Faculty-led travel courses · Latin America
Nicaragua Faculty-Led Travel Course
This program explores Nicaragua's scenic landscapes, Pacific and Caribbean beaches and its well-known volcanoes. Students learn about the geography and communities of Central America's largest country.
Good to know
- Language
- Spanish
- Currency
- Nicaraguan córdoba (US dollars often accepted)
- Best season
- December–April (dry season)
- Typical length
- 10–14 days (customizable)
Highlights
What students will see and do
- GranadaA colonial city on the shore of Lake Nicaragua, known for its colorful buildings and cathedral.
- Lake NicaraguaThe largest lake in Central America, with volcanic islands and freshwater wildlife.
- Masaya Volcano National ParkA national park where visitors can view an active crater with volcanic gas and, at times, a glowing lava lake.
- LeónA historic university city with Central America's largest cathedral and strong political and artistic traditions.
- Ometepe IslandAn island formed by two volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas, in Lake Nicaragua.
- Pacific beachesNicaragua's southwestern coast has long beaches and surf areas such as San Juan del Sur.
Faculty-led travel courses
Courses that fit Nicaragua
Professors build their own syllabus; ARAMFO arranges the visits that bring it to life.
Geography & Environmental StudiesA course could study volcanic geology, lake ecosystems and natural hazards.
Education & Teacher PreparationStudents could examine rural education and community-based learning programs.
Psychology, Sociology & Social WorkA course could explore development, migration and the legacy of political change in Nicaragua.
Map
Where you will go
Academic and professional visits
- A local university faculty of education
- A community development nonprofit
- A coffee cooperative
- A volcano or nature reserve office
Visits are chosen with the professor to match the course.
Itinerary
Sample itinerary
A starting point only — every trip is adjusted to your course, dates and budget.
Customizable. This sample shows the kinds of visits and places available. Days, pace and academic visits are built around your course.
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Day 1
Arrival in Managua to Granada
Arrive in Managua and transfer to the colonial city on Lake Nicaragua.
- Airport pickup in Managua
- Transfer to hotel in Granada
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Day 2
Granada
Get to know one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas.
- Free morning
- Horse-drawn carriage tour of Granada
- Academic visit matched to your course (university, school, NGO or company)
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Day 3
Masaya Market and Volcano
Visit a craft market and a volcano park with an active crater.
- Masaya handicraft market
- Lunch in Masaya
- Masaya Volcano night tour
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Day 4
Mombacho Volcano
Explore cloud forest on the slopes of a dormant volcano.
- Mombacho Volcano and jungle canopy tour
- Return to Granada
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Day 5
Granada to Ometepe Island
Travel by road and ferry to an island formed by two volcanoes in the middle of the lake.
- Early transfer to Ometepe Island
- Lake Nicaragua views
- San Ramón Waterfall
- Charco Verde (Chico Largo) nature reserve
- Ometepe archaeological museum
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Day 6
Ometepe Island
Spend a full day on the island.
- Morning island tour
- Free afternoon
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Day 7
Ometepe to Jiquilillo
Cross the lake and travel to a Pacific beach on the northwest coast.
- Boat to San Jorge
- School of Art in Las Salinas
- Lunch
- Beach time at Jiquilillo
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Day 8
Jiquilillo to León
Travel to León, Nicaragua's university city.
- Morning departure for León
- Lunch
- Hotel check-in in León
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Day 9
León and Cerro Negro
Tour León in the morning and hike a young volcano in the afternoon.
- Morning tour of León
- Afternoon trip to Cerro Negro Volcano
- Return to León
- Academic visit matched to your course (university, school, NGO or company)
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Day 10
Family Stay in León
Spend the day with a local family.
- Family stay and cultural exchange
- Local meals with the host family
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Day 11
León to Granada
Return to Granada for the last night.
- Free morning in León
- Transfer to Granada
- Lunch and free time in Granada
- Farewell dinner
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Day 12
Departure Home
Final transfer to the airport and flight home, with course notes and credits ready to complete.
- Breakfast and hotel check-out
- Transfer to Managua airport for the flight home
What is included
ARAMFO arranges everything
You choose the dates and the airport your group flies from. We handle the logistics and the academic visits so you can focus on teaching.
3–6 credit hours, offered through your own department · 8+ students and the professor's travel cost is covered by ARAMFO · Your dates and your departure airport
- Airfare from your preferred airport
- Hotels or student housing
- Meals as set out in the itinerary
- Transportation in the host country
- Tour guides and entrance fees
- University, company and professional visits
- A native guide with the group for the whole trip
- Customized dates and itinerary
Get started
Plan a course in Nicaragua
Tell us about your course and we will reply with a draft itinerary and cost.
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