Choose from 5 Fun Things to Do in Granada
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Mombacho Volcano
With an Aztec name that translates to “Steep Mountain,” the Mombacho volcano certainly lives up to its name. Its 4,410-foot (1,344-meter) peak towers over Nicaragua’s colonial city of Granada, creating both a beautiful backdrop and a huge backyard ripe for adventure and exploration.
The Basics
The summit of Mombacho is reachable by road, but the most rewarding way to explore the volcano is on foot: pass through sprawling coffee plantations, fields of wild orchids, and unspoiled cloud forest dotted with natural hot springs and hissing fumaroles. A number of hiking trails run up to the summit and through the surrounding Mombacho Cloud Forest Reserve, which is home to an impressive 800 plant species and 171 animal and bird species, including quetzals, hummingbirds, howler monkeys, and unique indigenous critters such as the Mombacho butterfly and Mombacho salamander. You can also access the summit on one of four daily truck rides.
Most Mombacho hikes require a guide, which you can book in advance or at the entrance to the mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve. Canopy zipline tours are also popular, especially among families, with various routes encompassing lofty platforms and hanging bridges.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mombacho volcano is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Lodges and campsites are available; book ahead.
- El Cráter is the most kid-friendly and well-marked trail.
- Take your own truck to the summit only if it is equipped with 4WD and you have experience driving on steep inclines and unpaved roads.
How to Get There
Mombacho is located in the Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve, six miles (10 kilometers) south of Granada. Catch any public bus from the cemetery and ask the driver to drop you off at Mombacho, and then grab a tuk-tuk for the short ride to the entrance. If taking your own vehicle, follow signs for the reserve along the Granada-Nandaime highway. A third but more expensive option is to take a taxi from Granada straight to the entrance.
When to Get There
The Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve is open from 8am to 5pm Friday through Sunday or by reservation. Go early in the morning for minimal crowds and maximum time to hang out; the last truck to the summit goes up at 1pm and comes down at 4pm. If visiting from Managua or Masaya, be sure to leave early to get a head start on traffic.
Mombacho’s Last Eruption
The Mombacho volcano’s last eruption, more than 3,000 years ago, was responsible for creating the many islands of Lake Nicaragua. Today, the now-dormant Mombacho offers spectacular views over the glittering lake and Las Isletas below.
Address: Managua, Nicaragua
Admission: Varies
From $ 47
Iglesia de la Merced
There are several churches in Granada to visit, but the Iglesia de la Merced (not far from Central Park) is noted by many as the city's most beautiful. The church on this site dates from the early 16th century, although it has been damaged twice (to the point of nearly-complete destruction once) and rebuilt, most recently in the 1860s. The present look of the interior is from the most recent reconstruction, while the Baroque facade was added in the 1780s.
Anyone can enjoy a stroll through La Merced church, but the best reason to go is to climb the church's lone bell tower for commanding views of the city center. You will be able to explore the church itself for free, but there is a small admission charge to climb up into the tower. Note that you may need to find a caretaker to gain access to the tower stairs, which are generally open from 10am-6pm on most days, and those who are claustrophobic should be aware it's a narrow spiral staircase to the top.
Anyone can enjoy a stroll through La Merced church, but the best reason to go is to climb the church's lone bell tower for commanding views of the city center. You will be able to explore the church itself for free, but there is a small admission charge to climb up into the tower. Note that you may need to find a caretaker to gain access to the tower stairs, which are generally open from 10am-6pm on most days, and those who are claustrophobic should be aware it's a narrow spiral staircase to the top.
Address: Calle Real Xalteva, Granada, Nicaragua
From $ 54
Casa de los Tres Mundos
If you’re interested in cultural events while in Nicaragua’s Granada, make Casa de los Tres Mundos part of your itinerary. This non-profit arts and cultural center shows temporary collections by local and international artists, and the works on show are often for sale.
Located in a colonial mansion, Casa de los Tres Mundos hosts many performances each month, including poetry readings, films screenings, and dance performances by the likes of the local dance group, Nicarocalli. Entrance to performances is normally for a small fee, or completely free.
Founded in 1987 by Austrian author Dietmar Schönherr and Nicaraguan poet and politician, Ernesto Cardenal, Casa de los Tres Mundos also acts as a community center for Nicaraguans who are looking to get creative at the Casa’s theater school, art studio and music academy. Casa de los Tres Mundos also finances and develops rural development projects in the Malacatoya area. The foundation welcomes individuals or groups who can volunteer at the center.
Practical Info
Casa de los Tres Mundos sits on Calle Cervantes, near Granada’s central park.
Address: Calle Cervantes, Granada, Nicaragua
Hours: Vary
From $ 54
Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve (Laguna de Apoyo)
A crystalline lagoon just a short drive from Granada, Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural Laguna de Apoyo) is one of the most popular natural attractions in Nicaragua. Get away from the city for a few hours of kid-approved water sports, or hang out and relax all day in a lounge chair poised on the rim of this beautiful crater lake.
The Basics
At Laguna de Apoyo, you can swim in thermally heated waters, rent kayaks or scuba diving equipment, or enjoy views of the lake and surrounding forest from a lakefront bar or restaurant. Though it’s possible to spend the night, most people find that a day trip from Managua or Granada is the easiest way to visit for just the right amount of time. Most day trips also include such nearby attractions as the Mirador de Catarina or Masaya Volcano.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Laguna de Apoyo is a top pick for visitors to Nicaragua.
- Bring your camera to capture views of nearby Mombacho volcano.
- Sun protection can be hard to find at the lagoon, so bring your own.
How to Get There
Laguna de Apoyo is centrally located roughly 20 minutes from Granada and Masaya and just over an hour from Managua. The easiest way to visit is with private transportation, a taxi, or on a guided tour, as most daily public buses stop about a 1.5-hour walk from the lagoon.
When to Get There
Thanks to thermal vents inside the crater, Apoyo Lagoon remains at a pleasant swimming temperature year-round. Plan to visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive and the sun gets too strong.
Forested Shores
Laguna de Apoyo Natural Reserve is part of a tropical dry-forest ecosystem with a diverse wildlife population. The reserve is home to more than 500 species of plants and tropical dry trees, as well as more than 200 documented birds species.
Address: Laguna de Apoyo, Granada, Nicaragua
From $ 139
San Francisco Convent (Iglesia de San Francisco)
The San Francisco Convent is both an active Catholic church and a museum with historic photographs, culturally important paintings, and statues from the Zapatera Island archaeological site on Lake Nicaragua. With a history dating back to 1529, it's among the oldest churches in Nicaragua and remains one of Granada’s most memorable sights.
The Basics
Thanks to its central location, the San Francisco Convent (Convento San Francisco) is an easy-to-visit Granada landmark. Climb the stairs leading up to the church for a view of the local street scene, snap photos in front of the elegant cream and garnet facade, or pay a small entry fee to check out the church’s interior and attached museum. To hear the whole history behind the church—which includes multiple fires and pirate attacks—go as part of a Granada sightseeing tour; some even include round-trip transit from Managua.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The San Francisco Convent is a must for art and history lovers.
- This attraction is not wheelchair accessible.
- Plan to spend less than an hour visiting.
- If short on time, you can visit on a day trip from Managua.
How to Get There
The San Francisco Convent and Museum is located on Calle Cervantes, just a few blocks from Granada’s central plaza. Plan to walk or grab one of the city’s plentiful taxis.
When to Get There
The convent is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm and on weekends from 9am to 4pm. Keep in mind that this is an active church with regular services, too.
A History of Survival
The San Francisco Convent has survived pirate raids, fires, and William Walker's infamous 1856 siege of Granada. Though the convent has been rebuilt a few times, it has always stood on the same site.
Address: Granada, Nicaragua
Admission: Varies
From $ 54