10-Day Nicaragua Family Travel Itinerary
Trip Overview
- Duration: 10 Days
- Best Travel Season: Dry Season (November – April) – Warm weather, minimal rain, and excellent travel conditions
- Ideal For: Families looking for adventure, culture, and beach relaxation
- Family-Friendliness: Excellent – Colonial cities, active volcanoes, nature reserves, and calm beaches
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Arrive in Granada & Explore the Colonial City
Stay: Hotel con Corazón – A family-friendly hotel that supports local education
Getting There: Fly into Managua (MGA) and take a 45-minute taxi to Granada
- Stroll through Granada’s colorful colonial streets – Visit Parque Central, La Calzada, and the iconic yellow Cathedral
- Climb La Merced Church Bell Tower – The best panoramic views of Granada
- Take a boat tour of the Isletas de Granada – Spot monkeys, birds, and historic island homes
- Visit ChocoMuseo – Hands-on chocolate-making workshop for kids
Family Tip: Granada can be hot year-round, so plan outdoor activities in the morning and relax during midday.
Day 3-4: Adventure & Volcano Boarding in León
Stay: El Convento Hotel – A charming stay in León’s historic center
Getting There: Two-hour drive from Granada
- Explore León’s historic streets and murals – A vibrant city full of art and history
- Visit Basílica de la Asunción – Climb to the rooftop for breathtaking city views
- Go volcano boarding at Cerro Negro – A thrilling experience for adventurous families
- Take a day trip to Las Peñitas Beach – A great spot for a relaxing afternoon
Family Tip: Volcano boarding is best suited for older kids (ages 8+), but younger children can hike up and watch.
Day 5-6: Island Escape to Ometepe
Stay: Totoco Eco-Lodge – A sustainable stay with stunning volcano views
Getting There: Drive to San Jorge (1.5 hours), then take a ferry to Ometepe
- Swim in Ojo de Agua – A natural freshwater pool with crystal-clear water
- Explore Charco Verde Reserve – Short trails, a butterfly sanctuary, and lake views
- Hike to San Ramón Waterfall – A rewarding jungle trek to a beautiful waterfall
- Relax on Santo Domingo Beach – A kid-friendly beach with calm waters
Family Tip: Rent scooters or hire a driver to explore Ometepe at your own pace.
Day 7-8: Beach Time in San Juan del Sur
Stay: HulaKai Hotel – A family-friendly hotel with ocean views
Getting There: Ferry back to San Jorge, then a two-hour drive to San Juan del Sur
- Relax at Playa Hermosa – One of the best family-friendly beaches in the area
- Take a surfing lesson – San Juan del Sur is a great place for beginner surfers
- Hike up to the Christ of the Mercy statue – Stunning views of the bay at sunset
- Go on a turtle-watching tour – Visit La Flor Wildlife Reserve (seasonal)
Family Tip: If visiting between July – December, book a baby sea turtle release tour.
Day 9-10: Optional Add-On – The Corn Islands
Stay: Little Corn Beach & Bungalow – An eco-friendly beachfront retreat
Getting There: Fly from Managua to Big Corn Island, then take a boat to Little Corn
- Snorkel in crystal-clear waters – Some of the best coral reefs in Central America
- Relax on white-sand beaches – A true island paradise with no cars
- Take a kayak tour through the mangroves
- Eat fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants
Family Tip: If traveling with younger kids, stick to Big Corn Island for easier accessibility.
Accommodation & Transport Tips
Best Family Hotels & Airbnbs: Stay in eco-lodges, colonial guesthouses, and beachfront bungalows
Getting Around: Nicaragua has limited rental cars – use private transfers, taxis, or public transport
Best Budget Tip: Nicaragua is one of the most affordable destinations in Central America, with meals costing as little as $3-5
Estimated Budget Breakdown
Accommodation: $20–$100 per night (varies by location)
Food: $3–$15 per meal (local cuisine is very affordable)
Transport: $10–$50 per journey (ferries, buses, and taxis)
Activities: $5–$30 per excursion (volcano boarding, boat tours, national park fees)
How to Pack for Nicaragua’s Dry Season
Lightweight clothing – Hot and humid climate
Comfortable walking shoes – Colonial cities have cobblestone streets
Swimwear & rash guards – For beach days and lake swimming
Sun protection – Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
Bug spray – Mosquitoes are common near lakes and jungles
Read our full guide: Nicaragua Packing Guide
Final Thoughts
Nicaragua is an adventurous yet budget-friendly destination offering a mix of history, volcanoes, lakes, and beaches. This ten-day itinerary balances culture, nature, and relaxation, making it a perfect destination for families traveling to Central America.
- Modify for toddlers: Skip León and spend extra time in Granada or Ometepe
- Modify for teens: Add more adventure activities like scuba diving in the Corn Islands
- Shorten itinerary: Stick to Granada, Ometepe, and San Juan del Sur for a one-week trip
Would you visit Nicaragua with your family? Let us know in the comments!
