Nicaragua - Navigating Nicaragua

Day 1: Arrival Managua (Arrival)

Upon arrival into Managua International Airport a BikeHike Adventures representative will greet you and transfer you to a comfortable hotel in the city. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Nicaragua's bustling capital city. There will be a brief orientation at some point today, but the extensive orientation will be once the whole group is together.

Day 2: Leon (Thermal Mud Baths)

We begin the journey with a drive to the colonial city of Leon. Founded in 1524, Leon is the site of Central America's largest cathedral and is famous for its colonial charm. After some time to explore the city and a typical lunch near the lively central park we get our first taste of volcanic activity with a visit to the boiling mud formations at San Jacinto. We return to our hotel in Leon in late afternoon and have a free evening to explore. (B,L)

Day 3: Leon - Cerro Negro Volcano (Hiking)

Leon’s present site was chosen after a devastating eruption of Momotombo Volcano in 1609. It buried the original city of Leon, now known as Leon Viejo. Our day begins with a visit to the ruins of the city. From here we begin a full day hike from the unusual crater formation of La Hoja Volcano to the active Cerro Negro Volcano. In 1992 Cerro Negro Volcano buried Leon in ash and sand reminding the city of the uncertainty of living near volcanoes. Its most recent major eruption came in 1998. The 6 hour glute burning ascent is a great way to kick off the active week ahead. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Leon. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Masaya Volcano National Park - Granada (Hiking and Local Market)

A visit to the Masaya Volcano National Park and the surrounding area is our route today as we travel south leaving Leon and heading to Granada. The is Nicaragua’s oldest park and measures 54 square kilometers/34 square miles. The 5 craters of the volcano and lunar landscape make for a great day of hiking. A large variety of volcanic features abound to be explored, including bat-filled lava tube caves where archaeologists have discovered skeletons from seemingly pre-Colombian sacrifices. The town of Masaya contains markets of "Artesanias"-or locally handcrafted items, ranging from hammocks to rocking chairs to items crafted from clay, stone, glass and pewter, among other things. The day ends in the colonial port city of Granada in a cozy hotel. (B,L)

Day 5: Granada - Lake Nicaragua (Sea Kayaking)

At the northern end of Lake Nicaragua hundreds of lava isletas play host to important nesting and roosting sites for thousands of cormorants and other water birds that live on the lake. This morning we sea kayak through these isletas and enjoy a unique bird watching experience. The Mombacho Volcano shadows these isletas, and this will be our first glimpse of the two volcanoes of Isla Ometepe, rising in the distance. Another evening in Granada allows us to enjoy the colonial atmosphere. (B,L)

Day 6: Mombacho Volcano - Isla Ometepe (Zip-Lining and Mountain Biking)

The Cutirre Farm, outside Granada, is a working coffee farm perched high on the slopes of the Mombacho Volcano. There is a canopy tour here, set high in the treetops above the deep green of coffee plants. From the forest canopy we'll have a bird's eye view of the huge ciebas, mountain cedars, and guyabones trees that make up the shade for the plantation below. After receiving an indepth safety talk and being fitted with harnesses and gloves, the adventure begins. Traveling between platforms along zip lines give us the rare opportunity of viewing the world as the monkeys and birds do. Afterwards we continue south to Isla Ometepe. We have a one hour ferry ride to the island, and then we mount our bikes for the first time. We ride gritty gravel roads for 25 kms/16 miles, right in between the 2 volcanoes to Santo Domingo, on the east side of the island. This is our resting place for the evening, where we'll check into a small and cozy hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Isla Ometepe (Mountain Biking)

Ometepe is the largest island in Lake Nicaragua, and is made up of the two volcanoes Concepcion and Madera and the bridge of lava that connects them. It is ideal for mountain biking and a ride around the volcanoes makes for a challenging day of biking. The route passes through several indigenous settlements and offers great views of the lake and the chance to see monkeys and a variety of birdlife. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Isla Ometepe - Concepcion Volcano (Hiking)

Today we hike to the top of the 5,300 ft/1,615 meter Concepcion Volcano. The route up to its perfect conic shape and smoke filled crater takes 6 to 8 hours but we are well rewarded with an amazing 360 degree view of the lake, other volcanoes and the Pacific coast line in the distance. We return to Santa Domingo for a well deserved dinner and our last evening on the island. Overnight at a comfortable hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Moyogalpa - Managua (Mountain Biking)

The final leg of the physical journey begins with a 45 km/28 mile mountain bike ride to Moyogalpa. Here we board the ferry and return to the mainland. We'll transfer back to Managua for our last night in Nicaragua. (B,L)

Day 10: Departure

You'll be transferred to the international Airport to connect with your return flight home. (B)