San Juan del Sur, Granada & Catarina: 3 tours in one day

Three destinations in a single day without booking three separate tours

A full-day tour from Managua combining Granada's colonial architecture and churches, a nature walk at Catarina volcano with views of two lakes, and sunset at San Juan del Sur beach. An English or Spanish-speaking guide drives you in an air-conditioned vehicle and handles the route. You walk the city streets, hike the volcano rim, and watch the sun set over the ocean. Children from age one are welcome, and pickup from Managua or the airport is available depending on which option you choose.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Granada, Catarina, and San Juan del Sur

• Walking tour of Granada city
• Visit La Merced Church bell tower viewpoint
• Walk La Calzada street for lunch
• Visit chocolate museum and hammock factory
• Hike Catarina lookout trail
• Enjoy views of Apoyo lagoon and Mombacho Volcano
• Watch sunset at San Juan del Sur beach
• Optional swimming and beach drinks
• Drive back to Managua or Granada

The experience

You start in Granada, where the guide walks you through the colonial city center, stopping at the main cathedral and the hall of churches. La Merced Church sits at the highest point in town. You climb to the bell tower for the best views across the rooftops and out toward the lake. After that, you walk La Calzada, the main street where restaurants line the way (lunch is your choice and cost here). The chocolate museum and a local hammock factory round out the Granada portion, giving you a sense of both the city's history and the craftspeople who still work there.

From Granada, the guide takes you to Catarina, a nature reserve built on an extinct volcano. The trail loops around the rim, and from there you can see both Apoyo lagoon and the larger Lake Nicaragua spread out below. The walk is gentle and the views are the draw. This is where most people spend time taking photos and absorbing the landscape. Lunch with a view of the lake is possible here if you want it (at your own cost). The hike itself takes a couple of hours depending on pace.

The final stop is San Juan del Sur, a beach town about an hour's drive south. You arrive in time for the sunset, which happens around 5:30 to 5:45 p.m. The guide brings you to the beach, where you can watch from the sand, have a drink, or swim if the water appeals to you (swimming is possible from 3 to 5 p.m.). After the sun sets, you drive back to Managua or Granada depending on where you started. The whole day runs eight to nine hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with driver.
• English or Spanish-speaking guide.
• walking tour through Granada's colonial center, churches, and main street.
• nature walk at Catarina volcano with lake views.
• sunset at San Juan del Sur beach.
• pickup from Managua airport or your hotel depending on the option you select.

Options for this experience

3 options

Free airport pickupGuide in English or Spanish · 7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:00From the airport: enjoy this tour with no worries about getting picked up, since we provide the airport pickup free of charge. Pickup is included.

From Managua to San Juan del SurGuide in English or Spanish · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 10:30Lasts 9 hours. Covers Granada Lake, the city of Granada, the Catarina lookout, and the beach at San Juan del Sur. You get a private tour with a driver in a modern, air-conditioned van; pickup trucks are also available if needed. Pickup is included.

SJDS+Granada from GranadaGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00Lasts 9 hours. Departs from Managua, with pickup from your hotel or from Augusto C. Sandino International Airport. Pickup in Granada is also included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 66 years) · Senior (67 to 90 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 8 years): free · Infant (1 to 4 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Show Me Nicaragua Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving in Managua and want to see Granada's colonial center, a lake island excursion, and San Juan del Sur beach in one trip: the fixed route covers all three in a single nine-hour day with one guide and vehicle, so you move between them without stopping to arrange connections.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (5 to 8 years): free; Infant (1 to 4 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the walking tour like in Granada?

The Granada walking tour covers the colonial city center, including the main cathedral, the hall of churches, and La Merced Church, where you climb the bell tower for views across the city and toward the lake. You'll also walk La Calzada, the popular street with restaurants and shops, then visit the chocolate museum and a hammock factory run by local artisans.

How difficult is the hike at Catarina?

The Catarina walk is a gentle nature trail around the rim of an extinct volcano. It's suitable for all fitness levels. You get views of Apoyo lagoon and Lake Nicaragua from the top, and the pace is relaxed enough that you can stop to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

What time does the sunset happen at San Juan del Sur?

The sunset occurs around 5:30 to 5:45 p.m. at San Juan del Sur beach, which is the last stop of the day. You have time to watch from the sand, swim if you'd like (swimming is available from 3 to 5 p.m.), or have a drink before the drive back.

Does the tour include meals?

Lunch is not included, but the guide stops at La Calzada in Granada where you can choose a restaurant, and lunch with a view is available at Catarina at your own cost. Drinks at San Juan del Sur beach are also your choice.

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving at Managua airport?

Yes, one option includes free airport pickup from Managua. Depending on which tour option you choose, pickup can be from the airport, from your hotel in Managua, or from Granada.

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?

The tour includes the guide, vehicle, and walking access to the cities and beach. Entrance fees to some churches, the Catarina lookout, and the Cristo de la Misericordia viewpoint are separate. The guide will let you know which sites have fees when you arrive.