Nicaragua One Day Tour to Colonial Granada and Crafty Masaya

Border checkpoint for passport control.

The border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua stretches for 309 km, separating the two countries from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Historically, after the dissolution of the Federal Republic of Central America in 1838, this dividing line was established. Although several treaties were signed to demarcate it, such as the Cañas-Jerez Treaty in 1858, subsequent disputes led to mediation by U.S. President Grover Cleveland in 1888. Recently, Costa Rica has brought a lawsuit to the International Court of Justice in The Hague to obtain navigation rights and resolve conflicts, such as the dispute over Calero Island in 2010.

Visit Windy Lake Nicaragua and enjoy a typical Breakfast

Lake Nicaragua, also known as Cocibolca or Granada, is the largest freshwater lake in Central America, covering 8,264 km2 (3,191 sq mi). It's of tectonic origin, with a maximum depth of 26 meters (85 ft) and elevation of 32.7 meters (107 ft) above sea level. The lake drains into the Caribbean Sea via the San Juan River, historically making Granada a port city. It's known for its diverse ecology, including bull sharks, tarpon, and sawfish. Concerns about pollution and environmental degradation have been raised, with efforts ongoing to address these issues. Additionally, plans for the Nicaragua Canal could impact the lake's ecosystem.

Pottery Town

San Juan de Oriente, in Nicaragua's Masaya department, is part of the "Ruta de la Meseta de los Pueblos" tourist axis along with Catarina, Diriá, Diriomo, Niquinohomo, Nandasmo, and Masatepe. It sits in the Pueblos Blancos plateau, 41 km from Managua.

Altitude: 499 m above sea level
Area: 9.200 km²
Latitude: 11° 54′ 0″ N
Longitude: 86° 4′ 60″ W

Boundaries include Catarina to the north, Diriá to the south, Laguna de Apoyo to the east, and Niquinohomo to the west. Its only body of water is Laguna de Apoyo, and it has small streams.

Founded around 1585 post-Spanish colonization, it's among Masaya's oldest municipalities. The colonial-style church, built in 1612, reflects its rich history.

View over Laguna de Apoyo

Catarina, in Nicaragua's Masaya department, is part of the "Ruta de la Meseta de los Pueblos" tourist axis along with San Juan de Oriente, Diriá, Diriomo, Niquinohomo, Nandasmo, and Masatepe. It's located 40 km from Managua.

Altitude: 620 m above sea level
Area: 11.49 km²
Latitude: 11° 55′ 0″ N
Longitude: 86° 4′ 60″ W

Boundaries include Masaya to the north, San Juan de Oriente to the south, Granada to the east, and Niquinohomo to the west. Its location offers access to Laguna de Apoyo via paved and gravel roads, surrounded by hilly terrain and water sources.

Typical Lunch and Local Market

Masaya, known as "The Cradle of Nicaraguan Folklore," is a hub of Nicaraguan handicrafts. Its main market offers diverse sections, from handcrafted items like hammocks and wood carvings to electronics and raw meat. The Mercardo de Artesanias, situated in the historic "mercado viejo," showcases crafts from Masaya and beyond. Thursday nights host the Noche de Verbena, featuring folkloric dances. Masaya's annual fall fiesta of San Jerónimo highlights street processions and carnivalesque "Torovenado" celebrations. The city boasts historic churches like the Assumption's Parish Church and St. Gerome's Church. Masaya is the namesake of Nicaragua's department, which includes Catarina, Nindirí, Masatepe, and others.

View into the crater if volcanic activity allows it.

Masaya, Nicaragua's largest national park, features the Masaya Volcano caldera complex, known for its nested set of craters. Within Las Sierras shield volcano lies Masaya Volcano, characterized by basaltic lavas and a summit crater. Formed 2,500 years ago, the caldera encompasses the Santiago pit crater, emitting sulfur dioxide gas. Despite mainly degassing activity, discrete explosions occur sporadically, like in 1999 and 2001. In 2020, daredevil Nik Wallenda walked a tightrope over the caldera. Designated a national park in 1979, Masaya Volcano National Park spans 54 km2, boasting lava tubes and diverse elevations, offering visitors a glimpse into the volcanic landscape.

Boat tour isletas and Monkey Island

The Granada Islets, situated in Lake Nicaragua near Granada, consist of 365 small islands formed from volcanic activity. Covered in vegetation, they harbor diverse bird species. Some islets host private residences, hotels, and shops, with boat tours available. San Pablo Fort, built in the 18th century to defend Granada from pirates, stands on one of the islets. During Somoza's dictatorship, locals were coerced to sell their islands, with some returning post-revolution. However, unresolved land disputes and sales to wealthy individuals cast uncertainty on the future of these traditional island communities.

City experience

Granada, Nicaragua, with a population of around 105,862, boasts a rich colonial past and historical significance. Founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, it was named after the Spanish city of Granada. Known as La Gran Sultana for its Moorish influence, it flourished during the colonial era, maintaining commerce with the Atlantic via Lake Cocibolca. Granada faced attacks from European pirates but remained a pivotal city in Nicaraguan history, vying for dominance with León. It was also a base for American filibuster William Walker. Despite conflicts, Granada preserved its colonial charm and avoided much of the Sandinista Era tumult.

Border Checkpoint for Passport Control

The border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua stretches for 309 km, separating the two countries from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Historically, after the dissolution of the Federal Republic of Central America in 1838, this dividing line was established. Although several treaties were signed to demarcate it, such as the Cañas-Jerez Treaty in 1858, subsequent disputes led to mediation by U.S. President Grover Cleveland in 1888. Recently, Costa Rica has brought a lawsuit to the International Court of Justice in The Hague to obtain navigation rights and resolve conflicts, such as the dispute over Calero Island in 2010.