Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
A Romantic Trip to Nicaragua From the Caribbean to the Pacific Coast
Nicaragua - Managua - Corn Islands - Popoyo - Islets of Granada - Granada
After a whirlwind overnight stay in Managua, start on Big Corn Island, a little paradise off Nicaragua’s eastern coast. Here, spend your days exploring on foot or by kayak, sampling coconut bread, snorkelling among the reefs and enjoying a sunset boat trip around this tropical haven.
Then, swap the Caribbean for the Pacific in the surfer’s haven of Popoyo. Move to the rhythm of the waves in this relaxed beach town as you take surfing lessons, stroll hand-in-hand along the shore and tuck into fresh seafood on the beach.
Your next stop: the calm waters of Lake Cocibolca (also known as Lake Nicaragua) – the largest freshwater lake in Latin America. Stay in an overwater cabin in the islets of Granada, a string of 365 volcanic islets on the edge of the lake, which you can explore by kayak before enjoying a secluded private dinner on the water’s edge.
Round off your love-laced trip in Granada, a colonial city bursting with character. Indulge in delicious local speciailities, explore the city’s fabulous buildings and immerse yourself in the bustling streets, but be warned: it might be difficult to tear yourself away…
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Sunnies on and SPF packed: your couple’s trip to Nicaragua begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and settle in for a celebratory pre-flight tipple in the lounge before boarding your flight to Managua, Nicaragua’s capital. With a speedy stopover in a US hub airport, the journey will take around 15 hours, so simply sit back, relax and prepare to touch down in paradise.
When you land, you’ll be met and privately transferred to your hotel for the night. It’ll be evening by the time you arrive, so indulge in a tasty dinner at the hotel restaurant before heading to bed, ready for the real excitement to begin tomorrow.
Rise bright and early this morning to shake off the jet lag, then grab your bags and meet your driver for the private transfer back to the airport. From here, it’s just a one-hour-and-20-minute flight to Big Corn Island, home to pristine beaches and sparkling sea.
When you arrive, it’s another private transfer (lucky you) to your hotel – your home for the next three nights. Spend the rest of the afternoon settling in and soaking up the sea views, whether you’d rather enjoy them from the powder-soft sand or your terrace.
This evening, kick off your trip properly with a sunset boat trip. As you drift along the sparkling shore, soak in the magical atmosphere, toasting to the beginning of your love-laced getaway.
Surrounded by shimmering Caribbean waters, the Corn Islands come as a pair: Big Island and Little Island. For centuries, these pint-sized paradises relied on coconut cultivation and fishing as their main industries, but today, their postcard-perfect landscapes and colourful coral reefs attract travellers in search of untouched natural beauty.
Your time here is yours to spend as you please. If you and your other half are after total R&R, simply work on your tans on the sand, curl up in a hammock rocked by the sea breeze or sample some pillow-soft coconut bread – a local speciality prepared with fresh coconut and coconut milk.
Prefer an active adventure? Mask up and dive down to discover the pristine reefs that surround the Corn Islands, gliding past tropical fish and over kaleidoscopic corals. If you’d prefer to stay dry, you could also hike across the island, keeping a tally of the best viewpoints. Cameras at the ready…
Bid a fond farewell to Big Corn Island today as you hop on another speedy 90-minute flight back to the mainland. Here, a private driver will be waiting to whisk you to Popoyo, a two-hour drive away on the country’s west coast.
When you arrive, check into your beachfront hotel, where you’ll be spending the next three nights. Surrounded by rainforest, Popoyo boasts a pretty incredible set of contrasts, so spend the rest of the afternoon settling in before enjoying a sundowner soundtracked by an array of wonderful wildlife. Then, head into town in search of dinner – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend some hidden gems.
After a tasty breakfast – fresh fruit, anyone? – meet a friendly guide this morning for a serene walk through a nearby orchard and gardens, home to over 6,000 colourful acres of green vegetables, cherry tomatoes, sweetcorn, citrus fruits and habanero peppers. As you wander through the greenery, your guide will teach you more about the sustainable cultivation methods and climate that allow these plants to thrive, as well as sharing some traditional recipes and insights into local history.
The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please, whether you’d rather soak in the sun on the beach, dive into your holiday read on the terrace or stroll hand-in-hand along the shore.
With its powdery beaches, shimmering waves and relaxed atmosphere, Popoyo is Nicaragua’s surfing paradise. Today, meet an experienced instructor for a private surfing lesson with an experienced instructor, learning how to ride the waves like a pro. If you’re a beginner, have no fear – the waves here suitable for all levels.
Prefer to stick to solid ground? Spend your day enjoying a relaxing yoga lesson, strolling through the tropical forest or sampling fresh grilled fish on the beach, listening to the sound of the waves.
Pack your bags and leave your surfboard behind – it’s time to swap waves for calmer waters. This morning, you’ll be collected and transferred by private vehicle to the Marina Cocibolca on Lake Nicaragua, where you’ll board a boat bound for the islets of Grenada archipelago, just ten minutes away.
When you arrive, check into your new hotel, nestled on the edge of the lake. Check in, divvy up the sides of the bed and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the water. Pure bliss.
Rise and shine: you’re in the heart of the islets of Grenada, a group of 365 volcanic islets created after the Mombacho volcano erupted. Here, life revolves around fishing, and the landscape is cloaked in every shade of green.
To help find your bearings, meet a private guide and hop aboard a kayak to explore the area. Paddle at your own pace between the lush islets, keeping your eyes peeled for the hesitant gait of aquatic birds or the artistic net-throwing of traditional fishermen.
After a relaxing afternoon, dial up the romance with a romantic lakeside dinner, indulging in tasty Nicaraguan fare as the serene waters of the lake lap at your feet.
For your final full day in Nicaragua, you’re heading to vibrant Granada, a UNESCO-listed city home to some incredible colonial architecture. This morning, you’ll be transferred by boat back to the marina, where you’ll be met and privately transferred to Granada, a ten-minute journey away.
When you arrive, drop your bags and head out for a guided tour of the city. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to stop at some of the city’s historic, natural and cultural highlights, including the Xalteva and La Merced churches, the San Francisco Convent Museum, the market and Central Park.
The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. Be sure to try some vigoron granadino, the city’s signature dish made from cassava, fried pork and cabbage salad, before strolling hand-in-hand to Calle la Calzada, a lively street full of live music venues, bars and restaurants – perfect for toasting to your holiday memories.
It’s sadly time for your love-laced holiday to come to an end. After a tasty breakfast, you’ll be picked up and privately transferred one hour to Managua airport, where you’ll board your overnight flight home. With another quick stopover in the US, the journey will take 15 hours in total, and you’ll touch down in the UK the following day, armed with a golden tan and a newfound appreciation for this incredible destination.
Why visit Nicaragua with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Nicaragua
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
