Costa Rica & Nicaragua Express

Day 1: Liberia

Arrive in Liberia at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.

Liberia is the capital of the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. This region used to be part of Nicaragua, and if you're feeling up for talking politics, the Costa Ricans and Nicaraguans definitely have an opinion about whether or not Costa Rica “stole” this region from Nicaragua. You'll also find that there are many Nicaraguans working in this region due to its close proximity to Nicaragua. Liberia is perfectly located for a day trip to a nearby national park, to the beach or to a stunning waterfall. Head to the main square to sip your sugar cane juice as you watch everyone out and about in the evening. If you're there at sunset, you'll see hundreds of squawking birds hanging out in the park doing the same, minus the sugar cane juice. Located north of the city is Santa Rosa, Costa Rica's first national park and home to remote beaches and the largest remaining tropical dry forest in Central America. Beach lovers can also head west of Liberia to Playa El Coco and relax watching the waves of the Pacific. Just south of Liberia is the Llanos de Cortes waterfall with a sandy, gold-speckled beach surrounded by rainforest; if you're lucky, you'll have it all to yourself!

Day 2: Rincón de la Vieja

Rincon de la Vieja translates as "the old woman's corner." According to locals, the indigenous people of the Guatuso tribe named the volcano for one of two reasons. Either there was an old witch on top of the mountain who sent columns of smoke into the air when she was angry, or there was a kindly old woman occupying the same nook, and the smoke was from her cooking fire as she prepared meals for weary travellers. Perhaps both are appropriate: the Rincon de la Vieja crater has had at least eight periods of intense volcanic activity, and still bubbles and steams.

While you're here, experience a guided tour in the national park.

Days 3-4: San Juan del Sur (B)

Experience the first border crossing of the trip as we travel north into Nicaragua. Continuing along the Panamerican highway by bus from the border, we head for low-key San Juan del Sur for some serious relaxation by the sea. Set on a stunning horseshoe shaped cove, this fishing village is the perfect place to combine two of Nicaragua's best features – its beautiful beaches and its award-winning Flor de Caña rum! Here you can do as little or as much as you want to. Take surf lessons, try out your luck fishing, go zip-lining on the hills above San Juan del Sur, or just lounge on the beach! A short boat or taxi ride away, the deserted beaches of Playa Majagual to the north and Playa Remanso to the south are calling out to be explored. In the evenings you can take advantage of the relaxed seaside nightlife with the friendly locals.

Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 120 km

Days 5-6: Granada

Catch a bus going north to Granada, Nicaragua's oldest colonial city. Granada's colonial charm is complimented by the surrounding active volcanoes and lakes, making day trips a fun and easy option. Hike, cruise, or just explore the city's markets and museums. Tour of Masaya volcano is included.

Granada is Nicaragua's third largest and oldest city and retains its traditional Spanish colonial character. It is sometimes called ¨The Great Sultana¨ because of it´s beautiful colonial architecture. In the warm evenings you can usually find friendly neighbors visiting and chatting with each other from rocking chairs in the open front room of their homes. You´ll walk along cobblestone streets and see brightly painted buildings. Frequently live local music is played in the square, and good nightlife is easy to find. Granada is located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and has a long park ideal for strolling. For a relaxing afternoon, you can spend a couple of hours in a boat touring some of the 350+ ¨Isletas¨ or little islands close to Granada in Lake Nicaragua. Other optional activities include visiting the nearby extinct Mombacho Volcano, now shrouded in vegetation, or Masaya Volcano National Park, which is home to an active volcano. You can also opt for a swim in the nearby beautiful crater lake of Laguna de Apoyo. The nearby markets of Masaya house vendors selling great Nicaraguan handicrafts such as hammocks, pottery, and paintings.

Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 90 km

Days 7-8: Playa Hermosa

Cross back into Costa Rica for a final couple of days on the beach in Guanacaste's Playa Hermosa. Options to scuba dive, surf or wind down on the beach.

Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 240 km

Day 9: Playa Hermosa

Depart at any time. Playa Hermosa is located approximately 1 hour from the Liberia airport, which is accessible by public bus, shuttle or taxi.