After decades of economic strife and political tension, Nicaragua is quickly emerging as a vibrant cultural destination. Experience the history and mythology of Volcán Masaya, the artisanship of the Pueblos Blancos, and the colonial wonder of Granada with this culturally rich tour. Perfect for a weekend getaway or as part of a longer Nicaragua itinerary, Pacaya Lodge & Spa serves as the perfect Nicaragua mountain hotel gateway to the unique culture of the country’s southwestern regio.

Day 1: Personalized Transfer Service from Airport to Pacaya Lodge & Spa
Arriving at the airport in a foreign country can be a disorienting experience. Not here, as your chauffeur will be waiting for you in uniform and with a personalized sign. We will be happy to load your luggage into our spacious, air-conditioned van. Sit back, enjoy the countryside and relax on the 45-minute ride to the lodge.

Volcán Masaya: An up-close and personal evening with an active volcano

This fascinating evening tour starts with a ride to the Volcán Masaya National Park. Over the years, the volcano has become known as the “mouth of hell,” and soon you’ll know why. Your guide will take you through the park’s museum and interpretation center where you’ll learn about the volcano’s history, mythology, and wildlife. Afterwards, you’ll peer into the active volcano and may even see the reflection of lava flowing down below. You’ll be amazed to see the chocoyos (parakeets) that have adapted to these harsh conditions as well as the scores of bats leaving their caves to look for food.

Recommended Gear: comfortable walking shoes, water, light clothing, camera

Departure: 3:30pm

Day 2: Village and City: A tour of the Pueblos Blancos, Masaya, and Granada

Begin the day with a tour of Nicaragua’s Pueblos Blancos, famous for outstanding artisanal traditions and unique customs. First you will visit Catarina, famous for its gardens and views of Laguna de Apoyo before visiting San Juan de Oriente, which is famous for ceramics. After traveling to Masaya to visit the country’s largest craft and artisanal market, you will be transported to the beautiful colonial city of Granada, Nicaragua’s most popular tourist destination. Our tour will take you through the city in a horse-drawn carriage, giving you an appreciation of the fantastic colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. You’ll also visit the San Francisco Convent and Museum, which has many pre-Columbian artifacts. Additional stops include the vibrant city market and many culturally significant churches and monuments. You will leave the tour with an understanding of both Granada’s history and its hustle-and-bustle modern life.

Recommended gear: Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, water, camera, cash for shopping at market

Departure: 8:00am

Day 3: A Relaxing Morning and Personalized Transfer Service to the Airport

Enjoy the morning listening to the birds and taking in the fantastic views of Laguna de Apoyo. Feel free to relax by the pool, enjoy the jacuzzi, or get a quick massage at our Nicaragua mountain hotel spa before your day of travel. Our transfer service will get you to the airport comfortably and in time for your flight. Thank you for staying with us!

Included with this package:

• 2 nights stay at Pacaya Lodge & Spa
• 2 continental rooster breakfasts delivered to your room (Days 2 and 3)
• 1 Lunch (Day 2)
• Bi-lingual guides on all tours
• Transportation for all tours
• Round-trip air conditioned transportation to and from the airport
• Access to all lodge amenities
  • Infinity pool
  • Yoga deck
  • Air-conditioned rooms
  • Private balcony with hammocks
  • Open-air fine dining
  • Private spa studios
  • Wifi Internet
  • Shuttle to Granada
  • Shuttle to Laguna de Apoyo waterfront
  • Floating deck and paddlesports

Package Rates:

For pricing please contact us at info@pacayalodge.com

After decades of economic strife and political tension, Nicaragua is quickly emerging as a vibrant cultural destination. Experience the history and mythology of Volcán Masaya, the artisanship of the Pueblos Blancos, and the colonial wonder of Granada with this culturally rich tour. Additional experiences include a day on the majestic volcanic island of Ometepe and a journey to León, Nicaragua’s original capital. Perfect for an extended weekend getaway or as part of a longer Nicaragua itinerary, Pacaya Lodge & Spa serves as the perfect gateway to the unique culture of Nicaragua.

Day 1: Personalized Transfer Service from Airport to Pacaya Lodge and Spa
Arriving at the airport in a foreign country can be a disorienting experience. Not here, as your chauffeur will be waiting for you in uniform and with a personalized sign. We will be happy to load your luggage into our spacious, air-conditioned van. Sit back, enjoy the countryside and relax on the 45-minute ride to the lodge.

Volcán Masaya: An up-close and personal evening with an active volcano

This fascinating evening tour begins with a ride to the Volcan Masaya National Park. You’ll see the volcano’s smoke long before you arrive. Your guide will take you through the park’s museum and interpretation center where you’ll learn about the volcano’s history, mythology, and wildlife. Afterwards you’ll peer into the active volcano and may even see the reflection of lava flowing down below. You’ll be amazed to see chocoyos (parakeets) returning to their nests within the crater and bats leaving their caves to look for food.

Recommended Gear: Comfortable walking shoes, insect repellant, water, and light jacket

Departure: Daily at 3:30pm

Day 2: Village and City: A tour of the Pueblos Blancos and Granada

Begin the day with a tour of Nicaragua’s Pueblos Blancos, famous for outstanding artisanal traditions and unique customs. First you will visit Catarina, famous for its gardens and views of Laguna de Apoyo before visiting San Juan de Oriente, which is famous for ceramics. After traveling to Masaya to visit the country’s largest craft and artisanal market, you will be transported to the beautiful colonial city of Granada, Nicaragua’s most popular tourist destination. Our tour will take you through the city in a horse-drawn carriage, giving you an appreciation of the fantastic colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. You’ll also visit the San Francisco Convent and Museum, which has many pre-Columbian artifacts. Additional stops include the vibrant city market and many culturally significant churches and monuments. You will leave the tour with an understanding of both Granada’s history and its hustle-and-bustle modern life.

Recommended gear: Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, water, camera, cash for shopping at market

Departure: 8:00am

Day 3: Isla de Ometepe: A Day on Nicaragua’s most famous Island

The twin volcanic peaks of Ometepe have been attracting travelers for years. An early start is necessary to take in all the island has to offer. Your shuttle will take you to the port town of San Jorge where you’ll board a ferry for the one hour cruise across Lake Nicaragua to the island. You’ll appreciate the mix of rural and island life as we pass through several villages on the way to our first stop, the Ceibo Museum. Here, you will learn about the rich pre-Columbian Indian tribes that inhabited the island for centuries. Next we will stop at the Charco Verde Reserve, known for its rich birdlife, howler monkeys, butterflies, and lush vegetation. After a lakefront lunch at Playa Santo Domingo, you’ll have the chance to take a dip in the “Ojo de Agua,” a natural spring rumored to have special healing properties. We will then head back to the ferry and be on our way back to Pacaya Lodge & Spa.

Recommended gear: comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, camera, insect repellant

Departure: 5:30am

Day 4: Historical León and Lunch at the Pacific

León, Nicaragua’s original capital, has long been Granada’s chief political, economic, and cultural rival within the country. After visiting Granada, you’ll understand the contrast between the two cities. The vibrant city is home to Nicaragua’s largest universities, fantastic museums, and boasts the largest cathedral in all of Central America. You will visit the Ortiz-Gurdian Museum, which houses a wide range of sculptures and paintings, both historical and contemporary. Additionally, the tour will stop by the Rubén Dario Museum to learn about Nicaragua’s most famous poet. A short drive through the countryside will take you to the beach town of Las Peñitas for a relaxing seaside lunch before heading back to the Lodge.

Recommended gear: comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, light clothing, water, camera

Departure: 7:30 am

Day 5: Free morning and Personalized Transfer Service from Pacaya Lodge & Spa to Airport

Enjoy the morning listening to the birds and taking in the fantastic views of Laguna de Apoyo. Feel free to relax by the pool, enjoy the jacuzzi, or get a quick massage at the Lodge spa before your day of travel. Our transfer service will get you to the airport comfortably and in time for your flight. Thank you for staying with us!

Included with this package:

• 4 continental rooster breakfasts delivered to your room (Days 2-5)
• 3 lunches (Day 2 in Granada, Day 3 on Isla de Ometepe, Day 4 in León)
• Bi-lingual guides on all tours
• Transportation for all tours
• Round-trip air conditioned transportation to and from the airport
• Access to all lodge amenities
  • Infinity pool
  • Yoga deck
  • Air-conditioned rooms
  • Private balcony with hammocks
  • Open-air fine dining
  • Private spa studios
  • Wifi Internet
  • Shuttle to Granada
  • Shuttle to Laguna de Apoyo waterfront
  • Floating deck and paddlesports

Package Rates:

For pricing please contact us at info@pacayalodge.com

After decades of economic strife and political tension, Nicaragua is quickly emerging as a vibrant cultural destination. Experience the history and mythology of Volcán Masaya, the artisanship of the Pueblos Blancos, and the colonial wonder of Granada with this culturally rich tour. Additional experiences include a day on the majestic volcanic island of Ometepe and a journey to León, Nicaragua’s original capital. You will also visit Zapatera Island, where many petroglyphs and artifacts remain from ancient civilizations. Pacaya Lodge & Spa serves as the perfect gateway for this weeklong exploration into the unique culture of Nicaragua.

Day 1: Personalized Transfer Service from Airport to Pacaya Lodge and Spa
Arriving at the airport in a foreign country can be a disorienting experience. Not here, as your chauffeur will be waiting for you in uniform and with a personalized sign. We will be happy to load your luggage into our spacious, air-conditioned van. Sit back, enjoy the countryside and relax on the 45-minute ride to the lodge.

Volcán Masaya: An up-close and personal evening with an active volcano

This fascinating evening tour begins with a ride to the Volcan Masaya National Park. You’ll see the volcano’s smoke long before you arrive. Your guide will take you through the park’s museum and interpretation center where you’ll learn about the volcano’s history, mythology, and wildlife. Afterwards you’ll peer into the active volcano and may even see the reflection of lava flowing down below. You’ll be amazed to see chocoyos (parakeets) returning to their nests within the crater and bats leaving their caves to look for food.

Recommended Gear: Comfortable walking shoes, insect repellant, water, and light jacket

Departure: Daily at 3:30pm

Day 2: Petroglyphs and Artifacts on Lake Nicaragua: The Archaeological Sites of Zapatera and El Muerto Islands

Today you will explore several of the islands in Lake Nicaragua. You will pass through the Isletas de Granada on the way to Zapatera and El Muerto Islands. Zapatera Island is the second-largest in all of Lake Nicaragua, behind only Ometepe Island. It served as a meeting point for many of the pre-Columbian tribes that lived in Nicaragua and many petroglyphs and artifacts remain. El Muerto Island is smaller, but has a rich pre-Columbian history as well. The tour involves a short hike around the Zapatera lagoon followed by a refreshing swim in the waters of Lake Nicaragua. Your expert guide will explain the historical importance of these fascinating archaeological sites in remote Nicaragua. You will have the chance to see impressive birdlife, howler monkeys, butterflies, and tropical plants throughout the entire journey.

Recommended gear: comfortable yet solid walking shoes, sunscreen, light clothing, water, camera, insect repellant, swimsuit

Departure: 7:30 am

Day 3: Free morning and afternoon Granada City Tour

You will have the morning free to take our complimentary shuttle down to Laguna de Apoyo, swim in the infinity pool, or relax with coffee on your private balcony. After lunch, you will explore the beautiful colonial city of Granada, Nicaragua’s most popular tourist destination and one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Our tour will take you through the city in a horse-drawn carriage, giving you an appreciation of the fantastic colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. You’ll also visit the San Francisco Convent and Museum, which has many pre-Columbian artifacts. Additional stops include the vibrant city market and many culturally significant churches and monuments. You will leave the tour with an understanding of both Granada’s history and its hustle-and-bustle modern life.

Recommended gear: Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, water, camera, sunscreen

Departure: 2:00 pm

Day 4: Historical León and Lunch at the Pacific

León, Nicaragua’s original capital, has long been Granada’s chief political, economic, and cultural rival within the country. After visiting Granada, you’ll understand the contrast between the two cities. The vibrant city is home to Nicaragua’s largest universities, fantastic museums, and boasts the largest cathedral in all of Central America. You will visit the Ortiz-Gurdian Museum, which houses a wide range of sculptures and paintings, both historical and contemporary. Additionally, the tour will stop by the Rubén Dario Museum to learn about Nicaragua’s most famous poet. A short drive through the countryside will take you to the beach town of Las Peñitas for a relaxing seaside lunch before heading back to the Lodge.

Recommended gear: comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, light clothing, water, camera

Departure: 7:30 am

Day 5: The heart of Nicaraguan Culture: The Pueblos Blancos and Masaya and free afternoon

Begin the day with a tour of Nicaragua’s Pueblos Blancos, famous for outstanding artisanal traditions and unique customs. First you will visit Catarina, famous for its gardens and views of Laguna de Apoyo before visiting artisan workshops in San Juan de Oriente, which is famous for ceramics. Afterwards you will travel to Masaya to visit the country’s largest craft and artisanal market, famous for hammocks, ceramics, leather goods, carvings and much more. This region, known as La Meseta, is recognized as the cultural heart of Nicaragua. You will return to the lodge after lunch and have the afternoon to relax.

Recommended gear: Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, water, camera, cash for shopping at market, sunscreen

Departure: 8:00 am

Day 6: Isla de Ometepe: A Day on Nicaragua’s most famous Island

The twin volcanic peaks of Ometepe have been attracting travelers for years. An early start is necessary to take in all the island has to offer. Your shuttle will take you to the port town of San Jorge where you’ll board a ferry for the one hour cruise across Lake Nicaragua to the island. You’ll appreciate the mix of rural and island life as we pass through several villages on the way to our first stop, the Ceibo Museum. Here, you will learn about the rich pre-Columbian Indian tribes that inhabited the island for centuries. Next we will stop at the Charco Verde Reserve, known for its rich birdlife, howler monkeys, butterflies, and lush vegetation. After a lakefront lunch at Playa Santo Domingo, you’ll have the chance to take a dip in the “Ojo de Agua,” a natural spring rumored to have special healing properties. We will then head back to the ferry and be on our way back to Pacaya Lodge & Spa.

Recommended gear: comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, camera, bug spray

Departure: Daily at 5:30am

Day 7: Free morning and Personalized Transfer Service from Pacaya Lodge & Spa to Airport

Enjoy the morning listening to the birds and taking in the fantastic views of Laguna de Apoyo. Feel free to relax by the pool, enjoy the jacuzzi, or get a quick massage at the Lodge spa before your day of travel. Our transfer service will get you to the airport comfortably and in time for your flight. Thank you for staying with us!

Included with this package:

• 6 continental rooster breakfasts delivered to your room (Days 2-5)
• 4 lunches (Day 2 on the Islands, Day 4 in Leon, Day 5 in Masaya, and Day 6 on Isla de Ometepe)
• Bi-lingual guides on all tours
• Transportation for all tours
• Round-trip air conditioned transportation to and from the airport
• Access to all lodge amenities
  • Infinity pool
  • Yoga deck
  • Air-conditioned rooms
  • Private balcony with hammocks
  • Open-air fine dining
  • Private spa studios
  • Wifi Internet
  • Shuttle to Granada
  • Shuttle to Laguna de Apoyo waterfront
  • Floating deck and paddlesports

Optional: You can combine the Granada City Tour on Day 3 with the Pueblos Blancos and Masaya Tour on Day 5. This will give you an entire day free if you wish. If you wish to combine The Granada City Tour with the Pueblos Blancos and Masaya Tour, this becomes a full day tour and lunch will be included.

Package Rates:

For pricing please contact us at info@pacayalodge.com