Amayo Hacienda and Lake Nicaragua

Begin your half-day exploration of authentic Nicaragua aboard an air-conditioned coach that will transport you through the lush, tropical landscape while your knowledgeable guide points out areas of interest and regales you with the history of this exotic and mysterious country. Then step back in time (the 16th century to be precise!) as you arrive at your destination: the Amayo Hacienda. This gorgeous, family-owned estate is located directly on the shore of massive Lake Nicaragua. Originally acquired by the Hurtado family from the King of Spain, you will be greeted by the current owners, the charming and friendly Barrios family who will graciously open their home to you. Learn about the estate’s long and colorful history as you indulge in a tour of the stunning grounds which feature gardens of swaying coconut trees and vibrantly colored tropical flowers.

Enjoy any number of activities offered for your pleasure. Sip delicious tropical fruit juice of the season while relaxing on a hammock or lounge chair. Get up and dance to the Latin rhythms of an authentic Nicaraguan band. Even try your hand at a milking contest with one of the cows from the estate’s dairy! Once you’ve worked up an appetite, sit down to a traditional Nicaraguan lunch served in a festive style. This "Caballo Bayo" as it is called, consists of multiple foods (meats, plantains, cheeses, etc.) which can be combined and wrapped in a tortilla for a tasty and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuits as you'll have the opportunity to take a dip in the sparkling waters of Lake Nicaragua, the 10th largest freshwater lake in the world. This impressive body of water was nicknamed "La Mar Dulce" (The Sweet Sea) by Spanish Conquerors who first believed it was a sea because of its oceanic qualities: large waves, heavy storms and nothing but water at the horizon.

Have your cameras handy as the lake's shoreline will offer up amazing vistas of the twin volcanoes, Maderas and Concepcion, which rise majestically out of the water to form the island of Ometepe in the distance. Though Maderas is dormant, a plume of smoke can sometimes be seen rising from the active Concepcion. The rich, fertile eco-system of this gorgeous blue lake and its volcanoes is home to many rare and exotic species of plants and animals, including the freshwater shark which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.