Surrounded by towering green mountains, Masaya, Nicaragua, is known for its many festivals, natural attractions and markets. Its colonial-style central craft market overflows with stalls selling local handmade goods and pottery, while the Masaya Volcano smolders in the background. Masaya has plenty for travelers to Nicaragua, and a bit of planning will ensure you get the most out of what the town has to offer.
The most common way to get to Masaya is by land from Managua or Granada. Buses run regularly from the Huembes Market in Managua and include stops in Masaya at the Municipal Market on the west side of town. The bus station near the central plaza in Granada runs regular buses to Masaya which stop at a bus station near the edge of town. Several taxi companies allow you to book rides from Granada or Managua to Masaya. Masaya has some public transit, and rental car agencies are also available.
Masaya has several hotels, but not as many as you might expect as many travelers opt to stay in nearby Granada. Most hotels in Masaya are centralized around Zelaya Avenue and can fill up quickly around peak travel times. In general, the hotels are accustomed to catering to travelers and have some English-speaking staff. Accommodations range from budget hostels to high-end boutique lodgings.
The Mercado Artesanias is a world-famous craft market near the center of town. Known to some locals as the Mercado Viejo, this market is a shining example of Nicaragua's -- and Masaya's -- rich craft-making tradition, with countless stalls selling local arts and crafts. Head a few blocks west from the park in the center of town for a view of the Santiago Crater from the edge of Masaya Lake. Part of the Masaya Volcano, the site is pockmarked with smoldering craters that still ooze lava. The craters are in Volcan Masaya National Park, which is open during business hours and also offers night tours to see the bright red lava glowing against the night sky.
The U.S. Department of State recommends getting vaccinated for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid before traveling to any part of Nicaragua. Protests and political demonstrations are common in urban areas and can become violent without warning, so travelers should avoid them. Petty crime is relatively common but rarely violent. If you have a vehicle during your trip, don't leave your valuables inside it unattended, as thieves sometimes shatter car windows. Don't take any taxi that doesn't have a red stripe across its top, and reach a fare agreement with the driver before you start moving. Legitimate taxis will have the driver's name and license number displayed inside the cab, as well as identifying information for the taxi company. The U.S. Embassy is in Managua.
