Looking for a good (cheap-ish) ecotour near Managua

[viewasicon]

I'm working with a non-profit that brings down a bunch of students every year to work on micro-enterprise, engineering, public health and other projects benefiting Nicaraguan elders. This year we want to do a two-day ecotour or something simliar at the end of the trip, and don't want to have to go too far away from Managua (my boss thinks even Ometepe might be too far away).
Does anyone recommend Domitila? Any other suggestions? There will probably be about 20 of us. I'm guessing that the group will be reasonably capable of staying in less-than-fancy accommodations, but some in the group might not be up for intensive physical excursions (though if there's a place where some people could go on a volcano hike while others did something less physical, that would be perfect).
Obviously the less money spent the better, since any extra money we have will be funneled into our various projects with Nicaraguan elders.
Any ideas are most welcome, thanks!

[ericmoore]

Hello I would go to Granada it is a beautiful old colonial Spanish city with plenty of sites, nice hotels at a cheap price and a great Volcano to hike for those who want to. Look at the web site of El-club hotel in Granada and under attractions you can see some of the things the city has to offer.

Originally Posted by viewasicon

I'm working with a non-profit that brings down a bunch of students every year to work on micro-enterprise, engineering, public health and other projects benefiting Nicaraguan elders. This year we want to do a two-day ecotour or something simliar at the end of the trip, and don't want to have to go too far away from Managua (my boss thinks even Ometepe might be too far away).
Does anyone recommend Domitila? Any other suggestions? There will probably be about 20 of us. I'm guessing that the group will be reasonably capable of staying in less-than-fancy accommodations, but some in the group might not be up for intensive physical excursions (though if there's a place where some people could go on a volcano hike while others did something less physical, that would be perfect).
Obviously the less money spent the better, since any extra money we have will be funneled into our various projects with Nicaraguan elders.
Any ideas are most welcome, thanks!

[Huehuete Bob]

You can visit the Masaya volcano park. There you can look into the mouth of an active volcano or hike the smaller volcanos there. You can also visit the museum. Afterwards visit the city of Masaya which is know for its artworks and mercado. Also in the area is Apollo lake with a fantastic view of Granada and the lake itself (which is an extinct volcano and a popular spot for Nicas and visitors. Also close to there is the town of San Juan Oriente which specializes in pottery and paintings. All of these places are close to each other about 45 minutes from Managua.

[viewasicon]

We'll look into both of those options. Thanks to both of you!