Founded in 1524, Granada enjoys the distinction of being the oldest colonial city in the Americas. Situated on the edge of Lake Nicaragua and in the shadow of Mombacho volcano, Granada is a romantic city of colorful colonial homes and churches. In this relaxed and mellow city, you can enjoy one of the most pleasant central parks in Latin America, festive outdoor concerts every Friday night, visits to local museums, lively discos by the lake, and a history that includes the exploits of the infamous William Walker, who attempted to burn the city down in 1856. Granada is a great place to use as a base to explore many of Nicaragua’s popular highlights.

Activities In Town
You can wander in the buildings and stores around parque central, also known as Parque Colón, including the Palacio de Cultura Joaquín Cuadra Pasos, on the west side. On the south east corner La Gran Francia, a building dating back to the founding of the city and which has been reconstructed to reflect the finest colonial architecture of that period. On the north end of the plaza on the right side, you’ll see a stone portico with lions, the only surviving portion of the original building burnt by William Walker. Today it is Casa de los Tres Mundos, an arts and cultural center where you can catch an exhibition or arts rehearsal (Monday through Sunday, 8AM-6PM). If you walk north to the edge of the park, then one block east, you can visit the museum located in the oldest church of Central America. Convento e Iglesia de San Francisco, founded in 1529, houses archeological treasures from Isla de Ometepe, a primitive art exhibit, and historical displays, some with English information (Monday through Sunday, 9AM-6PM). Horse-drawn carriages, called los coches, are another way to tour the city. Look for the Spanish tiles marking the city highlighting historical sites and events, including the homes of past presidents and the exploits of William Walker. On the west side of the city, you can explore an interesting old cemetery with tombs of both the rich and poor dating back more than a century. One block east is Fortaleza La Pólvora, built in 1749. If the fortification appears to be closed, knock at the gate. Once inside, you can climb a turret for a good view of the city.

Walk by Lake Nicaragua for the cool breeze and views. Just off Granada in the lake is Las Isletas, made up of more than 360 islands created when the Mombacho volcano exploded 20,000 years ago. This is a beautiful excursion in a setting of tiny tropical islands richly covered in vegetation and many with holiday mansions. In addition to the interesting flora and fauna of Las Isletas, on one island there are the remnants of a fort, El Castillo San Pablo, built in 1784. Boat trips can be easily organized for US$10-15 per hour, per boat. There are three points with excellent views from which to dine, fish or explore Las Isletas -Puerto Assese, Club Nautica, and the docks at the end of Centro Turístico. You can reach the ports via a short cab ride from the center of town. Antique, craft and artisan stores are increasing in number and one can find pleasing items to take home along Calle La Calzada. Locals and tourists enjoy great music at the few modern bars in town, or you can visit one of the popular discos near the lake and experience one of Nicaragaun’s greatest passions – dancing.

Excursions Nearby
Laguna de Apoyo is a volcano crater lake that can be seen from Mirador de Catarina. Only a half-hour drive or bus ride away from Granada, you reach the mirador by going through the village of Catarina, known for its nurseries of wonderful flowering plants and for local crafts. From one of the crater-side restaurants, you can enjoy cool wind, an amazing view and often, musicians performing. On the crater’s edge, accessible via a different road visitors can hike, swim, kayak and windsurf. An alternate route for reaching Laguna de Apoyo is hiking there. Leaving from the northeast corner of Granada’s cemetery, visitors can enjoy a 2 1/2 hour round-trip predominantly level walk to the craters edge. Stay straight on the path and after the road curves south, cut across a fenced field that will take you to the craters lip. Feel free to ask locals for directions and remember your sunscreen.

On the road from Catarina heading south towards Nandaime, turn right at the entrance of San Juan del Oriente. You will find a pleasant pueblo, easily walkable, where you can tour the workshops and stores of local ceramic artisans. The Mombacho Volcano Reserva, with its thick cloud forest, cool climate, well-marked trails, biological station, and wonderful views of Granada and Las Isletas, is an hour drive from Granada and shouldn’t be missed. It can be reached by car, public transport or by tour. Zipping through the trees on lines, a canopy tour on the slopes of Mombacho is popular for the fun factor. If you’d like to experience the sights and smells of an active volcano, you can visit Masaya Volcano National Park, which has walking trails and a visitor center. Combine your visit to the park with a visit to El Coyotepe, both of which are just north of Masaya on the highway. The fort was built in the 1890s and later was a Somozan prison. The fort offers an incredible view of the volcanoes, lagoons and lakes of this region. The Masaya markets are known as the center of Nicaraguan arts and crafts and are in the town of Masaya. The most popular of the markets is Mercado Viejo.

Services
There are banking facilities and ATMs; Internet access is available for as low as 20 córdobas per hour; tour companies; book exchanges at several hospedajes; laundry service; real estate sales; cinema; clothes; toiletries; supermarkets; and cars, bicycles and kayaks available for rental.

Transportation
Buses: Managua: Departures every 15 minutes from near the old hospital, 4AM to 7PM; a one-hour trip arriving at Mercado Roberto Huembes. Managua Expresos: Microbuses depart every 20 minutes from near BAC, Monday through Saturday, 5:00AM to 8PM, and Sunday until 5PM; 45-minute trip arriving at UCA.
Masaya: Departures every 25 minutes from the market, 4:20AM to 6PM, 45 minute-trip. These buses go into the town of Masaya but do not pass Masaya Volcano National Park. To reach the park, take a Managua bus and ask to be let off at the entrance.
Rivas: Departures from the market next to the Shell station, direct buses 5:45, 6:30, 7:10, 8, 9:30, 11:30AM, 12:30, 1:30PM; 90-minute trip. Sundays 7:30 and 11:30AM
Mombacho: Take a bus going to Nandaime or Rivas and ask to be let off at Mombacho, after which there is a 20-minute walk.
Jinotepe: Departures from the market 6:00AM, 7:30AM, 8:30AM, 10:15AM and 12:00PM
Diriamba and the Carazo towns: Departures every 20 minutes from the market, 6AM to 5:05PM; 35-45 minute trips.
Nandaime: Departures every 20 minutes from the market, 5AM to 6PM.
Catarina and San Juan del Oriente: Buses to Niquinohomo can take you there. Departures every 20 minutes from the market, 5:00AM to 5:50PM; another common route is to take a bus to Masaya or Managua, ask to get off at the Catarina turn-off, then cross the street and catch a bus heading for Catarina.
Ometepe: Depart via bus to Rivas, then take a short taxi ride to the dock at San Jorge, a small town next to Rivas. Catch a ferry to Moyogalpa, departures daily, almost hourly until 5PM, with fewer departures on Saturday and Sunday. Several ferries are able to take vehicles over to the island. To arrange, call 459-4284.