Masaya Volcano
Masaya Volcano

Masaya Volcano

Free admission

The Basics

Daytime trips to Masaya Volcano National Park—the first national park in Nicaragua—allow for leisurely hiking and tours of bat-inhabited caves, ideal for a quick urban escape into one of Nicaragua’s premier wildlife sanctuaries. The real show, however, begins after sunset, when cars line the highway to witness the spectacular sight of lava roiling just below the active crater’s rim, making for once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities and a chance to see geology in action. Night tours are so popular that tours are limited to just a few minutes at the rim—but that is all it takes to make a lasting impression. Make the most of your trip to Managua or Granada with a guided tour that takes in Masaya Volcano and other nearby attractions like the Mirador de Catarina, Lake Apoyo, or Lake Nicaragua.

Show all
View all 23 experiences
Private Full Day Granada city +lake +handicraft market +catarina
Private Full Day Granada city +lake +handicraft market +catarina
star-4.5
$79.92 per adult
Traveler Favorite
Great tour.
Great tour and tour guides. Would definitely recommend. Saw the highlights and always felt safe on the tour.
Sandra_H, Dec 2023
View all 23 experiences

Things to Know Before You Go

  • If visiting at night, go early and plan to keep yourself entertained while you wait for the “show” to begin.

  • Some Costa Rica and San Juan del Sur shore excursions include a trip to Masaya for unbeatable transportation value.

  • The volcano itself is wheelchair accessible; check with tour providers for details.

Show all

How to Get There

Masaya Volcano is located just 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Managua and 18 miles (30 kilometers) from Granada, roughly a 30- or 40-minute drive, respectively. You can take your own car or a public bus from either city to the park, but be sure to call the park in advance to reserve a spot if you want to visit without a tour.

Show all

When to Get There

An outdoor activity open year-round, Masaya Volcano is easy to visit on your own schedule. Daytime visits are ideal for hiking and outdoor adventure, while night tours let you see the volcano’s famous lava.

Show all

Volcanic Activity at the Masaya Volcano

Masaya is one of the most active volcanoes in the area, having erupted at least 19 times since Spanish arrival in 1524. The most recent eruption was in 1993, though smaller ash eruptions have occurred as recently as 2008.

Show all
EN
65a0d61b-d65d-4666-af6a-d9b5fd8404ba
attraction_detail_overview
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Masaya Volcano?
A:

More Tours in Managua