2 Weeks in Nicaragua: The Perfect Itinerary for León, Corn Island, Granada & Ometepe

Flights

Search for your next flight

Hotels

Fast and simple hotels with Booking

Activities

Book your next excursion with Viator

Insurance

Save on nomad travel insurance

Nicaragua is one of those countries that just has it all. Known as “the land of lakes and volcanoes”, it’s home to fiery peaks you can hike and slide down, colorful colonial cities to explore, and laid-back Caribbean islands where the pace of life slows down to a dream. I spent one month exploring this underrated gem, and it quickly became one of my favorite places in Central America.

This itinerary takes you through four very different sides of Nicaragua:

León with its fiery volcanoes and street art energy
Corn Island with its turquoise water and barefoot Caribbean vibe
Granada with its colorful colonial charm and nearby adventures
Ometepe Island with its twin volcanoes and jungle magic

Where to start your two weeks in Nicaragua?

As mentioned, I spent one month here, so two weeks might feel very fast paced for this itinerary. If you want to slow it down a bit you can skip one of the locations based on your preferences. However, if you want to see as much of Nicaragua as possible in two weeks, then here’s exactly how I would spend two weeks in Nicaragua. This guide also includes where to stay, what to do, and a day-by-day breakdown for each stop.

I’ve created this itinerary based on my trip, where I came in to Nicaragua from Honduras. If you do this, it makes the most sense to start in León. However, if you’re just visiting Nicaragua you might want to start on Corn Island so you don’t have to head to the airport more than necessary. If you’re entering Nicaragua from Costa Rica it might also be a good idea to add a night in San Juan del Sur.

Day 1 - 3 of your two week plan for Nicaragua: León

León is Nicaragua’s cultural heart, it’s youthful, artistic, and surrounded by volcanoes. It’s the kind of city where you can spend your morning climbing to the rooftop of a colonial cathedral, your afternoon wandering through museums and murals, and your evening sledding down an active volcano.

Where to Stay in León

Poco a Poco Hostel ($35 per night)

Award winning Hostel in the city center without the big party factor.

Hotel Azul ($80 per night)

Great Hotel with swimming pool and free breakfast

Hotel El Convento ($150 per night)

Beautiful colonial-style hotel with lush courtyards.

Day 1: Arrive in León and explore the city

Check into your hotel and take an afternoon stroll through the colonial streets. Book a guided walking tour to learn more about the city and its history. End your day with sunset views from the cathedral rooftop.

Book the best guided walking tours of León here

Leon City Walking Private Tour

Small-Group walking excursion of León City

Leon Colonial City Tour

Day 2: Adventure day!

Hike up Cerro Negro and try volcano boarding. In the evening, explore León’s food scene with a food tour or head out for some drinks at one of Leóns many bars.

Book the volcano boarding that suits you here

Volcano Boarding Private Tour

Cerro Negro and Volcano Sand Boarding from León

Popular Volcano Boarding Trip

Day 3: Museums & Beach life

Spend the morning in León’s museums and markets, then head out to Las Peñitas for a relaxing afternoon on the beach. Return to León for dinner and pack for your next stop.

León, Nicaragua

Day 4 - 7 of your Ultimate Itinerary Through Nicaragua: Corn Island

Out in the Caribbean, Nicaragua has its own island paradise: Big Corn and Little Corn Island. Picture turquoise waters, fresh lobster dinners, and hammocks swaying under coconut palms. Big Corn is more developed with easy access, while Little Corn is all about rustic, barefoot living. I loved both islands and recommend spending time on both, but if you want a bit more relaxing trip choose one of the islands and stay there.

Where to Stay on Corn Island

Budget stays on Corn Island

The Wave Hostel (Big Corn) ($25 per night)

Popular budget-friendly option, with dorms and private rooms that work well for backpackers

Christina’s Guest House (Little Corn) ($15 per night)

For something social and centrally located this is a solid backpacker pick.

Mid-Range stays on Corn Island

Sunset Bay B&B (Big Corn) ($50 per night)

This is where we stayed and absolutely loved!

Los Delfines (Little Corn) ($80 per night)

Centrally located with everything you need.

Luxury stays on Corn Island

Paraiso Beach Hotel (Big Corn) ($110 per night)

The hotel sits in lush gardens with easy beach access and plenty of charm. Plus a really great restaurant!

Yemaya reefs (Little Corn) ($300 per night)

Think private villas, paddleboards at your doorstep, excellent food, and the kind of barefoot luxury that makes you want to stay forever.

Day 4: Travel day to Corn Island

Fly from Managua to Big Corn Island as early as possible, then transfer by boat to Little Corn. Settle in and spend the evening barefoot on the beach.

Little Corn Island

Day 5: Snorkel or dive on Little Corn Island

Go snorkeling or diving in the morning, then relax in a hammock with a book or do a yoga class. Dinner on the beach with grilled lobster is a must.

Day 6: Head over to Big Corn Island

Spend the morning on the beach or hike inland on Little Corn Island. Then you take the boat back to Big Corn Island. Head over to the floating bar for an evening drink and swim.

Floating bar on Big Corn Island

Day 7: Bike around Big Corn Island

Rent a bike or scooter and go beach hopping on Big Corn Island.

Day 8 - 10 of the Perfect 2 week Itinerary Through Nicaragua: Granada

Granada is Nicaragua’s most photogenic city, with cobblestone streets, stunning cathedrals, and pastel-colored colonial facades. It’s also perfectly located for day trips, you can kayak on Lake Nicaragua, hike volcanic craters, or soak in natural hot springs just outside the city.

Where to Stay in Granada

Hostel De Boca en Boca ($30 per night)

Popular Hostel with a great rooftop. It’s also the departure point for the famous Friday Treehouse Rave.

Hotel Casa del Consulado ($70 per night)

This is where we stayed and I can’t recommend it enough! Super nice rooms in a charming colonial house.

Casa Babu Guest House ($150 per night)

A luxurious stay in a renovated colonial building with spacious rooms and an amazing pool.

Day 8: Arrive in Granada

Arrive in the morning and spend the day exploring the colorful streets. Climb Iglesia de La Merced at sunset for golden-hour views.

Granada, Nicaragua

Day 9: Kayak on Las Isletas

In the morning, take a boat tour of Las Isletas. In the afternoon, relax at a café or hotel pool. In the evening, head out and explore Granadas vibrant nightlife.

Book your tour to La Isletas here

Day 10: Relax at Laguna de Apoyo

Take a daytrip to Laguna de Apoyo for a relaxing day by the water. Alternatively you can spend more time exploring the markets and sights in Granada city.

Day 11 - 14 of Your Two Week Adventure in Nicaragua: Ometepe Island

Ometepe is one of Nicaragua’s most unique destinations, it’s a volcanic island rising out of Lake Nicaragua, shaped like an hourglass thanks to its two peaks, Concepción and Maderas. Life here moves slowly, with dirt roads, jungle hikes, waterfalls, and plenty of hammocks overlooking the lake.

Where to Stay on Ometepe

Budget Stays on Ometepe Island

El Zopilote (25$ per night)

A legendary backpacker spot set on a permaculture farm, complete with treehouses, yoga classes, and wood-fired pizza nights.

Hostel Life is Good ($25 per night)

Popular among backpackers for its social vibe and affordable dorms.

Mid-Range Stays on Ometepe Island

Xalli Beach Hotel ($70 per night)

Right on the lake, with stylish rooms, good food, and a relaxing atmosphere.

El Pital, Chocolate Paradise ($80 per night)

If you’re looking for a unique stay on Ometepe, El Pital’s cacao farm and lakeside hammocks make it unforgettable.

Boutique & Luxury Stays on Ometepe Island

Hotel Villa Paraiso ($110 per night)

Beachfront rooms with a pool, offering one of the more resort-style stays on the island.

Totoco Eco Resort Premium Cabins ($150 per night)

If you want something upscale and eco-conscious, this is as good as it gets on Ometepe.

Day 11: Travel Day to Ometepe

Travel from Granada to Ometepe (via shuttle and ferry). Settle into your accommodation and enjoy sunset by the lake.

Day 12: Explore the island

Rent a scooter or ATV and hike to San Ramón waterfall in the morning. Later on have lunch at El Pital Chocolate factory and end the day with a swim at Ojo de Agua.

Book a full day tour including the waterfalls

Exploring

Day 13: Hike one of the volcanoes

There are two volcanoes on Ometepe, and your can hike them both. So book a guided tour to one of them and spend the day there.

Book the best guided volcano hikes here

Hike to Volcano Concepcion with Happy Tours

Hike to Volcano Maderas with Happy Tours

Day 14: Travel Day

It’s sadly time to end the trip and head back to the airport or onwards to Costa Rica.

Final Thoughts: 2 Week Adventure in Nicaragua

Two weeks in Nicaragua is the perfect introduction to this diverse and beautiful country. You’ll experience the energy of León, the Caribbean bliss of Corn Island, the colonial elegance of Granada, and the natural wonder of Ometepe. It’s a trip that blends adventure, relaxation, and culture — and one that will almost certainly leave you planning your return.

I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Nicaragua! If you have any questions about traveling to Nicaragua or Central America in general, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid