10 days in Nicaragua Itinerary

Nicaragua's largest and capital city, Managua remains relatively unknown as a tourist destination, though it boasts a scenic location on the southwestern shore of the Xolotlan Lake.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Sat): take in the spiritual surroundings of Mezquita De Managua, learn more about the world around you at Museo del Parque Volcan De Masaya, and then get impressive views of Masaya Volcano. Here are some ideas for day two: make a trip to Puerto Salvador Allende and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Chocoyero-El Brujo Natural Reserve.

To see ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Managua trip itinerary planner.

Panama City, Panama to Managua is an approximately 17-hour car ride. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Central Standard Time, which is usually a -1 hour difference. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sun) so you can drive to Leon.

A cultured and storied city, Leon attracts guests from all over the world, drawn to the second city's style, thriving intellectual life, and liveliness.

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate the geological forces at Telica Volcano, then contemplate the geological forces at Cerro Negro Volcano, and then stop by Artesania de Leon.

To see other places to visit, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Leon trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Managua to Leon in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In February, daily temperatures in Leon can reach 40°C, while at night they dip to 25°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Esteli.

Sitting up in the north central highlands, Esteli enjoys a fairly mild climate throughout the year.

To find reviews, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Esteli vacation planner.

You can drive from Leon to Esteli in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Leon in February: high temperatures in Esteli hover around 29°C and lows are around 20°C. You'll set off for Matagalpa on the 8th (Wed).

Nicaragua's second city, Matagalpa offers an authentic window into the country's cultural and natural heritage.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Wed): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral, then stroll through Cerro Apante, then make a trip to Mirador El Calvario, and finally see the interesting displays at El Castillo del cacao.

Inspirock's itinerary builder makes planning a Matagalpa trip simple and quick.

Traveling by car from Esteli to Matagalpa takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In February, plan for daily highs up to 29°C, and evening lows to 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Granada.

The lakeside city of Granada has the look and feel of a historically important economic and political center, with grand colonial architecture, a unified look, and many cultural attractions.

Kick off your visit on the 9th (Thu): add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour, tour the pleasant surroundings at Islets of Granada, then appreciate the history behind monument of Cordoba, and finally explore the different monuments and memorials at Cementerio De Granada. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 10th (Fri): pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia de La Merced, pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia de Xalteva, then examine the collection at Mi Museo, and finally examine the collection at ChocoMuseo Granada.

To find more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Granada trip maker tool.

You can drive from Matagalpa to Granada in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to San Juan del Sur.

Set in a crescent-shaped bay, San Juan del Sur has become known as a popular surfing spot and coastal holiday destination for Nicaraguan families and international visitors alike.

On the 11th (Sat), take in the exciting artwork at The Art Warehouse, relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Hermosa.

To find photos, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the San Juan del Sur trip itinerary maker website.

Getting from Granada to San Juan del Sur by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: do a combination of shuttle and bus; or take a bus. In February, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Managua.

To see ratings, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Managua trip itinerary maker site.

Traveling by car from San Juan del Sur to Managua takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. You'll set off for home on the 12th (Sun).