Roughly 23,000 years ago, a massive volcano erupted in Nicaragua. During the explosion, the entire top of the volcano was launched hundreds of miles away, and pieces of rock landed as far away as the Pacific Ocean. In the aftermath of the explosion, a massive crater remained. 

Over time, the crater-like depression filled with water, and today, this ancient crater, now the iconic Laguna de Apoyo, is renowned for its calm, blue water and incredible biodiversity. Today, six endemic species of fish, over 230 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies, and countless plants call the area home. 

In response to the lake’s striking beauty and diverse array of wildlife, small-scale tourism has slowly developed in the area, primarily in the village of La Laguna. Laguna de Apoyo is located near both Granada and Masaya, and makes the perfect day-trip or weekend-getaway.

Here are 5 ways to enjoy your time at Laguna de Apoyo: 



1. SCUBA Diving.

The Peace Project, a hostel, research institution, social development project, and dive center, offers 4-day PADI certification courses, 2-day Advanced PADI certification courses, and half-day dives for those already certified. On clear days, underwater visibility reaches close to 100 feet and divers have the opportunity to see the Laguna’s endemic fish species. Currently, The Peace Project is working on the rights to operate a small boat, which would take divers across the lagoon to see the unique, mushroom-like rock formations there. Even if SCUBA is not your thing, stopping by this unique project is worth your time.

2. Watersports.

Several lakeside businesses offer kayaks, paddleboards, and floating docks to swim out to. The surrounding views of the crater walls and Volcán Mombacho off in the distance are incredible. The sun gets really strong early in the day so be sure to bring your sunscreen! Contact LivitWater for guided paddle-boarding tours and lessons if you’re new.



3. Hiking.

Nestled in one of Nicaragua’s Natural Reserves, Laguna de Apoyo has several excellent hikes and outdoor excursions. Wildlife sightseeing is best in the morning, when Nicaragua’s national bird, the bright-blue guardabarranco, is out! The young and enthusiastic tour guides of Copalt-Poyec, based in nearby Catarina, can take you on the best hikes in the area.



4. Enjoy a meal at Pacaya Lodge & Spa.

We may be a bit biased, but some of the best food in the country comes from the Lodge’s Restaurante Guardabarranco. Our food and beverage manager, Nicaraguan-born Chef Bismark Hernández, delivers top-of-the-line service, seasonal specialties, and international expertise. Meals are gourmet, yet wholly Nicaraguan. They include grilled lobster, fresh ceviche, seared beef tenderloin, and a dazzling array of deserts. The lodge restaurant overlooks Laguna de Apoyo from the ridgeline above and offers amazing views and open-air seating. Better yet, stay a few nights and enjoy several meals here!



5. Have a couple Toñas.

The beautiful and tranquil atmosphere of Laguna de Apoyo’s calm, blue water makes it the perfect place to relax and enjoy Nicaragua’s favorite beer. There is probably some Flor de Caña around too if you prefer Nicaragua’s favorite rum. Several lakeside clubs and bars make it easy to go for a swim and then kick back with friends for a drink.



Don’t miss Laguna de Apoyo when visiting Nicaragua! Pacaya Lodge & Spa offers tours and excursions to Laguna de Apoyo. Check out our tours and excursions page for more information.

Recognized as one of Nicaragua’s famous “Pueblos Blancos,” San Juan de Oriente is best known for its thriving population of artisans. More specifically, the town boasts an incredible collection of ceramics, pottery, and woodworking craftsmen. The streets are lined with beautiful shops and galleries, colorful ceramics, and friendly faces. The nice weather, easy-to-navigate town, and world-class artisanry make the San Juan de Oriente a worthwhile stop on any trip to the area.

Pacaya Lodge & Spa is proud to work directly with three artisans from San Juan de Oriente. They are some of the most talented artisans in all of Nicaragua. We would like to introduce you to José Ortiz Bracamonte, Pedro Guerrero, and Marisol Bracamonte:

José Ortiz Bracamonte:



No art collection is complete without a José Ortiz Bracamonte masterpiece. His award-winning ceramic sculptures and wall pieces are populated with striking color and poetic designs. His work has been featured in galleries in both Europe and the United States, and José continues to be celebrated throughout Nicaragua for his incredible craft.

José has always been interested in color and design. He believes that “colors are like money, to be invested wisely or wastefully.” Drawing inspiration from the colors and shapes in his daily life, José reports that his goal is to “interpret nature, instead of copying it.” This approach leads to a more abstract design style which draws its roots from the beautiful scenery, food, and nature in Nicaragua.

José has been practicing his craft for over thirty years. He currently produces pieces from his workshop, where his son and nephew work alongside him. Over time, he has refined his unique style and process. Jose always starts out with a sketch. He traces an outline of the piece into the clay. When he is satisfied, he carves along the lines. This process gives his work a sense of layering and depth, and the process becomes part of the art itself. Later, when he introduces color, he pairs deep, dark colors with the brilliant, lighter colors in order to play off the contrast and contribute a sense of depth and weight.







Pacaya Lodge & Spa is thrilled to partner with José Ortiz Bracamonte. He is a remarkable, world-renowned artist, and we couldn’t be happier to work with him.

  Pedro Guerrero:



Twenty-eight years ago, with his father’s help, Pedro Guerrero opened his own business in San Juan de Oriente. Since then, his remarkable ceramic vases, lamps, and sculptures have garnered both national and international attention. In 2002, the Nicaraguan Ministry of Culture awarded Pedro the title “Maestro,” and over the course of his career, he has earned twenty-five awards for his artwork.



Pedro’s entire process involves about 15 steps from start to finish. Some of these steps include forming the clay on a foot-powered pottery wheel, smoothing the piece, carving the designs, drying, baking the piece in the oven, painting, and shining. Pedro’s oven heats his ceramics to a whopping 825° C! He’s a very talented artist and multi-tasker and can explain his craft to you all while he’s shaping a piece on his wheel.

Pedro works by himself and says that he’s never made the same piece twice, as things always turn out a little bit differently. Like so many talented artists, sometimes he starts with a plan while other times he just “gets in the zone.” He produces both traditional Nicaraguan pottery pieces in addition to more modern, experimental styles for local galleries.

In the future, Pedro hopes to add a teaching center to his workshop. Soon, you may see also Pedro teaching classes in Managua as part of the the government’s ceramics training program. Pedro is committed to helping the next generation of Nicaraguans learn the art.

Be sure to check out Pedro’s incredible collection of ceramics at his workshop in San Juan de Oriente. Pacaya Lodge & Spa is proud to work alongside this outstanding artist and community member.

Marisol Bracamonte

Marisol and her team of talented artisans created the rustic, yet elegant dishes for our restaurant. Her parents started the family workshop in San Juan de Oriente 42 years ago, pioneering this rustic style for utilitarian items such as plates and bowls. Marisol began learning from her mother, Doña Daysi de Salazar, 25 years ago and continues the family tradition working with her 4 siblings, nieces, nephews, and a few neighbors. When her children are not studying, they help out around the workshop and are proud to carry on their family’s artisanal traditions.



Their method involves the initial shaping of the clay using a foot-powered pottery wheel and then smoothing the surface. After smoothing comes Marisol’s favorite part, when she can add the subtle details and infuse her creativity into the design. Then the art is left to dry for 2-3 days before heating to 500 degrees in the oven. If the dish is not sufficiently dry, it can explode during the heating process.



Her goals for the future are to improve her techniques, take on bigger projects, and learn how to create publicity and market her business better, which is a new concept for many Nicaraguans. She’s off to a good start!



It is our pleasure to share with you the incredible work of these artisans. Their work welcomes you to Pacaya Lodge & Spa and creates a unique sense-of-place that feels authentically Nicaraguan. The Lodge hosts weekly artisan galleries on-site and provides day tours to visit several artisans in the area. We know you’ll enjoy their work.

Please check our tours and excursions page to learn more about how you can visit these artists!

Join us for the holidays at Restaurante el Guardabarranco at Pacaya Lodge & Spa! Inspired by seasonal Nicaraguan flavors and traditional holiday meals, internationally-acclaimed Chef Bismark Hernandez presents Pacaya’s Christmas and New Year’s menus. From mouth-watering pork tenderloin to traditional Christmas rum cake, Hernandez is delighted to reveal his hand-selected menus and specialty dishes.

Enjoy innovative takes on traditional Nicaraguan cuisine with 5-star service with breathtaking views of Laguna de Apoyo.

Christmas Brunch

December 25

$50 per guest

Local barbecue selections, champagne, Christmas music

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Christmas Dinner

December 25

$125 per guest, includes a glass of house wine

Starter

Waldorf salad garnished with crisp apples and seasonal raisins

Entreé

Pork loin crusted with fine organic herbs and wild sauce

Sides

Nicaraguan relleno

Garden rice with mixed dried fruits

Purre au gratan with quesillo cheese

Dessert

Traditional Pio V rum cake, or

Chocolate covered papaya truffles served with green granita

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New Year’s Brunch

January 1

$50 per guest

Pacaya Brunch with our barbecue of local meat, New Year’s music and glass of champagne

 

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New Year’s Dinner

$145 per guest, includes a glass of house wine

Starter

Garden salad with dry fruits and passionfruit honey dressing

Entreé

Braised pork leg with rosemary and red-wine sauce, or

Roast beef with boiled mustard seeds and a porcini mushroom sauce

Sides

Carrots glazed with mint from Vicky’s garden

Tomato a lá provecal with marañon filling

Potato gratin with coconut shavings

Dessert

Christmas filling with chocolate seasonal fruits, or

Pear in peach sauce, cooked with 7-year-old white rum

       

For more information about our holiday menu or to reserve a table, email us or call +505 8786 4500

Outdoor-enthusiasts be warned: Granada is full of exciting adventure opportunities you won’t want to miss! Hike dense jungle trails in Nicaragua’s national parks, learn about the country’s natural history on a guided canopy tour, paddleboard beside Howler monkeys, or kayak through the isletas! There are endless opportunities to explore Granada and its natural wonders.

1. Paddleboard Laguna de Apoyo

Located just half an hour outside of Granada, Laguna de Apoyo is a massive 5km long lagoon that reaches a depth of over 250 meters in some places. The lagoon formed as a result of a massive volcanic eruption that took place roughly 23,000 years ago. The eruption was so powerful that some chunks of rock were launched all the way to the Pacific Ocean, leaving this beautiful lagoon behind. The lagoon’s crystalline water is some of the cleanest in Nicaragua, and it creates a serene setting for paddle boarding. Beautiful coves and dense jungle line the perimeter of the lagoon, and it is possible to catch a glimpse of Howler monkeys hanging in the trees.

 

  2. Hike the Mombacho Volcano:

Looming in the distance, Mombacho provides a stunning backdrop to Granada. This dormant volcano is covered by a dense cloud forest. Guided hikes through the cloud forest provide the chance to see stunning views, several species of monkeys, sloths, frogs, salamanders, and birds. There are also coffee tours and canopy tours available near the base of the volcano.



  3. Kayak the Isletas of Granada

The Isletas of Granada are part of an archipelago of 360+ islands located in Lake Nicaragua. They were formed when the Mombacho Volcano erupted roughly 25,000 years ago. The Isletas are known for their tropical birds, lush vegetation, and great views of the surrounding area. Visit in the morning to optimize your chance of seeing wildlife.

 

  4. View the smoke billowing out of the Masaya Volcano

Dubbed “the mouth of hell” by the Spanish, the Masaya Volcano is located within Nicaragua’s first and largest national park. There are tons of hiking trails, horseback riding opportunities, and caves to explore. Visit at night, and you might be able to catch catch a reflection of the lava flowing down below.



  5. Hike beside scenic landscapes and waterfalls at the Montibelli and El Chocoyero natural reserves These two reserves are located near the town of Ticuantepe, which is roughly 45-minutes outside of Granada. Many tour operators combine these reserves into one incredible day trip. Montibelli is known for its birdlife and adjacent farms whereas El Chocoyero is famous for the thousands of chocoyos (parakeets), who nest in the reserve’s cliffs. El Chocoyero also has two beautiful waterfalls reachable by a moderate hike. The guide services at both reserves are excellent, and there is always the chance to see (and hear) the ever-present howler monkey.




  Adventure is never far away when you’re in Nicaragua. With volcanoes, Lake Nicaragua, Laguna de Apoyo, and several nature reserves close by, Granada is the perfect place to mix a little adventure into your travels.

Pacaya Lodge offers a variety of tours and excursions for adventure lovers. To see our full list of activities, click here: https://pacayalodge.com/tours-excursions/

As the tourism booms here, charming restaurants are springing up to line the streets of of Managua, Granada, Leon and other destinations in Nicaragua. While these restaurants bring new culinary delights to the area, some of the best (and most authentic) foods and beverages are accessible right in Nicaragua’s delightful parkside kiosks, rural villages, and roadside stands. These stands are known as ‘fritangas.’ Eat your lunch in the park, or spend your evening strolling through the city for some excellent local flavor. Here are the ten food and drink options that you must treat yourself to visiting Nicaragua:

1. Vigorón

This classic dish from Granada is both filling and delicious. Vigorón consists of boiled yucca, fried pork skins, cabbage slaw, vinegar, and chilé (optional) all wrapped in giant plantain leaves. Vigorón is best enjoyed in Granada’s central park or at one of the secret food stands tucked into Calle Comercio, just north of the park.

2. Gallo Pinto

Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! This Nicaraguan staple never gets old.  Comprised of white rice, black beans, and a little bit of sazón, or seasoning, Gallo Pinto is the perfect complement to any meal. Locals prefer to have it with eggs and strong Nicaraguan coffee.

3. Tostones

These fried plantains make a delicious snack or addition to any Nicaraguan meal. To make tostones, simply slice unripened plantains, fry them for a few minutes, smash them, and then fry them again. Try them with cheese, beans, (or both), and then top them with a spicy pickled-onion mixture known here as ‘chile,’ for an extra kick!

4. Nacatamales

Most commonly available on weekends, this country-wide specialty varies slightly depending on where you are. Generally, nacatamale makers mix cornmeal with lard or chicken stock to form ‘masa,’ the somewhat doughy base of this dish. The most common meat in a nacatamale is pork, although some variations use beef or chicken. Onion, tomato, peppers, rice, and seasonings are added to the masa before it is wrapped in a plantain leaf and steamed. Because preparing nacatamales can take two days, the preparation is often a family-wide affair. If you are lucky enough to try a delicious nacatamale, be sure to thank your host for their hard work!

5. Coffee

Head north to the coffee plantations surrounding Estelí and Matagalpa for world-class artisanal coffee and coffee farm tours. Treat yourself to some strong, dark Nicaraguan coffee and enjoy the hilly scenery as you sip. Although not exclusive to Nicaragua, some excellent coffees are made here. Café las Flores and Segovia are two popular Nicaraguan brands that sell coffee both locally and internationally.

6. Pitahaya

Known as ‘dragonfruit’ in English, you would never guess that this juicy fruit grows from a cactus. This bright purple fruit tastes both sweet and sour and presents with a very smooth texture. You will find pitahayas for sale in the markets throughout the country and in ‘refrescos’ or juices/smoothies at restaurants and roadside stands. They are rumored to have excellent nutritional benefits.

7. Quesillo

A bit like a quesadilla, quesillo is a fresh mozzarella-like cheese served in tortillas with cream and the optional pickled onion ‘chile’ mentioned above. Quesillo is easy to find and serves as a perfect snack or lunch on the go.

8. Toña

Toña is the classic Nicaraguan beer. This ice-cold smooth lager is the perfect addition to a day on the beach or a fun night exploring the town. From luxury hotels to convenience stores, you can find them just about anywhere!

9. Ceviche

Nicaragua serves this classic coastal dish mostly along the beaches, but restaurants in Granada and Managua also make delicious versions. Ceviche involves fresh seafood (fish, shrimp, conch, or octopus) marinated in lime juice with onion, herbs, avocado, and spices. Wherever you go, a fresh ceviche is never a bad idea, especially when paired with an ice-cold Toña.

10. Flor de Caña

If you’re still hungry or thirsty, this Nicaraguan rum can put an end to both. This quality rum is available worldwide, but, like they say about Guinness in Ireland, it is best to enjoy it in the homeland. The rum is available in a wide variety of batches ranging from 4-year to 18-year.  

There are many more amazing food and beverage specialties in Nicaragua, but this list should get you started. Provecho y Salud! Bon appetit and cheers!