Nicaragua Tours and Trips

An excellent way to explore Central America on two wheels—what a ride! I loved every segment of the tour. Just a heads-up: you’ll need more than basic cycling skills… and a truckload of grit. Some of the dirt roads, especially the downhills, are the kind that make you suddenly remember every loved one you’ve ever had. Definitely not for the faint-hearted. About the hotels: a few of the one-night stays were… let’s say “character-building.” The stop in Turrialba in particular did not meet even basic standards. Explore, you can do better—please save future cyclists from that experience. Now, about our tour leader, Mike. After ~15 tours across ~20 countries, I’ve finally had a tour led by a real pro athlete. And wow—what a difference. Mike’s professionalism, enthusiasm, ocean-level patience, and that trademark toothy smile made even the toughest (undualating😄）climbs feel manageable. He set the bar so high that my future tours may need oxygen just to reach it. Absolutely recommended. And if you’re lucky enough to get Mike, prepare to have your expectations ruined—in the best possible way.

The itinerary was varied - a good mix of culture, landscape, farming, local artisans, history, wildlife and walking. Our guide, Oscar, was friendly, informative, caring and good-humoured. He’s one of the best guides I’ve had.

This was a wonderful Explore tour led by the brilliant and charasmatic Oscar. He was incredibly kind competent and professional. I loved the boat trips and encounters with nature most of all but climbing the cathedral in Leon was amazing with the views of volcanoes, bells and drumming providing a travel experience that will remain forever. Nicaragua is a beautiful country with a complex history which I found fascinating. The accommodation was often outstanding as was the food. A great group of fellow travellers added to the experience and I highly recommend Nicaragua and this trip. Thanks Oscar and Explore for yet another first rate travel experience.

What a fantastic tour! Oscar is an excellent leader giving us insights into Nicaragua's past, present and future e.g. use of green energy. This tour exceeded our expectations with every day bringing at least one memorable experience: hiking volcanoes (the shorter Concepción hike is a challenge, Cerro ***** is unique); beautiful birds (seeing an osprey dive and catch a fish), sloths and excellent howler monkey sightings; roasting chocolate beans and eating the end product! Great accommodation throughout with amazing views on Ometepe, at Selva Negra ecolodge and at Laguna de Apoyo. Finally, we were very fortunate to have the opportunity to release Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings into the Pacific, an unexpected and unforgettable experience.

Had a great tour leader - Rene- who gave a wonderful insight into Nicaragua. The itinerary unfortunately was affected by the incessant rain and Rene had to alter it as we went along. Disappointingly we could not do (or see) any of the volcano activities, and wildlife viewing was marred by the constant heavy rain. All of the included activities ( boat rides, coffee farm, chocolate making, farm tour, local lunches at communities etc), were EXCELLENT. As were the optional things we could do (that were not rain affected!!) - eg boat trip on Lake Nicaragua. Love the fact Nicaragua is still developing as a tourist destination and isn't spoilt (yet). Enjoyed my own time for a few days in Granada prior to joining the trip. Felt that the last day was a bit of a "dead" day as we all waited around for airport transfers. Accommodation - Hotel Los Balcones was substandard- not clean, standard of breakfast and staff less than ideal. Do not recommend this place at all. - Selva ***** Ecolodge was lovely in a beautiful setting. - Hotel Pacaya Lodge was exceptional!

An excellent trip - quite interesting to note that there don’t appear to be many tourists visiting Nicaragua currently. Possibly due to the political unrest in 2018, though we all felt quite safe.