Masaya Volcano National Park
Nicaragua · Masaya · 635 m
Description
Masaya Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya) is one of Nicaragua’s most spectacular natural attractions, protecting one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. Masaya Volcano is renowned for its lava lake, one of the few in the world that can be observed from close range. The spectacle is especially striking after nightfall, when the glowing lava illuminates the rising plume of volcanic gases with an orange glow. Beyond the active crater, the park features lava tubes inhabited by bats, steaming fumaroles, solidified lava fields, and trails along the crater rim. As Nicaragua’s first national park, it combines dramatic volcanic landscapes with dry tropical forest and lies just a few kilometres from the colonial handicraft city of Masaya.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: November – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Santiago Crater lava lake
- Masaya Volcano National Park
- Night visit to Santiago Crater
- Masaya Artisan Market(Day trip)
- Apoyo Lagoon Nature Reserve(Day trip)
- Tzinancanostoc Lava Tube
- Catarina Viewpoint(Day trip)
- Bat watching at Tzinancanostoc Cave
- San Fernando Crater Viewpoint
- Pueblos Blancos(Day trip)
- Coyote Trail
- Sulphur fumaroles
- Volcano Museum & Visitor Center
- Cruz de Bobadilla Viewpoint
- Apoyo Lagoon kayaking(Day trip)