Masaya Volcano National Park
Masaya Volcano National Park
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,338 reviews
Excellent
938
Very good
305
Average
68
Poor
15
Terrible
12
Desirée C
New York City, NY25 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
So beautiful and cool to see an active volcano! You can climb the steps and see the cross the natives built to keep the demons inside if hell. You can see the lava if you look over the side of the lower stair platforms! There is also a museum about all the volcanoes in Nicaragua. It is active so they ask yours to only stay for 20-30 minutes.
Written 23 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Traveltheorient
San Antonio, TX541 contributions
Jan 2023
At first it reminded me of Grand Canyon. We went during the day... It was amazing to look DOWN into this vocano... You can also smell different fumes coming out of the belly of the beast!
Written 31 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC5,819 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
We arrived around 5:00 p.m and did not see much action. No lava, just smoke coming out of the crater. Initially, we were told that we could only stay for 15 minutes. Having paid $22 for this tour, we asked our driver if we could stay much longer and have pictures of the lava.
We saw signs of the lava when it got darker. Took some pictures and wondered the kind of cameras or phones used by those posting pictures from here. The lava is way way down the crater and it was difficult for me to have it in my selfies. Perhaps, I was expecting too much!
Notes: Be prepared for the cold, windy weather here. Bring a sweater or a wrap. Walk around, climb to the cross and visit other areas near by while waiting for the lava to be visible.
We saw signs of the lava when it got darker. Took some pictures and wondered the kind of cameras or phones used by those posting pictures from here. The lava is way way down the crater and it was difficult for me to have it in my selfies. Perhaps, I was expecting too much!
Notes: Be prepared for the cold, windy weather here. Bring a sweater or a wrap. Walk around, climb to the cross and visit other areas near by while waiting for the lava to be visible.
Written 5 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris D
Carlisle, UK27 contributions
Oct 2022
Go at night, it is awesome. I was there 50 minutes, thought I had been there 5, mesmerizing. Well looked after, nice clean, the Volcano will speak for itself. Dont let the pictures influence your visit. They dont do it justice but serve as a nice reminder.
Written 11 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rowan H
Cairns, Australia1,332 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
The Parque Nacional Volcan Masaya entrance is located 7km from Masaya on the highway to Managua.
Numerous companies offer evening visits to this national park at a cost of 22USD per person. This should include your entrance fees. Unless you have your own wheels there is really no other way to reach this national park via public transportation. The tours leave Granada at about 1630, in order to provide nighttime views of Crater Santiago and its bubbling lava.
Its worth noting there is actually around 5 craters in this park that arise out of two volcanos - Masaya and Nindiri. From the car park (located adjacent to Crater Santiago) you will do a short walk to view a couple of the other craters then go back down to Crater Santiago to have a view of it again in the dark of night. This short hike is along a dirt/gravel path so bring hiking shoes if you have them. In addition to the views of the bubbling lava of crater Santiago this tour also provides some stunning views of Managua and its adjacent lake.
When we visited in low season there wasn’t any security enforcing the supposed ‘15 minute rule’.
Definitely a ‘must do’ while in granada.
Numerous companies offer evening visits to this national park at a cost of 22USD per person. This should include your entrance fees. Unless you have your own wheels there is really no other way to reach this national park via public transportation. The tours leave Granada at about 1630, in order to provide nighttime views of Crater Santiago and its bubbling lava.
Its worth noting there is actually around 5 craters in this park that arise out of two volcanos - Masaya and Nindiri. From the car park (located adjacent to Crater Santiago) you will do a short walk to view a couple of the other craters then go back down to Crater Santiago to have a view of it again in the dark of night. This short hike is along a dirt/gravel path so bring hiking shoes if you have them. In addition to the views of the bubbling lava of crater Santiago this tour also provides some stunning views of Managua and its adjacent lake.
When we visited in low season there wasn’t any security enforcing the supposed ‘15 minute rule’.
Definitely a ‘must do’ while in granada.
Written 15 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SophearyP86
Orange County, CA3 contributions
Aug 2022
We traveled by Native's Way for this excursion and our local tour guide David was witty, funny, and gave awesome stories! This sight was the coolest thing I've ever seen. My boyfriend couldn't get over this sight!
Written 28 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rob R
Rehoboth Beach, DE49 contributions
Jun 2022
It goes without saying, but the opportunity to stare into the mouth of an active volcano was the experience of a lifetime. We felt so humbled to be able to witness this natural phenomenon, and with Oscar from Va Pues Tours, we were given so much information on its history and first-hand accounts of it as well. Like the other reviewers mentioned, the twilight hours are the absolute peak times to witness such an amazing sight.
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The World is My Oyster
Orlando, FL19,507 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Staring down straight into an active volcano, what a spectacular way to spend my 45th birthday yesterday! One of the coolest experiences I've ever had anywhere in the World. This was our first time seeing lava inside a volcano, and was well worth the journey there from Granada! If you're in Nicaragua and don't go there, you're missing out on a once in a lifetime experience!
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bucketlisttravellers
Sydney, Australia3,783 contributions
Dec 2020
You can’t come to the land of volcanoes and lakes without without seeing an active lava lake for yourself! Masaya Volcano National Park is home to an active volcano and one of the few places in the world where you can see an active lava lake.
You can drive right up to the top of the volcano or catch one of the shuttles that’s provided by the National Park. There’s a visitor’s centre halfway up the volcano, which is definitely worth visiting on the way.
The lava is particularly visible around dusk and then after dark. During the day it’s hard to see the glow of the lava, but you still see the smoke rising from the crater and there are nice views of the surrounding area from the top of the volcano. Due to the toxic gases that are released from the volcano, it’s recommended that you don’t stay up near the crater for more than 15 minutes. It gets cold up there, particularly after dark, so remember to bring something warm to wear while you’re up there.
The park is open from 9am until 8pm. There are 2 sessions in the day with different entry prices depending on the time. The 1st session's 9am til 4:45pm, and the entry fee during this time is cheaper - it's 150 cordobas for both foreigners and locals. Our recommendation is to see it just before sunset at the beginning of the evening session. So come as soon as you can after 5pm. Not only will you see an amazing sunset, But you'll also start to see the glow of the lava lake. If you come at that time it's $10 US for foreigners and $5 US for locals.
You can drive right up to the top of the volcano or catch one of the shuttles that’s provided by the National Park. There’s a visitor’s centre halfway up the volcano, which is definitely worth visiting on the way.
The lava is particularly visible around dusk and then after dark. During the day it’s hard to see the glow of the lava, but you still see the smoke rising from the crater and there are nice views of the surrounding area from the top of the volcano. Due to the toxic gases that are released from the volcano, it’s recommended that you don’t stay up near the crater for more than 15 minutes. It gets cold up there, particularly after dark, so remember to bring something warm to wear while you’re up there.
The park is open from 9am until 8pm. There are 2 sessions in the day with different entry prices depending on the time. The 1st session's 9am til 4:45pm, and the entry fee during this time is cheaper - it's 150 cordobas for both foreigners and locals. Our recommendation is to see it just before sunset at the beginning of the evening session. So come as soon as you can after 5pm. Not only will you see an amazing sunset, But you'll also start to see the glow of the lava lake. If you come at that time it's $10 US for foreigners and $5 US for locals.
Written 26 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael
Brooklyn, NY248 contributions
Jul 2021
Such a beautiful place! Come as the sun is starting to set. Go to the little museum after, unless you arrive early. I took a taxi, there's no need to get a tour. But howevere you get here, just make sure you visit!
Written 29 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adam K
5 contributions
Hi, has any one got an Information around if the park is closed, we were told today it closed 2 days ago but wanted to see if any one has tried in the last few days. Thanks in advance
Adam
bluejeanfood
Philadelphia, PA711 contributions
Visit their Facebook page. That is where we got all the information on it.
thomasmaes1992
Houthulst, Belgium9 contributions
Is it better to go during the twilight/sunset or during the night? Did anyone see the parrots inside the caldera and does anyone know where the bat cave is? thanks
Aideline A
Miami, FL48 contributions
I think at night time is better because it is really hot in the daylight, and also you don’t see the lava very well
Jorge Z
4 contributions
Está permitido subir y fotografiar con drones?
Is allowed the use of drones?
AnnalunaNYC
New York City, NY890 contributions
Oh well... You better ask at the entrance where you have to pay the admission . US is $10.00 I think.. then ask! Not many people go there on your foot . From entrance to the point of volcano is about less than 10 minutes drive till the spot.
Just ask at the entrance!.
andrehammel
Bosroumois, France17 contributions
BONJOUR,
2 séniores recherchent un chauffeur-guide pour un circuit de 21 jours au Nicaragua pour mars ou avril 2020
Merci pour vos conseils
Drac54
Terrassa, Spain2,072 contributions
Bonjour, c'est mieu que vous contactez avec le Ministère de tourisme!!! Ils vous offrirent le guide!!! Rappelé que le gouvernement est Sandinista
RBM
1 contribution
I'll be in the Granada in July and would like to visit Volcan Masaya and go on the night tour. Is a reservation necessary for the tour?
Nampa_Guy
Nampa, ID281 contributions
I'm not sure I'd call it a "Tour". As noted above, large parking lot. Tour buses have a 20 minute maximum time limit. Parking seems to be less restricted. I do not know if a private tour company (smaller vehicle) would have longer to stay. Anything over about 30 or 45 minutes would be too long, unless you were planning to climb the winding stair to the upper overlook. (Can't do that on the time limit for a tour bus). So no, you do not need to reserve a tour, you can do it on you own.
God_of_Small_Things7
United States1,487 contributions
What are the opening hours of Masaya Volcano Park? I read that the evening hours are from 5:30 to 7:30 but what about day hours?
WendyTN
Ashland City, TN31 contributions
I'm sorry that I don't know the daytime hours, but view is fantastic in the early evening view if you can arrange to be there at that time!
Khaton13
San Francisco, CA212 contributions
What company is $10 for the Masaya night tour from Granada
davoscjims
393 contributions
that is the park entrance fee not a tour fee
needsmorecoffee
Baltimore, MD14 contributions
is there a place to leave your backpack at visitor center?
TrailBlazer655440
Albany, NY125 contributions
You should be fine with your pack. You drive all they way up, short stop at the visitor center and then on to the top. Just bring water, and a good camera.
Léonie C
Rosemere, Canada3 contributions
If we are staying in Masaya and don't have a car, what can we do for not too expensive tour? Do we actually need to be in a car to do the tour or can we get there by foot?
ZnGTravels
37 contributions
You need a car or to pay a taxi and have them stay with you. It’s way too far to walk although I suppose you could from the entrance to the museum. From the museum they take a certain number of people up to the volcano at set times. They expect you to be driving. It’s an active volcano and for safety reasons everyone should have a vehicle for a quick getaway if needed.
Like I said you could pay a taxi to stay with you.
MASAYA VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Masaya Volcano National Park
- We recommend booking Masaya Volcano National Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 32 Masaya Volcano National Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Masaya Volcano National Park:
- Masaya Volcano Night Tour (From S$71.56)
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour (From S$81.45)
- Night Tour to the Masaya Volcano (From S$108.01)
- Private -Full day tour: Granada City + Boat ride+Handicraft Market+Lava Tour (From S$128.26)
- Full Day Nicaragua Tour from Costa Rica (From S$310.53)
- Hotels near Masaya Volcano National Park:
- (4.37 km) La Mariposa Spanish School and Eco Hotel
- (6.28 km) Hacienda Puerta Del Cielo Eco Spa
- (14.66 km) San Simian Lodge
- (15.54 km) Hyatt Place Managua
- (14.86 km) Pacaya Lodge & Spa
- Restaurants near Masaya Volcano National Park:
- (5.61 km) Mi Viejo Ranchito
- (14.93 km) Porterhouse Steaks
- (4.30 km) Asados Las Jicaritas
- (10.13 km) Quesillos El Pipe
- (8.05 km) La Nani Cafe