6-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary: Managua to Alajuela in May 2023

1. Day 1: Masaya Volcano National Park
   30 minutes (16.2 km) from Managua

   Explore the active volcano and its hiking trails. Visit the indigenous market to buy handmade crafts. Take a dip in the nearby Apoyo Lagoon afterwards.

2. Day 2: Granada
   1 hour 20 minutes (55 km) from Masaya Volcano National Park

   Walk around the colourful colonial city of Granada. Visit the Cathedral of Granada, Convento y Museo San Francisco, and La Casa de los Tres Mundos cultural centre. Take a boat tour of the Isletas of Granada.

3. Day 3: Ometepe Island
   3 hours (110 km) from Granada

   Take a ferry from San Jorge to the Island of Ometepe. Visit the Charco Verde Natural Reserve and Ojo de Agua natural pool. Hike up Concepción Volcano or Maderas Volcano for panoramic views.

4. Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
   5 hours 30 minutes (252 km) from Ometepe Island

   Travel to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Walk through the cloud forest and spot wildlife like monkeys and sloths. Visit the Butterfly Garden and the Hummingbird Gallery.

5. Day 5: La Fortuna Waterfall and Hot Springs
   2 hours 10 minutes (73 km) from Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

   Visit the La Fortuna Waterfall and take a hike down to its base. Relax in the nearby Baldi Hot Springs or Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa.

6. Day 6: Poás Volcano National Park
   1 hour 45 minutes (45 km) from La Fortuna Waterfall and Hot Springs

   Visit the Poás Volcano National Park and hike to the crater viewpoint. Visit the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and see exotic birds and butterflies. End the trip in Alajuela.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Masaya Volcano National Park (3-4 hours, $10 entrance fee)
• Convento y Museo San Francisco (1-2 hours, $5 entrance fee)
• Isletas of Granada boat tour (2 hours, $20)
• Ometepe Island ferry (1-2 hours, $3-4)
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve (3-4 hours, $25 entrance fee)
• Baldi Hot Springs (2-3 hours, $30)
• Poás Volcano National Park (3-4 hours, $15 entrance fee)
• La Paz Waterfall Gardens (2-3 hours, $40 entrance fee)
• Total Estimated Costs: $152-162