Nicaragua Full Day Tour from Costa Rica

Granada, Nicaragua One Day Tour from Costa Rica -Native's Way Costa Rica Tours & Packages

Active Masaya Crater, Nicaragua One Day Tour from Costa Rica - Native's Way Costa Rica Tours & Packages

Colonial Buildings, Nicaragua One Day Tour from Costa Rica - Native's Way Costa Rica Tours & Packages

Artisan Markets Nicaragua One Day Tour from Costa Rica - Native's Way Costa Rica Tours & Packages

Local Artisans - Nicaragua One Day Tour from Costa Rica - Native's Way Costa Rica Tours & Packages

Duration15h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish, Spanish

Group sizeUp to 20 travelers

Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Experience the best of Nicaragua in one unforgettable day from Costa Rica! Discover the country’s incredible landscapes, culture, and history as you visit a dormant volcanic crater and witness the impressive active Masaya Volcano. Browse colorful artisan markets for local crafts and souvenirs, then explore the charming colonial city of Granada with its vibrant architecture and historic streets. Finish your adventure with a scenic boat ride among the beautiful islets of Lake Nicaragua.

Along the way, take in breathtaking views, learn about Nicaragua’s fascinating history and culture from your guide, and experience the unique character of this beautiful country. From dramatic volcanoes and colonial architecture to local markets, wildlife, and stunning lake scenery, this full-day adventure is designed to show you the very best of Nicaragua in a single day.

Options

Group Tour: Out of Range Hotel

Out of Range Hotels: Tour with pick up ONLY from JW Marriott/Hacienda Pinilla, Andaz, Planet Hollywood, Four Seasons, Waldorf.
Starting points:
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica, by Hyatt, Peninsula Papagayo, Provincia de Guanacaste, Liberia, Costa Rica
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, Hacienda Pinilla, Provincia de Guanacaste, Guanacaste, 50309, Costa Rica
Pickup included

Private Day Tour

Private Transport & Guide
Pickup included

Shared Group Tour

Shared Transport & Guide: 4:30 am from Tamarindo & Surrounding
5:30 am from RIU/Coco & Surrounding
Exact pick up time sent in confirmation
Pickup included

What's included

Hotel, Condo, or House pickup and drop-off
National Park fees
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Bottled water
Lunch
Breakfast
Guide

Gratuities

What to expect

Mirador de Catarina
30m

Our first stop is the spectacular Catarina viewpoint, where you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Apoyo Crater Lagoon, Granada, and Lake Nicaragua. You will have time to walk around, take photos, and browse the local artisan shops for souvenirs and handcrafted Nicaraguan products.
Masaya Volcano National Park 2025
15m · Admission ticket included

We continue to the famous Masaya Volcano, one of the few active volcanoes in the world where you can safely stand near the crater. You will witness the impressive volcanic landscape, observe the rising gases, and experience the powerful energy of this unique natural wonder. Time at the crater viewpoint is limited to approximately 5-10 minutes in accordance with National Park regulations.
Granada
2h 30m

We then visit the charming colonial city of Granada, famous for its colorful streets, colonial architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Our visit includes a stop at the iconic La Merced Church, where guests may climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Granada, Mombacho Volcano, and Lake Nicaragua. Bell tower admission is USD $1 per person and may be unavailable during holidays or special events.

We will also enjoy a traditional Nicaraguan chocolate experience, learning about the chocolate-making process and sampling authentic local chocolate.

Afterward, you will have free time to explore Granada at your own pace, browse local shops, relax in the central plaza, or take an optional horse-drawn carriage ride through the city (additional cost).

Before departing for Lake Nicaragua, we will enjoy a traditional Nicaraguan lunch at a local restaurant. The 2.5-hour visit includes sightseeing, free time, and lunch.
Lake Nicaragua
45m

Our final experience is a scenic boat tour through the famous Islets of Granada, a stunning archipelago of small islands formed by ancient volcanic activity. During the cruise, you will enjoy spectacular views of the lake, the surrounding islets, and the peaceful atmosphere of this remarkable landscape.

After the boat tour, we will begin our return journey to Costa Rica.
Native's Way
3h

Our Costa Rica to Nicaragua guides will pick you up directly from your hotel and accompany you throughout the journey to the Nicaragua border. They will assist with every step of the border crossing process, making the crossing smooth and stress-free. The border crossing typically takes around 30 minutes, although waiting times may vary depending on the season, holidays, weekends, and border traffic conditions.

Once in Nicaragua, we will begin the day with a healthy traditional breakfast at a lakeside restaurant, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Nicaragua and the iconic Ometepe Island in the distance.
Playa Conchal
Pass by

4:50 am
Playa Flamingo
Pass by

4:30 am
Playa Hermosa
Pass by

5:30 am - Secrets Papagayo, Villas Sol, Occidental Papagayo, Mangroove
Playas del Coco
Pass by

5:20 am
Liberia
Pass by

6:00 am
Pinilla
Pass by

4:00 am
Tamarindo
Pass by

4:30 am
Tamarindo Beach
Pass by

4:30 am
Playa Langosta
Pass by

4:20 am

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood Main Gate - (extra fee)

Meeting point

Hotels and Peri Supermarket at main Liberia Intersection - 5:45 am

Meeting point

6:00 am

Meeting point

Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood Main Gate - 5:00 am (extra fee)

Meeting point

Secrets Papagayo Main Gate (not lobby), Mangroove and other Hotels - 5:30 am

Meeting point

Villas Sol Main Gate, Condovac Main Gate, Occidental Papagayo Main Gate and other Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Hermosa - 5:30 am

Meeting point

Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Coco - 5:20 am

Meeting point

RIU Guanacaste/Palace 5:00 am (Main gate, NOT Lobby)

Meeting point

Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Grande - 4:30 am

Meeting point

Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Catalinas - 4:30 am

Meeting point

Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Flamingo - 4:30 am

Meeting point

Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Conchal - 4:45 am

Meeting point

Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Tamarindo/Langosta - 4:30 am

Meeting point

Hacienda Pinilla/JW Marriott: 4:00 AM - $50 fee per booking, not per person - billed separately
Please let security know we are coming

End point

Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood Main Gate - (extra fee)

End point

Hotels and Peri Supermarket at main Liberia Intersection - 5:45 am

End point

6:00 am

End point

Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood Main Gate - 5:00 am (extra fee)

End point

Secrets Papagayo Main Gate (not lobby), Mangroove and other Hotels - 5:30 am

End point

Villas Sol Main Gate, Condovac Main Gate, Occidental Papagayo Main Gate and other Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Hermosa - 5:30 am

End point

Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Coco - 5:20 am

End point

RIU Guanacaste/Palace 5:00 am (Main gate, NOT Lobby)

End point

Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Grande - 4:30 am

End point

Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Catalinas - 4:30 am

End point

Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Flamingo - 4:30 am

End point

Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Conchal - 4:45 am

End point

Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Tamarindo/Langosta - 4:30 am

End point

Hacienda Pinilla/JW Marriott: 4:00 AM - $50 fee per booking, not per person - billed separately
Please let security know we are coming

Pickup details

We pick up from the hotels, condos and private residences in the following areas:

Hacienda Pinilla/JW Marriott: 4:00 AM (extra fee)
Langosta/Tamarindo Hotels, Condos, Apartments, Houses: 4:30 AM
Conchal (W/Westin Conchal), Brasilito Hotels, Condos, Apartments, Houses: 4:45 AM
Playa Grande, Flamingo, Potrero Hotels, Condos, Apartments, Houses: 4:30 AM
Catalinas: 4:15 AM (extra fee)
RIU Hotels Main Security Gate, Not the Lobby: 5:00 AM
Playas del Coco Hotels, Condos, Houses: 5:20 AM
Playa Hermosa & Panama (Occ/Secrts Papagayo, Villas Sol, Condovac, Mangroove): 5:30 AM
Liberia Peri Supermarket: 6:00 AM
Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood: 5:20 AM (extra fee)
Waldorf Astoria: 5:30 AM (extra fee)
Dreams Las Mareas: 6:00am

Pick up times above are an estimate. We will send you an official pick up time the day before the tour.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants. Please bring your passport on the day of your tour
Your departure Ticket that proof of flight out of Costa Rica
If your hotel is not listed, contact us for quoting
It is prohibited to enter the country of Nicaragua with the following items: all kinds of Drones, all kinds of Binoculars, including those for Night vision, and any object considered for professional, journalistic, and similar audiovisual reproduction.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.6 (609)