Discover Northern Treasures of Nicaragua
Nicaragua is a wonderful travel destination, and this trip will pack a wide variety of sites and activities into 5 days. Known for its biodiversity and amazing natural sites, within this experience you will explore reserves with breathtaking views, hike through jungles inhabited by pumas and jaguars, and also tours of the local exports such as coffee and tobacco plantations. This holiday will give you a true look into the Northern treasures of Nicaragua.
- Matagalpa
- Jinotega
- Nebliselva Forest trails
- Peñas Blancas Massif Tour
- Estelí
You may find yourself bird watching or hiking through diverse jungles, you may find yourself surrounded by mountains or engulfed in the industry of the coffee plantation, but no matter what, you are guaranteed to have an enjoyable experience.
Welcome to Nicaragua! On arrival you will be transferred from Managua’s Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, to Matagalpa for 1 night. The city of Matagalpa is located in the North of Nicaragua and has been referred to as ‘the pearl of the North’ It has quite a fresh climate, due to being situated in a valley, surrounded by a mountainous area. Matagalpa has a long history and is nowadays the centre of Nicaragua’s coffee production.
In the morning, take part in bird watching and a coffee tour. Next, you head to Jinotega. Along the way, you stop at the cacao factory. Overnight in reserve Macizo de Peñas Blancas. Jinotega, located at 1000 meters above the sea level is in a valley surrounded by mountains and trees. It is sometimes referred to as “Ciudad de las Brumas” (City of Mists). The city is home to many hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs and is a great starting point to explore the surroundings. The department of Jinotega offers beautiful scenery, interesting historical sites, rural villages, coffee plantations, and spectacular nature. You can join a tour to the nearby mountainous areas or visit the El Diablo Natural Reserve which is just a short drive away from the city. Also, a waterfall, La Bujona, is jusr a short journey away.
After staying the night, the following day you will hike at the border between the provinces of Matagalpa and Jinotega, and part of Central America´s largest reserve, Bosawas. You encounter crystal clear rivers, water wells, large and small waterfalls, giant trees, and a wide variety of tropical plants as you make your way through the reserve, all while the fog that seems to be ever present adds mystery to this magical place. The reserve is inhabited by pumas, jaguars, ocelots, wild boars, deer, pacas, sloths, monkeys and birds such as hummingbirds, wranglers and the rare resplendent quetzals. You will again stay the night at your chosen accommodation
Today you will be transferred to Esteli. In the afternoon, get to know more about one of their primary activities: the production of Tobacco. Esteli is situated in the North-Eastern part of Nicaragua, in a still relatively underdeveloped tourist area. The city is rich in history and cultural heritage and visitors will find lots to occupy their time while here. The city used to be a refuge for Cuban cigar makers and this culture is still present here and can also be discovered in the city museums. The City has a vibrant and active centre with many hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. The surroundings of Estelí offer great opportunities to go bird watching and discover orchids, or go for hikes and walks. The beautiful nature reserve Miraflor is close by, too, and should not be missed.
In the morning, following breakfast, you will be transferred to Managua Airport for your departing flight.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
Matagalpa – Biodiversity tour: Flora and fauna
You will visit the Nebliselva Forest trails, you will receive an explanation about the flora and the ecosystems that lives in the Arenal Reserve. The tour will emphasise the plants, crops and their relationship with the community. While you are walking in the forest you will have the chance to know their habitats and also to observe the beauty of the mother nature.
Matagalpa – Coffee tour at Aguas del Arenal
How about knowing the production process of good quality Nicaraguan coffee with a half day tour? First you will begin with a walk-through rows of plantillos (the Spanish name for coffee bushes) straight to the processing sheds and nurseries. From here you will receive information and be part of how the coffee is produced, from seed directly to a cup.
At the end, you will also learn about the social and economic factors of coffee production, the traditional roasting and tasting, as well as history of coffee cultivation.
Jinotega – Macizo de Peñas Blancas
Hike the border between the provinces of Matagalpa and Jinotega, and part of Central America´s largest reserve, Bosawas. You encounter crystal clear rivers, water wells, large and small waterfalls, giant trees, and a wide variety of tropical plants as you make your way through the reserve, while the fog that seems to be ever present adds mystery to this magical place. The reserve is inhabited by pumas, jaguars, ocelots, wild boars, deer, paca´s, sloths, monkeys and birds such as hummingbirds, wranglers and the rare resplendent quetzals.
Esteli – Factory and tobacco plantations
Estelí is the epicentre of Nicaragua´s premium cigar industry. On this exciting tour, participants will discover the influence that Cuban cigar makers have bought to the region.
Start at a local tobacco plantation to learn about the process of growing the best leaves. Then you’ll continue to the factory to watch a live cigar making-process, where you can take photos and learn how to make cigars, and roll your own. At the end of the tour, you will visit the local cigar store.
- Meet & greet and transfers to and from the international airport
- Accommodation at hotels as mentioned or similar
- Breakfast daily
- Lunch on day 3
- Tours mentioned with a local English-speaking guide + entrance fees.
- VAT / taxes
- Extras at hotels (telephone calls, room service, porterage, laundry, alcoholic drinks, etc.)
- Meals or drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Any additional/extra tours or park fees
- Personal and/or medical expenses
- Any incidentals out of pocket or medical expenses. Please ensure you carry appropriate insurance, which covers all the activities in this itinerary, inherited risks, luggage protection and holiday cancellation.
- Late check-out or early check-in
- International or domestic flights
- Departure taxes or immigration fees (to be paid at some airports or land borders)
- Costs associated with changes to your itinerary for reasons beyond our control
- Any other service not mentioned in the “included” list or the itinerary
- Migration fees
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