The Masaya Volcano

I had just returned from a trip to Vancouver Island for the Victoria Day long weekend and as I was boarding the ferry to return to Vancouver, the clouds were gloomy and spitting with rain. I found myself reflecting on my time in Nicaragua and the highlights of that trip. My first blog was about accommodation and how to find cheap flights to Managua and this post focuses on a unique, but popular tourist attraction that is a must see!

Masaya Volcano Park is home to a spectacular active volcano and craters, but do not worry, as the last eruption was back in 2008. This park is roughly 20 kilometers south of Managua and can be easily accessed by local transport. There are buses that leave from Granada to Masaya every 30 minutes and the cost of travel is only $1.00. You will be dropped off opposite the entrance to the park and you simply cross the street. Once there, negotiate a ride with a local driver who is always there for explorers. The ride up hill is roughly 635 meters, so you wouldn’t want to be a “superman” and brave the climb. The other alternative for transport is asking the concierge at your hotel to organize a group tour of the volcano including other guests. This way, the cost of transport is split with everyone and the driver takes you to the top of the summit.

If you want to get the best views, you MUST go at night. You will be astounded by the liquid hot magma bubbling out of the volcano. Against the backdrop of darkness, you experience the bright hues of orange and red that fill the sky like fiery rockets. There are many vantage points for taking photos, but please do not sit on the edge of the concrete barrier to get a better view of the volcano. This was what I witnessed with a young adult precariously perched on the edge sitting and enjoying the views. All it would have taken was a ” loosey goose” step and he would have been in an inferno!

Finally, there are Nica treats which locals sell by the bag at the entrance to the park for $1.00. These delightful treats will fill your tummy in anticipation of your upcoming adventure! The food will also help pacify the wait in line up hill which is to be expected when visiting the volcano at night, but it’s worth the wait, believe you me!

My next blog will be on the lovely old town of Grenada, so stay tuned……