Experience the colonial heritage, volcanic landscapes and warm hospitality of Nicaragua with our expertly guided small group tours.
Nicaragua tours offer something increasingly rare in Central America: a destination of genuine depth and extraordinary variety that most travellers have yet to discover. Known as the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes, the country stretches from the misty Selva Negra cloud forest and the volcanic highlands of the interior to the tranquil island of Ometepe rising from Lake Nicaragua. The colonial cities of León and Granada rank among the finest in the Americas — revolutionary in spirit, baroque in architecture, and alive with a warmth that feels entirely unperformed.
Our small group Nicaragua tours cover the country’s highlights, from León’s cathedral rooftops and the volcanic landscapes of Cerro Negro to Granada’s colonial streets and the islands of Lake Nicaragua. With small groups of up to 12 and expert local guides, you get an in-depth cultural and natural experience. Options include a focused Nicaragua itinerary or an extended Panama–Nicaragua journey, all designed for a more personal, crowd-free experience.
Nicaragua
Small-group departures led by local experts, plus private tailor-made itineraries shaped around your interests, pace and dates.
Nicaragua remains one of the least visited countries in the region, which means its colonial cities, volcanic hikes and Pacific beaches are experienced in their most authentic form. A Nicaragua trip here still feels like genuine discovery.
Few countries on earth offer such dramatic volcanic scenery at such close range. From the black slopes of Cerro Negro to the crater rim of Masaya and the twin peaks of Ometepe, volcanic Nicaragua is unlike anywhere else in the Americas.
León and Granada are not simply attractive — they are cities with layered identities, shaped by Spanish colonialism, natural disaster and revolution. Exploring them with a knowledgeable local guide reveals stories most itineraries never reach.
Nicaragua tours deliver extraordinary depth — cloud forests, colonial architecture, active volcanoes, lake islands and Pacific coast — at a price point well below comparable destinations in the region.
See itinerariesNicaragua rewards travellers who slow down — the best stories are found off the tour-bus route.
From the field
Nicaragua has two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. The dry months are the most comfortable for travel, with warm temperatures, clear skies and manageable humidity throughout the lowlands and Pacific coast. The rainy season brings daily afternoon showers, which keep the cloud forests of Selva Negra lush and green but can make volcanic hiking more challenging. December and January are particularly pleasant on the Pacific coast at San Juan del Sur, while the highland areas around Selva Negra can be cooler year-round.
Our Nicaragua holidays depart in November, December and February, timed to make the most of the dry season when road conditions, volcanic hikes and lake crossings to Ometepe are at their most reliable.
Looking to travel outside the typical windows? Our Nicaragua tailor-made team can advise on the best time for you.
Dispatches, field notes and practical advice from our specialists.
Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.
“The trip began in Managua and visited the main places of interest in Nicaragua, including the fine colonial cities of Leon and Granada, two of the most attractive cities in Central America. There was a very interesting visit to the highland coffee-growing area near Matagalpa. We also spent time on Ometepe Island, which has some very attractive scenery and good wildlife. The trip ended in San Juan del Sur on the Pacific coast. Their itineraries are always very interesting and well planned.”
Cantab
Nicaragua
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”
Alexis
“The trip began in Managua and visited the main places of interest in Nicaragua, including the fine colonial cities of Leon and Granada, two of the most attractive cities in Central America. There was a very interesting visit to the highland coffee-growing area near Matagalpa. We also spent time on Ometepe Island, which has some very attractive scenery and good wildlife. The trip ended in San Juan del Sur on the Pacific coast. Their itineraries are always very interesting and well planned.”
Cantab
Nicaragua
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”
Alexis
Every one of our Nicaragua journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
We’ll build one around you.
Nicaragua is a country that rewards a slower pace and a flexible itinerary. A tailor-made Nicaragua holiday gives you the freedom to spend more time in the cloud forests of Selva Negra, take a longer stay on Ometepe Island away from any group schedule, or add the Pacific coast at San Juan del Sur at the exact moment the turtle nesting season peaks. Private travel here means your own transport, hand-picked local guides and the ability to shape each day around your interests — whether that leans toward volcanic adventure, colonial history or coffee culture. Talk to the Undiscovered Destinations team to start building your own Nicaragua travel package.
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Our Nicaragua tour packages start from £2,195 per person, which includes accommodation throughout, overland transport, arrival and departure transfers, the services of an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees for all sites visited on the itinerary. International flights are not included.
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
We constantly monitor official travel advice, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Nicaragua Travel Advice, and will always advise clients of any warnings before departure. At the time of writing, there are no specific warnings against travel to the parts of Nicaragua that we visit on our tours.
Please contact us if you have any specific concerns or would like to understand what measures are in place to ensure your trip remains safe and trouble-free.
For additional official guidance, travellers may also refer to:
Please note this information applies primarily to British citizens — nationals of other countries should check the current position with their respective government travel authority.
Join a small-group departure, or let our Nicaragua specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.
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