Day 1 - Welcome to Nicaragua!

Arrive in Nicaragua!  Transfer from Managua Airport to Granada.  We will tour some of the city’s plazas and cathedrals, get a taste of local culinary traditions, explore Central America’s largest lake, and get an introduction to the history of Nicaragua.

Day 2 - Ometepe

Depart to Rivas where we will board the ferry to Isla de Ometepe.  Ometepe, which means “the land of fire and water” in the indigenous language nahuatl, is a large island made up of two connected volcanos, Concepción and Maderas. The island sits in the middle of Central America’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Nicaragua. On our ferry trip we will enjoy scenic views of the two volcanoes and if it is clear enough, we will catch a glimpse of Costa Rica!

Day 3 - Ometepe

For the following 5 days we will stay with our hosts at a 26-acre demonstrative permaculture farm that focuses on sustainable farming and education in their local community. The eco-lodge features rustic lodging that allows you to interact directly with Ometepe’s biodiversity. Don’t be surprised to wake up to the calls of howler monkeys, and go to sleep with the soft purr of cicadas, crickets, and toads. Our mornings will be spent focused on service-learning, skill-building, and practicing the permaculture principles. We will have the opportunity to taste a number of different tropical fruits grown on the farm, get our hands dirty working in the garden and planting trees, and learn new skills like making organic chocolate or processing a giant jackfruit!

Take part in an Artisanal/Cultural Workshop: The most popular workshops are basket making, dance classes, jícaro bowl carving, baking and enchilada making.

Day 4 - Ometepe

Experience a full morning working on the farm followed by an afternoon workshop.

Chocolate Making Workshop: Learn about the historical significance of cacao, tour different varieties of cacao plants on the farm, and make our own hand-made chocolate from organic cacao seeds grown on site.

After our workshop we will adventure off the farm to explore some of the many highlights of the island. We will visit the local lake beaches with dual views of the volcanoes, and shallow, warm water. Opportunity to rent kayaks, visit a museum, go to a local swimming hole “ojo del agua”, visit the petroglyphs, or tour an organic coffee cooperative.

Day 5 - Ometepe

Experience a full morning working on the farm followed by an afternoon workshop.

Appropriate Technology: Learn about, tour, and experience different technologies incorporated on the farm. From solar electricity and drying to water systems and hand powered food processing, gain an understanding of how we can get the most done with the least embodied energy.

After our workshop we will hike one of the two stunning volcanos. Even if we don’t summit the whole volcano, we can hike to different viewpoints or waterfalls with views of the lake.

Day 6 - San Juan del Sur

Experience a full morning working on the farm followed by an afternoon workshop.

We will thank our amazing hosts and say good-bye to the farm.  Depart to Moyogalpa and board the ferry back to Rivas.  Transfer by bus to San Juan del Sur.

Arrive in San Juan del Sur!  The town was one of the first destinations to be developed for tourism in Nicaragua and offers a bustling array of shops and restaurants, access to all the best beaches, and a growing community of eco-entrepreneurs.

Day 7 - San Juan del Sur

Today we will spend the morning and afternoon participating in volunteer cultural exchange activities as a group. From scavenger hunts through town to cooking classes with local kids, this will be a fun, interactive, and memorable experience for our group.

Day 8 - San Juan del Sur

Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast is one of the most attractive surfing locations in the world! Long stretches of unpopulated beaches offer everything from big barrels to beginner’s waves.  Today we will explore all it has to offer.

Take a group surfing lesson, beginners are more than welcome on the quality waves.  Visit Da Flying Frog, the longest zip line tour in Nicaragua.  Soar down 2.5km of cable and experience incredible views of monkeys, local flora, and San Juan bay.

Day 9 - Homeward Bound

Depart to the historical town of Masaya to visit the Mercado de Artesanias. We will enjoy this bustling city, rich in Sandinista history, and pick up souvenirs for friends and family. Hand woven hammocks, stunning ceramics, and fair trade coffee and chocolate are some of the most popular treats!

Return to Managua Airport and depart on a flight back home after an incredible 9 days in Nicaragua.