7 days in Nicaragua Itinerary

Nicaragua's largest and capital city, Managua remains relatively unknown as a tourist destination, though it boasts a scenic location on the southwestern shore of the Xolotlan Lake.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Sun): don't miss a visit to Puerto Salvador Allende.

To see ratings, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Managua trip itinerary maker.

Istanbul, Turkey to Managua is an approximately 20.5-hour flight. You'll gain 9 hours traveling from Istanbul to Managua due to the time zone difference. You'll have a few hours on the 6th (Mon) to wrap things up before traveling to Leon.

A cultured and storied city, Leon attracts guests from all over the world, drawn to the second city's style, thriving intellectual life, and liveliness.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Mon): get engrossed in the history at Museum of Legends and Traditions (Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas) and then pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To see maps, ratings, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Leon trip maker app.

You can drive from Managua to Leon in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. February in Leon sees daily highs of 40°C and lows of 25°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Granada.

The lakeside city of Granada has the look and feel of a historically important economic and political center, with grand colonial architecture, a unified look, and many cultural attractions.

Start off your visit on the 7th (Tue): take in the architecture and atmosphere at La Capilla Maria Auxiliadora, contemplate the geological forces at Mombacho, and then step off the mainland to explore Islets of Granada. Keep things going the next day: admire the local landmark of Parque Colon de Granada, then pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral de Granada, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de La Merced.

To see ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Granada sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Leon to Granada in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Wed) early enough to drive to Masaya.

Quickly accessible from both Managua and Granada, culturally rich Masaya remains one of the best places to visit if you're looking to purchase authentic Nicaraguan handicrafts.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Wed): look for gifts at Masaya Crafts Market.

To find photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Masaya trip planner.

Masaya is just a short distance from Granada. You will leave for Chinandega on the 9th (Thu).

Chinandega is a city and the departmental seat of Chinandega department (4,822.42 km2) in Nicaragua. Start off your visit on the 9th (Thu): learn more about the world around you at Chorotega-Nicarao Museum and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Parroquia Santa Ana.

For more things to do, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Chinandega trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Masaya to Chinandega takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In February, plan for daily highs up to 40°C, and evening lows to 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Thu) early enough to drive to Matagalpa.

Nicaragua's second city, Matagalpa offers an authentic window into the country's cultural and natural heritage.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Fri): make a trip to Mirador El Calvario, gain insight at Escuela de Espanol Colibri, and then see the interesting displays at El Castillo del cacao.

To find maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Matagalpa online holiday planner.

You can drive from Chinandega to Matagalpa in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Chinandega in February, expect Matagalpa to be little chillier, temps between 29°C and 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Fri) so you can travel back home.