Nicaragua in 9 Days: 4 Recommended 9-day Itineraries to Nicaragua

Nicaragua 9-day Itinerary Options
These curated itineraries for 9 days in Nicaragua offer diverse experiences ranging from cultural encounters to adventurous escapades. With a mix of cities, natural wonders, and historical sites, you're set for an unforgettable journey.
Itinerary #1: Adventure and Culture in Nicaragua


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Managua and explore historical sites | Sightseeing | Managua |
Day 2 | Travel to León and visit León Cathedral and art museum | Cathedral and museum tour | León |
Day 3 | Explore León and go volcano boarding on Cerro Negro Volcano | Volcano boarding | León |
Day 4 | Drive to Granada and enjoy walking and boat tour of Isletas | Walking and boat tour | Granada |
Day 5 | Visit Mombacho Volcano and coffee plantations | Volcano and coffee plantation tour | Granada |
Day 6 | Transfer to Ometepe Island for hiking and wildlife sighting | Hiking and wildlife sighting | Ometepe Island |
Day 7 | Relax on the pristine beach of Ometepe or go kayaking | Beach relaxation and kayaking | Ometepe Island |
Day 8 | Return to Managua and go souvenir shopping | Transfer and shopping | Managua |
Day 9 | Depart Managua or extend your stay | Departure |
This itinerary offers a rich blend of adventure and cultural encounters that make 9 days in Nicaragua memorable. Start by exploring the historical landmarks of Managua, then travel to León for a thrilling sandboarding experience on Cerro Negro Volcano. Immerse yourself in León's artistic scene before moving on to the colonial charm of Granada. Here, you can embark on a scenic boat trip among the Isletas and explore the lush slopes of Mombacho Volcano. Your journey winds down with two blissful days on Ometepe Island, where outdoor activities and relaxation collide. Complete the trip with one last day in Managua, enjoying some local shopping and leisure.
Itinerary #2: Nature and Relaxation in Nicaragua

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in San Juan del Sur and relax on its beach | Arrival and beach relaxation | San Juan del Sur |
Day 2 | Take a surf lesson and explore local beaches | Surf lessons and beach exploration | San Juan del Sur |
Day 3 | Travel to Maderas for beach relaxation and hiking | Beach relaxation and hiking | Maderas Beach |
Day 4 | Head to Masaya and explore Masaya Volcano National Park | Volcanic landscape exploration | Masaya |
Day 5 | Visit an artisan market in Masaya and shop for souvenirs | Shopping and cultural insights | Masaya |
Day 6 | Transfer to Laguna de Apoyo for swimming and kayaking experiences | Kayaking and swimming | Laguna de Apoyo |
Day 7 | Discover Laguna de Apoyo in a nature walk | Nature walk | Laguna de Apoyo |
Day 8 | Travel to Matagalpa and visit coffee plantations | Coffee plantation tour | Matagalpa |
Day 9 | Depart from Nicaragua or extend your stay | Departure |
This fantastic itinerary focuses on immersing yourself in nature and finding relaxation in some of Nicaragua's most serene locations. Begin your adventure with a two-days San Juan del Sur trip, enjoying the beaches and surfing. From there, make your way to the peaceful surroundings of Maderas Beach and take a hike to admire the stunning scenery. Continue to Masaya, where you'll explore the famous Masaya Volcano and shop in the vibrant Artisan Market. Spend two tranquil days at Laguna de Apoyo, engaging in water activities or unwinding amidst natural beauty, before heading to Matagalpa for a fascinating coffee tour. Conclude your 9 days in Nicaragua with indelible memories of sun, surf, and culture woven together in a remarkable vacation.
Itinerary #3: Exploration and Adventure in Nicaragua


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Matagalpa and go on a city tour | City tour | Matagalpa |
Day 2 | Go hiking in Selva Negra and enjoy nature | Hiking | Matagalpa |
Day 3 | Drive to Estelí for nature reserve exploration and waterfall tour | Nature reserve and waterfall tour | Estelí |
Day 4 | Attend a cigar workshop and take a culture tour in Estelí | Cigar workshop and culture tour | Estelí |
Day 5 | Head to Somoto for canyon and river exploration | Canyon and river adventure | Somoto |
Day 6 | Transfer to León and explore its colonial landmarks and museums | Historical sights and museum tour | León |
Day 7 | Enjoy the thrill of volcano boarding on Cerro Negro | Volcano boarding | León |
Day 8 | Drive to Chinandega for the tour of historical sites and rum factory | Historical sites tour | Chinandega |
Day 9 | Depart from Nicaragua or extend your stay | Departure |
Experience the thrill of adventure with this exhilarating 9-day itinerary in Nicaragua designed for explorers and thrill-seekers alike. Start your journey in the lush landscapes of Matagalpa before experiencing the rugged beauty of Estelí with its iconic reserves and exhilarating waterfall hikes. Dive into local crafts with a cigar-making workshop, then embark on an adrenaline-pumping adventure in Somoto Canyon. Move on to León for culturally rich experiences and the unforgettable rush of sandboarding at Cerro Negro. Finally, in Chinandega, discover the region’s historic sites and savor the flavor of a rum factory tour.
Itinerary #4: Discover the Wonders of Nicaragua

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Nicaragua and transfer to the colonial city of León | Arrival and transfer | León |
Day 2 | Take a guided city tour of León and visit its historical landmarks | City tour | León |
Day 3 | Free day in León with optional activities like volcano boarding on Cerro Negro | Free day with optional activities | León |
Day 4 | Transfer to Ometepe Island and visit its famous sites like El Ceibo Museum and Laguna Charco Verde | Island exploration | Ometepe Island |
Day 5 | Enjoy a leisure day on Ometepe Island or opt for tours like San Ramon Waterfall hike | Free day with optional tours | Ometepe Island |
Day 6 | Take a trip to Granada and explore this beautifully preserved colonial city | Transfer and city exploration | Granada |
Day 7 | Take a boat trip through the Islets of Granada on Lake Nicaragua and enjoy a guided Granada city tour with a visit to Masaya Volcano | Boat and city tour | Granada |
Day 8 | Explore Mombacho Volcano and enjoy a tour through coffee plantations, followed by relaxation at Apoyo Lagoon | Volcano and coffee plantation tour | Granada |
Day 9 | Bid farewell to Nicaragua and transfer to Managua airport for departure | Departure |
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Nicaragua, starting with the colonial charm of León, rich in history and culture, boasting landmarks like the largest cathedral in Central America. Enjoy a mix of guided city tours and leisure days filled with optional adventures such as sandboarding on Cerro Negro. Next, venture to the captivating Ometepe Island and explore its natural wonders, including museums and refreshing water springs. Continue your exploration with a transfer to Granada, a city exuding colonial allure and vibrant local artistry. Discover the stunning Islets of Nicaragua Lake and experience the thrill of a night visit to the Masaya Volcano with its active lava lake. Delve into the biodiversity of Mombacho Volcano with guided hikes and a coffee plantation tour, before retreating to the serenity of Apoyo Lagoon for a refreshing swim. Conclude your voyage back in Managua, enriched with memories of Nicaragua's striking landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming hospitality.
Need Help Planning an Itinerary to Nicaragua for 9 Days?
If you’re considering an adventure-packed 9 days in Nicaragua, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your trip. If you are looking for a bespoke holiday, you can reach out to our seasoned travel experts for a customized itinerary to Nicaragua. Our guide on the best time to visit Nicaragua will also be helpful for planning your holiday.
More Information:
8 days in Nicaragua
10 days in NIcaragua