Nicaragua Eco-Escape

Slow down in the land of lakes and volcanoes as you settle into three different environments in south central and coastal Nicaragua. First, engage the rich cultural colonial heritage of Granada and the beauty of nearby Las Isletas. Then, venture further on Lake Nicaragua to the fertile volcanic island of Ometepe, with her dramatic twin peaks, where you can enjoy broad, palm-lined  beaches, abundant wildlife, lush waterfalls, hiking, horseback riding and an array of water activities. Punctuate your exploration on the Pacific near the coastal town of San Juan del Sur. The accommodations on this trip are part of the allure, all small hotels that ate exquisitely attuned to the environment, and committed to sustainability practices.  Two of them -- Jicaro Lodge on one if the isletas near Granada, and Morgan's Rock on the Pacific Coast -- are as rated with the most comfortable of all hotels in Central America.

Life in Nicaragua is unhurried, people are inordinately friendly, and the tourism scene is anything but slick. The locales of this itinerary contrast with JOURNEYS' Nicaragua Volcano Vistas which encompasses the mountainous center of the country; the two can be blended to create a lovely 12-14 day program.