The center of the country's folk culture, Masaya, Nicaragua, is the spot for dancing, festivals, music and handicrafts. Most of Nicaragua's arts and handicrafts are produced in tiny villages located in Masaya Departmento's (state) highlands just west of Masaya town and the crater lake, Apoyo. The villages produce paintings, pottery, tile mosaics, miniatures, traditional sweets, and cane, rattan and wicker furniture. Nicaragua's distinctive regal hammocks are produced in dozens of small workshops right in Masaya town.
Masaya town is sandwiched between Managua city and Granada, about an hour from either. It has a few worthwhile points of interest, including the hammock factories, the Artisans Market, the "Mirador" viewpoint overlooking crater lake Lago de Masaya and Masaya volcano right on the edge of town, the renovated historic train station and a few grand churches. Some of the craftwork sold at the market is produced in the state but Masaya also serves as a market for goods produced elsewhere in the country.
All of the city's attractions could easily be visited on a day trip from Granada, so visitors may prefer to stay in that more attractive colonial city.
Be sure to catch a baseball game if you're in Masaya during the season, or a live performance at the outdoor market.
To request access to the full version of this destination guide, please provide your email address below. Your email address will only be used for verification purposes and will not be used for marketing purposes.