Arrive to Managua, the capital and largest city in Nicaragua. A single group transfer is provided from the airport. You holiday begins with the overnight at the group hotel.

After breakfast we drive to San Carlos, a small village situated on the south eastern shore of Lake Nicaragua and the beginning of the San Juan River, which flows east to the border with Costa Rica. From San Carlos we take a boat down the river for 2 hours to the village of El Castillo. The river and surrounding rainforest make up the Rio San Juan UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is packed with unique and interesting wildlife; including mammals such as the Tapir and elusive Jaguar, birds such as the Harpy Eagle and Green Macaw, and freshwater life such as Manatees, freshwater sharks and the American Crocodile.

Reaching El Castillo (the Castle), an impressive fortress dominates the town, strategically located on a sharp curve in the river, it was built by the Spanish to protect the affluent city of Granada from attacks by pirates. This vehicle-free town is made up of colourful wooden buildings which sit on stilts above the fast flowing river. We find our hotel on the narrow "main street" where we overnight.

Today starts early to explore the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve, the best time to see wildlife. We embark on a scenic boat trip down the Rio San Juan, arriving at one of the military ranger stations which have been set up to protect the reserve from poachers. From here, we board canoes and begin our adventure. As we paddle along the river we are surrounded by lush vegetation, dense forest and the relaxing sounds of nature. The calm waters of the river provide a smooth and enjoyable canoeing experience. After 1-2 hours of light canoeing we reach the start point for our walk into the heart of the Biological Reserve.

Walking through the jungle we can expect to see Howler Monkeys, brightly coloured Poison Dart Frogs, a wide range of birdlife including Trogons, Manikins, Tanagers and if we are lucky Scarlet Macaws. There is also an endless variety of flora and the chance to see larger mammals such as ocelots. After the hike we return to El Castillo by boat.

This morning we drive for 4 hours to one of the prettiest city in Nicaragua, Granada. Dating back to 1524 this historic city draws locals and travellers alike, with its wonderful colonial and neoclassical architecture, colourful cobbled streets and laid-back, easy-going atmosphere. The afternoon is free to relax and sample some of the culinary delights on offer ahead of our walking tour tomorrow.

This morning our tour leader will take us on a walking tour of Granada. We will visit 'La Merced' Church, Granada's impressive and brightly painted cathedral and the San Francisco convent. We then continue on to the warm waters of Lake Nicaragua where we will explore some of its 354 islets by boat. The islets are made up of basalt rock covered in lush vegetation, rich in bird life, with plenty of egrets, comorants, ospreys, kingfishers and orpendulas. The age of these islands is unknown but it is believed they were created by a massive eruption of Mombacho Volcano that watches over the lake to the west.

Just South of Granada, Mombacho Volcano Reserve has some of the most beautiful cloud forest flora seen anywhere in Latin America with numerous flowers, bromeliads and orchids amongst its 800+ species. We arrive in the morning, where we will be transported by 4x4 to the ranger station from where we will start our nature walk. The Puma Trail hike takes you inside the cloud forest, as we ascend along the trail we are surrounded by a dense canopy of vegetation, alive with calls of tropical birds and the rustling of leaves. The air is cool and refreshing and with the aid of our naturalist guide we learn about the amazing biodiversity and, if weather permits, we will be treated to amazing views of Lake Nicaragua and its Islets.

After our nature walk we return to Granada, where we will be picked up for a sunset drive up nearby Masaya Volcano. Reaching the rim of the crater we walk to a viewpoint where we can look down inside the crater of the volcano, observing the glowing lava below.

This morning we travel (approx. 2 hour drive) to San Jorge Port on the Western side of Lake Nicaragua. On arriving to San Jorge, we take the ferry to Ometepe Island. Made up of two imposing volcanic cones that rise up from the waters of Central America's largest lake, it is a land of legends and another UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Ometepe has been sacred to the local Nahuatl people for millennia and its fertile landscape is scattered with archaeological remains and ancient petroglyphs. We overnight at our hotel ahead of exploring the island tomorrow.

Today we aim for the high point of our trip by climbing Maderas Volcano (1394m). A dormant volcano it is known for its cloud forest and stunning crater lake. This hike is through dense vegetation, ascending steep slopes and crossing scenic streams. As we ascend, we are surrounded by diverse flora and fauna including orchids, monkeys and a variety of bird species. Reaching the summit we are rewarded with an inspiring panorama of the island. The highlight of this hike is in finding the mystical lagoon nestled within the volcano's crater, a serene and picturesque sight. After our walk we return to our hotel on the island for a well-earned rest.

There are lots of different options to explore the island's rich cultural and archaeological heritage, cycling and kayaking are very easy to arrange locally. The best beach on the island is Playa Santo Domingo - on a clear day you can see both volcanoes from the water here and the long stretch of beach is well worth a visit. Other options include bird watching, visits to waterfalls and natural springs, the interesting coin and pre-Columbian museum and the petroglyphs that the island is famous for.

In the morning we take the ferry back to the mainland and drive 2 hours to La Makina Reserve. This nature reserve has embraced tourism as a route to conserving its unique wildlife habitats and ecosystems, located in the dry tropics of Carazo. It offers guided trail walks, canopy walks and a small campsite located in the park, with funds going back into the conservation and protection of the land. There are plenty of trails to explore winding their way through tropical forest and waterfalls with pristine swimming pools, along with high viewpoints where you can overlook the Pacific Ocean. A campfire is set up in the evening for a special night in this natural setting.

On the way we stop at a project in the small community of Nambume. Ramon and his wife welcome us to learn about the variety of medicinal, citrus and ornamental plants grown on their estate. We can also sample their produce with food prepared by ancestral recipes based on native seeds and organic production methods.

Leaving the reserve, today we drive (approx. 3 hours) to the university city of Leon. Leon is the artistic and intellectual heart of Nicaragua, the colonial capital for three centuries and former home of its three great poets, including Ruben Dario. Leon's historic cathedral (the largest in Central America) is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list and there is plenty more to explore; whether the revolutionary street art, restaurant lined plazas, or colonial architecture.

Today we embark on a half-day excursion to Cerro Negro Volcano. An hour's drive outside Leon, Cerro Negro is Nicaragua's youngest active volcano and is completely covered in black sand and rocks, of which its name is derived. We walk the 500m of ascent to the top of the volcano (726m above sea level), which takes 1-2 hours, at the top a vista of unforgettable views stretch along Nicaragua's volcanic chain. A unique quirk of Cerro Negro is the steep soft black sand slopes that allow for a quick and easy descent. We can either walk, run, slide or 'volcano board' back down to the bottom before we return to Leon.

This morning we wake to our last day in Nicaragua. After breakfast we drive (approx. 3 hours) directly to Managua Airport, where the holiday ends, in time for afternoon flight departures. Additional nights in Leon or Managua can be arranged.