It may only be a short hop across Costa Rica's northern border but Nicaragua offers distinctive cultural, historical and differences in natural beauty. So much so that this tour is worth an overnight stay. Star turns include the old town of Granada, Masaya Volcano National Park, an Isletas boat tour and San Juan del Sur
Kick off with the magnificent views of Lake Nicaragua and Masaya volcano from the vantage point of Catarina lookout. A tour of historic Granada with its peeling colonial architecture and Moorish influences will have you feeling as though you've wandered into a different continent – and travelled back in time.
After a night's stay in a colonial-style hotel, you'll be whisked off for a boat tour of the Isletas islands of Lake Nicaragua, followed by some downtime at the Pacific Ocean town of San Juan del Sur – under the watchful eye of the Christ of Mercy statue towering over the headland. Then, you'll cross back to Costa Rica after two fascinating days.