Home to giant butterflies, stunning crater lakes, glorious beaches, vibrant colonial towns, and some of the most diverse species in the world, there are endless opportunities for families to enjoy Nicaragua’s abundant natural and cultural attractions. Discover our top 7 picks for exploring Nicaragua with kids in tow!

Fun for the family!

1. Adventure to the Scenic Isla de Ometepe:

Isla de Ometepe is a family-friendly, scenic destination set against the striking crystal blue waters of Lake Nicaragua. Accessed by ferry, the gorgeous twin volcanoes of Ometepe are the perfect backdrop for any holiday card or family photoshoot.

Ometepe makes the perfect day trip, and provides plenty of opportunities to explore and get to know Nicaraguan culture and biodiversity. The island is known for its incredible array of biodiversity (now a UNESCO Bioreserve), and the Charco Verde Reserve provides prime wildlife spotting opportunities (giant butterflies, howler monkeys, sloths, parakeets, galore!).

Kids will also enjoy the mysterious pre-columbian petroglyphs and artifacts found on the island that date back to pre-columbian times. The island offers plenty of activities for kids including horseback rides through the lush jungle canopy, petroglyph tours, hikes, and even a healing spring known as Ojo de Agua. Don’t miss out!

The stunning twin volcanoes of Isla de Ometepe from the ferry.

2. Learn to make Authentic Nicaraguan Chocolate and Explore Granada via Horse-Drawn Carriage:

Everybody loves chocolate! Especially kids. Even if you try to resist the rich smell of melting chocolate wafting through the streets of Granada, chances are you’ll end up at the Chocolate Museum anyway. Visit the Choco Museo in Granada for an hour-long lesson in the art of chocolate-making. Transform Nicaraguan-grown cacao into chocolate bars and customize your chocolate bar with a variety of additional flavors. For a change of speed, spend the afternoon taking in the gorgeous colonial architecture, world-renowned colorful doors, and striking cathedrals as you take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the city for less than $20/hr. Kids will feel on top of the world as your party clip-clops down the historic city streets.

Have you ever seen Cacao seeds before?

3. Peer into the Crater at Volcan Masaya:

No family trip to Nicaragua is complete without a visit to Volcan Masaya. Travel by car through the rugged Volcan Masaya National Park and stop at the top for the best view of the crater. This impressive geological feature (which is often smoking or emitting sulphur smells) is something no kid will ever forget, and the visitor center provides educational opportunities for those who are interested in learning more about its creation. Schedule a tour at night (weather permitting) for the chance to see the reflection of lava down below.

Steam rolls off of the crater on top of Volcan Masaya.

4. Take a Boat Tour of Las Isletas:

An ancient eruption of the nearby Volcan Mombacho created 350+ tiny islands just off the coast of Granada in Lake Nicaragua. Travel by boat, kayak, or paddleboard as you appreciate the largest lake in Central America. Explore tiny islands, fishermen huts, wealthy homes, and experience up-close encounters with native birds and monkeys. It’s a great break from the city life, and the kids will love being out on the water.

This family enjoys kayaking through Las Isletas!

5. Enjoy Yoga, Waterfront-access, Paddle boarding, Pooltime and more at Pacaya Lodge & Spa:

Our boutique resort overlooks the striking Laguna de Apoyo crater lake, and is well-suited to accommodate families and large groups. The infinity pool and beachfront access (complete with a floating dock and water toys) are popular among kids, and our excursions provide non-stop fun for families.

Because the lodge is located in a national protected area, it is not uncommon for guests to hear howler monkeys, see parakeets, and sloths, and observe other jungle wildlife from the comfort of their casitas (perfect for the younger crowd!). We also have an organic garden where kids can explore and learn about local plants and produce. In the future, we hope to construct a butterfly garden. Kids are also invited to join our morning yoga classes.

In addition to our on-site amenities, we offer a number of excursions for active families. From Scuba-diving in Laguna de Apoyo, to volcano surfing, to wildlife sightseeing, and horse-drawn carriage rides, there are endless adventures for kids of all ages.

Dive on in and check out that view!

6. Surf Nicaragua or Relax Beachside in San Juan del Sur:

Travel to the world-renowned beaches of San Juan del Sur and park yourself in the sand. San Juan del Sur is located roughly 90 miles south of Managua and provides prime opportunities to play in the salty Pacific waves, catch some rays, build sand castles, surf, and relax. Once you’ve had enough sun for the day, head into town, where you can grab a bite to eat at a beachside restaurant, stroll through the towns artsy boutique shops, and unwind. For the more adventurous family groups, there are opportunities to sail and snorkel right off the coast.

Arial view of San Juan del Sur.

7. Climb to the top of the Bell Tower at La Merced Church in Granada for a Scenic View:

Located just a few blocks from Granada’s Central Park (another must-do), La Merced Church was built back in 1534. Climbing to the top of the church’s bell tower is a great activity to do with little ones and offers stunning views of the Granada and the countryside. The church is open to the public and charges $1 admission (no charge for those 3 years old and under). The spiral staircase is very narrow, but the view from the top is well worth the climb. From the vista, you can see Mombacho Volcano, the cathedral, and Lake Nicaragua. This is the perfect photo-opportunity for young families and makes a great excursion in Granada.

View of the Cathedral from the top of the bell tower.

Pacaya Lodge & Spa is proud to offer tours and excursions to many of these family-friendly destinations. Click here to find out more.

Masaya is Nicaragua’s third largest city. Nestled between Granada and Managua, Masaya is known for its year-round festivals and is renowned for its artisanal market and workshops. At Pacaya Lodge & Spa, we are fortunate to work with five artisanal businesses based in Masaya.

These local artisans designed all of the lodge’s beds, desks, counters, cabinets, lamps, tables, and more. Get to know them here!

Masaya’s talented artisans design artwork and furniture for Pacaya Lodge & Spa

Top Muebles

The story of Top Muebles begins in 1980, with the “sister cities” partnership between Masaya, Nicaragua, and Dietzenbach, Germany. At the time of the partnership, Nicaragua was in the middle of a bloody revolution. Many Nicaraguans were forced out of their homes and onto the streets.

In an effort to assist their sister city, citizens of Dietzenbach launched a project to help Nicaraguan orphans and youth recover from the effects of the war. To do this, the German group trained the young Nicaraguans to work with wood, and in particular, how to make cabinets. By 1987, the Nicaraguan group was able to stand on their own and formed a cooperative. There, they continued the tradition of training disadvantaged youth in the art of woodworking. The co-op was a success, and from there, Top Muebles expanded their line to include furniture.

Rafael López started with the program in 1980 as an 11-year old. Today, he runs the operation. His professionalism and organizational skills set the tone for the business, and his industry smarts have allowed Top Muebles to tackle larger clients like Pacaya Lodge & Spa. Top Muebles’ 23 employees designed and produced Pacaya Lodge & Spa’s beds, desks, counters, and cabinets. These beautiful pieces have been praised for their quality and the simplicity of their designs. Their work evokes feelings of elegant artisanal craftsmanship. We are proud to work with this wonderful group of artisans.

Beautiful wooden chairs and tables by Top Muebles

Hard at work at Top Muebles! Looks like fun!

Silvio Namoyure

Silvio began his artisanal career at a young age. He used to help his mother and father weave laundry baskets out of caña castilla, a short plant that yields long thin fibers. Silvio went to school in Catarina to further his craft and also served two years in the Military before returning to his family basket-weaving business in Monimbó, a famous neighborhood in Masaya. 

Silvio now works strictly with bamboo and has created over 50 designs for decorative items, lamps, and baskets. Silvio keeps busy and makes products for weddings and events throughout the year. He is renowned for his outstanding baskets, which we use at Pacaya Lodge & Spa to deliver your breakfast every morning.

Seeing the smile on the face of a satisfied customer is what Silvio loves the most about this business. Like so many of the artisans we work with, Silvio wants to start a training center as soon as possible. In addition to running his business, Silvio trains disabled students to work with bamboo. We are honored to work with this excellent artist and human being. Keep an eye out for his beautiful bamboo lamps throughout the lodge.

Bamboo baskets by Silvio

Silvio Namoyure

Hermanos Contreras

Juan Carlos and Jairo Mauricio Contreras, master furniture makers, opened their own business in 2006 just outside of Masaya. Theses brothers have fine-tuned every part of the furniture making business including sanding, painting, and carpentry. They use hardwoods to construct the beautiful lamps, beds, and the extremely sturdy tables that they are known for.

Like most Nicaraguan artisans, their workshop is located behind their home, making it easy for them to pass along their knowledge to their sons and neighbors. Currently, they are especially motivated by growth and are learning to export. They plan on opening a retail store in Managua soon. Grab a Toña and pull up a seat at the Lodge’s bar to feel the elegance and comfort of a Hermanos Contreras barstool.

Hermanos Contreras

Hermanos Contreras

Hermanos Contreras Barstools at Pacaya Lodge & Spa

Hamacas Vicente Suazo

Wilfredo Suazo and his wife Ana Julia have been cornerstones of Masaya
artisanry for many years. Wilfredo’s father started his hammock business in back in 1950. Wilfredo learned how to make hammocks alongside his father. Although he went off to school to study geography, Wilfredo knew his true calling was at home with his family hammock business. He noticed a lack of quality in other hammock makers and wanted to show them the way and even sold a hammock to Roberto Clemente, a famous baseball player, along the way. 

His business survived the war years of the 1980s and has prospered since then, capitalizing on a wider range of primary materials, colored fabric, and exporting knowledge. As he moves forward, Wilfredo wants to teach younger artisans to focus on the business side of things, not just artisanry. He thinks it is important to teach marketing, professionalism, and computer skills in addition to the craft. Stop by Wilfredo and Ana’s shop in downtown Masaya to see the speed at which these artisans weave together their immaculate hammocks. Have a swing in them at the Pacaya Lodge and Spa, and you’ll be glad you did.

Hammock making in Masaya

Wilfredo Suazo in his workshop.

Artesanías Kandy

Carlos Flores first learned the art of carpentry and woodworking from his father when he was only 7 years old. From there, he learned to work with several different species of wood and expanded his business. 

Seven years ago, he entered into a national contest, the “Concurso de Artesanía al Nivel Nacional,” and won it two years in a row. Earning the national title boosted his sales, and he now works mainly with private home owners on custom projects. Carlos says Artisanías Kandy begins each piece with a general plan, but they let the shape and the shades of the wood provide inspiration and direction. Carlos says that “la madera maneja,” or “the wood drives.”

Artesanías Kandy also exports to El Salvador, Costa Rica, the United States and Europe. His business supports a network of 9 artisans, who all work out of Carlos’ workshop, which is located in the back of his home. His goals for the future are to keep improving the process and his workshop’s infrastructure, while saving enough money to send his daughters to college. He’s already working on his second career, studying law while he’s not making exquisite pieces out of precious wood.

Be sure to check out their awesome work in the lodge!

Hard at work at Artesanías Kandy

There you have it! We are honored to feature these incredibly talented artists and their work in the Lodge. Their work welcomes you to Pacaya Lodge & Spa and creates a unique sense-of-place that feels authentically Nicaraguan. We hope you will make a point to get to know the awesome people behind the artwork while you are here. The Lodge hosts weekly on-site artisan galleries and provides day trips to visit several artisans in the area. We know you’ll enjoy their work!

Find out more about our local partnerships by clicking here.