Nicaragua is definitely a great place for those who like to discover a country on their own. It is safe to drive if you follow the basic rules of the road. Below you will find our “Self Drive” itinerary. This vacation package has been carefully studied and programmed to give the independent traveler to Nicaragua the highlights by combining different regions and features of Nicaragua.

This route takes you to the best of Nicaragua, alternating through scenic volcanoes with country roads, mountains, islands, colonial towns, dirt roads or the Pan- American Highway.  Driving through Nicaragua on your own and with the vacation package gives you the advantage of stopping where you want and when you want but at the same time giving you a itinerary whereby you are able to make the most of your time  and see the most fascinating areas of Nicaragua.

Even though most of the roads are in good condition, we recommend using a four wheel drive or SUV type vehicle year round. In fact on Ometepe Island or around the Apoyo Laguna, some places can be difficult in a normal passenger car. During the rainy season, beginning in May and ending in October, we highly recommend the use of a 4X4 vehicle.

As your Centralamerica.com Nicaragua Travel Representative for more details on this tour and its options. As will all our vacation packages to Nicaragua, it can me modified to fit your needs for no additional fee.

Day 1: Managua –Transfer to Hotel. Arrival in Managua. Transfer to Hotel located just across the International Airport... Day 2: Managua – León. Breakfast at Hotel and delivery of your vehicle. You will start your trip to one of the most impressive destinations in the country. Traveling northwest, along Lake Managua, you will have impressive views of Momotombo volcano... Day 3:León – Hervideros San Jacinto – Matagalpa – Selva Negra. In the morning, enjoy a drive to the hot springs of San Jacinto (boiling mud holes), with obvious evidence of the regions strong volcanic activity. You will drive from the tropical dry area into the mixed vegetation of the mountain range of Nicaragua. The town of Matagalpa is one of the biggest centers for coffee and you will see numerous coffee processing plants...

Day 4: Selva Negra – Masaya Volcano National Park - Laguna Apoyo.
In the morning you are free to visit the farm on your own, discovering the rural life of the “finca”. During your drive back to the Pacific area, you will feel the climatic differences of the region. On the way to your next destination, make a trip to the Masaya volcano National Park...

Day 5: Laguna Apoyo – Granada.
Take time to enjoy a refreshing morning swim in the lagoon, formed from volcanic origin. Today’s drive will bring you to one of the oldest colonial towns of the Americas, Granada. On foot, or by horse drawn carriage, enjoy the architecture and the monuments of the historic district of Granada...

Day 8: Playa Santo Domingo – Moyogalpa – San Jorge – Jinotepe – Managua.
Today you will drive around the Concepcion volcano to reach the main town Moyogalpa. From there, you will take the ferry back to the mainland and drive to the capital Managua...

• Transfer from Managua Airport to the hotel on Day 1 (Shuttle bus of Hotel on Standard Option and private transfer on Superior option)
• Vehicle from a rent-a-car company including sales taxes from Day 2 to Day 8
• Obligatory Civil insurance including sales taxes.
• Free mileage.
• Car delivery at Hotel on Day 2
• Hotels as described in the tour program or equivalent, including breakfast and hotel taxes.
• Entrance fee to Masaya Volcano National Park
• Ferry for passengers to/from Ometepe Island
• Ferry for the vehicle to/from Ometepe Island. (Ferry reservation is provided)
• Proper documentation about the country for road orientation, hotel information in English and Nicaragua’s best road maps.

• Tourist card
• Insurance for the rent-a-car
• Port and Municipality Taxes for San Jorge and Ometepe Island
• Further meals and drinks
• Fuel
• Tickets
• Entrance fees to Monuments, parks and museums in Managua, León, Granada, and Ometepe
• Boat Tour in Juan Venado Reserve and Las Isletas
• Departure airport tax to exit Nicaragua

• E-mail to Nicaragua@CentralAmerica.Com
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