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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: -mi , Attraction : Church (selfie spot)
Map Pin
W2HV+M9J, Granada, Nicaragua
POI 1 Tour Image
La Merced Church
Alright amigos, welcome to Granada!

We start our journey with Iglesia La Merced.

This magnificent structure, standing proudly on Calle Real, is more than just a church; it’s a survivor, a storyteller, and an icon of Granada's enduring spirit. Its construction began in 1740 and was completed in 1783, showcasing a beautiful Baroque architectural style that truly stands out. Just look at that intricate façade, a testament to the craftsmanship of centuries past.

La Merced has witnessed a lot. It stood through the tumultuous period when pirates, like the notorious Henry Morgan (though his main raid was in 1665, before the current church's completion, the city faced continuous threats!), attempted to plunder Granada. More recently, it survived the devastating burning of the city by American filibuster William Walker in November 1856. While parts were damaged, the church itself remained, symbolizing the city’s refusal to yield. Imagine the stories those walls could tell if they could speak!

I recommend you take a look inside. Entry is usually around 1 US Dollar.

If you do choose to enter, take a moment to admire the ornate altarpieces and religious art that have graced this sacred space for generations.
La Merced is a place of peace and history.


Now, for the absolute must-do: climb the bell tower!
And yes, take the small staircase on the right, those steps are worth every single breath.

From the top, you'll be treated to a panoramic vista of Granada's terracotta rooftops, the shimmering expanse of Lake Nicaragua, and the majestic Mombacho Volcano in the distance.

It’s the perfect spot to truly appreciate the layout and beauty of this colonial gem, and to take a few memorable selfies.


When you're ready, let's continue east on Calle Real to our next stop.

Read More

  https://www.lonelyplanet.com/nicaragua/granada/attractions/iglesia-la-merced/a/poi-sig/1043938/362071
Place #2
Distance: -mi , Attraction : Cafe operated by deaf employees
Map Pin
W2HV+JJR, Granada, Nicaragua
POI 2 Tour Image
Café de las Sonrisas
On your left is Café de las Sonrisas, or Café of Smiles, a unique café and a social project that employs people who are deaf or have other disabilities, giving them meaningful work and a welcoming place to connect with visitors.

Orders are usually placed using signs, cards, or simple gestures, so it’s a rare chance to communicate in a different way and support an inclusive local initiative at the same time.

If you have a few minutes, consider stopping in for a drink or snack.


Just beside it is Tío Antonio Hammocks & Coffee, where beautiful handmade hammocks and other crafts are created and sold.


When you're ready, continue on Calle Real Xalteva in the same direction we were walking.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 La Merced Church
Map Pin Place 2 Café de las Sonrisas
Map Pin Place 3 Granada's Central Park
Map Pin Place 4 Granada Cathedral
Map Pin Place 5 Bishop's Palace
Map Pin Place 6 Independence Square
Map Pin Place 7 House of the Three Worlds
Map Pin Place 8 Chocolate Museum
Map Pin Place 9 San Francisco Convent & Museum
Map Pin Place 10 Mosaics of La Calzada
Map Pin Place 11 La Calzada Street
Map Pin Place 12 Granada Boardwalk and Granada Selfie Monument



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How to take a UCPlaces tour
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When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
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How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay / Android / Android Auto].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (iOS users) and Android Auto connection (Android users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided walking tour includes 12 stops, covering top attractions such as La Merced Church, Café de las Sonrisas, Granada's Central Park, Granada Cathedral, Bishop's Palace.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at La Merced Church (Address: W2HV+M9J, Granada, Nicaragua). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided walking tour designed to be completed on foot through walkable areas and city highlights.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided walking tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you.
+ Is this a walkable tour?
Yes, this tour is fully walkable and designed to follow a comfortable route through pedestrian-friendly areas.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There is one thing that you need - A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour) and comfortable walking shoes! But here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a mobile charger/battery. 2. Bring earphones for the best experience. 3. Bring a bottle of water and dress appropriately according to the weather forecast.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. Just follow the route (cross streets carefully using crosswalks) and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue the from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!