⭐ Beyond Pura Vida: Discovering Nicaragua in One Day!
If you read my last post, you know our time in Costa Rica was pure bliss, thanks in part to our STAR Class treatment at Planet Hollywood. But we saved the most incredible, action-packed day for last: a private, cross-country tour to Nicaragua!
This trip was a game-changer—it was the most memorable and fun-filled day of our entire vacation. Going from Costa Rica's serene beaches to Nicaragua's vibrant cities and active volcanoes in a single day was a true bucket list moment!
Smooth Sailing to a New Country ✈️
Since it was a private tour, all the logistics, including the border crossing at Peñas Blancas, were handled flawlessly by our guide, Elmer. This made the process of checking passports and handling paperwork completely stress-free!
We smoothly passed the lines, were taken to a separate booth for processing, then we headed to the border to enter Nicaragua. Because Elmer took care of everything beforehand, the whole process went smoothly and quickly on the Nicaraguan side!
Once we were officially in Nicaragua, the adventure kicked off with stunning sights and unforgettable cultural stops:
Our Nicaragua One-Day Itinerary: Art, History, and Lagoons!- A Hearty Nicaraguan Breakfast: We fueled up for the day with a delicious, hearty Nicaraguan breakfast near Playa La Virgen. It was the perfect start!
- Catarina Town: Art & Views: We spent time in the charming town of Catarina, known for its handicrafts and local art. We took in the panoramic lookout and got an incredible view of the magnificent Apoyo Lagoon Crater! 🤩 A massive, beautiful lake nestled in a volcano crater—pure spectacle.
- 🌋 Masaya Volcano: Located in the Masaya Volcano National Park, the view from the active volcano was beautiful. We could only spend a short time at the rim, as the sulphur was strong, but seeing the raw, active geology was a powerful experience!
-
Lunch in Historic Granada: We savored authentic Nicaraguan cuisine in the historic Granada City, one of Central America’s oldest colonial towns, which celebrated its 500th anniversary in 2024:
The Best Yellow Sauce: Before our carriage ride, we stopped for lunch at the Baru restaurant. I had croaker (my first time!), rice, fries, and a side of the best yellow sauce. I loved the meal so much, I asked Elmer for the recipe! Now, I just need to find some croaker. 😉 - Colonial City Tour by Carriage: We stepped back in time exploring the cobblestone streets of Granada in a traditional horse-drawn carriage. We admired the colorful architecture and learned about the city’s rich history. ⛪
- 🐒 Lake Nicaragua Isletas: We ended our day with a peaceful boat ride on Lake Nicaragua, exploring the beautiful Isletas. Fun fact: Nicaragua has about 400 islands, some of which are privately owned. We learned the history of owners who only visit a few times a year. The highlight? Seeing and even feeding the playful Howler monkeys! 🐒
The Sweet Finale
If you've ever dreamed of stepping into a place where culture, color, and creativity come alive, this one-day adventure is for you! The blend of volcanic drama, vibrant colonial streets, and peaceful island cruising made this single day feel like a complete, rich vacation in itself. It was the perfect, memorable conclusion before heading back through the Peñas Blancas border and heading home.
Daniel, Elmer, and Elvis, our driver, were all incredibly professional and personable.
The experience was already amazing, but what put the cherry on the top was receiving a personalized Maraca as a gift! That was not expected but so appreciated. It’s this type of thoughtful touch that makes Pura Vida Destinations truly stand out.
