6 Best Things To Do In Granada, Nicaragua

1. Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve

The Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve is the quintessential Central American outdoor activity as the lake was formed thousands of years ago when the tip of the Apoyo volcano exploded. What remains is a beautiful lagoon located between two other Nicaraguan volcanoes: Masaya to the north and Mombacho to the south. The lagoon is regarded as the cleanest swimming spot in Nicaragua. The reserve is part of a tropical dry forest ecosystem that is home to over five hundred species of plants and tropical dry trees, and more than two hundred documented species of birds.

Swimming, kayaking, bike rentals, restaurants and hotels are all available around the Lagoon and there usually aren’t large crowds so no advance reservation should be required. The Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve is located about 20 minutes from both Granada and Masaya, and about an hour from the Managua airport. To get to the reserve from Granada, take any microbus headed for Masaya or Managua and ask the driver to let you off at the entrance to the Laguna de Apoyo. A taxi from Granada should cost about 10-15 USD and take about 30 minutes.

Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve

Website: Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve

2. Casa de los Tres Mundos

Casa de los Tres Mundos is a foundation created to support and promote cultural projects in Nicaragua and Central America. The foundation runs a theater school, an art studio, and a music academy. A research center and a library are also managed by Casa de los Tres Mundos. Casa de los Tres Mundos frequently organizes cultural events that include concerts, exhibitions, theatrical plays and movies. Visitors are welcomed to attend these events. Also, there is a permanent painting exhibition at Casa de los Tres Mundos, with some beautiful paintings of Nicaraguan painters that can be visited free of charge.

This cultural center is located on the northeast side of Parque Central, right in the historical center of Granada. It is situated in Plaza de los Leones.

Casa de los Tres Mundos

Address: Calle El Arsenal, Granada, Nicaragua

Website: Casa de los Tres Mundos

3. Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve

The Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve is located 10 km (6 miles) south of Granada, but it feels like a different world once you enter the lush forest that covers this now inactive volcano. The reserve is home to more than 30 species of reptiles, monkeys and birds and a host of unique tropical plants and trees. Standing at more than 4,265 feet (1,300 meters) above sea level, you can easily hike the 1.5 mile (2.4 km) trail to the top of Mombacho for a bird’s eye view of Granada, Lake Nicaragua and the Islets. The Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve is also home to more than 4,900 ft of zipline cables, so you can soar through the forest and see the world with a literal bird’s eye view.

The fee to enter the Mombacho Volcanic Natural Reserve is 5 USD per person and you should plan to spend a least 5 hours exploring the park and volcano.

Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve

Address: 12 km (7.4 mi) south Nicaragua Hwy 4, 3 km (1.8 mi) east Volcano Reserve Road, Granada 11111, Nicaragua

Website: Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve

4. Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral

Towering far above any other structure in the city, visible from miles around, are the distinctive yellow and white bell towers and dome of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. Sometimes called the Granada Cathedral, the church is located in the heart of Granada across from Parque Central. The cathedral is easily the most iconic building in the city and it is a wonderful example of the neoclassical colonial architecture that can be found all throughout Granada. The first cathedral temple was built around 1525 but by 1578, the church had already been burned twice. The second temple was completed in about 1751.

It is free to explore the interior of the church and it is a wonderful spot to people watch as it stands across from Parque Central and is one of the most common meeting areas for families and travelers alike.

Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral

Address: Costado Este del Parque Central, Granada, Nicaragua

Website: Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral

5. Islets of Granada

10 km (6 mi) south of Granada, on Lake Nicaragua, are a group of small islets that were created thousands of years ago when the Mombacho volcano exploded and threw large chunks of molten rock into the lake. There are more than 350 of these islets near Granada and they range in size. There are more than 200 people that inhabit these islets, primarily fisherman, and they are also home to many wild bird species and fish.

You can arrange a tour at any of the docks of the Asese Port, situated in the end of the Tourist Center of Granada. A one hour boat tour is 5 USD and longer tours can be arranged.

6. Mombacho Cigar Factory

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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A post shared by Mombacho Cigars S.A. (@mombachocigars)

Nicaragua is not as well-known for its cigars as places like Cuba, but it is the world’s second largest cigar producer with a history of cigar production that traces all the way back to prehistoric times. The cigar industry is one of the most significant economies in Nicaragua with most of the farming for the cigars being done in the northern region of the country.

Mombacho Cigars was named after a volcano that created many of the islets around Granada. The company was created in 2010 and as of 2015, they sell more than 400,000 cigars annually. Mombacho Cigars is located in one of Granada’s grand historical mansions and tours are offered for 4 USD per person. The tour includes demonstrations on how the tobacco is grown, and how the leaves are processed, rolled, aged and packaged. The tour takes about 45 minutes and ends on the roof terrace where you can take in the breath-taking panoramic views of Granada. Tours are available in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Mombacho Cigar Factory

Address: Calle Atravesada, Casa Favilli, 1 block South of Park Sandino, Granada 43000, Nicaragua

Website: Mombacho Cigar Factory

Central American adventure

Granada sits atop a very geologically active part of the world. Like the earth below, the city has experienced constant upheavals throughout its history and was forced to remake itself anew. Modern Granada is a city with a bright future and open arms for travelers seeking to experience all that Central America has to offer. What’s holding you back? Book your flight today and come live your Central American adventure in Nicaragua!