Masaya Volcano National Park
Masaya Volcano National Park
4.5
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- Felipe41 contributionsA must visit spot in the area. Totally worth it.Def worth a visit. It’s a massive open crater where you actually see a lava river inside. You can hike up the north part of the crater to check an old volcano e snap some beautiful landscape views, and you can also hike the south part to check a secondary crater and also get a higher view of the volcano main one. The park opens up at 4:30 PM only, there is an entrance fee (don’t remember how much, but it’s not expensive), and you can totally get there on your own (no need to buy a tour). You go up to the main crater by car, you park literally in front of it. You will def see the lava glow at night, and possibly spot the lava river… it will depend on the volcano activity level… if there’s too much smoke, possibly it will cover the visibility to the lava river. The smell of this volcano is similar to a coal ember.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 19 January 2024
- graham eBirkenhead, United Kingdom581 contributionsLook down into the heart of the earth.Breath taking trip Due to the high sulphur levels our time at the volcano was limited, but this, however, made it extra special as tourist numbers are controlled. It's drive first through lush vegetation, then masses of dried larva until you reach the summit. Large parking area at the top, then just look down,,, wow on a clear day you can see into the heart of the volcano and it's bubbling larva.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 February 2024
- Thecatsmum4Kettering, United Kingdom2,617 contributionsWorth a visit if it has reopenedWe travelled through the lava fields up to the car park near the crater of Volcan Masaya and were only allowed 7 minutes viewing. There was quite a bit of smoke but little or no smell of sulphur as we had expected. We could not see the lava at the bottom of the crater that others have mentioned. However it is impressive and worth a visit. To the right of the volcano a cross stands at the top of the hill, in the same place where another similar cross was planted in 1528 by the jealous Mercedarian friar Francisco de Bobadilla, in order to exorcise the devil. NB - Following our visit on 22 February 2024, there was an incident in March whereby there was a landslide and some of the rock fell into the lava lake. It seems that this site has been closed for safety reasons. Check if it has reopened before scheduling a visit.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 24 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
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Tony B
Heredia, Costa Rica64 contributions
Jan 2020
It was very impressive to see real bubbling lava, I´ll never forget this experience. I visited the place after 5:40 in the afternoon, and I could see the lava at sunset and in the night (because the guards permit you only to remain about 40 minutes), but it is enough to have a great experience. The ticket to enter costs $10
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leigh A
Polzeath, UK45 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We took a 3hr tour from our hostel (de Boca en Boca) to see the Masaya volcano with its bubbling lava. It was flipping amazing! We were here before dark for sunset so saw it in daylight then getting gradually redder as the sun set. You can get quite close and actually hear it. Cheap tour ($20) really recommend
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rowan H
Cairns, Australia1,674 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coastal306205
55 contributions
Jun 2023
The volcano is accessible by car. You will enter the park for $10/person and drive a short distance to a visitors/education center to learn more about the volcano. Then it's up the mountain to the crater! You park near the various overlooks into the crater, which have just a few stairs, or you can follow a short path and climb a peak with 200+ stairs for an incredible vista. We went in the evening, and you will get a great view of the molten lava inside the crater after dark. The fumes and smoke do shorten your breath, particularly if you climb the stairs to the highest point, and I wouldn't want to spend more than about 30 minutes viewing the volcano.
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob R
Rehoboth Beach, DE62 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Felipe
41 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Def worth a visit. It’s a massive open crater where you actually see a lava river inside.
You can hike up the north part of the crater to check an old volcano e snap some beautiful landscape views, and you can also hike the south part to check a secondary crater and also get a higher view of the volcano main one.
The park opens up at 4:30 PM only, there is an entrance fee (don’t remember how much, but it’s not expensive), and you can totally get there on your own (no need to buy a tour).
You go up to the main crater by car, you park literally in front of it.
You will def see the lava glow at night, and possibly spot the lava river… it will depend on the volcano activity level… if there’s too much smoke, possibly it will cover the visibility to the lava river.
The smell of this volcano is similar to a coal ember.
You can hike up the north part of the crater to check an old volcano e snap some beautiful landscape views, and you can also hike the south part to check a secondary crater and also get a higher view of the volcano main one.
The park opens up at 4:30 PM only, there is an entrance fee (don’t remember how much, but it’s not expensive), and you can totally get there on your own (no need to buy a tour).
You go up to the main crater by car, you park literally in front of it.
You will def see the lava glow at night, and possibly spot the lava river… it will depend on the volcano activity level… if there’s too much smoke, possibly it will cover the visibility to the lava river.
The smell of this volcano is similar to a coal ember.
Written 20 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wandering Reviewer
Melbourne, Australia12,189 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Nicaragua’s first and largest park. This volcano continually emits large amounts of sulfur dioxide gas (from the active Santiago crater) and volcanologists study this (amongst other signs) to better understand the behavior of the volcano and also evaluate the impact of acid rain and the potential for health problems.
It is well worth a visit. But please obey the signs. The change intermittently so if it says CLOSED then do as it says for your own safety.
I watched a guy climb on top of the railing and he nearly fell down into the volcano. It’s actions like that which will close the place down to visitors.
There are park rangers who are watching visitors and as it gets to dusk, will flash you with a light if there aren’t happy with what you’re doing.
The volcano itself is impressive, but you really do need to wait until dusk to get the most of the view because of the crater. You can see where there have been landslides so be careful.
It can get busy and everyone wants that magical selfie so I suggest you stay in the main as it appears to offer the best photo. You can also walk to the cross on the hill which has spectacular views back to the town. Note that there have only been two lava flows since the 1600’s but there have been discreet explosions recently.
Tom here are a number of walking trails which are worth exploring, but during the day time.
Enjoy.
#thewanderingreviewer #masayavolcano #masayapark
It is well worth a visit. But please obey the signs. The change intermittently so if it says CLOSED then do as it says for your own safety.
I watched a guy climb on top of the railing and he nearly fell down into the volcano. It’s actions like that which will close the place down to visitors.
There are park rangers who are watching visitors and as it gets to dusk, will flash you with a light if there aren’t happy with what you’re doing.
The volcano itself is impressive, but you really do need to wait until dusk to get the most of the view because of the crater. You can see where there have been landslides so be careful.
It can get busy and everyone wants that magical selfie so I suggest you stay in the main as it appears to offer the best photo. You can also walk to the cross on the hill which has spectacular views back to the town. Note that there have only been two lava flows since the 1600’s but there have been discreet explosions recently.
Tom here are a number of walking trails which are worth exploring, but during the day time.
Enjoy.
#thewanderingreviewer #masayavolcano #masayapark
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC6,632 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thecatsmum4
Kettering, UK2,617 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
We travelled through the lava fields up to the car park near the crater of Volcan Masaya and were only allowed 7 minutes viewing. There was quite a bit of smoke but little or no smell of sulphur as we had expected. We could not see the lava at the bottom of the crater that others have mentioned. However it is impressive and worth a visit.
To the right of the volcano a cross stands at the top of the hill, in the same place where another similar cross was planted in 1528 by the jealous Mercedarian friar Francisco de Bobadilla, in order to exorcise the devil.
NB - Following our visit on 22 February 2024, there was an incident in March whereby there was a landslide and some of the rock fell into the lava lake. It seems that this site has been closed for safety reasons. Check if it has reopened before scheduling a visit.
To the right of the volcano a cross stands at the top of the hill, in the same place where another similar cross was planted in 1528 by the jealous Mercedarian friar Francisco de Bobadilla, in order to exorcise the devil.
NB - Following our visit on 22 February 2024, there was an incident in March whereby there was a landslide and some of the rock fell into the lava lake. It seems that this site has been closed for safety reasons. Check if it has reopened before scheduling a visit.
Written 24 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
_k9colin
Fareham, UK3 contributions
Feb 2020
Just returned for package holiday which included the life changing trip to see the active Masaya Volcano National park.however we turned up to find the volcano not open to public, this was not due to the volcano but due to some egotistic person who want to make a name for himself. It is not good when one mans ego stops everyone else's experience.
We were only allowed to visit the visitor centre to watch a Nat Geo video which you can probably see on TVs.
As you can guess we were all very dissapointed, my advice is check if you can do whole visit as it could be closed until end on March. Advice is if closed go else where and if you are booked ask for your money or alternative ( not that this experienced can be replicated due to what previous reviews say) many dissapointed people due to one idiots ego trip unfortunately
Can't give review to many questions due to closure
We were only allowed to visit the visitor centre to watch a Nat Geo video which you can probably see on TVs.
As you can guess we were all very dissapointed, my advice is check if you can do whole visit as it could be closed until end on March. Advice is if closed go else where and if you are booked ask for your money or alternative ( not that this experienced can be replicated due to what previous reviews say) many dissapointed people due to one idiots ego trip unfortunately
Can't give review to many questions due to closure
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
Written 21 February 2020
Visit their Facebook page. That is where we got all the information on it.
Written 25 February 2020
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
Written 12 November 2019
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
Written 16 February 2020
Está permitido subir y fotografiar con drones?
Is allowed the use of drones?
Written 8 October 2019
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!.
Written 14 October 2019
BONJOUR,
2 séniores recherchent un chauffeur-guide pour un circuit de 21 jours au Nicaragua pour mars ou avril 2020
Merci pour vos conseils
Written 2 September 2019
Bonjour, c'est mieu que vous contactez avec le Ministère de tourisme!!! Ils vous offrirent le guide!!! Rappelé que le gouvernement est Sandinista
Written 6 September 2019
Hello, is it possible to see red lava inside now? Thank you very much!
Written 19 June 2019
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?
Written 3 June 2019
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.
Written 6 June 2019
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?
Written 12 January 2019
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!
Written 14 January 2019
What company is $10 for the Masaya night tour from Granada
Written 27 February 2018
is there a place to leave your backpack at visitor center?
Written 14 February 2018
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.
Written 19 June 2018
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?
Written 5 January 2018
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.
Written 12 January 2018
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