Location: Masaya
Top Things to do in Masaya
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Masaya, Nicaragua
Masaya (Spanish pronunciation: [maˈsaʝa]) is the capital city of Masaya department in Nicaragua. It is situated approximately 14 km west of Granada and 31 km southeast from Managua.
Restaurants in Masaya
1. Masaya Volcano National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By BGarde - George Town, Canada
Hired a driver with a translator to visit the volcano at night. The night viewing is only open until 8pm, so it’s really more of an evening viewing. Apparently this lava was much higher not so long ago, but had since decreased significantly. There was an extremely long line up on the road just to get in. I would say we waited about 20-30mins just t enter the driveway off of the road. Our driver suggested that we go in and look at the education center while he waited in the line of cars. I would say we were able to be in the education center for at least 20 mins more before returning to the car and being allowed to drive up. You are allowed to drive to the top of the volcano in groups and once at the top, you are allowed to stay only 15 minutes because of exposure to harmful gases (I’m told). It’s super neat to see lava, but it’s also a lot of time is spent waiting.
2. Laguna de Apoyo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 919 reviews
Reviewed By robnkim - alberta
the water is warm and they say there are no fish in it, maybe because its volcanic or something. you can rent a kayak or just swim around, there was a dock that we swam out to. lots of little restaurants around the lake to sit and enjoy a beverage at too.
3. Museo del Parque Volcan De Masaya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Dublin, Ireland
I'm not sure how many stars to give this as we really enjoyed it but only as part of a visit/hike to the volcano itdelf. The museum is very interesting and has some beautiful photos of Masaya, rock samples and information about eruptions and plate tectonics in general.
I found it really interesting as I said, but the real jaw dropper was to hike to the volcano itself.
The museum is well worth a visit to be fair and if you have the time you should call as you will learn a lot about the local area and it's volcanic past - and present!
4. Masaya Crafts Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 302 reviews
Nicaragua Market is a small company that offers authentic Nicaraguan goods. We work closely to local artisans and the price you see is a reflection of our fair value after partnering with our artists. When you purchase Nicaragua Market products you are helping to ensure that the trade of local Nicaraguan artistry remains a viable small business.
Reviewed By Tim L - Edmonton, Canada
We went to load up on our tourist purchases. Reasonable prices and a relaxed atmosphere. We have been in plenty of similar markets in other parts of the world and have been endlessly harassed, but not here. For a walk on the wild side head to the Mercato Municipale about 10 mins walk away. It sells everything from food to clothing to crafts and is clearly not directed at tourists. Stinking hot and busy in there, but probably slightly cheaper if saving 50 cents matters to you. We stayed a while for the experience but were glad to head back to the tranquility of the crafts market and a smoothie.
5. Volcano Divers Nicaragua
Overall Ratings
5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By AndyPlovesSwimming - Peterborough, United Kingdom
I carried out a few dives in Laguna Apoyo and found them very relaxing and easy.
The gear is in good condition, the operation is relaxed but smooth.
If you're a bit delicate, some of the entries are slightly awkward but not really a problem.
There is not a massive abundance of life in the lake but while I was here the parent fish were guarding their tiny hatchlings and constantly fighting off predators.
6. Masaya Volcano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Tyler L - Toronto, Canada
If you’re planning on travelling through Nicaragua, and have never seen a volcano up close, try to make it to Masaya... you can only observe the inside of the crater for ten minutes, but you may never be able to see something like this again
Good luck, and good travelling!
7. El Coyotepe Fortress
Overall Ratings
4 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By TravelbugVietnam - Vietnam
This fortress was used as a torture chamber for political prisoners during a brutal dictatorship and America's role in recent history. You need a guide to help you understand what went on here and why. An educational opportunity for older children. Take a torch.
8. Samaritan Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
We are Samaritan Tours. We provide tours to show visitors the unique historical, ecological and cultural heritage of Nicaragua. As experience tour guides and natives of Nicaragua, we are qualified to care for our guests' safety, comfort and translate and negotiate on their behalf. We are certified by Intur, the Nicaraguan Tourism Board. Most of our tours start in Masaya and usually go to the active Masaya Volcano, the old colonial city of Grenada and the nearby ecological wonder of Isletas de Granada, and a tour of the Mombacho jungle canopy.
Reviewed By Viviane-Lux - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
We spent 2 days with Nelson. The places we saw were ok but being 2 girls, we would probably have more enjoyed our trip with some boyfriends around. Nelson is very invasive and couldn’t keep his hands away from us and especially our a**. Very...MoreThank you for taking time to write a review. We're sorry that you had an unpleasant experience. Nicaragua is a very casual and laid-back place and the customs of conducting business are more interpersonal and less process-oriented than European standards.
9. Guitarras Zepeda
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Traditional luthier family business in Nicaragua - Established since 1934. The Zepeda family produces fine and aesthetic handmade guitars in a workspace in Masaya, Nicaragua. Today Sergio Zepeda runs the family business in 3rd generation.
Reviewed By Tracy G - Granada, Nicaragua
About a month ago we drove from our apartment in Granada to Guitarras Zepeda in Masaya and ordered a Zepeda "High End OM" country guitar, and today I picked it up. The guitar is absolutely gorgeous and sounds unbelievably good. The craftsmanship is flawless. The beauty of the guitar far exceeded my expectations. Sergio is not only very easy to work with and very accommodating, but he's a really nice guy and committed to making high quality guitars and providing good customer service. I am very impressed.
10. Mercado de Artesanias de Masaya
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Blabbott - Aurora, Illinois
We don't shop a lot while on vacation, but this was a great stop to pick up a few things to take home. The prices were reasonable and there were many vendors.
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