Enjoy 24 Hours in Masaya
Masaya Market courtesy of jipe7 on Flickr
Situated in close proximity to Granada and Managua, Masaya is a department in Nicaragua and takes its name from the looming active volcano located just west of the town. Masaya is also the capital of the Masaya Department and is one of the most populous cities in Nicaragua, still small compared to other cities in Central America which allows for a tranquil and charming city feel. It’s also located west of the crater lake of Laguna de Apoyo, on which Pacaya Lodge and Spa is nestled. The laguna is popular to visitors and locals alike and is prime for water sports and fishing. If you are looking to spend a relaxing day exploring a city with rich culture and beautiful surrounding sites and activities, take a trip and enjoy 24 hours in Masaya!
Are you wondering what to see while in Masaya? Masaya has a charming city center complete with plazas, baroque churches, and colonial architecture. A striking site to explore is Coyotepe, a fortress built at the beginning of the 20th century. This fortress experienced a battle in October of 1912 between a rebel group and government troops. The fortress is now a museum and serves to educate visitors about this event in history.
Masaya is the ideal place for high quality artisan crafts. Known as the “Cradle of Nicaraguan Folklore,” visitors will find no shortage of jewelry, handwoven hammocks, leather goods, and ceramics here! The Mercado de Artesanias, or Craft Market, is a 20th century structure in the city center that sells handmade craft products and holds live folk dance and music events. Looking to fill up on savory snacks? Masaya’s pre-Colombian foods are abundant and well-known throughout Nicaragua: make sure to try the nacatamal, vaho, and yucca, which you will have no problem finding in restaurants and street markets. These bustling markets will surely help you enjoy 24 hours in Masaya.
Are you looking for some excitement on your day trip? Take a visit to Volcán Masaya National Park located at the famous Masaya Volcano, which is the most active volcano in the region Complete with a museum and tour guides, this park encompasses two volcanoes (Masaya and Nindirí) and five craters and allows for hikes inside bat caves and to the craters, trails to stunning viewpoints, and even a look over the edge into the Masaya Volcano. You can also trek through an underground tunnel formed by lava streams and end up with an unforgettable view into the glowing red mouth of the volcano! Make sure check if the park is open before you make the trip, as it may close temporarily when the volcano is especially active. Enjoy your adventure!
