It's the Weekend!, you really want to go out with your family, your partner or even alone, to relax from the busy life of the capital, but you do not want to go so far, either because of the weather or for safety. The truth is that there are many places for sightseeing near Managua, where we can appreciate the incredible nature and our rich culture.
We compile a list of places that are maximum hour and a half by car from the capital.
Masaya volcano
Located 30 minutes from the capital, km 21st Managua - Masaya highway, is considered worldwide as one of the gates of hell , this national park is mainly made up of solidified lava and from the top you can see the Santiago crater, expelling toxic gases all the time, in addition to being able to fully appreciate the lava from the volcano .
It is one of the seven active volcanoes in the country whose rim of the crater is reachable by vehicle. We recommend visiting at the end of the afternoon to be able to appreciate the incandescent red color of the lava in all its splendor. During the day the visit has a cost of C$50 to nationals and C$150 to foreigners, in the evening U$5 and U$10 to foreigners, according to prices, January 2020.
Viewpoint of the Angel
The entrance is located at km 19th , Managua - Masaya highway, about 25 minutes from the capital, it is a restaurant - viewpoint, where you can see the skirts of the Masaya Volcano with its incredible landscape and its permanent fumaroles, a great place to enjoy with the family at sunset.
Prices vary between U$5 - U$12 per plate of food, with a menu specializing in meats but offering a variety of dishes.
You can find additional information in the following link .
Cerro El Ventarrón
Entrance located at km 26th road to La Concha, Masaya 50 minutes from the capital. Depending on the time of year it is accessible by car, otherwise we recommend 4×4 vehicle. To enter you pass through a rural area where you can see pitahaya and pineapple crops, lately this place is very popular with cyclists and runners through the various trails it has. The local people offer guided tours on foot and on horseback.
From the top, you can see the Masaya Volcano, the Masaya lagoon and nearby places such as: Ticuantepe and the city of Masaya.
Natural Reserve El Chocoyero
Entrance located on the km 21.5st road to La Concha, about 1 hour drive from Managua, it is a small jungle super close to the capital. This natural reserve is ideal for excursions, famous for the "Chocoyos" birds that nest in the rocky cliffs, near the waterfall that the place has. There is also the possibility of camping at night.
You can see in their natural habitat, deer and many species of amphibians and reptiles even monkeys. The average cost for the day is U$3 per person and U$25 at night. Some contact numbers: Tel: (505) 2276 7810, 2276 7811, 8660 6032.
El Crucero
El Crucero is an entire municipality in the department of Managua, located 40 minutes from the capital, begins at km 12.9th southern highway. Renowned for its pleasant and foggy climate, it is a region where coffee is grown. It is popular with young people to get out of the heat of the capital and it is very close. There are many "spots" where you can go by car, we recommend that you go with someone who already knows the places. The area offers to be surrounded by nature and appreciate the view from the height of Managua.
Las Nubes
Restaurant located in the municipality of El Crucero, Managua. 45 minutes from the capital city., km 24 southern highway.
It is a restaurant and country hotel with a pleasant climate, which has trails to travel with the family, where you can observe the variety of flora and fauna, as well as being able to go horseback riding. It has a cost to spend the day of approx C $ 200 per person, consumables in the restaurant area.
You can find additional information in the following link .
Catarina viewpoint
Located 7km from Masaya, one hour from Managua, is the Mirador de Catarina, with an incredible view where you can see the Apoyo Lagoon, the Mombacho Volcano, Isletas de Granada and El Lago de Nicaragua. Because it is a very touristy place, there are handicraft shops, restaurants and also the possibility of hiking and horseback riding.
It has an access cost of $ 1 per person.
If you like to hike, we recommend the «Los Mangos» trail in the extension of the viewpoint, to appreciate the flora and fauna of the place. You can find additional information in the following link .
San Juan de Oriente
Located 45 km from the capital, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by vehicle, is the town "San Juan de Oriente", it is well known for the art of clay pottery, sculptures and stone engravings. You can go around the town on foot to see the artisan workshops of families that have been dedicated to this art for generations.
Parque Natural San Rafael Del Sur
Seleccionado como el mejor parque natural del departamento de Managua, con una extensión de 100 manzanas, este se encuentra ubicado en Km 45 carretera Managua – Pochomil, de Llansa 1 km al norte. La entrada es gratis, se recomienda llevar algo para tomar y comer, zapatillas cómodas para caminar, se puede apreciar un puente colgante, laguna y tienes la posibilidad de hacer senderismo dentro del parque.
Casa Mokoron is a hostel with family atmosphere in Managua, where we offer daily and monthly room rental with all services included. We currently have a 9.3 / 10 rating on Booking.com for our excellent service.
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