Nicaragua school expedition · 20 days
Black Sand Volcano Expedition
Explore Nicaragua through volcano hikes, sandboarding, wildlife reserves, community projects and family homestays, finishing with surfing and snorkelling on the Pacific coast.
About this trip
This three week expedition is a fantastic introduction to the vibrant culture and dramatic scenery of a beautiful, yet little visited part, of Central America. With smoking volcanoes, lush forests, idyllic islands and UNESCO World Heritage sites, this expedition is incredibly diverse and a wonderful opportunity to get to know the locals of this friendly country. We spend time on two different volunteer projects, working along side the locals. Not yet on the main stream tourist bucket lists, this expedition is a great insight into an undiscovered destination.
Trip highlights
- Telica Volcano hike and Cerro Negro sandboarding
- Juan Venado Wildlife Reserve
- Community projects at Eco Escuela and La Paloma
- Ometepe Island and San Ramon Waterfall
- Pacific coast surf lessons and snorkelling
Your recommended itinerary, with the meals included on each day.
- 1
Day 1
Arrive Nicaragua
Depart the UK and fly to Nicaragua with a change of planes en-route. Bienvenidos! On arrival day at Managua International Airport, our expedition leader (guide) will give you a warm welcome and you will be transferred to Managua city.
- 2
Day 2
Transfer from Managua to Leon city. Telica sunset volcano tour hike
Today our driver and guide take the group to Leon City, a journey of around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Telica Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua. There are many footpaths that branch off in all directions which makes route finding confusing. Staying on the trail without a guide would be difficult, but our expert leaders, born and brought up in the country, know this place like the back of their hand. This is a challenging uphill climb. The farmers’ fields gives way to jungle which engulfs the trail. The higher elevation offers views of the surrounding farming communities and amazing views of the volcanoes San Cristóbal, Cerro Negro, Momotombo, and the Las Pilas-El Hoyo complex. The trail flattens and the jungle opens up. Views of Volcan Telica'a billowing smoke can be seen. There is a flat, cleared area about 1000 ft. / 300 m east of the crater – the perfect spot for a rest and time to take in the view. From here, there is a path that leads to the northeast rim of the crater. We will proceed with caution and peer over the edge into the mouth of the crater. The views of the lava are much more impressive at night when the lava glows red. This elevated ridge is a great vantage point to watch the sunset.
- 3
Day 3
Juan Venado Wildlife Reserve. “La Gigantona” Workshop
We head to the stunning Juan Venado Island situated 1 hour away of Leon city. Juan Venado is a barrier island and measures 22km in length. It stands out as a thin strip near the coast of Nicaragua. It is a wildlife refuge for marine species that migrate in their larvae phase from the ocean to the peaceful and rich waters of the estuary. We head back to Leon city where we have a cultural presentation & workshop about “Las Gigantonas” which is a tradition of Leon city - giant hollow figures several meters tall with a paper maché head and arms, and wood or aluminum frames covered in opulent clothing. The figures are controlled by someone from inside the structure. They move and shake in a dance usually accompanied by a local marching band.
- 4
Day 4
Sandboarding at Cerro Negro (The Black Hill); Leon city Tour
Climbing Cerro Negro Volcano is an impressive experience. This active volcano (726 meters in altitude) is totally covered with black sand and rocks. Standing on top of this volcano you will have an unforgettable view over the volcanic chain of Central America. We descend the volcano at top speed on sand-boards. This afternoon, we have a León city tour that will begin at its colonial heart with a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest in Central America, and the Main Plaza. During the walking tour you will get to know the historic murals of the city and will understand the role played by León in the social, economic and political development of Nicaragua.
- 5
Day 5
Transfer from Leon to Granada city. Walking tour and boat ride
We transfer to Granada city where we have a walking tour to get to know this amazing city. We then continue to Lake Nicaragua for a relaxing boat ride around some of the islands formed by the impressive Mombacho volcano. We have this afternoon to relax.
- 6–8
Days 6–8
Project days at Eco Escuela
The following 3 days sees the group spend time working on a community project with Exo Escuela, a local education community. Local schools have to deal with serious difficulties, like not having restrooms, no drinkable water, not enough chairs for the children to sit on, lack of educational materials and such like. The group will get involved and work on what is most required by the community at the time of the visit.
- 9
Day 9
Ferry to Ometepe Island
This morning we transfer to Rivas to take the regular ferry to Ometepe Island. If the weather allows we can enjoy the panoramic views of the volcanoes (Concepcion & Maderas), which beautify this unique Island. We explore the island and also visit the Charco Verde Nature Reserve.
- 10
Day 10
Expedition to San Ramon Waterfall
Today we enjoy the beautiful nature of Ometepe Island. On the slopes of the volcano 600 meters above sea level is a beautiful waterfall, over 145 meters high known as El Salto San Ramon. We travel to the Biological Station San Ramon where a 3 hour walk through the forest takes us to the remarkable waterfall before returning the same way.
- 11
Day 11
Excursion to Maderas Volcano Slopes & Petroglyphs path
Today we visit the slopes of Maderas Volcano. Ometepe is famous for its rich pre-Columbian past and belongs to the great rock art areas of the world. Ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) and stone statues have been found all over the island. The hike takes 3 hours approx., after which, we move to Ojo de Agua - a natural spring just inland from Playa Santo Domingo which has been expanded to make a huge swimming pool of crystal clear water.
- 12–16
Days 12–16
Working & overnight at La Paloma Community (homestays)
For the next 5 days the students work on a social project to help La Paloma community in diverse areas such as community cleanups, help to work in the medical plants garden, agricultural works, painting & building schools in the community, recycling of glass bottle & sharing time with locals.
- 17
Day 17
Transfer to San Juan del Sur for surf lessons
Today we leave our friends and families at La Paloma and catch the ferry back to San Jorge where we transfer to San Juan del Sur for some well deserved relaxation on the beach and our surfing lessons.
- 18
Day 18
Snorkeling Tour & Visit Aventura Las Nubes eco park
After breakfast we head out for a morning of snorkeling before we transfer to Parque Aventuras Las Nubes, situated on top of a mountain at the highest point of San Juan del Sur. Here there are spectacular views and the best bird watching sites in the area. Spider Monkeys, White Faced Capuccin monkeys, Howler monkeys, Tucans and Hawks abound on the mountain tropical forest. Surrounded by a tropical forest, we have an exciting day of adventure including a canopy tour on zip lines, Off-road driving, a nature walk and a visit to an Iguanarium. We overnight in San Juan del Sur.
- 19–20
Days 19–20
Departure & arrive UK
We depart Nicaragua and arrive back in the UK.
Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.
Questions teachers ask about this trip
How long is this itinerary? The suggested itinerary is 20 days.What will the La Paloma community project involve? For the next 5 days the students work on a social project to help La Paloma community in diverse areas such as community cleanups, help to work in the medical plants garden, agricultural works, painting & building schools in the community, recycling of glass bottle & sharing time with locals.