Night 1-2
Montibelli Lodge in Montibelli
Enjoy this simple but comfortable mountain lodge in a nature reserve with wonderful forest views and nature trails for birdwatching.
Guided Nicaragua Hiking Tour
Prices
Highlights
Hike through the incredible natural scenery of Nicaragua
The incredible 12-day Guided Nicaragua Hiking Tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the natural wonders of Nicaragua. You'll get to explore pristine nature reserves bursting with wildlife, stay on the volcanic island of Ometepe, follow the footsteps of the faithful on a pilgrim's route, and jump into vast canyons in the northern highlands.
Every day you'll have an experienced local guide to reveal the hidden secrets of each area and immerse you in the local culture. Each step you hike will reveal more of Nicaragua’s lush natural world. Get ready for an adventure that shows off the best of Nicaragua's hiking!
Guided Nicaragua Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Managua
Welcome and Bienvenido to the capital of Nicaragua, Managua. At the airport, a driver will greet you and transfer you to the Montibelli Nature Reserve, nestled in the hills about an hour from the city.
- Overnight Location
- Guesthouse in Montibelli
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- None
Day 2 Exploring Montibelli Reserve
You have a full day to explore the forest trails of the Montibelli Nature Reserve with a local guide, who will point out the many species of birds and wildlife. You'll get wonderful views of the Masaya Volcano in the distance and coffee plantations lining the hills.
- Overnight Location
- Guesthouse in Montibelli
- Distance
- Varies
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Farm Visit and Estate Stay
After breakfast, you'll drive into cattle country and hike into the hills to visit a local farm where you can try your hand at making tortillas and cheese. Of course, you can snack on the fruits of your labour.
You'll stay tonight at a local estate in the rustic countryside.
- Overnight Location
- Guesthouse in El Juste
- Distance
- 3-4 hours, 10km
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Pilgrim Path to Cuapa
Walking in the footsteps of faithful devotees, you'll follow the pilgrim's path through the mountains to a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary who appeared to a local man in a vision. This beautiful path reveals rushing rivers and pristine countryside.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Juigalpa
- Distance
- 6-8 hours, 22km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 Mountain Hike to the “Stone Man”
Today you drive north and visit a small village to learn about traditional lifestyles and medicinal plants. You then hike up to the “Stone Man” Don Alberto, a hermit who carves fantastical sculptures out of the mountain. (Note: he does not receive visitors on Sundays.)
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Somoto
- Distance
- 3 hours, 6km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6 Somoto Canyon
Hiking through the Somoto Canyon reveals the gorgeous natural scenery, geology and wildlife. Some of the route requires you to get into the water and swim across, so be prepared! You can also have a ball jumping from the canyon walls into the crystal clear waters.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Somoto
- Distance
- 5-6 hours, 14km
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch
Day 7 Hot Springs and Telica Volcano Camping
In the morning you'll visit the bubbling San Jacinto hot springs and begin your ascent to the Telica Volcano. Near the top of the volcano, you'll get incredible views.
Set up your tent for a truly unique experience of sleeping on an active volcano.
- Overnight Location
- Campsite at Telica Volcano
- Distance
- 3 hours, 7km
- Meals
- Breakfast, dinner
Day 8 Escape to Ometepe Island
Like Tom Hanks, you survived the volcano! You descend Telica and meet the driver who takes you to the ferry, which whisks you over to Ometepe, the largest volcanic island in the world. Located in Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe is a gorgeous getaway.
- Overnight Location
- Guesthouse on Ometepe Island
- Distance
- 3 hours, 7km
- Meals
- Breakfast, dinner
Day 9 Maderas Volcano Climb
Wake up early to begin the 8-hour round trip climb to the summit of Maderas Volcano, passing through the cloud forest and rainforest. If this hike is too strenuous, you can take a shorter hike to a viewpoint instead.
- Overnight Location
- Guesthouse on Ometepe Island
- Distance
- 8 hours, 10km
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 Carco Verde to Granada City
In the morning you have time to explore Ometepe's Charco Verde reserve and the butterfly house before taking the ferry back to the mainland. You'll travel to the gorgeous colonial city of Granada and enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic sites.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Granada
- Distance
- 3 hours, 6km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 11 Mombacho Puma Trail
The dormant Mombacho volcano is home to the Puma Trail which passes through the tropical cloud forest that sits on the summit of the old crater.
In the afternoon, you have free time in Granada to simply relax, or you can try fun activities like making chocolate or rolling cigars.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Granada
- Distance
- 4 hours, 4km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 12 Departure from Managua
Your amazing adventure in Nicaragua comes to an end today. A driver will transfer you to the Managua airport for your outbound flight. Have a safe trip home!
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Guided Nicaragua Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This guided hiking tour in Nicaragua is run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the number of participants.
Prices below are per person sharing a double room, and groups of odd numbers can either book a single room for a supplement of $112USD (per room) or opt-out for a triple room with a $10USD per person price reduction.
- Guided solo traveller: $2,350USD
- Guided groups of 2: $1,625USD per person
- Guided groups of 3: $1,350USD per person
- Guided groups of 4-5: $1,250USD per person
- Guided groups of 6+: $1,095USD per person
Accommodation on the Guided Nicaragua Hiking Tour
This tour is based in hotels, guesthouses, and campsites. Please note that in some guesthouses at the nature reserves, the accommodation may be dormitory-style with shared facilities. Hotels on this tour are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences to make your trip more comfortable.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $112USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. There is a reduction of $10USD for triple rooms. Solo travellers will pay the listed 1-person price.
Night 3
Finca El Encanto in El Juste
Spend the night at a local estate in the countryside and immerse yourself in the local way of life.
Night 4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsPosada la Hacienda in Juigalpa
This friendly guesthouse is known for its restaurant, especially the steak.
Night 5-6
See Tripadvisor ReviewsRual’s Hotel Somoto
This colourful guesthouse close to the Somoto Canyon enjoys beautiful forest views.
Night 7
Campsite on Telica Volcano
Enjoy the unique experience of camping on an active volcano and wake up to see the sunrise from the summit.
Night 8-9
See Tripadvisor ReviewsFinca el Porvenir in Isla de Ometepe
Surround yourself with nature at this rustic thatched roof guesthouse on beautiful Ometepe Island.
Night 10-11
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel El Almirante in Granada
This classic colonial hotel in downtown Granada has a lovely courtyard pool and easy access to nearby attractions and restaurants.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s Included in the Guided Nicaragua Hiking Tour?
Meals
11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 11 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour, including to and from the airport. All private transfers by car and ferry are also included as mentioned in the itinerary.
Also Included
- Specialized local guides
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees
- Camping equipment
Not included
- Flights
- Nicaraguan tourist card ($10 USD per person)
- International flight departure tax ($47 USD per person if not included in airfare)
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequenty Asked Questions about Guided Nicaragua Hiking Tour
How hard is the Guided Nicaragua Hiking Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. The hikes and treks on this tour range from 6km to 20km and require participants to be in good physical condition. There are options to shorten some of the hikes, but you should be relatively fit and comfortable hiking to get the most out of this tour.
Are meals included on the Guided Nicaragua Hiking Tour?
11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners are included.
Is the Guided Nicaragua Hiking Tour in English?
You will have specialized local guides during this trekking tour, and their English may be limited.
How do I get to Managua to start this tour?
Fly into Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua to begin this tour. A guide will be waiting at the airport to take you to your hotel.
Where does the Guided Nicaragua Hiking Tour end?
The tour ends when you check out from your hotel. A driver will take you from your hotel to Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua for your outbound flight.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
Do I need a visa to travel to Nicaragua?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Nicaragua?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Nicaragua?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Nicaragua for this tour?
The best time to travel to Nicaragua for this tour is from November to April when the climate is drier, but Nicaragua can be visited year-round.
Reviews
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
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Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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What travellers say
Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
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Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
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Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
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Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
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Why 10Adventures?
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Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 3/5. The hikes and treks on this tour range from 6km to 20km and require participants to be in good physical condition. There are options to shorten some of the hikes, but you should be relatively fit and comfortable hiking to get the most out of this tour.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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