Masaya

Masaya is a small city in Nicaragua, midway between Managua and Granada. The town sits perilously close to the Volcan Masaya, an active volcano with constant plumes of sulfuric smoke. The volcano is the main feature of a national park.

Get in
From the airport in Managua you can take a taxi for US$20-30. Also, many cities in Nicaragua have buses that take you directly to Masaya. There are also public minivans known as microbuses that will take you from Managua (UCA terminal) to Masaya for a bit less than US$1. There are also slower standard (read: old American Bluebird) buses going to and from Masaya at a slightly lower price.

Most buses arrive to the huge and disorderly "bus station" at the edge of Masaya's new market. Google Maps also show the existence of a separate terminal, a few blocks to the west, for buses running between Masaya and UCA (Universidad Centroamericana, in Managua).

Get around
The parts of town that are interesting for tourists are mostly walkable. Taxis can get you to the malecon and anywhere else you might want to go to.

Inside the old town
Other churches from the 19th century's colonial period include San Jerónimo, San Juan and San Miguel.

Buy
The Mercado de Artesanias sells a wide variety of handicrafts.

Masaya is famous for hammocks. The street connecting the city center to the malecon is lined with hammock shops. A decent hammock can be had for under US$20.

Fresh produce in abundance, as well as bread, sweets, etc, can be found in Masaya's new market, on the city's west side. There are also several Palí supermarkets around the city, including one in the city's central square.

Eat

 * There's a variety of food stands on the Plaza Central.

Go next

 * Laguna de Apoyo
 * Granada
 * San Juan del Sur via Rivas
 * Ometepe via bus to Rivas and boat from San Jorge