We signed up with Brainer from Sunwing/Nexus tours for the Nicaragua and Vandara excursions and had amazing times on both. Both trips are so well coordinated you don’t need to be worried about anything.
1) Nicaragua: I know what your thinking, 5am pick up? Are you crazy? This is my vacation. But all I can say in response is, worth it. Our guide was Sandino who is VERY knowledgeable about the history and current events in Nicaragua and can answer any questions you have. He is also very kind and patient, and will get you through customs twice with great efficiency (you can expect 4 additional stamps in your passport that day). The stops along the way are fun and informative, just know that if the volcano's is a bit more active than is safe that they will replace it with another site that is still worth seeing. The lunch was also very good, we stopped at a hotel that made us a gourmet meal (a shout out to El Almirante Granada). Without spoiling all the adventure, we had a great time (everyone in our group) and my family and I HIGHLY recommend this experience.
2) Vandara: what a great time!! We had Damian as our guide and he is fantastic!! He and the crew at Vandara lead us through our cultural experience, the horseback riding, the zip lining, and waterslide with great humour and patience (we were 11 people). Everyone had so much fun. All the crew at Vandara are amazing (there are many) and the food was delicious. If you like an adventurous day sprinkled with periods of relaxation (enjoy the hot springs, waterfall, and mud bath at the end), then this is the excursion for you. PS - the views from the zip lining alone make this experience worth it.
A shout out to the drivers of the tour buses, for navigating the roads and getting all of us tourists to our destinations safely and on time, you guys are amazing.
