Nicaragua One Day Expedition

Looking to spice up your Costa Rican vacation? What about doing it by getting another stamp in your passport with a fantastic Nicaragua day trip? Picture this: a breathtaking lake, stunning landscapes and a wonderful colonial city in a whole different country, just a day trip away from your vacation destination! This tour to Nicaragua truly has all you look for in a side-trip – and it’s to another country without taking a flight!

• Spend a full day of adventure and history in the amazing Nicaragua!
• Delight with the beautiful lakes, impresive landmarks and the colonial ambience of the country.
• Experience Masaya Volcano up close and witness its dramatic volcanic landscapes!
• Enjoy a traditional Nicaraguan lunch hosted in a gorgeous colonial home.
• Add another country stamp to your passport by crossing the Costa Rican border!
• Activity duration: One day
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off included

Nicaragua Adventure: Fantastic views of Apoyo Lagoon and a visit to San Juan del Sur!

Your Nicaragua day trip begins bright and early in the morning with pick-up from resorts in Guanacaste on a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. You will meet your bilingual guide, an engaging Nicaraguan expert, who will get to know the group and assist with all the details at the border crossing. Once in Nicaragua, the day’s first stop is a visit to the Mirador de Catarina, or Catarina Viewpoint, near the small town of the same name.

From this well-known lookout point, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Apoyo Lagoon, a vast volcanic crater that has transformed into a thriving nature reserve over time. You’ll also spot impressive landmarks such as Maderas and Concepción Volcanoes, the colonial city of Granada, and the imposing Masaya Volcano – your next stop.

Before continuing, take a moment for a brief visit to a local crafts market, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs. The Masaya Volcano National Park is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes and one of the rare few with vehicle access right up to the rim.

The road to the summit stretches for about six kilometers, offering striking views of hardened lava flows, giant volcanic rocks, and the dramatic landscape shaped by past eruptions — the most notable being the 1772 event.

Upon reaching the top, you’ll step out for a short but impactful experience. Due to gas emissions and park regulations, time at the crater’s edge is limited to just a few minutes — currently around five — but long enough to witness the crater’s steam vents and powerful geological presence.

This brief visit provides a rare opportunity to stand at the rim of an active volcano and appreciate the raw forces that continue to shape Nicaragua’s landscapes.

The colonial town of Granada and a ride on Lake Nicaragua

Granada, a wonderful colonial town located on the western shore of Lake Nicaragua, was founded in 1524 by Spanish conquistadors - one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Thanks to its distinct architecture, including several beautiful churches and cathedrals, Granada has a unique colonial charm found only in the Caribbean. Wander through the narrow streets lined with colorful walls of the town’s buildings.

Many visitors pay particular attention to the interesting doors of the structures. Each has its own unique personality, showcasing the talented artisans and woodworkers who created them – often centuries ago. Some doors are large and constructed of thick, ornately carved wood. Others are painted in bright attention-demanding colors, some pleasantly contrasting the facade of the building. All sparking thoughts of what intriguing stories might lie behind them.

Enjoy your day trip from Costa Rica to Nicaragua

Next, enjoy a traditional Nicaraguan lunch with a personal touch hosted in a colonial home. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some “Vigoron”, a typical Nicaraguan dish composed of slow-cooked pork, fermented cabbage, yuca (cassava root), and a mouthwatering spicy sauce.

After lunch, you’ll board a boat for a leisurely sail on Lake Nicaragua, the largest in Central America. Relax as you cruise along and marvel at the stunning views of over 255 tiny islands that dot the lake's surface, all formed by eruptions of the Mombacho Volcano over the millenniums. Your guide will also point out interesting observations based on the structures visible on several of the inhabited islets that underscore the state of Nicaragua’s economy. Back on land, you’ll board your transportation for the return trip to Costa Rica – with arrival back at your resort sometime between 6:30p – 8:00p, depending on its location.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION
As this tour involves crossing into another country, ensure you meet the requirements listed in the Practical Information section below.

• Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation
• Bilingual tour guide
• Immigration taxes
• Entrance fee
• Boat ride
• Lunch
• Breakfast included (with exception of Dreams las Mareas resort)

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
• Bring insect repellent, sunglasses, and a camera
• Time: Full day
• All participants must sign a release of liability
• This excursion is only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays and must meet a minimum capacity of passengers so the trip can take place

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
As this tour involves crossing into another country, ensure you meet the following requirements:
To know before booking:
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the excursion date.
• This tour covers entry taxes for Nicaragua; however, please be aware that certain nationalities might incur additional payments. Contact your Amstar Representative for further information.

Before the excursion:
• Please get in contact with your Amstar Representative at any moment after your booking and up to 2 days before your trip to prepare all the border-crossing paperwork required by the Nicaraguan Government, or please send a copy of your passport to customerservicecr@amstardmc.com to start the process. This information is crucial to finalize the migration procedure and securing your spot on this exciting excursion.
Failure to provide this information on time may result in the cancellation of the excursion.