Updated October 26, 2017
Thank you for your interest in my Nicaragua Tour. As a former Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua and working with the traditional potters of San Juan de Oriente for 20 years I have a lot of experience:)Here is a link to the current pottery offerings on nicaceramicart.com
Click here to reserve your space!
$1,895 per person (double occupancy, $2250 per person for single occupancy) $250 reservation fee per person required Reserve one of the 10 available spaces now! Double occupancy accommodations are ideal for couples or friends. Reservation fee is refundable if the vacant spot is filled, otherwise it is transferable to a future NICA Tour. $1,645 ($2,000 for single occupancy) balance due by October 15, 2016
Double occupancy hotel accommodations with breakfast (8 nights)
Activities
“What a great trip! Paul and Mar were excellent guides, and being a small-group tour it was like we were part of their family! It was a great experience to be able to meet and interact with the potters. Beautiful country. We experienced volcanoes, waterfalls, tropical forests, small villages, lovely colonial towns.”
Cyn Lightbody - New Jersey
"Tom and I had the most amazing time on Paul's Nicaragua Tour in December. Paul and Mar were wonderful tour guides who took care of every tiny detail to insure that everyone had a wonderful time. The places that they selected for us to visit were very diverse and interesting and we got to see many unusual aspects of the country such as pottery making exhibits in the village of San Juan de Oriente and sea turtles laying eggs at night on the beach. Both Paul and Mar have a deep love of Nicaragua and they are able to convey that love to all of us on the tour. All of the places that we stayed, the sites that we saw, the food that we ate, the people that we met, were wonderful. We plan to go back with Paul and Mar and would urge anyone who is interested in experiencing the beautiful country of Nicaragua to go on one of their tours."
Rita & Tom Lauer - Beverly Hills, MI
"My husband and I have traveled a lot, and we found this trip to be the most amazing combination of adventures we've ever had. The food was delicious and the accommodations were varied and excellent. The people of Nicaragua are warm and welcoming and the scenery is breathtaking. The activities were as challenging or as relaxing as each individual wanted and the pottery of the region is a well-kept secret that took our breath away. Paul and Mar worked tirelessly to make sure each of us was comfortable, entertained, and taken care of. A great tour!"
Barb (and John) West - Florida
Initial accommodations are set up in Granada, Nicaragua. Founded in 1524, Grenada is the oldest colonial city in the mainland Americas. After spending three nights in Granada at the Hotel Plaza Colon, visiting the pottery pueblo of San Juan de Oriente, exploring the volcanic islands in the Great Lake Nicaragua, and touring the city, the group will travel to Orquidea Del Sur on the Pacific coast.Paul will meet you at the airport in Managua to take you on a 9-day, 8-night guided tour. Paul has collaborated with the indigenous potters of San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua and his tour is a unique behind-the-scenes interactive experience with the master artisans of the pueblo.
Orquidea Del Sur is a private guest house 13 kilometers south of the fishing town of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. A 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner, this incredible venue is an oasis integrated into the natural surroundings and boasts a private beach, an infinity whirlpool, and a relaxing outdoor pool that was recently selected as a Top 10 Cool Pool by BedandBreakfast.com. After a sunset sail and time to swim, explore, and relax, it’s off to the volcanic island of Ometepe.
Ometepe, the largest island inside a lake in the world, is a marvel anchored to two dormant volcanoes. The rare land mass in the lake was a ceremonial center for ancient people for at least 4000 years. We will visit the El Ceibo cultural museum collection of over 1800 ancient objects and meet founder Moises Ghitis.
The group will stay on the island of Ometepe for two nights at Hotel Villa Paraíso, located between the two volcanos on a four kilometer beach. This is the perfect environment to relax, walk the shores, and see the amazing views that Ometepe has to offer. We will travel to the south end of Ometepe to visit the dormant Volcan Maderas (Maderas Volcano). Starting at the nature reserve (Reserva de Biosfera) outside of San Ramon, we will hike from the rainforest into the gorge which reveals the 200 ft waterfall that overflows from the lagoon inside of the volcano crater.
We will depart from the Hotel Villa Paraíso and take the ferry back to the mainland where we will return to San Juan de Oriente to visit our pottery friends and the artisan market at Masaya. The last night will be spent in Granada where we spent our first three nights. We will have a relaxing final dinner at one of the many restaurants in Granada and then will return to the Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) for the trip home.
Not ready to go home? Special arrangements to extend your trip on your own can be arranged.
Concerned about safety? In 2013, Nicaragua was ranked the second safest country in Latin America by the United Nations. You can read about misconceptions and safety tips on TripAdvisor.
Questions? Email the founder of NICA Ceramic Art, Paul Devoti at paul@nicaceramicart.com
Click here to reserve your space!
Accommodations: Hotel Plaza Colon, Granada
Tour #1 Wednesday, Nov 30
Tour #2 Saturday December 10th
Tour #1 Thursday, December 1
Tour #2 Sunday, December 11
Tour # 1 Friday, December 2
Tour # 2 Monday, December 12
Tour #1 Saturday, December 3
Tour # 2 Tuesday, December 13
Tour # 1 Sunday, December 4
Tour # 2 Wednesday, December 14
Accommodations: Hotel Villa Paraíso, located on the 4 kilometer Santo Domingo beach which joins the two volcanos that create the island of Ometepe. Private cabanas make the trip comfortable and exciting.
Tour # 1 Monday, December 5
Tour # 2 Thursday, December 15
Tour#1 Tuesday, December 6
Tour # 2 Friday, December 16
Tour #1 Wednesday, December 7
Tour #2 Saturday, December 17
Tour #1 Thursday, December 8
Tour #2 Sunday, December 18
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