UK +44 (0) 207 6106020
US +1-866-724 1590
US +1-866-724 1590
Granada
Granada is a charming colonial city sitting on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. Elegant facades and vibrant plazas line the cobbled streets in the shadow of Mombacho volcano. The city grew wealthy as it lay on the principal route across the isthmus before the Panama Canal was built.
Masaya sits in the highlands to the north of Granada and is an art and folkloric centre. Its market is famous for high-quality, great-value, artisan goods especially hammocks, woodcarvings and ceramics.
The route from Granada to Managua and beyond, up to the Honduran border, is lined with impressive volcanoes many of which are still active. Volcan Mombacho and Masaya are two of the most easily accessible volcanoes in Nicaragua, both located near Granada. THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Below are some examples of what you can do, though we can tailor any itinerary to suit your interests.
Granada city tour. Half day. Founded in 1524, it holds the title of the oldest city established on mainland during the Spanish conquests. A guided tour will help uncover this city’s fascinating history which includes many pirate attacks. Masaya market. Half day. The famous artisan market of Masaya is full of life and colour with a vibrant atmosphere. It is easy to find quality handicrafts for good value. ‘Las Isletas’ boat trip. Half day. Take a boat or kayak from Granada to explore the 354 islets that were formed when Mombacho Volcano blew its top thousands of years ago. Masaya Volcano National Park. Half day. Short trails link the two volcanoes and five craters, including Volcan Santiago which constantly spews sulphurous gases to which the resident Parakeets seem oblivious.
Mombacho Volcano National Park. There are spectacular views of Granada from the top of this volcano covered with primary tropical rainforest. A 4x4 vehicle takes you up to where a trail leads around the crater of this extinct volcano, passing through lush vegetation. Within the park is the Cutirre Canopy Tour – where you can slide along two kilometres of cables through the jungle between 17 platforms situated from 10 to 100 ft. above the forest floor.
Laguna de Apoyo. Nestling in the hills between Granada and Masaya is a gigantic crater lake with a diameter of 6 kilometres which is beautifully scenic and perfect for swimming.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Granada
Located on the principal plaza of Granada, this is one of the city’s finest hotels. Built in 2006 it is one of the newest in the city and it has been beautifully restored from its original colonial foundations. At the centre of the hotel is an open courtyard
Granada
This beautiful old colonial building, painted a bright blue, is an old mansion with stunning views to both the volcano and the main plaza. It has two interior courtyards which the rooms of the hotel are spread around and inside one of the courtyards
Granada
The old colonial buildings that make up this hotel, definitely give it an edge over its rivals. Located just off the plaza, but with some rooms offering views of the cathedral, this is a walk into the past of what Granada once used to be like
|
|
