Things to do in Granada (Department)

Tour colonial Granada to discover the first city of the New World, founded by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba in 1524, and now one of the greatest attractions in Nicaragua. This excursion will introduce you to all the most important monuments, as well as give you a flavor of the local life. Following a pick-up from your hotel, start with a stroll around the main streets of the historic center, learning how the city survived pirates, fire, and filibusters. Constructed by the Spanish as a model city, Granada gave the settlers a chance to showcase their glorious architecture, much of it now restored to its former glory. Admire stunning architecture, such as the Convento San Francisco, the oldest church in Central America. Climb the steps of the Fortaleza La Polvora for panoramic views of the Mombacho Volcano. Then, enjoy a horse carriage ride to some of the most scenic spots outside the city center.

Visit Ometepe Island, a place admired by both local and international tourists, on a full-day trip from Granada. Spend a day familiarizing yourself with the island's nature, hospitality, beautiful landscapes, volcanoes, archeological background, relaxing beaches, and natural reserves and forests. After you are picked-up from your hotel, you'll be transferred to the ferry that takes you to the island. Learn about how the 2 volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas, created this island which is a UNESCO Biosphere Preserve. Upon arriving, spend your day exploring this sanctuary inhabited by a mix of different tribes and cultures, and observe the many petroglyphs, ceramics, and statues that can be found all around. Observe locals taking part in the island's industries of fishing and agriculture. Keep your eyes peeled to see if you can spot some of the varieties of monkeys living on the island. You may choose to check out the shops, eat a traditional meal, hike around the island, or simply relax on the beach.

Depart Granada for the towering Mombacho Volcano, a 45-minute drive from the city center. Travel by 4WD vehicle to the foot of the active volcano, which has luckily not erupted since 1570! Start your ascent to the summit, and continue to 2 dormant craters covered in dense cloud forest of moist evergreen leaves and ethereal sheets of fog. A 2-hour hike awaits at the top, with fantastic views of Granada, Lake Nicaragua, Las Isletas, and the Laguna de Apoyo. Walking along well established trails to an altitude of 3,735 feet (1,115 meters), keep your eyes open for unique flora and fauna, such as red-eyed frogs. Mombacho is home to more than 700 different plant species, including exquisite orchids and dwarf forest, some endemic to the area.

Spend the day gliding over the lush canopy of the tropical forest on this exciting canopy tour at the Mombacho stratovolcano of Nicaragua. Begin the day with a drive up the volcano to the heart of the dense cloud forest and embark on a small hike, exploring the ancient craters of the volcano and learning about the fascinating flora and fauna of the region. Continue the tour with a visit to the Biological Center, and then observe the ecosystem drastically change to one of a dry tropical forest filled with coffee plantations. It is here that you will begin your exciting canopy adventure, and with over 17 platforms, 11 steel cables, and a long walking bridge, this canopy course is a truly spectacular one. Forming more than 2 kilometers of distance over the many cables, you are guaranteed an adrenaline-filled end to your day.

Witness the beauty of the Masaya Volcano lit up by the night sky on this tour designed especially for those who want to see the lava glowing at night but do not want to hike.  After getting picked up from your hotel in Managua or Granada, make your way up to the top of the volcano in your comfortable vehicle. Witness the spectacular sunset as the sun descends below the peak of the volcano then head to the edge of the crater and peer inside to witness the inner glow of the lava.  On the return journey, stop along the way at the Visitor Center to learn more about the history of the volcano and culture of the local people before getting dropped off back at your hotel.

Kayak across Central America's largest lake, Lake Nicaragua – the home to 365 small islets, inhabited by local people, monkeys, and a colorful array of bird life. Discover the different character of each islet, including a wealthy residential area and an 18th-century, colonial fortress, from which you'll enjoy superb views over the lake, Granada, and Mombacho Volcano. The kayak station is a mere 15 minutes from the city center, with complimentary transportation provided from your hotel. Single and double kayaks are both available, with life jackets included for a safe lake excursion into the areas even motorboats can't reach, passing jungles, savannas, and spectacular wildlife.

• Take advantage and maximize your time in the area by doing the 6 most popular activities • Craft Workshop in San Juan de Oriente • Catarina Viewpoint, Laguna de Apoyo. • Masaya Handicrafts Market • Visit to the Masaya Volcano National Park • Tour of the colonial city of Granada. (museums, architecture, churches and more) • Horse-drawn volanta tour • Delicious lunch included. • Independent driver and small groups ensuring the attention of the Guide during the tour. • Daily departures in the morning.

The largest lake in Centro-america, Nicaragua Lake or well known like the only lake with fresh water sharks, is just 10 mins driving from the center of Granada. Once we are in the small port we take a motor boat (18 people capacity with life jackets) and we go around the  Little Islets where we will show all their secrets like great bird life, Spanish fortress with two floors where we have  great views over the lake, Granada city and Mombacho Volcano. Learn how the people  in the Islets make their living every day. The nature is beautiful with a lots of bird life and amazing  views of the volcanoes and Lake Nicaragua. These serene and rustic islands we will visit by boat, showing you all its secrets!   

Masaya is one of the smallest yet most populated departments in the country. The picturesque, small cities of its territory feature several attractions such as cultural manifestations, a strong indigenous heritage, and many natural destinations. The Masaya Volcano National Park and the Masaya Lagoon are two major natural attractions. The volcano is formed by three craters, two of them are extinct and the other one remains active, constantly spewing smoke. A vast territory, which still preserves its flora and fauna, surrounds this volcano. You will visit the Masaya Volcano which is an active smoking crater and dormant crater. You will also visit the Park Museum. After your amazing experience at Masaya Volcano, you will see and walk through Mercado de Artesanía, the art market in Masaya where you can find ceramics and woodcrafts, hammocks, jewelry, cigars, leather work, and much more. Then you drive to Catarina, a serene town of nurseries and flowers. Here you can enjoy an amazing panoramic view of Apoyo Crater Lake. In the south of Catarina, you will pottery and ceramics at San Juan de Oriente.

You'll begin by passing by Granada's islets, stopping at one to meet a cute family of monkeys. You'll then get off the boat and learn about the fortress of San Pablo, which was built more than 250 years ago. Afterwards, take a nice walking tour of the colonial city of Granada, guided by your local tour guide who will narrate the history of the city and its highlights. Among other points of interest you will encounter the chocolate museum, where you will taste a free chocolate drink. Following that, stop at the Masaya Crafts Market where you can shop for some souvenirs to take home. You'll then visit the city of Masaya and the main church in the central park, from where you will enjoy a nice walk towards the market. Your experience will end with a tour of the Masaya Volcano National Park, where you can take stunning pictures with the volcano as a backdrop. Learn about the history and culture of locals 500 years ago by visiting the museum located in the park, and hike to the other 3 extinguished craters from where you can take in views over the region.