Our most recommended things to do in Masaya

From Managua: Private Masaya Volcano Night Tour

1. From Managua: Private Masaya Volcano Night Tour

We start at 4:30pm- Witness the beauty of the Masaya Volcano lit up by the night sky on this tour designed especially for those who want to see the lava glowing at night but do not want to hike.  After getting picked up from your hotel in Managua , make your way up to the top of the volcano in your comfortable vehicle. Witness the spectacular sunset as the sun descends below the peak of the volcano then head to the edge of the crater and peer inside to witness the inner glow of the lava.  On the return journey, stop along the way at the Visitor Center to learn more about the history of the volcano and culture of the local people before getting dropped off back at your hotel.

From Granada: San Juan de Oriente, Apoyo Lagoon, Masaya Park

2. From Granada: San Juan de Oriente, Apoyo Lagoon, Masaya Park

• Visit San Juan de Oriente, Mirador de Catarina (Laguna de Apoyo), Masaya Handicrafts Market and the Masaya Volcano National Park. • You will have the opportunity to come face to face with one of the most active craters of this mega volcano. • Share with the artisans ancestral techniques that they use to make clay pieces. • Daily departures in the morning. • Independent driver and small groups ensuring the attention of the Guide during the tour.

Full-Day Tour: Masaya Volcano, Art Market and White Villages

3. Full-Day Tour: Masaya Volcano, Art Market and White Villages

Masaya is one of the smallest yet most populated departments in the country. The picturesque, small cities of its territory feature several attractions such as cultural manifestations, a strong indigenous heritage, and many natural destinations. The Masaya Volcano National Park and the Masaya Lagoon are two major natural attractions. The volcano is formed by three craters, two of them are extinct and the other one remains active, constantly spewing smoke. A vast territory, which still preserves its flora and fauna, surrounds this volcano. You will visit the Masaya Volcano which is an active smoking crater and dormant crater. You will also visit the Park Museum. After your amazing experience at Masaya Volcano, you will see and walk through Mercado de Artesanía, the art market in Masaya where you can find ceramics and woodcrafts, hammocks, jewelry, cigars, leather work, and much more. Then you drive to Catarina, a serene town of nurseries and flowers. Here you can enjoy an amazing panoramic view of Apoyo Crater Lake. In the south of Catarina, you will pottery and ceramics at San Juan de Oriente.

Granada: Boat ride, Handicraft Market, and Lava Tour

4. Granada: Boat ride, Handicraft Market, and Lava Tour

You'll begin by passing by Granada's islets, stopping at one to meet a cute family of monkeys. You'll then get off the boat and learn about the fortress of San Pablo, which was built more than 250 years ago. Afterwards, take a nice walking tour of the colonial city of Granada, guided by your local tour guide who will narrate the history of the city and its highlights. Among other points of interest you will encounter the chocolate museum, where you will taste a free chocolate drink. Following that, stop at the Masaya Crafts Market where you can shop for some souvenirs to take home. You'll then visit the city of Masaya and the main church in the central park, from where you will enjoy a nice walk towards the market. Your experience will end with a tour of the Masaya Volcano National Park, where you can take stunning pictures with the volcano as a backdrop. Learn about the history and culture of locals 500 years ago by visiting the museum located in the park, and hike to the other 3 extinguished craters from where you can take in views over the region.

Masaya Volcano Combo Tour 4 in 1 Day

5. Masaya Volcano Combo Tour 4 in 1 Day

Witness the mastery of clay-making by local artisans in San Juan de Oriente. Feel the texture of the clay and the paint used to decorate the exquisite ceramics. Take in the breathtaking view of Laguna de Apoyo and Lake Cocibolca from the Mirador de Catarina. Taste juicy and fresh local fruits while admiring the stunning scenery. Shop for unique hand-crafted products at the Masaya Handicraft Market. Touch the textures of the leather and wood products, and appreciate the paintings by renowned Nicaraguan artists. Get up close to one of the most active craters of the Masaya Volcano at the National Park. Smell the sulfuric fumes as our guide shares the volcano’s history, eruptions, and myths. Feel the excitement of capturing this unforgettable experience on camera. Throughout the tour, experience a sense of wonder and curiosity as you learn about the history, traditions, and cultural heritage of Nicaragua. Independent driver and small groups ensuring the Guide’s attention during the Masaya Volcano Tour.

From Granada: Full-Day Private Tour w/ 6 Attractions & Lunch

6. From Granada: Full-Day Private Tour w/ 6 Attractions & Lunch

• Take advantage and maximize your time in the area by doing the 6 most popular activities • Craft Workshop in San Juan de Oriente • Catarina Viewpoint, Laguna de Apoyo. • Masaya Handicrafts Market • Visit to the Masaya Volcano National Park • Tour of the colonial city of Granada. (museums, architecture, churches and more) • Horse-drawn volanta tour • Delicious lunch included. • Independent driver and small groups ensuring the attention of the Guide during the tour. • Daily departures in the morning.

Other Sightseeing Options in Masaya

Want to discover all there is to do in Masaya? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Masaya

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 13 reviews

Tour guide approached me by phone same day of the tour to confirm pick timing which was great! Tour took longer than one hour ; you will visit a small museum about the volcano then by car you will be taken to the volcano site which was amazing with the active lava!! Totally recommend this tour when you’re in Managua

This was an excellent tour! Our guide was very informative and his English was excellent! Our driver was great as well! I would recommend this tour!!