An abbreviated tour of Nicaragua emphasizes the grandeur and
wealth of Granada. Experience the old open-air craft market of
Masaya and discover the quaint little villages where the crafts
are actually made. As in the full Nicaragua tour, your tour will
start in the gateway city of Liberia, Costa Rica. See description
of tour Liberia to Leon.
We head directly from the Costa Rica/Nicaragua
border to Granada for an overnight stay. After checking into
the hotel and a short rest, you'll have a city tour followed
by dinner. The next morning you'll be able to explore the sites
and attractions of Granada e.g. churches, mansions, and museums.
A nearby drive to Puerto Asese permits a view of the Momobacho volcano in the background behind a romantic
lagoon setting of lily pads and tropical trees.
The next day starts with a trip to Masaya National Park where
we'll see an active volcano complete with natural gases. Continuing
on to Coyotepe, a historic old fortress and then a break for
lunch. Afterwards you'll have a city tour
of Masaya and see the old market where almost every Nicaraguan
handicraft is displayed. This is a chance to shop till you drop.
You will stay overnight in Masaya and motor tour the surrounding
villages in the morning. Catarina's cobblestone streets are adorned
by "mom and pop" nurseries each displaying a tropical
paradise of flora. You'll have lunch over looking a large water
filled crater with Granada appearing in miniature far in the
distance. The adjacent pueblo of San del Oriente is known for
its colorful indigenous pottery. Nearby Masatepe is the center
for furniture making. These villages not only are not only the
home of arts and crafts but also reflect the daily life of the
Nicaraguan people. A must see for anyone interested in culture.
Our afternoon winds down
as we head south again to San Juan del Sur on the Pacific. This
quiet but quaint seaside resort has long been a favorite with
tourists and locals alike. It is the perfect spot to rest overnight
and relax on the beach before our journey back to Costa Rica.
An abbreviated tour of Nicaragua emphasizes the grandeur and
wealth of Granada. Experience the old open-air craft market of
Masaya and discover the quaint little villages where the crafts
are actually made. As in the full Nicaragua tour, your tour will
start in the gateway city of Liberia, Costa Rica. See description
of tour 
We head directly from the Costa Rica/Nicaragua
border to Granada for an overnight stay. After checking into
the hotel and a short rest, you'll have a city tour followed
by dinner. The next morning you'll be able to explore the sites
and attractions of Granada e.g. churches, mansions, and museums.
A nearby drive to Puerto Asese permits a view of the Momobacho volcano in the background behind a romantic
lagoon setting of lily pads and tropical trees.
The next day starts with a trip to Masaya National Park where
we'll see an active volcano complete with natural gases. Continuing
on to Coyotepe, a historic old fortress and then a break for
lunch. Afterwards you'll have a city tour
of Masaya and see the old market where almost every Nicaraguan
handicraft is displayed. This is a chance to shop till you drop.
Our afternoon winds down
as we head south again to San Juan del Sur on the Pacific. This
quiet but quaint seaside resort has long been a favorite with
tourists and locals alike. It is the perfect spot to rest overnight
and relax on the beach before our journey back to Costa Rica.