29 days in Nicaragua Itinerary

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 some historical perspective at Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Iglesia San Juan Bautista de Subtiava. Museo de Arte Fundacion Ortiz-Gurdian and Museum of Legends and Traditions (Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas) are good opportunities to explore the local culture. When in Leon, make a side trip to see Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve in Las Penitas, approximately Las Penitas away. And it doesn't end there: get impressive views of Cerro Negro Volcano, head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, examine the collection at Museo Ruben Dario, and pause for some serene contemplation at Church The Recollection.

For ratings, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, read Leon sightseeing planning website.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Leon is an approximately 28-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 10 hours traveling from Dubai to Leon. In November, daytime highs in Leon are 37°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Matagalpa.

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

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Iglesia San Rafael del Norte and Catedral. Do some cultural sightseeing at Museo Precolumbino de Chaguitillo and El Castillo del cacao. Go for a jaunt from Matagalpa to Jinotega to see Catedral San Juan about 48 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: deepen your understanding at Escuela de Espanol Colibri, make a trip to Mirador El Calvario, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Cerro Apante.

To find more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Matagalpa sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Leon to Matagalpa in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a bus. Traveling from Leon in November, things will get a bit cooler in Matagalpa: highs are around 29°C and lows about 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Sun) early enough to drive to Esteli.

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

On the 14th (Mon), stop by Artesanías La Esquina - Handmade crafts and then stroll through Reserva Natural Miraflor.

To find maps, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Esteli trip website.

You can drive from Matagalpa to Esteli in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In November, plan for daily highs up to 29°C, and evening lows to 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Mon) early enough to take a bus to Isla de Ometepe.

Isla de Ometepe may be small in size, but it boasts two large volcanoes that dominate its landscape and influence the local lifestyle.

You'll explore and learn at El Ceibo Museums and Museo Ometepe. Spend the 18th (Fri) wandering through the wild on Dinarte's Rental. The adventure continues: explore the activities along Laguna Charco Verde, tour the pleasant surroundings at Punta Jesus Maria, admire the local landmark of Ojo de Agua, and get impressive views of Volcan Concepcion.

To find more things to do, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Isla de Ometepe online trip maker.

Traveling by bus from Esteli to Isla de Ometepe takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and shuttle. On the 19th (Sat), you'll travel to Big Corn Island.

The larger of the two islands, Big Corn Island offers a laid-back atmosphere and tropical island scenery.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sun): step off the mainland to explore Nautilus Corn Island, then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and then get reinvigorated at Anahata Massage & Yoga.

To find ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Big Corn Island attractions planner.

You can fly from Isla de Ometepe to Big Corn Island in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. In November, daily temperatures in Big Corn Island can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sun) so you can travel to Little Corn Island.

The smaller of two islands, Little Corn Island has become more popular than its larger neighbor, with international visitors seeing it as the more authentic, wilder, and more scenic landmass.

On the 21st (Mon), discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To find reviews, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Little Corn Island online holiday maker.

Explore your travel options from Big Corn Island to Little Corn Island with the Route module. In November, plan for daily highs up to 34°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Mon) to allow time to fly 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.

The Art Warehouse and Parroquia San Pedro Apostol Rivas are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Take a break from San Juan del Sur with a short trip to O Parks, WildLife and Recreation in El Ostional, about 40 minutes away. There's much more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at La Flor Beach Natural Reserve, make a trip to Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia, get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Marsella Valley Nature Center.

To find other places to visit, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, read our San Juan del Sur trip planning tool.

Traveling by flight from Little Corn Island to San Juan del Sur takes 2.5 hours. November in San Juan del Sur sees daily highs of 35°C and lows of 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sat) early enough 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.

ChocoMuseo Granada and Centro Cultural Antiguo Convento San Francisco will appeal to museum buffs. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Iglesia de La Merced and Catedral de Granada. Venture out of the city with trips to Apoyo (in La Laguna de Apoyo), Masaya (Masaya Volcano & Museo del Parque Volcan De Masaya) and Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago (in Jinotepe). There's still lots to do: stop by Soy Nica, examine the collection at Mi Museo, explore the world behind art at Casa de Los Tres Mundos, and admire the striking features of Guadalupe Church.

To see reviews, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Granada attractions planner.

Traveling by car from San Juan del Sur to Granada takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and shuttle; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Fri) so you can catch the flight back home.