La
Laguna de Apoyo
A
few kilometers from Managua there is a very verdant area which makes a nice day
trip. If you travel by car, don't take a lot of things in the trunk, because
you'll need the space to haul all of the craftswork you will undoubtedly but by
the roadside. The route from Masaya to Granada ought to be called the "Route
of the Artisans" because this region produces a good portion of the artisans of
Nicaragua. La
Laguna de Apoyo
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Granada
is situated on the shore of Lake Nicaragua. Like León, Granada was formerly
the capital of Nicaragua. It is undoubtedly still the country's tourism
capital. This was the first city founded by the Spanish on the Pacific side
of Nicaragua. From its past it retains the colonial aspect which attracts so
many tourists. Additionally, Granada is a port from whence one may embark for
Ometepe or for the San Juan River, crossing the great lake.
Near the city are the Islets, if you’re looking for some
recreation, and Mombacho Volcano if you want to trek through the tropical
jungle. Take care not to get lost on the volcano; thirty years ago a group
of fifteen college students were lost during a two week exploration of
the Mombacho jungle.
This
grand colonial building was almost totally destroyed by the fire of William Walker
in 1856. Only the stone doorway remained. Later it was rebuilt, keeping
the original stone doorway. It was recently purchased and restored by the "Casa
de Los Tres Mundos" (House of the Three Worlds), and later donated by this foundation
to the citizens of Granada, on the condition that they maintain it as an international
cultural center. .
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El
parque de Granada
Masaya |
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Masaya,
City of the Flowers, is located 30 km from Managua. It is the most important center
of crafts production in the country. You can obtain craftswork at modest prices
in the Market of Masaya. From the pier, you will have a wonderful view of the
lagoon and the Masaya Volcano. The city also has various colonial churches.
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In
Masaya you will find beautiful woven textiles with motifs inspired by Nicaraguan
folklore. Without exception the most spectacular are the Masaya hammocks,
famous throughout the world for their quality and beauty, and exported to
many countries.
This
rural region, known for its folklore, is near Masaya. It has an average elevation
of 500 m, which gives it a cool climate ideal for coffee growing.
In Nicaragua coffee is grown in the shade of gigantic trees, and accordingly,
these are some of the most beautiful regions of Nicaragua. The town of
San Juan de Oriente produces pretty ceramics with precolombian motifs.
