GRANADA
General Information
The oldest city in Central America founded in 1524 keeps as treasure its old colonial architecture. Located 27 miles (45 km) from Managua on the north shores of the Lake Nicaragua; the biggest lake in Central America where you can find fresh water sharks. The main highway Managua-Granada is a scenic route as the majority of Nicaraguan roads. This majestic city is a perfect gateway to enjoy all the bounties that Nicaragua offers, like nature, canopy, adventure, history, culture, kayak, volcano climbing, shopping and more. Our recommendation is to spend at least one night, this way you can enjoy the atmosphere that cover this beautiful city.
All colonial attractions are at walking distance. Suggested minimum time for a Granada city tour is between 2 to 3 hours. A complete day can be dedicated to stroll through the city center. The weather is hot at noontime.
Local atmosphere: The "Central Plaza", surrounded by the Cathedral (1900), a perfect place to enjoy a delicious Nicaraguan Coffee. The beautiful neo classical building of the Casa Pellas and the old City Hall creates a perfect setting for you to enjoy and relax.
Highlights:
• "Fortín de la Pólvora" (restored old Spanish ammunition fortress).
• "Xalteva" and "La Merced" churches built in the XVIII c.
• "San Francisco Convent" dated 1524 with its Indian Stone Idols restored Museum.
• "Casa de los Leones" with the beautiful stone carved “portal” (main door entrance) and Plaza.
• "The Isletas": on the shores of Granada there are 356 small islands forming canals surrounded by lush vegetation, birds and flowers. A 40 minutes ride in small boats through some of the Isletas is available
• "Lake Nicaragua" 8, 264 Sq.km. With 100 miles (160 km) long and 20 miles (35 km) wide. Seen from the small plaza dedicated to Hernan Fernandez de Córdoba, Spanish founder of the city, or from the boat ride through the Isletas.
• Mombaco Volcano located at 3, 670 feet (1345 Mt) above sea level. The access to the top of the volcano, is through a small and steep road. At the top you will find trails down to the extinct crater and breathtaking viewpoints. Very unique dwarf flora is found here, as well as flowers orchids, bromeliads and Blue Morpho butterflies.
• Canopy Tour in the Mombacho Volcano, glide from treetop to treetop admiring the different species of birds, butterflies. In some areas, you can see deer running through the forest.
GRANADA
Hotel Information
• La Gran Francia Hotel
• Colonial Hotel
• Alhambra Hotel
• Norome (Located out side Granada at the Apoyo Lagoon)
GRANADA
Area Day Excursions
• Half Day Managua City Tour.
• Half Day Masaya Volcano & Artisan Market
• Half Day Granada Colonial Town & The Isletas
• Half Day Canopy Cutirre
• Full Day Managua, Masaya Volcano & Artisan Market
• Full Day Masaya Volcano/Market, Granada & Isletas
• Full Day Los Pueblos (White Towns), People & Arts
• Full Day León, Old León & Volcanic Field “Hervideros”
• Full Day Mombacho “The Puma Trail”.
• Full Day Canopy Cutirre & Mombacho “The Crater Trail”.
• Three Volcanoes. Mombacho, Masaya and Apoyo Volcanic Lagoon
MASAYA
General Information
Take its name from the Indian Nahuatl language: mazatl-yan or land of the deer, this city is located 17 miles (23 km) from Managua. Because it's many interesting places and its proximity to Managua, Masaya is a convenient place for any tour plan. Highlights:
• "Masaya Volcano National Park". This 54 square km volcanic park is only 10 miles from Managua. Opens daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m. Features the Volcanic Museum with a complete interpretation of these phenomena. Also the Santiago active crater where you can walk to the very edge of the volcano and look all the way down to the bottom, or observe the Spanish Cross built by the Conquistadors when begging for the volcano to end its eruptions in 1529.
• "Masaya Lagoon": is part of the Masaya National Park, but is better seen from Nindirí small town (in Nahuatl: volcano town) or from the Masaya Malecon.
• "The Arts and Crafts market of Masaya": is the place to look for Nicaraguan bargains and souvenirs. The market is buzzing with merchants and customers in narrow aisles. Colorful ceramics, leathers, carved woods, hammocks, corals, naive paintings, etc. Dollars are accepted, but we recommend exchanging currency before leaving Managua. Every Thursday night there is a special cultural event (known as Verbenas de Masaya) at the market; which consists in folklore dances and live music.
Masaya nearby Tourist Areas.
White Towns
This region is located 27 miles (45km) south of Managua, at an elevation of 1, 375 feet (500 mts) above sea level. The weather is cooler than other areas, with richer vegetation and many different flowers and colors along the roads. Coffee is the main production in the area, as well as flowers, pure blood horses, rocking chairs, wicker furniture, leather shoes, etc. Many small towns that tourist can visit, have been there for centuries, even before the arrival of Columbus to America. The area can be visited in a full day.
Highlights:
• "San Marcos town": place of birth of the founder of the Somoza family (Anastasio Somoza Garcia). There's also an Ave Maria College campus, which gives the city a student atmosphere.
• "Masatepe": (from the chorotega language mazatl-tepec or hill of the deer). This is the place to buy natural leather shoes and the wicker furniture factories.
• "Niquinohomo": (from the chorotega, means valley of the warriors), place of birth of Augusto César Sandino, the nationalist General that fought against Somoza, killed in ambush and years later used as a symbol by leftist groups self-called Sandinistas.
• "San Juan de Oriente": place for arts and crafts, ceramics and hammocks. On Sundays the town gets specially prepared for shoppers looking for unique crafts.
• "Diriá and Diriomo": small towns with rich history, witchcraft legends.
• "Catarina": From the edge of the Catarina viewpoint, an amazing view of the Apoyo Volcanic Lagoon offers the visitor an exceptional photo opportunity. The Mombacho Volcano, Granada, and the Nicaragua Lake, can be seen from this high point. Restaurants and bars offer food and beverages.
• "Nurseries": the cool weather of the high Carazo Plateau where the White Towns are located, is the best climate for gardening and growing plants. Nurseries are specialized botanical gardens where you can find a diversity of samples of Nicaraguan flora.
MASAYA
Hotel Information
Not available hotel properties at Masaya Area, due its geographical position, you can stay at Managua or Granada Area and visit Masaya attractions in one day.
MASAYA
Area Day Excursions
Not available departing from Masaya.
Day Tours
Day Tours 
