DESTINATIONS - Nicaragua

Nicaragua, the largest country of Central America, remains an unspoiled and still largely undiscovered, but growing, tourist destination with its own inherent charm and beauty. Although sometimes still reputed to be the political hotbed that it was until approximately two decades ago, Nicaragua is springing forward to become an adventure traveler’s paradise. Boasting beautiful and tranquil beaches, volcanoes begging to be climbed, majestic cloud forests, hiking trails, surfers’ dream waves, scuba and snorkeling opportunities, all at prices that appear a relic from yesteryear, Nicaragua, remains one of the best kept secrets of the Americas.

Taking advantage of the opportunity at hand, Elder Expeditions has created an exciting, and unusual week long package in this “off the beaten track” adventure destination. Unlike our other trips, the Nicaraguan experience will combine Elder Expeditions’ standard multi-sport activities with healthy living concepts including instruction in mind-and-body-soothing yoga techniques and healthy culinary skills.

Minimum participants: 8 | Maximum participants: 14

Languages: Spanish, English

Day 1: (Arrival Day)
We will be picked up from the Managua international airport (at a time to be determined based on our various arrival times) and transported to our lodging in a luxury condo style hotel in the nearby former colonial town of Granada. While no activities are planned for our arrival day we are free to explore our week-long domicile on the edge of Lake Nicaragua and in the shadow of the Mombacho Volcano.

Day 2: (Sightseeing: Yoga)
Morning: After a healthy poolside breakfast, we will head into Granada for a walking tour of key historic sites including the San Francisco Museum, which will give us a perspective of Granada’s background and development, the El Merced with its tower view of the entire city and the grand Cathedral, an architectural delight. Our sightseeing morning will end with a leisurely ride along the shores of Lake Nicaragua in a horse drawn carriage.
Noon: After our busy morning we will stop at a lakeside restaurant for lunch, a rest and a chance to regroup.
Afternoon: After lunch we will board a launch for a water tour of Las Isletas, the remnant islands of a volcanic explosion some 20,000 years ago. Back at our condo hotel we will be treated to a relaxing yoga class on the veranda of our hotel overlooking the Mombacho Volcano.
Evening: We will dine at one of Granada’s premier restaurant known for its fine steaks cooked over an open fire.

Day 3: (Hiking; Ziplining)
Morning: Today’s breakfast will include a culinary demo showing us how to create detox smoothies, which, along with local baked goods, will serve as breakfast. Then, it’s off to start the day’s adventures as we head out for a hike up the Mombacha Volcano. There will be a choice of two trails. The longer one with the steeper slopes is ideal for hiking enthusiasts while the second trail is a gentler one with less intense inclines. With advice from and consultation with our local host, each of us will select the trail that corresponds to our own personal fitness and comfort level. Both trails will take us through cloud forests with spectacular views, exotic plant and wild life and a chance to hear the howling monkeys.
Noon: Lunch at a coffee plantation.
Afternoon: Following a tour of the coffee plantation we will harness up for an exhilarating and adrenalin pumping canopy zip line tour on the slopes of the Mombacho volcano.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant with an exotic ambiance and varied menu offerings.

Day 4: (Biking; Kayaking; Yoga)
Morning: After a poolside breakfast, we will get the day off to a brisk start by hopping on bicycles and pedaling off, on flat terrain, through Granada and along the lakefront to the marina where we will claim our kayaks. Then it’s off for a peaceful paddle to the privately owned Zopango Island where pirates once roamed.
Noon: Following an island style yoga class we will have a French-Nica lunch featuring fusion cooking.
Afternoon: Before departing the spectacular Zopango Island, there will be time for swimming, kayaking, or simply swinging lazily in a hammock. We will return to shore by electric boat (or for those wishing to kayak back to shore, they may do so). The remainder of the afternoon is ours for shopping in Granada or lounging beside the pool.
Evening: We are promised a special treat this evening, an opportunity for close interaction with the local culture. Along with a translator we will be the guests in the home of a Nicaraguan family for dinner.

Day 5: (Masayo Volcano; Hiking)
Morning: Our day begins with a nourishing breakfast served with a cup of Nicaraguan coffee or Nica chocolate tea. Then we’re off for the short drive to the Masaya Volcano. To get the most spectacular view of this amazing geological sight, we will stand on the edge of the rim and peer down, into an active, sulphur-spewing volcano. This volcanic complex was a crucial part of worship for the ancient people of Nicaragua as well as for the Spaniards who conquered the region.

For those of us who are feeling energetic, a slightly challenging hiking trail along some crater rims beckons. Anyone reasonably fit should be able to do this hike. If, however, any of the group decides to forego this trail, there are some easier alternatives available where the views are just as awesome.

Noon: A traditional lunch will be served with a spectacular view at Masaya Crater Lake.
Afternoon: The neighboring “White Town” of San Juan de Oriente is known for its signature style pottery still produced in the traditional low-tech way. A visit to a local workshop as tenth generation workers demonstrate the skill and labor that go into producing the pottery is nothing less than impressive. Finished pieces are available for purchase.

In the late afternoon, a poolside culinary demo helps us to continue our quest to immerse ourselves in and to learn the Nicaraguan culture. Under the tutelage of our program director, an accomplished cookbook author and nutritionist, we will learn techniques of healthy cooking by using readily available ingredients. These tips and techniques can be used to improve the healthfulness of your own meals back home.

Evening: Taking a detour from Nicaraguan cuisine, it’s off to a charming Mediterraneo Restaurant where the group will enjoy a traditional Spanish paella meal.

Day 6: (Laguna de Apoyo; Hiking; Kayaking; Swimming)
Morning: After breakfast we will have some free time to stroll the streets of Granada and do a bit of shopping. In the late morning we will set off on a downhill hike, through thick forests to Laguna de Apoyo, one of the world’s few accessible volcano lakes.
Noon: A barbecue grill lunch awaits us on a patio at water’s edge.
Afternoon: We will spend the afternoon kayaking on this tranquil lake where motorized boats are not permitted. Swimming opportunities abound. A late afternoon lakeside yoga session tops off the day.
Evening: Tonight’s dinner will be served at a seafood restaurant replete with local color and an authentic Nicaraguan ambience.

Day 7: (Relax & Rejuvenate/Spa Treatment)
Morning: After a poolside tropical breakfast we will relax with our individual choice of two of the following spa treatments or cultural activities: massage, pedicure, facial, an art or mosaic class and even cigar rolling. (During the week we will receive a full description of the various spa treatments so that we can make a knowledgeable choice.)
Noon: Since everyone will be on a different schedule this day, a voucher will be provided for a popular and centrally located eatery.
Evening: Tonight’s meal is Caballo Bayo, Granada’s version of a dinner party. This traditional fare, served in festive clay vessels buffet style, provides the perfect last evening in Granada as we chill out with our new friends.

Day 8: (Departure)
After a poolside breakfast, transportation will be provided to the Managua airport for our departure back to the real world.

Trip Extenstions
If you wish to extend your Central America experience, for example, a visit to neighboring Costa Rica, either before or after your Nicaraguan adventure, ELDER EXPEDITIONS is available to assist you in formulating your plans.

2011 & 2012 DATES
December 3, 2011 – December 10, 2011 - Available
March 24, 2012 – March 31, 2012 - Available

An unusual perk is being applied to the Nicaraguan kickoff trip in December, 2011: no single supplement for those traveling solo! After the December, 2011 Nicaraguan trip, a $2075 single supplement will apply unless a solo Participant agrees to share lodging and Elder Expeditions is able to arrange same sex shared lodging.

The stated price includes all transportation from the meeting point at the Managua International Airport on Day 1 to the return to the Managua International Airport on Day 8, all lodging, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8, all sports and related safety equipment, the spa services on Day 7, all classes and related supplies, all hotel amenities and all internal transportation.

The stated price does not include gratuities, alcoholic beverages and items of a purely personal nature.

A fifty percent deposit is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance is payable thirty days prior to Day 1 of this expedition.

LODGING

Our lodging throughout the week will be in a comfortable five star private bedroom / bath condo style hotel with shared kitchen and living space and a host of amenities such as an elegant pool, lounges and the like.

An English speaking local host / guide will accompany the group throughout. Our local host / guide, knowledgeable in all of the sports in which we will be participating, will always be available to provide instruction for those activities with which we may not be familiar. We will have the services of an expert English speaking yoga instructor and culinary expert as well.

Unless otherwise specifically provided in the day-to-day itinerary, the activities on this trip do not require any particular experience or skill level.

Sufficient instruction will be provided for participants who are beginners or who have limited experience with respect to any of the listed activities. All that is required is a spirit of fun and adventure as well as an open mind and a willingness to try something new. Elder Expeditions recommends that all participants engage in a physical conditioning and fitness program as part of trip preparation. Our fitness partner, Fit for Trips®, provides custom designed fitness programs designed especially for the activities of each of our ELDER EXPEDITIONS vacations.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Participants who are nationals of countries other than Nicaragua are advised to check with the Nicaraguan embassy (or a Nicaraguan consular office) in their home countries to determine the applicable passport / visa requirements.

As of the time of publication, U.S. nationals planning to enter Nicaragua are required to have a valid passport. Elder Expeditions strongly advises that your passport be valid for a period of six months after the date of your anticipated departure from Nicaragua. U.S. citizens must have an onward or return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens; however, a tourist card must be purchased for $10 upon arrival. Tourist cards are typically issued for 30 to 90 days.

No inoculations/vaccinations are required to enter Nicaragua, unless you are coming from a country where Yellow Fever is present; in this case you may be required to show a current vaccination. All participants are advised to have a current tetanus shot. Elder Expeditions recommends that you consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/travel/ or your personal physician to consider whether you wish to get shots for typhoid, hepatitis, and other diseases.