Granada Colonial City Tour and Masaya Volcano

See the active volcano and the city in one day without arranging the stops.

This eight-hour tour from Granada takes you through the colonial city's landmarks, then to Masaya Volcano for a one-hour nature hike on the Comalito Trail with views of steam vents, followed by the local craft market, a chocolate tasting at Bate Bate, and a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua. Hotel pickup and drop-off, entry fees, water and all activities are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Granada and Masaya Volcano

• Visit Masaya Volcano Visitor Center
• Hike Comalito Trail for 1 hour
• Shop at Masaya local handcraft market
• Take boat ride on Lake Nicaragua
• Enjoy chocolate tasting at Bate Bate
• Visit Merced Church Tower viewpoint
• Tour Doña Elba Cigar Factory

The Experience

The day starts with hotel pickup and heads straight to Masaya Volcano. You walk the Comalito Trail for an hour, moving through the park with views of the active volcano's steam vents and crater rim. The active crater of Santiago stays closed due to ongoing eruptions, so the hike stays on the marked trail where the geology is visible without the hazard. After the volcano, you move to the local market in Masaya to browse ceramics, wood bowls, leather goods, paintings and T-shirts made by vendors there.

The afternoon brings you to smaller stops that break up the day. You visit the Merced Church Tower for a viewpoint over Granada's colonial rooflines and streets, then stop at Bate Bate Chocolate for a tasting tour that shows how the chocolate is made. A small island in Lake Nicaragua—thick with vegetation, shore birds and monkeys, ringed by both local fishing houses and vacation homes—is where you spend your final hour on the water, relaxing after the morning's walking and the stops in between.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• entry to Masaya Volcano and the Comalito Trail.
• the one-hour nature hike with views of steam vents.
• time at the local craft market in Masaya.
• a chocolate tasting tour at Bate Bate.
• entry to the Merced Church Tower.
• a one-hour boat ride on Lake Nicaragua.
• one cold bottle of water per guest.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Duran Tours Nicaragua

Is this one for you?The tour runs eight hours with a one-hour hike and several stops in between, so it suits travelers who want to see both the volcano and the city without renting a car or booking separate activities. The early morning start and the mix of walking, browsing and boat time means you'll move through the day at a steady pace rather than staying in one place.

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Top questions

What is the Comalito Trail hike like at Masaya Volcano?

The Comalito Trail is a one-hour nature walk through Masaya Volcano National Park with views of steam vents and the crater rim. The active crater of Santiago is closed due to recent eruptions, so the hike follows the marked trail through the park's accessible areas.

Does the tour include meals or drinks?

The tour includes one cold bottle of water per guest and a chocolate tasting at Bate Bate. Meals, alcoholic drinks and other snacks are not included, so you can eat before or after the tour, or bring your own food.

How long is the boat ride on Lake Nicaragua?

The boat ride lasts one hour and takes you to a small island with vegetation, birds and monkeys, where you can see both local fishing houses and vacation homes along the shore.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility concerns?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and children from age one are welcome. The one-hour hike on the Comalito Trail involves walking on a marked trail, so it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, entry to Masaya Volcano, the Comalito Trail hike, the chocolate tasting at Bate Bate, entry to the Merced Church Tower, the one-hour boat ride on Lake Nicaragua, and one bottle of water per guest are all included.

What can you buy at the Masaya craft market?

The market in Masaya sells local handmade goods including ceramics, wood bowls, leather items, paintings, T-shirts and shoes made by local artisans.