7 Day Trip - Starting Tomorrow!

[rmsfly]

I booked a last minute trip to Nicaragua and I am arriving in Managua tomorrow around 10:30 ($370 round trip from Chicago!!).  I depart around 1:00 pm next Wednesday (the 26th). 

So far, this is my rough itinerary:

Tuesday - arrive in Managua and leave immediately for Granada
Wednesday - leave for Isla de Ometepe
Thursday -  Isla de Ometepe
Friday - depart Isla de Ometepe?

And that's about it so far.  Here are the questions:

1.  Should I stay in Isla de Ometepe for two or three nights?  I plan on hiking at least one of the volcanoes, and maybe hopping on a kayak. 

2.  Corn Islands vs. San Juan del Sur.  I can't see myself doing both - I tend to get a little itchy just sitting on a beach.  Typically, I like to start a trip off with more active plans and crash on a beach for the last couple of days (for example, I loved the trip where after hiking the Inca trail, I headed to Mancora for a couple days for beach time before heading home).  I don't mind paying the airfare to the Corn Islands.  I know they are very different than San Juan del Sur - Corn Islands are raw and undeveloped, which I like just fine.  How are the Corn Islands this time of the year?  I know hurricane season is approaching soon.  If you had to pick between the two, which is more worthwhile?

What else should be squeezed in?  Typically I like more physical activities as opposed to art/culture.  I'd like to hike around a rainforest and see wildlife if that is possible.  I'm a little bummed I don't have time to cruise down the Rio San Juan - I picture this as a river running through a rainforest - not sure if that is quite accurate.

Anyway, love the guidebook and any input would be appreciated.  Thanks!

Ryan

[Megan]

If you get itchy sitting on the beach, you might want to skip the Corn Islands, plus, it can be rainy there this time of year and then there is really nothing to do . . . Maybe instead of San Juan del Sur or Corn Islands try something in the North- like Reserva Miraflor in Esteli?  Or, for the beach, maybe try las Penitas near Leon-- so if you get bored, you can always head into town and take a rooftop tour of the Cathedral in Leon?  Just an idea. . . .

[gatita loca]

I think you need three nights in Ometepe.  Also, it would be easier to get to San Juan del Sur than it would be to get to the Corn Islands.  You don't have a lot of time!