A laid-back town ideal for breaking up more adventurous itineraries, Masaya is a popular stop for travelers, particularly those taking day tours from Managua or multi-day trips between Granada and San Juan del Sur. It’s easy to fill a day in this large town by wandering the 15th-century churches and shopping the 19th-century craft market (Mercado de las Artesanías) for souvenirs like handmade blouses, hammocks, and rocking chairs. The city is considered the gateway to Masaya Volcano National Park, so many travelers will also plan day trips to hike its eponymous Masaya Volcano and see the Santiago crater lava lake; you can travel independently, but guided tours are also available from Masaya, Granada, and Managua.
Consider booking a night tour of Masaya Volcano National Park to see the active lava lake light up the sky in brilliant shades of reds and oranges.
You’ll need to have Nicaraguan currency (córdoba) to shop at many of the handicraft stalls.
A small folklore museum is located inside the Mercado de las Artesanías.
Masaya is 8 miles (14 kilometers) west of Granada and 19 miles (31 kilometers) southeast of Managua. You can reach it via Highway 4 from either city, though most travelers take private shuttles, taxis, or chicken buses to get to Masaya. One of the best ways to visit is with an organized tour that includes stops in the city and at Masaya Volcano National Park.
The best time to visit Masaya depends on whether or not you’re worried about thunderstorms. The dry season is between November and April, while the rainy season lasts from May through October. An ideal time to visit is between August and October during the Fiesta de San Jerónimo, which Masaya celebrates with dances, food festivals, and other events.
No visit to Masaya is complete without a trip to Masaya Volcano. Unlike Telica and Cerro Negro, the rim of this active volcano can be reached via a short car ride. The smoky crater edge features a 16th-century cross erected by Spaniards, who called the volcano “The Mouth of Hell” due to its lava activity. The surrounding area was paved so you can safely look down at the red glow of the lava lake.