Masaya Volcano National Park, Arts and Crafts Mkt:
In Masaya Volcano National Park, located few minutes from Masaya, looking down to the still active crater will take your breath away. It is one of Nicaragua’s most interesting and beautiful natural phenomena. There is a museum dedicated to the volcano's history. During the pre-Columbian age, Masaya Volcano was an object of veneration by the indigenous people. They believed the eruptions were signs of anger from the Gods and to appease them they offered sacrifices, which often included small children and maidens. During the Conquest, the Spaniards baptized the active Volcano “La Boca Del Infierno” or “The Mouth Of Hell”. Then they planted a cross, “La Cruz De Bobailla”. It was placed on the crater lip in the 16th century in order to exorcise the Devil.
Masaya is famous for its coffee plantations and local handicraft markets. You can buy unique local souvenirs: articles in wood, hammocks, leather (shoes, bags), pottery, ceramics, painting, hard stones, coffee and fabrics.
Mombacho Natural Reserve, Granada:
Mombacho is an extinct volcano. From there you will visit the Mombacho Natural Reserve and its tropical cloud forest, a paradise for nature lovers. Take a walk through the trail around one of the craters in the most surprising biological diversity through the trail around one of the craters. Granada is the oldest colonial city in Central America. It was founded by the Spanish conqueror in 1524. A tour in a horse drawn carriage is a must for visitors to Granada; it will take you back in time for more than 500 years. it is the 'in' city in America, with an European flavour and the relaxation of the tropic, where real restate is becoming one of the biggest investments. The houses there are built to the same plan as Granada in Spain, with a central plaza surrounded by colonial buildings with long, open porches. The city surrounds you with unique colonial architecture, horse-drawn carriages and friendly people sitting in rocking chairs. Granada feels like a trip back in time.
Islands (Las Isletas), General Information:
These delightful islands, Las Isletas, are an archipelago of 365 little volcanic islands (one for every day of the year) located in Lake Nicaragua. The pier is just 3 km or 10 minutes by car from Granada. Lake Nicaragua is a fresh water lake, 100 miles long and 50 miles wide. The owner of this villa owns one of those islands. A trip to go up to the island can be arranged. The islands were formed in 1800's when the Mombacho volcano blew out its northern side. Despite consisting of mostly volcanic rock, the islands also have vegetation. All these islands are rich in fauna and flora, especially in water birds. Several international airlines such as American Airlines, Continental, Delta, Copa, Grupo Taca, Iberia and Sol Air operate into Managua International Airport from the U.S.A. Do not forget to bring a camera, sun protector lotion, bathing suits and caps. Electricity is the same as in the U.S.: 110 Volts and 60 Hz. You can use a valid U.S. driving license in Nicaragua.
Other Activities:
Swimming in the volcano crater lake
