Day 1 – Arrival and Orientation

Your school group flies into Managua, Nicaragua and will meet your guide at the airport.  The indigenous Nahuatl people called Managua “Mana-ahuac”,  meaning “the city surrounded by water.”  You will quickly learn how this city earned its name as you get your first glimpse of majestic Lake Managua. The spirit of the country provides the backdrop for you to bond as a group, learn some key Spanish phrases, and prepare for the community-service adventure ahead!

Day 2 – Tour Managua (Culture and Dance)

This morning your student  group will head out on a guided tour of the culture and history of Nicaragua stopping at historical sites like Mercado Oriental, Palacio Nacional de la Cultura, and the Parque Histórico Nacional Loma de Tiscapa. In the afternoon you will partake in a dance show at Teatro Nacional Rubén Darío. Here local musicians and dancers have scheduled shows that demonstrate Nicaraguan cultural and folkloric dancing.

 Day 3 – Volunteer in Granada

During the days in Granada your school group will explore historic and cultural landmarks in the area and speak with an expert on Nicaraguan history. You will meet with your local Nicaraguan service partner and visit a nearby center and home for former street kids. Their mission is to support peace, justice and sustainable economies in the Americas.   Your group will volunteer with this organization and help mentor the local children through games, homework assistance and reading.

Day 4 – Volunteering at a Local School and Community Exchange

In Granada, your gracious hosts, will introduce you to your community based projects to be undertaken throughout the day.   You will get to work and assist the local school with infrastructure repair projects and find time to interact with the students during games and activities.  You may also serve a girls orphanage. Nuns run the Orphanage for Girls, which houses 50 female orphans. Volunteers will work with the nuns, nurses, and assistants to support the overall mission of the organization which is to provide psychological services, spiritual guidance and various life skills to girls who are orphans.

 Day 5 – Lake Nicaragua and Concepcion Volcano

Today your school group will take a journey to the island that sits at the center of Lake Nicaragua called Isla de Ometepe. After arriving on this island you will take a journey to the top of one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. Students will learn about plate tectonics, geology and the formation of this volcanic region.

 Day 6 – Explore El Chocoyero Rainforest Preserve

El Chocoyero Nature Reserve is a primary Pacific Dry Forest with an amazing variety of wildlife. With an abundance of water, Chocoyero is always green and wildlife flourishes. Two types of monkeys inhabit the park: howler and white-face monkeys. Chocoyero also houses lots of birds. The reserve is famous for its chocoyos, green parakeets that all nest right next to a waterfall and can be seen in big numbers. In the late afternoon we will head to the coast for a day at the beach and optional afternoon of surfing.

Day 7 – Shopping and Then Head Home

This morning, if time permits, head to some shopping areas near Managua and then fly home.

Itinerary subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including availability with vendors, weather conditions and flight schedules.