Exploring Granada and Masaya

Nicaragua is a country with a rich history that brings memories to many people, both for events in recent times but also as one of the first areas settled during the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Nicaragua was reached by Christopher Columbus in 1502. At that time, many indigenous people lived there, including the Aztecs, Mayas and Miskitos. Our first stop, Granada was founded in 1524. We reach this city directly from the airport after skipping the capital of Managua who has a reputation for being a bit crowded and chaotic.

Granada is a lovely city. It has a deep and rich heritage with many churches and old buildings that are painted with many bright colors. It is also very laid back and peaceful and one of the greatest activity is simply to stroll around. After seeing the chaotic traffic in other countries we recently visited, it was a very nice and unexpected change.

We stayed in a former colonial house converted into a little hotel.

First things first: lunch!

After that we start exploring the city.

The Cathedral of Granada.

The Church of Xalteva

There are many businesses and restaurants that have just converted what was a colonial home, with a central patio. There is a big boom of high quality restaurants in Granada. Here this one is called Espressonista for its really good coffee.

The Church of Guadalupe where you can climb to the top of the bell tower.

Around the Central Park.

One of our favorite foods of the trip: Vigorón. It is a salad made from fermented cabbage, lime juice, boiled Yucca, chicharonnes (fried pork skin) wrapped in a banana leaf. It is believed to have been invented on the Central Park in Granada and served for lunch. It is delicious!

The Islets of Granada

On the coast of the lake Nicaragua which borders Granada, we explored the Islets of Granada which are of volcanic origin. It’s a really nice little excursion where it is very easy to see birds and all sorts of wild life. Many of the islets have been bought by rich owners who have installed resorts and eco-hotels, while others are inhabited by locals.

Masaya and the Pueblos Blancos

Nearby Granada, in the Central Plateau, is a wonderful area filled with sleepy villages, lagoons, steamy volcanic peaks. Masaya is the biggest town and has a very interesting Crafts Central Market that has a folkloric museum in its center.

This peculiar cafe in the central park has very very large chairs.

No idea how you get your drinks delivered at the top!

Masaya and the area around is very famous for its arts and crafts. One of the specialities of Masaya are hamocks.

Laguna de Apoyo

After Masaya, we go explore the Laguna de Apoyo which rests inside the crater of an ancient volcano. After getting dropped of at the rim, we hike down.

Not a bad way to end the day!

Pueblos Blancos

The following day, we take the bus again to go explore the Pueblos Blancos, a series of small towns. Each town has a craft specialty. For example, one is called San Juan de Oriente and is specialized in pottery which gets exported all over the country.

Many of those little towns are above the Apoyo lagoon.

Coconut time!

The Pottery village.

Beer time!

Volcan Masaya

After exploring the arts and crafts, we decide to go climb the local volcano which is one of the most active in Nicaragua. They say visitors should park their car with the front facing the outside “just in case”. The views from the top are fabulous!