for wonderful, locally crafted items including ceramics, leather and unique pieces of art.

At a restaurant in Masaya, savour a local-style buffet luncheon, accompanied by soft drink refreshments, tea and coffee.

Afterwards, you will head to Granada to enjoy a guided tour. The Conquistador Hernandez de Cordoba founded Granada in 1524 and it was the first city to be established on the American continent. Spanish churches and convents, such as the San Francisco Convent, remain in Granada, surviving many wars and invasions.

Note: This tour involves a considerable amount of walking and guests are advised to watch their step as streets are constructed of large cobbles. There are steps to negotiate at the Convent and, although there are no steps at the Volcano, the ground is uneven. Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended. The San Francisco Convent may ask for $1 or $2 for taking photos or video. Transfer time to Masaya and from Granada is around 1¾ hours each way.

An opportunity to enjoy a close up view of Nicaragua’s active Masaya Volcano, and to take in the splendid views at Catarina.

Setting off from San Juan Del Sur, your journey will take you to the Masaya Volcano National Park, one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful natural phenomena.

The Masaya Volcano is one of the countries shortest and most accessible volcanoes, with a paved road that leads to the summit of the crater. Here you will capture spectacular views of this impressive crater with its great circular dimensions and dramatic walls. Past eruptions have left behind rock and volcanic ash which still covers the area surrounding the volcano. In contrast there are the areas of lush green forest, and your guide will provide interesting facts on the wildlife and vegetation that can be found.

Following your visit, you will head back to San Juan Del Sur, making a short stop at the Catarina Viewpoint en route. This overlook offers lovely views across the Apoyo Lagoon, Granada and Lake Nicaragua. There will also be an opportunity to browse the local stalls for a souvenir.

During your tour a pastry and refreshment will be offered on board the coach.

Note: This tour involves approximately 1½ hours of walking, some of which is optional. There are some uneven surfaces including steps. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Transfer time to and from Masaya Volcano is around 1¾ hours. The tour itinerary may operate in reverse order. US Dollars are accepted for purchases.