Arrive from overnight flight and land in Managua for one night, head to Leon the next day.
[ Google Review ] Excellent place great and cheap !! Breakfast was delicious!! Nice people very friendly clean place we stay 2 night and we really enjoyed!!
Total food bugdet for the trip
Food should be pretty cheap in Nicaragua. The conversion rate is about $1USD to ~35 cordobas. I read regular meals at local restaurants are about $2-5 USD.
Taxi to UCA bus station from hostel
Take a taxi from Hotel Monte Cristi to the UCA bus station where I will board a collectivo to head to Leon. Taxi ride will cost about $2 USD
From lonely planet: "The León vans are white, marked, and across from the main entrance. Don't worry; roaming touts will find you, ask where you're going, and take you to the right place. Should be under US$3, takes about 1.5 hours depending on traffic."
Leon bus top to Via Via Hostel
Collectivo will drop off at this bus stop at which point I'll travel to the Via Via Hostel in Leon. I'm estimating a $5 USD cost to take a taxi to the hostel. It shouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes.
The total cost will be about $56 USD for 3 days for a private one double bed room. It's directly across the "party hostel" Bigfoot Hostel.
[ Google Review ] Spectacular views from the roof of Leon's surroundings. The inner area offers incredible architecture and wonderful pieces of religious art.
[ Google Review ] Very pretty Church in a busy square. Great place to buy some hammock chairs for very cheap (in the square).
León city square
Explore the city square
[ Google Review ] Incredible experience to walk the roof. Beautiful views of the city with the volcanoes in the back, for only $3 or so. Gorgeous inside as well.
[ Google Review ] Beautiful, but it's a space dedicated to fishing, it's a nice landscape, very fresh. Bigfoot hostel tends to provide the transportation
Booked with Bigfoot hostel even though I'm not staying there. Cost is $25 per person for the boarding and there's a $5 park entrance fee. Tour leaves daily at 9am and the hostel takes care of the transportation and equipment. Bring sunscreen and something to cover the mouth when riding down the volcano.
[ Google Review ] Great experience! I loved it!! This was a thrilling experience for me and I definitely recommend it for those who like adventures!
[ Google Review ] The enthusiasm and professionalism of our two young guides was inspirational. They brought to life the tired exhibits, most of which are decrepit and in dire need of restoration. Well worth the time to visit, especially the opportunity to learn about the local folklore and myths.
[ Google Review ] One of the most incredible collection. You should not miss it for any reason
The hike starts at around 2pm and ends 6 hours later. Meet up at the Quetzaltrekkers Office and transport to the mountain will take about 1 hour. The hike will go to the crater of the volcano which is still active so I might be able to catch a glimpse of the lava. Prepare with a water resistant jacket or a pancho as it might rain.
Planning to check out Granada which is 2.5 hours southwest of Leon by shuttle. The trip should cost $20 USD and leaves from a big bus terminal in Leon.
I would like to explore the beach on the east side of Granada opening up to the Gulf of Mexico.
[ Google Review ] This is a nice park for a stroll. There're a lot of vendors selling trinkets and food, and the different monuments are nice to admire. The cathedral is right in front, too, so the views are excellent.
[ Google Review ] Nice old church with a beautiful little park in front.
Collectivo from Granada to UCA Station in Managua
I need to get back to Managua before the evening to catch my flight. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294477-i2982-k10006826-Granada_to_Managua_Airport-Nicaragua.html Follow the guide in the link.
From the internet: Small Airport but very clean. The food court outside is fabulous and cheap. The duty free shops are excellent. The service is good. Liked the airport