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Masaya Volcano Tours
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Skip the hike and drive right up to the lava-spitting rim of Masaya Volcano (Volcan Masaya), perched between Managua and Granada. The active volcano’s famous lava shows at the Santiago Crater, combined with ridiculously easy access, have made it one of the most popular attractions in all of Nicaragua.
The Basics
Daytime trips to Masaya Volcano National Park—the first national park in Nicaragua—allow for leisurely hiking and tours of bat-inhabited caves, ideal for a quick urban escape into one of Nicaragua’s premier wildlife sanctuaries. The real show, however, begins after sunset, when cars line the highway to witness the spectacular sight of lava roiling just below the active crater’s rim, making for once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities and a chance to see geology in action. Night tours are so popular that tours are limited to just a few minutes at the rim—but that is all it takes to make a lasting impression. Make the most of your trip to Managua or Granada with a guided tour that takes in Masaya Volcano and other nearby attractions like the Mirador de Catarina, Lake Apoyo, or Lake Nicaragua.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If visiting at night, go early and plan to keep yourself entertained while you wait for the “show” to begin.
- Some Costa Rica and San Juan del Sur shore excursions include a trip to Masaya for unbeatable transportation value.
- The volcano itself is wheelchair accessible; check with tour providers for details.
How to Get There
Masaya Volcano is located just 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Managua and 18 miles (30 kilometers) from Granada, roughly a 30- or 40-minute drive, respectively. You can take your own car or a public bus from either city to the park, but be sure to call the park in advance to reserve a spot if you want to visit without a tour.
When to Get There
An outdoor activity open year-round, Masaya Volcano is easy to visit on your own schedule. Daytime visits are ideal for hiking and outdoor adventure, while night tours let you see the volcano’s famous lava.
Volcanic Activity at the Masaya Volcano
Masaya is one of the most active volcanoes in the area, having erupted at least 19 times since Spanish arrival in 1524. The most recent eruption was in 1993, though smaller ash eruptions have occurred as recently as 2008.
Address: Nicaragua
25 Tours and Activities to Experience Masaya Volcano
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Attraction TicketsMasaya Volcano Night Tour
This guided tour to Masaya Volcano from Managua or Masaya takes you straight from the city to the crater rim for a chance to see the lava glowing at night. Included transportation makes the drive a cinch, plus a quick stop at a the Visitors Center and commentary from your guide help you learn about the volcano, too. Upgrade to include a live music performance at Port Salvador Allende after seeing the volcano.
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- 90 to 120 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$33.50
Attraction TicketsMasaya Volcano Night Tour from Granada
This tour to Masaya Volcano is a super economical choice for visiting the famous volcano. After stopping by the Visitors Center to learn about the volcano’s history, drive right up to the crater rim for a chance to see red-hot lava glowing against the night sky. This tour offers pickup from Granada, Masaya, and Managua, making it a good choice for visitors to anywhere in the area.
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- 2 to 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$48.20
Private Sightseeing ToursPrivate Tour to Volcano Masaya by Night
Travel to the stunning Masaya Volcano by night to see lava roiling just below the crater rim on this private tour from Managua. Private transportation is comfortable and easy with just your guide and private party—giving you plenty of time to chat with your guide while you wait in line to see the lava at this popular attraction.
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- 2 to 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$65.00
Ports of Call ToursSan Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour
Enjoy personalized attention on this 7-hour private shore excursion to Masaya Volcano National Park and the town of Catarina. Departing from San Juan del Sur cruise port at your chosen time, explore both stops with commentary from your dedicated guide. Round-trip private transportation included.
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- 7 hours
From
$196.31
Day TripsDay Trip to Masaya and Granada from Managua
Explore the towns of Granada and Masaya on this full-day trip from Managua with a local guide. Browse Masaya's extensive crafts market for souvenirs, then visit Masaya Volcano National Park to see an active volcano crater. Spend time in Granada, a colonial city criss-crossed with cobblestone streets and home to many important architectural landmarks. Visit the Cathedral of Granada, Independence Plaza and the Convent and Museum of San Francisco. Round-trip transportation from Managua is included.
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- 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$66.25
Day TripsFull Day Nicaragua Tour from Costa Rica
Grab your passport and head over the border for a whistle-stop tour of Nicaragua’s best bits, from Liberia in Costa Rica. Take in the views from Catarina Volcano, haggle over handicrafts at the Masaya Artisan Market and visit the active Masaya Volcano. After a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine, explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views of Mombacho Volcano. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a 1-hour sunset cruise, stopping to meet the friendly monkeys of Monkey Island along the way.
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- 15 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$175.00
Historical & Heritage ToursDay Trip to Granada, Masaya and Catarina from Managua
Get a comprehensive overview of some of Nicaragua's top attractions, including Masaya Volcano National Park, the colonial city of Granada, and the town of Catarina. This full-day tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off and a traditional Nicaraguan lunch.
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- 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$140.00
Cultural ToursNicaragua One Day Expedition
Discover the natural beauty and heritage of Nicaragua with a full-day tour that travels round-trip from northern Costa Rica. Visit the active Masaya Volcano and the extinct Apoyo Volcano, cruise by boat to small islands on Lake Nicaragua, and view picturesque Spanish colonial architecture in Granada. You’ll benefit from border-crossing assistance and hassle-free transportation that allows you to make the most of your day.
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- 10 to 13 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$159.00
Ports of Call ToursFull-Day Small-Group Shore Excursion from San Juan del Sur
Make the most of a short amount of time in Nicaragua with this small-group shore excursion from San Juan del Sur. Visit four of southern Nicaragua's most popular attractions: the colonial city of Granada, the Masaya Market, the Laguna de Apoyo lookout, and Volcan Masaya. Only on a guided tour can you see all of these attractions in one day and still make it back to your cruise ship on time.
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- 7 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$95.00
4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursLaguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour
This tour to Apoyo Lagoon and Masaya Volcano from Managua offers great value by combining two of Granada’s most popular activities into a single day trip. Not only does this tour provide seamless transportation between two tricky-to-reach destinations, but it also includes entrance fees—all while keeping costs low for budget-minded travelers.
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- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$60.30
4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursApoyo Lagoon, Masaya & Mombacho Volcanoes
• Annual Availability: All year around • Appropriate Ages: All Ages • Location: Granada, Masaya • Difficulty Level: Easy • Duration: 8 Hours • Minimum: 2 People
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- 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$115.00
Night ToursSmall Group Night Tour to the Masaya Volcano
This Masaya Volcano tour is more than just a ride to the lava-filled crater rim. Unlike other transportation services, this tour provides in-depth commentary and insight into one of Nicaragua’s most-visited attractions—though going with a guide does streamline transportation logistics, too. Plus, entrance fees are already included, so you don’t have any unexpected costs during the trip.
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- 90 to 120 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$47.00
Cultural ToursGranada Colonial City Tour and Masaya Volcano
Combine a city tour of Granada, a visit to the active Masaya volcano, and a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua during this tour. Along the way, listen to engaging commentary about the history, culture, food, and people of this Nicaraguan region. Round-trip transportation from Granada hotels included.
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- 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$120.00
Day TripsMasaya Volcano and Handicraft Market Day Trip from Managua
Visit Mayasa Volcano, peruse a handicraft market and learn about Nicaraguan folklore on this 5-hour guided tour from Managua. Travel to Mayasa Volcano National Park, where you'll stand right on the edge of the active volcanic crater. Listen to your guide's informative commentary regarding the history of the volcano and the folklore surrounding its activity. Visit the city of Mayasa to peruse the local marketplace for handicrafts and souvenirs from local craftspeople and artists. Round-trip transportation from Managua hotels is included.
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- 5 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$85.00
Hiking & CampingHalf-Day Trip to Masaya Volcano from Managua
Discover the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Masaya Volcano National Park on a half-day trip from Managua. Alongside a guide, you’ll embark on an exhilarating hike to the rim of the Masaya Volcano and gaze at the molten lava that fills its gaping crater. Visit additional volcanic craters and gaze at panoramic vistas from elevated viewpoints. Listen to Nicaraguan legends and discover the cultural significance of the Masaya Volcano before revitalizing with lunch in a local restaurant. This tour includes refreshments and round-trip transport from your Managua hotel.
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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$75.00
City ToursMasaya City and Volcano Tour
Explore the city of Masaya and get up close to the active lava crater in Masaya Volcano National Park during this half-day tour from Granada. Visit the largest craft market in Central America, as well as the towns of Catarina and San Juan de Oriente. Pickup and drop-off at Granada accommodations is included.
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- 5 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$118.80
Day TripsSPECIAL OFFER
Laguna de apoyo day pass + masaya volcano lava tour
• This volcanic and refreshing outdoor activity starts when your meet your Local tour guide at your hotel or airport in Managua at 1pm • The Aventure will take about 6 -7 hours including the drive back and forth to your Hotel. • Learn about the historics event from Masaya Volcano and the intersting way the lava belt works. • Take stunning pictures with an orange background from the lava reflecting on the crater. • Have a walk on the pointview by the edge of the crater. • Have a nice swim in apoyo Lagoon ( cristal clear water by Masaya) • Kayaking • Have lunch by the lagoon, try tipycal food.( Optional and has aditional cost)
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- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$54.27
$6.03 savings
Day TripsGranada+Apoyo Lagoon and Masaya volcano night tour
• This volcanic and refreshing outdoor activity starts when your meet your Local tour guide at your hotel or airport in Managua at 10am • The Aventure will take about 6 -7 hours including the drive back and forth to your Hotel.Learn and enjoy about our colonial buildings,culture and history from Granada city. • Learn about the historics event from Masaya Volcano and the intersting way the lava belt works. • Take stunning pictures with an orange background from the lava reflecting on the crater. • Have a walk on the pointview by the edge of the crater. • Have a nice swim in apoyo Lagoon ( cristal clear water by Masaya) • Kayaking • Have lunch by the lagoon, try tipycal food.( Optional and has aditional cost)
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- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$175.00
Hop-on Hop-off ToursMasaya Volcano, Catarina overlook and Granada tour
We take you to the most beautiful sightseeing in Nicaragua at the most competitve price, very knowleadgeable tour guide, bottle of water and beberage for each turist are included.
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- 7 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$80.00
4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursSPECIAL OFFER
Best of Leon and Granada *Private Tour*
This is a private tour meant to accommodate your needs and schedule. Through email, we can work on an itinerary that's right for you. If you have any specific destinations you would like to visit, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate your wishes.Enjoy of the best of Nicaragua in 3 Days.Let's visit the best two colonial cities in the country. Enjoy the landscapes, volcanoes adventure,lakes, lagoon and more!You will learn and enjoy the two oldest cities of Nicaragua and the best activities these tow cities offer, from sliding down on an active and young volcano to relax of a private boat tour in the largest lake of Central America.
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- 3 days
- Free Cancellation
From
$488.00
Nature & WildlifeBird Watching Montibelli
• Annual Availability All year around • Appropriate Ages All Ages • Location Montibelli & Masaya Volcano • Difficulty Level Easy • Duration 7 Hours • Minimum 2 People
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- 7 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$115.00
Walking ToursLava tour Masaya Volcano
Drive right up to the lava-filled crater of Masaya Volcano with this private evening tour from Managua. Visiting at night offers the best views of the bright lava against the dark sky—a sight even better appreciated when you have peace of mind from booking safe and reliable transportation. Plus, booking ahead guarantees your spot at this popular attraction.
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- 40 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$69.00
Day TripsSPECIAL OFFER
Granada+Apoyo Lagoon +handicraft market+ Masaya volcano night tour
• This volcanic and refreshing outdoor activity starts when your meet your Local tour guide at your hotel or airport in Managua at 1pm • The Aventure will take about 6 hours including the drive back and forth to your Hotel. • Learn about the historics event from Masaya Volcano and the intersting way the lava belt works.Visit the handicraft market from masaya • Take stunning pictures with an orange background from the lava reflecting on the crater. • Have a walk on the pointview by the edge of the crater. • Have a nice swim in apoyo Lagoon ( cristal clear water by Masaya) • Kayaking • Have lunch by the lagoon, try tipycal food.( Optional and has aditional cost)
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- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$46.75
$8.25 savings
Day TripsClassic Tour
Swimming and VolcanoesVisit: swim on a crater of more than 20 thousand years See lava 600 meters away.
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- 9 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$65.00
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