Overview
A country in a day. Leave before dawn to beat the lines at the border, breakfast in Rivas, then drive right up to the rim of the active Masaya volcano — one of the few in the world you can reach by car. The afternoon belongs to Granada, a colonial city between volcanoes and Lake Nicaragua, famous for its churches and colorful houses, best seen from a horse-drawn carriage.
- 4:30 am
Pickup in Tamarindo
An early start to reach the Peñas Blancas border before the lines.
- 7:30 am
Border crossing
Your guide walks you through the exit and entry formalities.
- 8:30 am
Breakfast in Rivas
Breakfast in the town of Rivas on the Nicaraguan side.
- 10:30 am
Masaya volcano
Drive all the way up to the crater rim of one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes.
- 12:30 pm
Granada
The colonial heart of Nicaragua: the cathedral, colorful streets and a horse-carriage city tour, with time to wander and have lunch.
- 4:00 pm
Back to Costa Rica
Cross back over the border and drive home to Tamarindo, arriving in the evening.
What's included
- Round-trip transport from your Tamarindo hotel
- Bilingual guide and help at the border crossing
- Breakfast in Rivas
- Visit to the Masaya volcano
- Guided time in Granada
Not included
- Border taxes: $7 to exit Costa Rica, $7 to enter Nicaragua, $1 Rivas city fee (cash)
- Lunch
- Gratuities for your guide and driver
- Souvenirs and personal expenses
What to bring
- Your original passport (no copies)
- Cash in small US dollar bills for border taxes and lunch
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Camera
- Bring your original passport, valid for at least 6 months. Check whether your nationality needs a visa for Nicaragua before booking.
- Border taxes (about $15 per person) are paid in cash at the border and are not included.
- Border wait times vary, so the return time is approximate.
- Children under 12 receive a 20% discount; under 3 travel free.
- Cancellations 24+ hours before departure carry a 50% fee. Inside 24 hours there is no refund.