Skip the Crowds, Keep the Magic: Nicaragua, Colombia & Bolivia
- Karolina Guilcapi
- 6 days ago
- 12 min read
Dreaming of a journey that feels fresh, untamed, and just a little off the typical tourist trail? Turn your compass toward these 3 of Latin America’s most captivating yet surprisingly under-explored destinations.
In Nicaragua, Colombia, and Bolivia, you’ll find golden beaches, soaring mountains, and cities alive with culture—alongside the boutique stays, world-class cuisine, and warm hospitality every traveler deserves. Fewer crowds, richer connections, unforgettable moments: your next great adventure begins here.
Nicaragua, Colombia, and Bolivia are calling!
Nicaragua's lakes and shores
SAMPLE ITINERARY: Granada, Isletas, and San Juan del Sur
Day 1 -
Home - Managua - Granada
Take your international flight to Managua. Reception at the airport, and private transfer from Managua Airport to Granada. (approximately 1 hour drive) Welcome to Nicaragua!
Hotel Plaza Colon - superior room
Day 2 -
Granada
B, L
Today you explore and learn about the city's history on a guided tour that ends with a Horse-drawn carriage through the main streets. Lunch arranged during your tour at The Garden Café in Granada. Granada City Tour - Explore Granada's gorgeous historic center on foot and by classic horse-drawn carriage. Along with your local guide and well-cared-for horses, you'll discover key sites including the San Francisco Convent and La Merced church, where you can climb the bell tower and enjoy spectacular views over the city, Lake Nicaragua, and Mombacho volcano. You'll finish in the oldest part of the city, the area around the Xalteva church and the old city walls. It's a great way to introduce yourself to this magical city.
Afternoon Chocolate Workshop
In this fun interactive workshop you'll learn everything about cacao and chocolate-making, and prepare handmade chocolate from Nicaraguan organic cacao beans. Popular with couples and families, the workshop covers the entire process, starting from the cocoa bean and ending with your very own handmade bar of chocolate. You'll also prepare some cocoa drinks, including an ancient indigenous drink which dates back hundreds of years.
Day 3 -
Granada - Jicaro
B, L, D
Breakfast and check out, then we will visit the natural reserve Mombacho volcano for a short hike and zip lining, enjoy the wildlife and the abundant nature this site has to offer. Mombacho Volcano - Combo Crater & Zip Line Canopy. You will be driven to the top (1345 meters) of the volcano in a truck. After a quick trip to the scientific station you will explore this impressive volcano on a guided walk. The well-kept Crater Trail (1.5 km) leads you around the crater through dense cloud forest. You can enjoy spectacular views overlooking Granada, Las Isletas, Laguna de Apoyo and the Masaya Volcano. Be sure to keep an eye out for the howler and white face monkeys as well as sloths and the endemic Mombacho salamander, found nowhere else in the world except here. After the crater trail you head down the mountain to the place where you can do a zip lining tour. The canopy tour consists of 11 zip lines and 17 platforms. All guests are accompanied by an expert instructor and provided with high quality equipment, including helmets, pulleys, and gloves. After our adventures, Lunch is included at Mi viejo Ranchito Catarina, and then we board a boat to travel to Jicaro Island. Check in and enjoy dinner.
Jicaro Ecolodge - Bungalow
Located near to the shores of the vast Lake Nicaragua and created by a pre-historic eruption of the nearby Mombacho Volcano, Las Isletas are one of the country's most attractive natural highlights. An archipelago of 365 small islands scattered around the Asese peninsula, here you'll find a mix of tiny fishing communities, stunning private homes, and beautiful resorts and eco-lodges. The flora and fauna of the archipelago is remarkable, and best observed from a private deck, by motorboat, or by kayak slowly paddling around the islands.
Day 4 -
Jicaro
B, L, D
All meals included at the lodge. Enjoy your stay at Jicaro Island, surrounded by the most extensive freshwater body of Central America. You may observe cormorants, herons, parakeets, hawks, among other kinds of birds. Unveil the hidden flora of other islets while kayaking, or just relax, slowly absorbing the vistas and the sunset from the deck by the lake.
In the afternoon, embark on a kayak adventure through the picturesque Isletas of Granada, a cluster of tiny islands in Lake Nicaragua. Discover the natural beauty, observe wildlife, and immerse yourself in the history of these islands as you navigate calm waters and enjoy the lush surroundings. Get around like a local, kayaking is the way! Paddle out and explore the wonderful ecosystem that surrounds Jicaro lodge. Your experienced guide will help you learn about the natural history of the islands, their importance, and the theories around how they were formed. Your guide will take you to some secret spots where you can float amongst beautiful water lilies and glide through narrow canals between islands. On your tour you're likely to observe different species of shore birds, and if you've got particularly sharp eyes, you might even see some lake turtles too.
Day 5 -
Jicaro - San Juan del Sur
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After breakfast and checking out, we return to the mainland and head to the coast on a 2 hour land transfer to Morgan’s Rock, a remote beach and jungle hotel, 15 minutes from the town of San Juan del Sur.
Morgan's Rock - oceanview with private pool
Thirty minutes north of San Juan del Sur, Morgan's Rock sits on a crescent-shaped beach with an estuary leading into a tropical forest. The setting is stunning, and you'll cross over a canyon to get to the rustic wood and stone bungalows, which overlook long stretches of private beach and offer all of the comfort you'd expect from a high-end hotel. The bungalows all feature private terraces, many with their own plunge pools. The hotel is run sustainably, with much of the food served in their excellent restaurant coming directly from the farm which also operates here, and they work closely with the local community. During your stay you can explore the area, relax on the beach or by the pool, or take part in a large selection of tours and activities available on-site. It's a wonderful spot for a little tropical relaxation by the Pacific.
Each villa has two rooms, each room has one king bed, one twin bed, a private bathroom, and a comfortable terrace with a private pool where you will enjoy stunning views and unparalleled wildlife. Designed especially for families, to be together but to have their own space and to make guests feel at one with nature while creating minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Thirty minutes north of San Juan del Sur, Morgan's Rock sits on a crescent-shaped beach with an estuary leading into a tropical forest. The setting is stunning, and you'll cross over a canyon to get to the rustic wood and stone bungalows, which overlook long stretches of private beach and offer all of the comfort you'd expect from a high-end hotel. The bungalows all feature private terraces, many with their own plunge pools. The hotel is run sustainably, with much of the food served in their excellent restaurant coming directly from the farm which also operates here, and they work closely with the local community. During your stay you can explore the area, relax on the beach or by the pool, or take part in a large selection of tours and activities available on-site. It's a wonderful spot for a little tropical relaxation by the Pacific.
Day 6 -
San Juan del Sur
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This day you can immerse in the private jungle reserve, delight yourself with hiking into the forest or enjoy the private beach (or choose to add an optional tour with local guides).
Day 7 -
San Juan del Sur
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Surfing lesson today!
Day 8 -
San Juan del Sur - Managua - Home
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Your holidays have come to an end. After breakfast enjoy a 2.5 hour transfer to the Airport for your flight back home. We hope you enjoyed your time in Nicaragua!
Colombia's coast road trip
SAMPLE ITINERARY - Tayrona National Park, Cartagena, and Baru Peninsula
Day 1 -
Home - Santa Marta, Colombia
Take your international flight to Santa Marta, Colombia. Reception at the airport and private transfer to your lodge near the Tayrona National Park. This drive is 1.5 hours. Welcome to the jungle!
Senda Watapuy - One Deluxe cabin
Senda Watapuy, an exclusive hotel located just 5 minutes from the main entrance of Tayrona park. Consists of 12 cabins, with a terrace and a small private pool in front of the stone river in each one, in addition the hotel also has its own pool for the exclusive use of all customers. The hotel is especially suitable for couples and families, with views of the garden, equipped with air conditioning, fan, minibar, private bathroom, with a terrace and a small private pool facing the river, stones in each one, ample spaces to share and enjoy nature.
Day 2 -
Tayrona
B
Private tour - Tayrona Cacao farm chocolate tour
Explore and learn all about cocoa harvesting in a cocoa farm, knowing more about their history and taste. You will understand the process to create the chocolate bar. Later you will visit the Caoba Biological Reserve, where you can find medicinal plants and contribute with the preservation of nature. Walk around the reserve and meet the traditional fauna in Colombia. This place is situated in an old indigenous settlement, so you will discover different places.
Day 3 -
Tayrona
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Tayrona Park – Gairaca Sector / Playa del Medio
Hidden within Tayrona National Natural Park, the Gairaca & Playa del Medio sector is a breathtaking spot, far from the city's noise, offering an unparalleled sense of peace and serenity. Gairaca is a secluded bay located on the way to Playa Neguanje, making it a less-visited destination and, as a result, very well preserved. This is the perfect place for those looking to fully immerse themselves in nature, as there are no facilities such as restaurants, shops, or restrooms. You'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the pristine, peaceful waters while indulging in a picnic. Around 4:00 PM, we begin our return to the hotel.
Day 4 -
Tayrona - Cartagena
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After checking out of Tayrona National Park, the guide will accompany you on this transfer to Cartagena. Approximately two and a half hours after departure, you will arrive in Barranquilla, where you will begin a city tour to break up the drive. Following the tour, you will travel to the Totumo Volcano, where you can admire the tropical landscape of Bolívar along the way. Upon arrival, in your bathing suits, you will ascend the rustic wooden stairs to reach the volcano's entrance. You can then descend into the volcano to enjoy a warm mud bath, which is known for its healing and soothing properties, while also taking in views of the Santa Catalina region. Afterwards, dip into the cool lagoon to wash off the mud. Towels provided. We continue to Cartagena arriving around 4:00 pm. (Freshen up, and tonight, walking tour of the city).
This afternoon, enjoy a welcome private Cartagena Old town walking tour.
This tour is perfect on arrival day to get familiarized with the beautiful historic center of Cartagena inside the walls that protected the city during the invasions of pirates, declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1984 by UNESCO. Let us show you the colorful streets inside the walled historic city and its colonial architecture. You will see the most important attractions, such as the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), Parque de Bolívar, Plaza de San Pedro Claver, Plaza Fernandez Madrid, Santo Domingo and San Diego neighborhood.
Ananda - Deluxe room
Day 5 -
Cartagena
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Cartagena - Cooking class with a chef
Enjoy a unique culinary experience in Cartagena with a cooking class led by a friendly and approachable local chef. This activity will immerse you in the secrets of Cartagena’s cuisine in a relaxed and fun environment. You’ll begin by exploring local flavors and learning about the traditional ingredients that define the region’s gastronomy. Guided by an expert chef, you’ll take part in preparing typical dishes like ceviche, arepas de huevo, and Caribbean-style rice, all while listening to stories and anecdotes about Cartagena’s culinary culture and traditions. At the end of the class, you’ll get to enjoy the delicious dishes you’ve created, paired with a refreshing drink.
Getsemaní walking tour ending with a tropical fruit tasting
Explore Getsemaní, the city's most vibrant neighborhood and its historic commercial heart. It was here that Cartagena's revolution began, leading to the province becoming Colombia's first free district, independent from Spanish rule. This 3-hour tour will delve into how Getsemaní transformed into one of the "Coolest neighborhoods" globally, uncovering the stories embedded within its houses, walls, people, and art. During the tour, you'll stop at a small local restaurant where a chef will be waiting to show you the wide variety of fruits that Colombia has to offer.
Day 6 -
Cartagena
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Free day to enjoy the city.
Day 7 -
Cartagena - Baru
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After breakfast and check out, private boat transfer from Cartagena for a day at Sabai beach club with lunch.
It's beach time! After a short ride to the port of Cartagena, you'll take a boat to the beach club "sabai" (approximately a 45-minute ride). You'll have the day to enjoy a relaxing time by the sea or the pool. The club offers an elegant and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty. Lunch is included on site, as well as use of beach chairs and kayaks. Afterwards, continue to Baru and check into your beach resort.
Sofitel Barú Calablanca - Superior room
Day 8 -
Baru
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Free day at Sofitel Barú Calablanca.
Day 9 -
Baru - Cartagena - Home
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After breakfast and check out, private transfer to Cartagena airport for your flight home.
Bolivia's salt flats
SAMPLE ITINERARY: La Paz, Lake Titicaca, & Uyuni Salt Flats
Day 1 -
Home - La Paz
Overnight flight to Bolivia.
Day 2 -
La Paz Arrival
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Upon arrival, reception and private transfer to your hotel. Freshen up and meet your guide to explore the city together.
Private full day exploration of La Paz - enjoy a city tour of La Paz, this marvellous city is in a valley at the foothills of the Andes Range, situated at 3,632m / 11942 ft. above sea level. We start our tour with the visit of the Moon valley, where a clay mountain has been impressively shaped by erosion, we continue to the center of the city. We will Ride cable car “Teleférico”, it’s a good choice to discover an excellent and beautiful view of La Paz. Also we visit a couple of street markets including a traditional market where traditional agricultural products from the highlands, such as quinoa, tunta, chuño (dehydrated potato) and oca (sweet tuber) are sold; the Witch Market, where locals buy supplies for ritual ceremonies and also offerings to the Pachamama (Mother Earth). We will have Lunch at a local restaurant.
Atix Hotel - Standard Room
Day 3 -
Lake Titicaca
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Full day private exploration of La Titicaca including Copacabana, Sun Island, and Inti Wata Complex
Early in the morning, transfer from La Paz to the Copacabana Sanctuary. A guided visit to the main sanctuary and pilgrimage center of Bolivia, including the Basilica where the Copacabana’s Virgin, patron saint of Bolivians. Next board the Catamaran Cruise Ship for sailing to Sun Island, the birthplace of the Inca Empire. In this legendary island visit the Inca Garden, Stairs and Fountain. The itinerary continues with the visit to the Inti Wata Cultural Complex, the main private attraction in Bolivia, which only tourists who visit the Sun Island aboard catamarans have access. This attraction includes the Ekako Underground Museum showcase archeological treasures, the Titicaca Reed Shipbuilders display, a handicraft center, the Intica Lounge, a botanical garden of Inca agriculture and a variety of Andean camelids. Later, return to the Catamaran to enjoy a lunch on board towards Copacabana. Finally, land transfer to La Paz city. The catamaran cruise is shared with other travelers.
Day 4 -
La Paz - Uyuni Salt Flats
B, L, D
Private Transfer to airport for a morning flight to Uyuni. Meet your guide and driver who will accompany you in a private car for the duration of your journey in the salt flats.
We start with a visit to the Colchani village, it is the best place to observe the methods of salt extraction, continuation to the Incahuasi Island (better known as Fish Island); it is an oasis with a unique and isolated ecosystem that is populated by giant cacti up to 10 meters high. During our 4x4 adventure, lunch on the salt flats arranged. Then continue the journey visiting the well-known Flags Monument in the middle of the salt flat and the Giant Salt Sculptures. After having time to enjoy the magic place we will drive south to watch the sunset at the shore of salt flats. Dinner at your hotel.
Palacio de Sal Hotel - salt room
This is an amazing hotel with walls, ceilings, chairs and tables made in salt. The purpose of this
special construction is to be in balance with nature and the surrounding landscape also to enjoy a pleasant and unforgettable rest
Day 5 -
Uyuni Salt Flats
B, L, D
Today after breakfast, we continue our journey between Colchani to Villamar. Trip begins south visiting first the cemetery of old trains, then through the highlands, passing the villages of San Cristobal, Culpina K until the high and rich valley of Alota (3 hours), then areas with great stone formations done by the erosion. Continue through high valleys until the village of Villamar where we will spend the night. Lunch and dinner arranged during your travels.
Jardines de Mallku Cueva Hotel - double room
Located in one of the most attractive and impressive path of Lípez gaps. Nestled in a rock, which rises the hotel, inspired by the rustic architecture and Andean regional. Our hotel, with all rooms with private bathroom and central heating and / or electrical, is without doubt the best hotel south of Uyuni.
Day 6 -
Uyuni Salt Flats
B, L, D
Our last full day exploring the remote lands of Uyuni as we travel from Villamar back towards Uyuni. Tonight dinner at your hotel. Prepare for your journey home tomorrow.
Day 7 -
Uyuni Salt Flats - La Paz - Home
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At the appropriate time, private transfer to the airport for your morning flight to La Paz, and then connect with your flight home.
And as always - choose your own dates, this is a private tour for YOU!
Karolina Guilcapi, owner of Sated Ventures
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