Visiting Granada (Nicaragua) and Highlights around
Every year I plan a one week trip with my mother. This time she surprised me by announcing that she’d like to meet up in Nicaragua.
We only had a week together, so we decided to stick to the region south of Managua; the area covering Granada, Masaya, Lake Nicaragua, and Isla Ometepe. A manageable area that wouldn’t require too much travelling around.
Granada
Our base was Granada, which is known as a city rich in colonial history. It was founded by the Spaniards in 1524 and was named after the city of Granada in Spain. It was chosen primarily for it’s location; on Lake Nicaragua, with river access to the Caribbean as well as close proximity to the Pacific coast. Today it is the 4th largest city of Nicaragua. It is also the most touristy city in the country (“touristy” being relative – this is Nicaragua). I recommend you take this 3 hour walking tour – inexpensive and you’ll get to see all the highlights.
We spent three full days in Granada. It’s not so much a city as a village, a bit of a sleepy place made up on one or two-storied pastel buildings, a few nice but weathered churches, and some modest colonial buildings. But it is when you step inside some of the buildings that you see how impressive a town Granada is; mansions with high ceilings, huge interior courtyards (many with fountains), tiled floors and intricate woodwork. Many of the buildings have been restored as luxury hotels with large interior swimming pools. They’re quite opulent. In many ways it reminded me of Cartagena – the major difference being that the exterior of the buildings are much more modest in Granada than in Cartagena. Maybe it’s considered bad form to openly show wealth in such a poor country? But unless someone tells you, you may never know of the treasures behind the exterior façade of walls. I really recommend a guide.
Laguna de Apoyo
Within 30 minutes of Granada are the Laguna de Apoyo (Apoyo Lagoon) and the Masaya volcano.
The Apoyo Lagoon (below) was created about 23,000 years ago when a huge volcanic blast left a hole measuring 6 km in diameter. With time this crater was filled up with rainwater and underground springs. It is a popular bathing spot for locals as well as tourists.
Masaya volcano
Nicaragua is known as “The country of Lakes and Volcanoes” and has a chain of active volcanoes that run from north to south. One of the most active is Masaya volcano (below). You can drive right up to the crater of this volcano and look over the edge, seeing molten lava far below (come at night for a real show!). The volcano is always smoking in varying degrees, they call this “passive degassing”. I’ll let you make up your own fart joke. I was lucky to see the volcano when it wasn’t degassing too heavily, it seems that tourists are sometimes given masks and have to limit their stay at the crater to 20 minutes. Recommended: this 6 Hour tour (which also includes Laguna de Apoyo).
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Other activities/sights while in the area: Take a boat trip through the Isletas (small islands) from Granada. A tour will cruise the lake and islands and include a stop at San Pablo fort. Nearby Mombacho volcano is also popular for hiking and ziplining.
Related: Isla Ometepe – the highlight of my trip to Nicaragua
Practical Information
We stayed at the Hotel Con Corazon while in Granada and it was absolutely fabulous. The hotel is actually a foundation where all the profits are invested in local education projects. Besides being for a good cause, it is good value – very nice rooms, great breakfasts, super service, a nice swimming pool where you can enjoy a margarita at the end of the day. The bill came out to about $40/night. We really enjoyed our stay in Granada and relaxing around the hotel was one of the highlights.
Flights: whether going to Managua (the capital) or Granada, you’ll be flying into Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport (close to Managua). Airport Code: MGA.
Have you been to Granada and area? What were your highlights?
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Related: A detailed Travel Guide to Nicaragua
Related: We’re not on Holiday! Differences between vacationing and travelling explained
Related: Group Tours vs Independent Travel. The Pros and Cons… and some thoughts.
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Hi Frank,
Your photos are gorgeous. I came here after reading about some folks retiring in Granada, Nicaragua. I’m curious because all I’d ever recalled about Nicaragua was some very dangerous political unrest. Has it changed that much? Or, are there still pockets of that scattered throughout it?
Cheers
Hi TJ,
I don’t know the current situation. But I’ve found this site which is a Nicaragua Expat Forum. I’m sure you’ll find all the latest (and more) there.
That hike to the volcano looks gorgeous!
I first visited Granada and the Masaya Volcano in 1992. It looks a bit different now. Time flies. 🙂
Now I gotta visit, I love places with that style of architecture.
Great shots. This really brings back memories. I thought Granada was one of the prettiest places I’ve been to in Latin America, with the pastel-painted buildings and the white egrets flying over at sunset. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Best thing is to take a sunset boat ride in the isletas, that little group of islands at the foot of the city.
Thanks for the comment Paul – yeah, the isletas are one thing we didn’t do! Darn, next time!
I loved Granada! Swimming in Lake Apoyo was wonderful too! The water is so clean and clear.
That’s one thing we didn’t do! Very pretty spot.