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Peregrine Travel Centre

Discover Nicaragua & Costa Rica

Discover Nicaragua & Costa Rica

From $ 3,360 AUD

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Description

Travel deep into the heart of Central America on a journey that reveals the historic cities, coffee highlands, volcanic landscapes and local culture. Begin in Nicaragua, one of the region’s least‑visited countries, exploring the busy streets and creative spirit of Leon before heading into the cooler highlands of Matagalpa. Take part in a hands‑on, traditional cooking workshop and meet the local women who preserve these customary weaving techniques. Take a ferry across vast Lake Nicaragua to reach Ometepe Island, where striking twin volcanoes frame rural landscapes and daily life unfolds at a slower pace. Witness volcanic power up close at the active crater of Masaya Volcano before crossing into Costa Rica to explore one of the country’s most distinctive volcanic regions. Here, steaming fumaroles, forested trails and natural hot springs provide a dramatic and rejuvenating finale.

Trip Name
Discover Nicaragua & Costa Rica
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Journey by ferry across Lake Nicaragua to Ometepe Island, a rare destination formed by two dramatic volcanoes. Spend time soaking up island life, exploring small communities and enjoying peaceful lake and volcano views.
  • Join a local cooking workshop in the highlands of Matagalpa using fresh market ingredients to prepare traditional dishes, then visit a women‑led weaving demonstration showcasing ancestral techniques and the stories behind the craft.
  • Witness Central America’s raw geological energy as you visit Masaya Volcano, where you can peer into an active crater and see the glow of the lava lake – this is one of the few places in the world where such a lake is visible.
  • Visit Costa Rica’s Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where you can explore volcanic landscapes and unwind in the warm mineral waters and volcanic mud baths.
  • Discover the vibrant city of Leon on a guided walk that brings its revolutionary history, poetry and artistic spirit to life. Visit key landmarks, stroll bustling streets, and gain insight into the city’s role as Nicaragua’s intellectual and cultural heart.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Leon
Hola! Welcome to Nicaragua. Your adventure begins in Leon – a city of revolution, poetry and grand architecture. After checking into your hotel, feel free to walk through the historic streets. Admire the striking white facade of Leon Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest cathedrals in Central America. After the welcome meeting at 6 pm, maybe head out for an optional meal with your group at a local restaurant to sample traditional Nicaraguan cuisine. Your leader will have some great recommendations.
Day 2 - Leon
Today, join your group on a leader-led orientation walk dedicated to exploring Leon’s rich cultural heritage. Visit local art galleries, revolutionary murals and bustling markets. Learn about the city’s political history and literary legacy. Visit the lively Mercado Central de Leon, a hub of daily life in the city. Wander through colourful stalls filled with local produce and traditional foods and fuel up with a market snack such as quesillo (a soft tortilla filled with fresh cheese, pickled onions and cream) or a refreshing natural fruit drink. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Maybe take a kayaking or boat tour at Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve – float along the waterway between the mangrove forest and the island’s coast and watch out for wildlife that live here in abundance. If you’re a history buff, step back in time at Ruins de Leon Viejo, one of the oldest Spanish settlements in the Americas. Located near Puerto Momotombo, these fascinating archaeological ruins offer insight into Nicaragua’s colonial history.
Day 3 - Matagalpa
Travel north into the cool highlands to Matagalpa, a region known for coffee production and lush mountain scenery. The change in climate is immediate — fresh air, rolling hills and cloud-kissed forests surround you. When you arrive, maybe take a short walk through town to soak up its relaxed atmosphere. The region’s strong agricultural traditions make it an ideal place to learn about rural Nicaraguan life. If you’d like, your leader can help you arrange a coffee tour, birdwatching in the cloud forest, a visit to a farm or hiking in Apante Nature Reserve.
Day 4 - Matagalpa
Today, you’ll visit one of the mountain communities surrounding Matagalpa and get a taste of traditional Nicaraguan cuisine. After breakfast, head out of the city to Aguali Biological Station, where you’ll participate in an interactive cooking workshop. Together with local hosts, you'll prepare traditional dishes using fresh regional ingredients while learning about the role of corn, beans and seasonal products in Nicaraguan daily life. To cap it off, enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. After, the journey continues into the hills to the indigenous community of El Chile. Here you’ll meet a group of local women artisans who preserve the region’s traditional weaving techniques. They’ll demonstrate how colourful threads are transformed into handmade backpacks, rugs and other textiles using traditional looms. Try the weaving process yourself, if you want! For those craving some time in nature, there’s time to tack on an optional short walk to Cerro El Chile, a scenic viewpoint where you can look out over the mountains surrounding Matagalpa.
Day 5 - Granada
Today, journey south to Granada, set on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and brimming with colourful Spanish architecture. On the way, stop in the lively town of Masaya, where you’ll have time for lunch on your own and to walk around the famous Masaya Artisan Market – perhaps picking up a handmade hammock or piece of pottery to take home. In the afternoon, head to Masaya Volcano, one of Nicaragua’s most active and captivating natural wonders. While waiting for entry – which can sometimes involve a longer wait – enjoy the sounds of traditional Nicaraguan music and engaging stories that bring the volcano’s history and local legends to life. Admire a beautiful sunset, then continue to Granada and your hotel for tonight.
Day 6 - Granada
Today, you’ll get to know Granada, founded in the 16th century and one of the oldest European-established cities in the Americas. Head out with your leader for a walk through the leafy Parque Central and La Calzada – a busy pedestrian street and dining area. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at your own pace. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, maybe hire a kayak and paddle around the islets of Lake Nicaragua – stay safely tucked in, as freshwater sharks live in the water! Or, maybe rent a bike and ride to Laguna de Apoyo, or hike through the flora and fauna along the Mombacho Volcano Crater Trail. If you’d like to dive deeper into Granada’s rich history and striking Spanish architecture, consider joining a guided city tour. With a local expert leading the way, you’ll explore bustling streets, visit Casa de los Tres Mundos and the San Francisco Convent, and uncover the stories behind the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Day 7 - Ometepe Island
Today, travel by road and ferry to Ometepe, a magical island formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua (Ometepe literally means two volcanoes in the Nahuatl language). Life here moves at a slower pace, shaped by agriculture and fishing traditions. When you arrive, take time to settle in and enjoy sunset views over the water. The island’s natural beauty sets the tone for tomorrow.
Day 8 - Ometepe Island
This morning, explore the natural and cultural highlights of Ometepe on a scenic tour across the island. Visit the lush trails of Charco Verde, stop at the quiet shores of Playa Santo Domingo and see the historic town of Altagracia. Along the way, discover ancient Ometepe petroglyphs that offer a glimpse into the island’s local culture and traditions. The afternoon is yours to explore Ometepe’s landscapes as you wish. Maybe hike to the summit of Maderas volcano – but be warned, at 1394 m (4573.5 ft) above sea level, this trek is no walk in the park. You might prefer to splash around in the natural springs or soak up the sun on the shore. If you like watermelon, banana and citrus fruits, this is the place for you – there’s loads of delicious fresh fruit to feast on.
Day 9 - Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Depart Nicaragua today and cross the border into Costa Rica, continuing to Rincon de la Vieja. This geothermal wonderland is characterised by bubbling mud pots, volcanic craters and tropical dry forest. When you get there, enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the hot springs, where natural thermal pools flow through the forest. Take time to unwind in the warm mineral waters and experience the traditional and rejuvenating volcanic mud baths, surrounded by the peaceful landscapes of Costa Rica’s tropical dry forest.
Day 10 - Rincón de la Vieja National Park
After breakfast, venture out to explore the geothermal landscapes of Rincon de la Vieja National Park on a leader-led walk through the Las Pailas Sector. Follow the trails past gurgling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and sulphur springs while learning about the volcanic activity and dry tropical forest ecosystem that define this remarkable park. If you’d like, go birdwatching or take a canopy tour to round out the day.
Day 11 - San Jose
Today, travel south to San Jose, Costa Rica’s dynamic capital, nestled in the Central Valley and home to over half the country’s population. When you get there, take a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings. If there’s time, maybe explore the city’s Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to locally grown fruit. This evening, you may wish to rejoin your group for a farewell dinner to reflect on your journey through two countries rich in culture, history and natural beauty.
Day 12 - San Jose
Your adventure comes to an end today. Your booking agent can help arrange your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-08-202728-08-2027AUD $ 3,360-
13-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 3,360-
03-11-202713-11-2027AUD $ 3,360-
17-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 3,360-
15-12-202725-12-2027AUD $ 3,460-
29-12-202708-01-2028AUD $ 3,460-
12-01-202822-01-2028AUD $ 3,635-
26-01-202805-02-2028AUD $ 3,635-
09-02-202819-02-2028AUD $ 3,635-
23-02-202804-03-2028AUD $ 3,635-
08-03-202818-03-2028AUD $ 3,530-
22-03-202801-04-2028AUD $ 3,530-
12-04-202822-04-2028AUD $ 3,530-
10-05-202820-05-2028AUD $ 3,530-
19-07-202829-07-2028AUD $ 3,530-
16-08-202826-08-2028AUD $ 3,530-
18-10-202828-10-2028AUD $ 3,530-
08-11-202818-11-2028AUD $ 3,530-
22-11-202802-12-2028AUD $ 3,530-
13-12-202823-12-2028AUD $ 3,635-
27-12-202806-01-2029AUD $ 3,635-

Accommodation

Hotels (11 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, ferry

Map

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