Hot Spot Discovering Nicaragua
February 26 – March 6, 2011
LAND OF VOLCANOES
The Ring of Fire is the geographical region of active volcanoes
running from South America up along the Pacific coast to Alaska and
down the eastern
coast of Asia. The Ring passes through Central America’s countries,
among them the hidden paradise of Nicaragua. These volcanoes contribute
to the country’s designation as a literal hot spot, but the
landscape has an abundance of biologically significant and unique
ecosystems that also contribute to Mesoamerica’s designation as a
biodiversity hot spot as well.
Unfortunately, the term “hot spot” also
has a negative connotation, and Nicaragua has had some bad press too.
After centuries of colonial rule by the Spanish and British, the U.
S. government
got
involved in Central American
politics. A radical group, led by Augusto César Sandino – who
gave his name to the Sandinista movement – launched an effective guerrilla
campaign that forced the Americans’ departure in 1933. Sandino’s
guerrillas agreed to stop fighting when the Americans left, but
decades of dictatorships and civil unrest followed, and it was not until 1989
that an international deal brought an end to Ronald Reagan’s Contras War.
Now Nicaragua has a democratic government determined by the electorate. The
people
are very friendly,
warm hearted
and generous, and it is considered
the safest country with the lowest crime rate in all of Central America. Nicaragua
can now put its bad press behind it and concentrate on the country’s
positive qualities. Nicaragua
is a nature lover’s paradise of deserted
beaches, pristine rainforests, freshwater lakes and rumbling volcanoes. Nicaragua’s
volcanic chain is one of the most impressive due to the fact that all of
the more than 50 cones (seven which are active) rise from a flat coastal
plain that lies just above sea level. This gives
the Nicaraguan volcanoes a starkly dramatic profile and makes them accessible
to climbers,
hikers and walkers.
With no shortage of picturesque scenery, Nicaragua
offers a quieter and much cheaper alternative to nearby Costa Rica. The locals
are gracious, the scenery
is untainted and there are plenty of distractions from simply lying on the
beach. In short, Nicaragua has everything to inspire another definition of “hot
spot” – that of a must-see destination for travelers who want
to be among the first to visit a place before it becomes overdeveloped. Our tour begins in the capital city of Managua.
We visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Leon Viejo and its
more
modern namesake, Leon. Tour
the beautiful colonial city of Grenada and take a boat excursion to an island
archipelago on Lake Nicaragua. Finally, bask in the sun during a two-day
frolic on a gorgeous Pacific coast beach. During the entire trip we marvel
at the volcanic peaks that dot the landscape at every point
throughout
our journey.
For more than a decade, Toto Tours has been
a leader in tourism to Costa Rica, introducing hundreds of people to that
amazing country. Now we lead the way in
discovering Nicaragua, a destination which feels very much the same as it
did 100 years
ago – small, quaint, charming and personable.
ITINERARY
Saturday, February 26, 2011 Arrive in Managua
Arrange your international flight to arrive in Managua, the capital
of Nicaragua, no later than 6:00pm today if possible. Use the airport
code MGA when searching for flights on the internet. You will
be met at the airport and transferred to our nearby hotel, where you
can enjoy free time to relax at the pool prior to our Welcome
Cocktail Party and Dinner. (Dinner
Included)
Sunday, February 27, 2011 Managua / Leon Viejo / Leon
After breakfast, take a panoramic sightseeing tour of Managua, during
which we see the Presidential House, Lake Managua Waterfront, Old Cathedral,
modern Metropolitan Cathedral, Acoustic Shell, Plaza of the Revolution,
Peace
Park, historical revolutionary monuments, the U.S. Embassy, and the
gigantic statue of Sandino, Nicaragua’s national hero,
on a hill overlooking the city of Managua. Our guided visits today
include the National Palace of Culture,
where we see the National Museum of Nicaragua with a palace guide. Departing
Managua, enjoy spectacular views as we drive along the shores of
Lake Managua and the slopes of the Momotombo
Volcano before arriving for a guided tour at the ruins of the old capital
of Nicaragua, Leon Viejo. The city was established
in 1524, and was one of the most important in the region. It
was abandoned by its inhabitants when the nearby volcano
erupted in 1610. It was never destroyed, but just covered by ash, and
is now being uncovered by excavations begun in 1999. It was declared
a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Following in the tracks of the fleeing
residents of Leon Viejo, we continue along the spectacular Maribios
chain of volcanoes to where they built their new city of Leon, just
30 kilometers to the west,
where
it still
thrives today. Leon is the country’s second largest city, a university
town, and our home for the next two nights. Our beautiful hotel rises
from the
grounds
of a monastery dating from the
17th
century. (Breakfast)
Monday, February 28, 2011 Leon
After breakfast at our hotel, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of
Leon, Nicaragua. We see colorful political murals, the local
Marketplace,
and the National University of Nicaragua. Visit the
Plaza of the Poets, Plaza of the Revolution, and the Leon Cathedral.
Tour the Ortiz-Gurdian Art Museum to see Nicaraguan antiquities and
art treasures, and also the Ruben Dario Museum inside the former
home of Nicaragua’s most beloved poet. Those who wish can join us in
a visit to a local elementary school
to meet
the teachers and students.
The afternoon is free to explore Leon,
the intellectual center of Nicaragua. You also have the option to visit
the nearby Pacific Ocean surfing beaches of Poneloya and Las Penitas, or simply
relax at
a sidewalk cafe. The people of Leon are very friendly, and love
to
sit in rocking chairs on the sidewalks in front of their homes until
late in the evening, sharing the gift of gab, and saying hello to
everyone who walks by. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 Masaya Volcano / White Towns / Granada
After breakfast, check out of our hotel and begin another day
of touring and traveling. First we visit the 300-year-old church in
the
Subtiava
Indian neighborhood of Leon. From there we proceed out of town to the
Masaya Volcano, the country’s first national park established
in 1979. Explore the crater rim, which resembles a lunar landscape,
and visit the park museum. Continuing south, we visit
the Indian White Towns of Caterina, Diria, and San Juan del Oriente,
where we can see a pottery making demonstration and have an opportunity
to purchase some artistic and inexpensive pieces which
make great gifts and souvenirs.
This afternoon,
tour an organic coffee farm on the slopes of the extinct Mombacho
Volcano. Enjoy a short and easy guided walk through
the
rainforest
and coffee fields. Sample the shade-grown, organic coffee which thrives
on the slopes of this volcano. Arriving at our final stop, the
historical
city of Granada, the remainder of the day
is at leisure. Our hotel is on the Central Plaza, and is a new, colonial-style
mansion with all the modern comforts! (Breakfast)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 Boat Cruise / Granada Sightseeing
After breakfast at our hotel, take a one-hour private boat cruise
on Lake Nicaragua through the Granada Isletas, an exotic tropical archipelago
of 365 tiny volcanic islands. Afterwards, we enjoy a sightseeing tour
of the city, visiting the Casa de Tres Mundos, the Cathedral, San Francisco
Convent, City Hall, historical monuments and the Dona Elba cigar factory.
This afternoon you are free to explore
Granada
at your leisure. Some options include
a
visit
to the
Laguna
de
Apoyo crater
lake,
a visit into Mombacho Volcano’s rich ecosystem (including over
30 species of colorful orchids and 170 species of Nicaragua birds),
sailing or kayaking on Lake Nicaragua, or simply
relaxing at our hotel's sidewalk cafe, watching the lively activities
in Granada's Central Plaza. Dinner tonight is served in an historic
colonial mansion. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Thursday, March 3, 2011 Ometepe Island / San Juan del Sur
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and board our motorcoach
for a sightseeing drive through the Nicaragua countryside
and farms to the Pacific coast. At the plaza in Rivas, we make a photo
stop with an excellent view of the island Ometepe, an Indian
word meaning “two
hills” and
named for the island’s twin Madera and Concepcion Volcanoes.
We continue our drive, arriving in the charming beach village of San
Juan del Sur, our home for the next two days. Our beautiful hotel is
located on the oceanfront boulevard overlooking the beach. After arrival,
the remainder of the day is free to explore
the
town and relax at the beach. (Breakfast)
Friday, March 4, 2011 Free Day
After breakfast at our hotel this morning, your entire day is free
to relax. You can stay in San Juan del Sur and enjoy relaxing at the
beach. Some of the area’s optional activities include deep sea
fishing in the Pacific Ocean, sailing, exploring the many nearby surfing
beaches
and visiting the La Flor turtle beach reserve. Our guide can help you
make arrangements for such activities. For those wishing to do so,
we can meet up this evening to enjoy a sunset dinner (not included)
at an
oceanfront restaurant. (Breakfast)
Saturday, March 5, 2011 Return to Managua / Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and depart for Masaya,
an artisan community where we will visit the local market and
have
a chance to purchase handicrafts such as leather goods, artistic
weavings, hammocks, colorful traditional clothing, and beautiful
paintings in the Nicaraguan Solentiname style. We continue our short
drive to Managua, arriving in time for lunch (on your own). The afternoon
is free to rest, relax or go sightseeing. Our group gathers again
in the early evening for cocktails and a Farewell Dinner. Later, those
who wish can venture out to sample the city’s nightlife. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Sunday, March 6, 2011 Homeward Bound
The tour officially ends after breakfast, so you may arrange your
return flight home for any convenient time today. Your tour cost includes
your transfer to the airport. (Breakfast)
The Ring of Fire is the geographical region of active volcanoes
running from South America up along the Pacific coast to Alaska and
down the eastern
coast of Asia. The Ring passes through Central America’s countries,
among them the hidden paradise of Nicaragua. These volcanoes contribute
to the country’s designation as a literal hot spot, but the
landscape has an abundance of biologically significant and unique
ecosystems that also contribute to Mesoamerica’s designation as a
biodiversity hot spot as well.
Nicaragua
is a nature lover’s paradise of deserted
beaches, pristine rainforests, freshwater lakes and rumbling volcanoes. Nicaragua’s
volcanic chain is one of the most impressive due to the fact that all of
the more than 50 cones (seven which are active) rise from a flat coastal
plain that lies just above sea level. This gives
the Nicaraguan volcanoes a starkly dramatic profile and makes them accessible
to climbers,
hikers and walkers.
Our tour begins in the capital city of Managua.
We visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Leon Viejo and its
more
modern namesake, Leon. Tour
the beautiful colonial city of Grenada and take a boat excursion to an island
archipelago on Lake Nicaragua. Finally, bask in the sun during a two-day
frolic on a gorgeous Pacific coast beach. During the entire trip we marvel
at the volcanic peaks that dot the landscape at every point
throughout
our journey.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Departing
Managua, enjoy spectacular views as we drive along the shores of
Lake Managua and the slopes of the Momotombo
Volcano before arriving for a guided tour at the ruins of the old capital
of Nicaragua, Leon Viejo. The city was established
in 1524, and was one of the most important in the region. It
was abandoned by its inhabitants when the nearby volcano
erupted in 1610. It was never destroyed, but just covered by ash, and
is now being uncovered by excavations begun in 1999. It was declared
a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
After breakfast at our hotel, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of
Leon, Nicaragua. We see colorful political murals, the local
Marketplace,
and the National University of Nicaragua. Visit the
Plaza of the Poets, Plaza of the Revolution, and the Leon Cathedral.
Tour the Ortiz-Gurdian Art Museum to see Nicaraguan antiquities and
art treasures, and also the Ruben Dario Museum inside the former
home of Nicaragua’s most beloved poet. Those who wish can join us in
a visit to a local elementary school
to meet
the teachers and students.
After breakfast, check out of our hotel and begin another day
of touring and traveling. First we visit the 300-year-old church in
the
Subtiava
Indian neighborhood of Leon. From there we proceed out of town to the
Masaya Volcano, the country’s first national park established
in 1979. Explore the crater rim, which resembles a lunar landscape,
and visit the park museum. Continuing south, we visit
the Indian White Towns of Caterina, Diria, and San Juan del Oriente,
where we can see a pottery making demonstration and have an opportunity
to purchase some artistic and inexpensive pieces which
make great gifts and souvenirs.
After breakfast at our hotel, take a one-hour private boat cruise
on Lake Nicaragua through the Granada Isletas, an exotic tropical archipelago
of 365 tiny volcanic islands. Afterwards, we enjoy a sightseeing tour
of the city, visiting the Casa de Tres Mundos, the Cathedral, San Francisco
Convent, City Hall, historical monuments and the Dona Elba cigar factory.
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and board our motorcoach
for a sightseeing drive through the Nicaragua countryside
and farms to the Pacific coast. At the plaza in Rivas, we make a photo
stop with an excellent view of the island Ometepe, an Indian
word meaning “two
hills” and
named for the island’s twin Madera and Concepcion Volcanoes.
We continue our drive, arriving in the charming beach village of San
Juan del Sur, our home for the next two days. Our beautiful hotel is
located on the oceanfront boulevard overlooking the beach. After arrival,
the remainder of the day is free to explore
the
town and relax at the beach. (Breakfast)
After breakfast at our hotel this morning, your entire day is free
to relax. You can stay in San Juan del Sur and enjoy relaxing at the
beach. Some of the area’s optional activities include deep sea
fishing in the Pacific Ocean, sailing, exploring the many nearby surfing
beaches
and visiting the La Flor turtle beach reserve. Our guide can help you
make arrangements for such activities. For those wishing to do so,
we can meet up this evening to enjoy a sunset dinner (not included)
at an
oceanfront restaurant. (Breakfast)
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and depart for Masaya,
an artisan community where we will visit the local market and
have
a chance to purchase handicrafts such as leather goods, artistic
weavings, hammocks, colorful traditional clothing, and beautiful
paintings in the Nicaraguan Solentiname style. We continue our short
drive to Managua, arriving in time for lunch (on your own). The afternoon
is free to rest, relax or go sightseeing. Our group gathers again
in the early evening for cocktails and a Farewell Dinner. Later, those
who wish can venture out to sample the city’s nightlife. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)