Alyra’s team is developing an amazing expedition for a Montreal high school that will combine learning the history of  the oldest colonial city, cultural immersion, beautiful series of villages, each with a mix of colonial architecture in indigenous tones and experiencing excursions in nature. The most important objective is to accomplish a development project in order to improve the quality of life in a hosting village in the mountain region of  Matagalpa.

PART 1 – Days 1 – Granada

• Exploring Granada: visit of the Saint Francisco museum, Casa de los 3 mundos, Xalteva Church and the point of view from La Merced church.
• Boat excursion to discover the "Islets of Granada”: when the Mombacho Volcano erupted thousands of years ago, it threw huge rocks into Lake Nicaragua. As a result of this violent eruption 365 islets were formed in front of Granada.

Day 1: arrival in Managua Private transport Managua – Granada (1h)                                                                  1 night in a hostel in Granada 

PART 2 – Days 2-13 – Development project in the community of Los Andes

• Positive impact project in the community of Los Andes.
• Workshops and activities :                                                                                                                                    -Hiking to a coffee-growing farm (finca) and agricultural fields.                                                                      -Participation to the ‘Natacamales’ workshop including the preparation of local dishes.                            -Participation to a workshop on coffee roasting.                                                                                                -Participation to activities made to learn the whole process of coffee production, including the experimentation of tasting and evaluation of the product before it can be exported.                                  -Sports with locals.

Day 2: Private transport Granada – village of Los Andes (5h)                                                                              12 nights in home stays of the community of Los Andes 

PART 3 – Days 14-18 – Ometepe Island

• Community of Altagracia.
• Enjoy and swimming in the beach of Santo Domingo.
• The petroglyphs in El Porvenir and Magdalena finca.
• Trek to Volcano Maderas.
• Ojo de agua natural source or trek to San Ramon waterfall.

Private transport San Ramon – Moyogalpa port (5h) and ferry – bus to Ometepe Island (2h30)                       3 nights in a hostel in Ometepe island                                                                                                              Ferry – bus from Ometepe to Moyogalpa (2h20) and private transport from Moyogalpa port to Managua (2h)                                                                                                                                                                           Day 17: departure to Montreal                                                                                                                             Day 18: departure and arrival in Montreal in the morning. 

• Preps

  Travel documents
  A valid passport that expires at least 6 months after the date of your return flight back home.

  Luggage
  The least amount of luggage possible. We recommend bags that are practical and easy to carry. One large bag and a small day back-pack is ideal.

  Health
  We recommend you consult your local medical travel clinic (or doctor) a few months before leaving in order to ensure you have the necessary vaccines. Your medical insurance card might not cover costs incurred due to injuries or health costs when you are abroad. If you need to travel with medication of some kind, please bring a doctor’s prescription.

  Safety
  We recommend you bring a concealed belt that can hold your important documents, credit cards and currencies. It is illegal to take any objects found in archeological sites or any natural resources from any of the national parks, ecological reserves, protectorates or any other sites visited.

  Insurance
  Find information of our available travel insurance: Cancellation/medical policy and Youth travel policy.

• These prices include

  • International flights from Montreal and back ;
  • Alyra’s CO (Creative Organizer) accompanying the group 24/7;
  • Local transportation;
  • Lodging (in the community): in host families, 2 per family;
  • Lodging (outside the community): multiple occupancy for students;
  • Food: 3 meals a day (Local authentic food will be served);
  • Snacks and potable water at all times;
  • Organization of the community projects and coordination with the local community leader and members;
  • Non-alcoholic drinks and potable water during meals;
  • Activities/visits mentioned with local guides (when mentioned);
  • Entrance tickets for museums, parks, sites, etc mentioned in the itinerary;
  • Tips to local guides, drivers, restaurants, etc.

• These prices do not include

  • 0.1% for the OPC (Consumer Protection Office);
  • Insurance Package: Medical, Interruption and Cancelation coverage;
  • Visa expenses (for non-canadian passports)
  • Souvenirs/gifts you decide to buy;
  • Transportation from the school to the airport and back;
  • Laundry and any other personal expenses.