"Masaya" Masaya by mircaskirca

Masaya Travel Guide: 24 reviews and 107 photos

The Heart of Nicaraguan Handicrafts

Masaya is situated 16 km northwest of Granada, on the way to Managua. It rises on the banks of the lake that has the same name. The town is considered the cradle of folklore and is the heart of Nicaraguan handicrafts. One of the most interesting attractions in Masaya itself is Mercado de Artesanías. It's the biggest handicraft markets in Nicaragua, which houses a variety of little shops where traditional handicrafts can be found, from hand woven hammocks to wood carving, ceramic, musical instruments and many other things. Inside the market there are several restaurants where you can taste some typical dishes. On Thursday nights you can visit La Verbena, a cultural event that includes folkloric dances, music and traditional Nicaraguan food.

Just outside the city lies the Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya, one of Nicaragua's most impressive natural phenomena. Established in 1979 as the country's first natonal park, it comprises an area of 54 km2 with more than 20 km of scenic hiking trails, leading to and around the volcano.

Last visit to Masaya: Dec 2010
Intro Updated Mar 1, 2011
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Reviews (5)

Nicaragua's Finest Handicrafts Shopping (1)

Mercado de Artesanías, also known as Mercado Viejo, is certainly the place to buy arts in crafts in Masaya. It's a safe... more travel advice

Famous Masaya Hammocks Local Customs (1)

Nicaragua's most treasured souvenirs are hand woven cotton hammocks which are famous throughout the world for their... more travel advice

Mercado de Artesanías Things to Do (2)

Mercado de Artesanías, also known as Mercado Viejo, is Nicaragua's most famous market and a major tourist draw. The... more travel advice

Churches of Masaya Things to Do (2)

Masaya has several attractive churches built in the colonial period and in the 19th century. Probably the most beautiful... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
From Granada to Masaya

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Comments (6)

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MalenaN Oct 12, 2011 at 8:49 AM

Masaya is a shopping paradise! I went to the market in Masaya several times when I lived in Managua (over 20 years ago) and always bought something.
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Gili_S May 18, 2011 at 7:36 AM

Nice place for shopping.... but still on diet? ;-)
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Elisabcn Apr 10, 2011 at 3:09 AM

I am reading with interest (and taking some notes, he hee) your Departamento de Masaya pages. Did you visit el Volcán de Masaya? Thanks for these colorful pages, Mira!
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picek Mar 16, 2011 at 6:06 AM

Pravkar uzivam ob pogledu na kraljestvo barv ob tvojih slikah - cudoviti so ti hammocki, ob takih priloznostih clovek zavzdihne ob misli, kaj vse bi nesel domov... ce bi le lahko :)
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Trekki Mar 11, 2011 at 11:26 PM

Oh my god.... that is a place for me, but so dangerous! I would go bancrupt because I would shop until I drop..... the hammocks and pottery are marvellous! And paintings, and... and... and...
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willy_wonka Mar 3, 2011 at 12:03 AM

i absolutely love hammocks! was going to buy one in guata but like you, not enough space to carry it throughout rest of journey. such vibrant colors on this page!