Trip Region: Central America
Country(ies): Nicaragua
Partners Trek? No
Cost: $2235
Airfare Estimate: $750
Structure: 2   •   Lodging: 3   •   Nightlife: 4   •   Activity: 4

Nicaragua is so hot right now! This trip is part of a long lineage of Central America trips ranging all the way back to 2015. Here at Rick’s-aragua Dos , we’ll do our namesake bar, and our trip heritage, proud and make sure your adventurous spirit (see: liver) are ready for the next 2 years. This trip is the perfect mix of neon-colored good times, outdoor adventure (on volcanoes and waterfalls) and beach recuperation. You will be in great drinking shape by the end. Sand boarding, boat adventures, hiking in rainforests, rum tasting, surfing on one of the best surf spots in the world – if any of these sound fun, look no further. If they don’t sound fun, just come chill hard. Either way, you’ve come to the right trek…

Day 1 — Friday, Aug 18

Bienvenidos to Nicaragua! Arrive in Managua. We will transfer from Managua Airport to the beautiful city of Leon. Get settled in, relax. Once everyone gets checked in, we will have a get-to-know you dinner and welcome drinks out on the town. After a long day of traveling, you'll need to rest up for what awaits you in the week ahead!

Day 2 — Saturday, Aug 19

Just outside of Leon is the beautiful Juan Venado Wildlife Reserve. We will take boats around to see the wildlife reserve filled with mangroves, exotic birds and crocodiles and eat some local food. We will head back into Leon for lunch and an afternoon Rum Tour, where we sample todos los rums. Now that we’re feeling rested and a little warmed up (drunk) we’ll find the Rick’s equivalent because there’s no better way to get to know your fellow “future business leaders” than on the dance floor.

Day 3 — Sunday, Aug 20

Ever sand boarded down an active volcano before? No? Neither have we. But why not? We are heading over to Cerro Negro for an afternoon of sunshine and sand boarding. From there, we’ll head back into Leon for dinner, drinks, bonding time and liver damage.

Day 4 — Monday, Aug 21

It’s time to pack up and hit the road. We are headed to surfer’s paradise, San Juan Del Sur -- the best beach town in Nicaragua. On the way, we will make a stop at coffee plantation to get caffeinated for the rest of the day. If we’re up for it, we’ll get out and stretch our legs on Mombacho Volcano, one of 19 active volcanoes in Nicaragua. We will arrive in San Juan Del Sur in the early evening, take Snapchats of the sunset, and, probably, the sunrise.

Day 5 — Tuesday, Aug 22

Beach day! We will be getting our Blue Crush on in a group surf lesson in the morning, or you can hang out in the shade with Jeremy. Afternoon umbrella drinks will lead into Neon night beach party, a night you definitely won't forget.

Day 6 — Wednesday, Aug 23

We’re on a boat! After a night out on the town, nothing will feel better than some fresh air and open waters. The catamaran is all ours for the day for our own private sailing adventure -- drinks will flow like it’s a Skeeps bar tab.

Day 7 — Thursday, Aug 24

There will be plenty of time this morning for you to do you. Interested in snorkeling or diving? Talk to Matt and Rachel, they can probably be convinced (they will for sure be convinced). You can bet Molly and Jordan will be hitting the waves. Jer bear… well he’ll be holding down the fort somewhere along the beach. We will spend the night holding hands and watching the sunset. By now, we’re all best friends. We will all meet back in town to give a proper adios to our home away from home.

Day 8 — Friday, Aug 25

It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to our little slice of paradise. But we are off to the city that some might call, the “Paris of Central America”, beautiful Granada. Oozing with colonial charm and friendly bartenders. We will arrive at our hotel and after we get checked in we will go on a tour of the town with plenty of time to visit, “Old Granada” and some of the local museums (bars).

Day 9 — Saturday, Aug 26

Because one boat adventure isn’t enough- we are taking a half day kayak tour out on beautiful Lake Nicaragua. We will come back to Granada where we will get a private local cuisine cooking class for dinner.

Day 10 — Sunday, Aug 27

We are heading to Ometepe Island to see more wildlife. We will then head back for a power nap so we can finish our day - and our Mtrek - on an incredible high note. After a glorious dinner, we will leave it all out on the dance floor one last time before returning to America.

Day 11 — Monday, Aug 28

It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to Nicaragua-but we are heading back to beautiful Ann Arbor... STR (straight to Ricks).