Nicaragua Full-Day Tour from Costa Rica: Masaya Volcano and Granada
About Nicaragua Full-Day Tour from Costa Rica: Masaya Volcano and Granada
This full-day trip crosses from Guanacaste into Nicaragua to see a volcanic crater lookout, the active Masaya Volcano, artisan markets, the colonial city of Granada and the islets of Lake Nicaragua. With more than 600 reviews, it is a popular way to add a second country to a Costa Rica holiday.
The tour lasts about 15 hours, with very early hotel pickup from Tamarindo, Conchal, Flamingo, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Papagayo and Liberia, starting from 4:00 am in some areas. Breakfast, lunch and park fees are included.
Itinerary
- Mirador de Catarina (30 minutes)
- Masaya Volcano National Park 2025 (15 minutes)
- Granada (2.5 hours)
- Lake Nicaragua (45 minutes)
- Native's Way (3 hours)
- Playa Conchal
- Playa Flamingo
- Playa Hermosa
- Playas del Coco
- Liberia
- Pinilla
- Tamarindo
- Tamarindo Beach
- Playa Langosta
What’s included
- Hotel, Condo, or House pickup and drop-off
- National Park fees
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Guide
Meeting point
Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood Main Gate – (extra fee) | Hotels and Peri Supermarket at main Liberia Intersection – 5:45 am | 6:00 am | Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood Main Gate – 5:00 am (extra fee) | Secrets Papagayo Main Gate (not lobby), Mangroove and other Hotels – 5:30 am | Villas Sol Main Gate, Condovac Main Gate, Occidental Papagayo Main Gate and other Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Hermosa – 5:30 am | Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Coco – 5:20 am | RIU Guanacaste/Palace 5:00 am (Main gate, NOT Lobby) | Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Grande – 4:30 am | Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Catalinas – 4:30 am | Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Flamingo – 4:30 am | Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Conchal – 4:45 am | Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Tamarindo/Langosta – 4:30 am | Hacienda Pinilla/JW Marriott: 4:00 AM – $50 fee per booking, not per person – billed separately Please let security know we are coming
What to expect on the day
After the border crossing, the first stop is Mirador de Catarina, a lookout over a dormant volcanic crater lagoon. You then visit Masaya Volcano National Park to look into the active crater, browse artisan markets for local crafts, and spend around 2.5 hours in Granada with its colorful colonial streets.
The day ends with a boat ride of about 45 minutes among the small islets of Lake Nicaragua before the long drive back to your hotel in Guanacaste. Your guide shares Nicaragua’s history and culture along the way.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: hotel, condo or house pickup and drop-off, guide, breakfast, lunch, bottled water, national park fees, and all taxes, fees and handling charges.
- Not included: gratuities; the pickup fee from Andaz, Four Seasons and Planet Hollywood; the Hacienda Pinilla and JW Marriott fee ($50 per booking, billed separately).
What to bring
- Your passport, which is required for the border crossing.
- Proof of your departure flight out of Costa Rica.
- Cash for souvenirs at the artisan markets.
Tips for a better day
- Leave the drone behind: drones, binoculars of any kind and professional audiovisual equipment are not allowed into Nicaragua.
- Book with passport details: the name, number, expiry and country on each passport are required at booking.
- Rest the night before: pickups start between 4:00 and 6:00 am and you return late, so plan an easy next day.
Who it’s best for
- Best for: curious travelers who want to see a second country, colonial architecture and an active volcano in one day.
- Consider another option if: you would rather skip the long drive and border crossing, and stay closer with the Palo Verde boat safari.
Restrictions
The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and small children can ride in a stroller. All participants need a valid passport and proof of a flight out of Costa Rica, and drones, binoculars and professional camera equipment cannot be taken into Nicaragua. If your hotel is not listed, contact the operator for a quote.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
FAQ about Nicaragua Full-Day Tour from Costa Rica: Masaya Volcano and Granada
Can you do a day trip to Nicaragua from Costa Rica?
Yes. This tour leaves from Guanacaste hotels and visits Masaya Volcano, Granada and Lake Nicaragua in one long day.
How long is the Nicaragua day trip from Guanacaste?
It lasts about 15 hours, with pickups starting between 4:00 and 6:00 am.
Do I need a passport for the Nicaragua tour?
Yes. Bring your passport and give its details at booking, and carry proof of your departure flight from Costa Rica.
What places does the Nicaragua tour visit?
Mirador de Catarina, Masaya Volcano National Park, artisan markets, Granada and a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua.
Are meals included on the Nicaragua day tour?
Yes, breakfast and lunch are included, along with bottled water.
Can I bring a drone to Nicaragua?
No. Drones, binoculars and professional audiovisual equipment are prohibited from entering Nicaragua.
How long do you spend in Granada?
The itinerary includes about 2.5 hours in Granada.
Is there a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua?
Yes, there is a boat ride of about 45 minutes among the islets of Lake Nicaragua.
Are park fees included on the Nicaragua tour?
Yes, national park fees and all taxes and handling charges are included.
What is the cancellation policy for the Nicaragua tour?
You get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.