Best travel places around Granada, Nicaragua

Hello travelers, welcome back to another blog about Granada,Nicaragua made by Mansión DeChocolate. Last time we blogged about things to do in Granada, but what to do if you have seen it all? That is what we are going to let you know in this new blog. Nicaragua is a beautiful country with lots of volcanos. The nature in Nicaragua is beautiful. From Granada you can visit a view places what do not take a long ride. 

Laguna de Apoyo -> Laguna de Apoyo is a good way to start a relaxing day, it is a beautiful nature reserve. A volcanic lake – originated about 23,000 years ago-  with crystal clear water and a lot of different hostels/restaurants around the laguna. Laguna de apoyo is a great place for a day of swimming, eating, drinking and there are various things to do in the water like: kayaking, paddle boarding and more.

 

Laguna de Apoyo

Masaya volcano -> this is a must see, it is the one of the view volcanos where you can see the magma boiling inside the volcano with your own eyes, during the day it is good visible but at night it is the most beautiful. You can ride up by car during the day mostly without waiting time, at night it is different if you book smart there are ways to not have to wait for a terrible long time. Definitely worth it and a must see!!!

Masaya market -> there is a beautiful city and a bit less touristic named Masaya, there are different viewpoints and there is a lot of color. There are also two nationally known markets in Masaya, the old and new markets. The artisan's market, or old market, was once a fort and home to Spanish soldiers. It now offers handicrafts from the workshops of Masaya and all over Nicaragua. The traditional market offers everything from fresh produce and dried spices to shoe cobblers and furniture vendors. 

Entrance of the Masaya market

Managua -> Managua is an interesting city near Granada. The drive is about an hour, it is a big and a bit chaotic city with modern aspects to it. Good places to visit are: the square with the cathedral, national palace and park, Mirador Tiscapa, Paseo Xolotlan, Puerto Salvador aliened and the central park.

Old Cathedral at the square in Managua

La Calera -> The all day excursión to this 3,000 acre (about 1,000 hectare) paradise on the shore of Lake Nicaragua is the best way to experience Lake Nicaragua, the Isletas, and the dry tropical forest, as well as learn about cacao and other crops. Complete info available at ChocoMuseo.

Mombacho -> is located south of the city of Granada and the Islets of Granada. The beauty of its landscapes and the richness of its flora and fauna make this place unique. Everything is nature. The site is not only stunning and wonderful the eastern part of the park is still preserved virgin human exploration. The explosion of the volcano Islets of Granada formed. There are also species of unique flora and fauna in the world. It is an relative easy hike for hikers there are three different trails you can follow the crater trail ( 1km and takes about 1,5 hours), ocelot trail (2km 2,5 hours) and the biggest one the puma trail (4km and takes about 4 hours) the last one is less hard then it seems and it takes you to 4 beautiful view points, definataly worth it you can see the whole of Granada and its islands.

pathways of Mombacho volcano