9 days in Nicaragua Itinerary
9 days in Nicaragua Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Nicaragua planner
Start: New York City
Drive to La Guardia Airport, Fly to Managua
1
Managua
— 1 night
Drive
2
Rivas
— 3 nights
Drive
3
Popoyo
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Leon
— 1 night
Fly
End: New York City
Tue, Oct 1 - Wed, Oct 9
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Managua — 1 night

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.On the 2nd (Wed), take in the architecture and atmosphere at Santiago of Managua Cathedral and then don't miss a visit to Puerto Salvador Allende.
To find other places to visit, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Managua trip builder tool.
New York City, USA to Managua is an approximately 11.5-hour combination of car and flight. Traveling from New York City to Managua, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. On the 2nd (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Rivas.
Find places to stay Oct 1 — 2:
Highlights from your trip
Rivas — 3 nights

Rivas is known for historic sites, museums, and nature. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Parroquia San Pedro Apostol Rivas, explore the activities along Rio Sapoa, get engrossed in the history at Museo de Antropologia e Historia, and tee off at Hacienda Iguana Golf.
To find where to stay, photos, maps, and tourist information, go to the Rivas travel planner.
You can drive from Managua to Rivas in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. You'll set off for Popoyo on the 5th (Sat).
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To find where to stay, photos, maps, and tourist information, go to the Rivas travel planner.
You can drive from Managua to Rivas in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. You'll set off for Popoyo on the 5th (Sat).
Side Trip
Find places to stay Oct 2 — 5:
Highlights from your trip
Popoyo — 2 nights
Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Popoyo: Reserva La Makina (in Diriamba) and Playa Redonda (in Playa Redonda).
For reviews and tourist information, go to the Popoyo trip planner.
Getting from Rivas to Popoyo by car takes about 1.5 hours. October in Popoyo sees daily highs of 86°F and lows of 76°F at night. On the 7th (Mon), you'll travel to Leon.
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For reviews and tourist information, go to the Popoyo trip planner.
Getting from Rivas to Popoyo by car takes about 1.5 hours. October in Popoyo sees daily highs of 86°F and lows of 76°F at night. On the 7th (Mon), you'll travel to Leon.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Oct 5 — 7:
Highlights from your trip
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Leon — 1 night

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.On the 8th (Tue), pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral de la Asunción, examine the collection at Museo de Arte Fundacion Ortiz-Gurdian, and then get impressive views of Cerro Negro Volcano.
For other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Leon trip planner.
You can drive from Popoyo to Leon in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and bus; or do a combination of taxi and shuttle. Expect a daytime high around 88°F in October, and nighttime lows around 75°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Tue) early enough to catch the flight back home.
Find places to stay Oct 7 — 8:
Highlights from your trip
Nicaragua travel guide
Still emerging as a major tourist destination, Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, entices travelers with its rich history and remarkable natural beauty just waiting to be discovered. A holiday in Nicaragua allows you to explore a vibrant culture, scenic beaches, and plenty of spots off the beaten path. Majestic volcanoes, lakes, and forests offer numerous chances for exploration and exciting adventures, while major cities boast splendid colonial architecture. With access to coastlines on both the Pacific and the Caribbean, a vacation in Nicaragua appeals to those looking for thrilling surfing experiences, dramatic views, or a chance to spread out on a deserted tropical beach.