Granada volcanoes tour: Masaya, Mombacho & Apoyo Lagoon

Three volcanoes in one day: from an active crater to a volcanic lagoon

A full-day tour from Granada visiting Masaya Volcano (one of the world's most active), Mombacho Volcano with its cloud forest and orchids, and Apoyo Lagoon, a crater lake where you swim and kayak. The tour includes entrance fees, a crater trail, a bilingual guide, transportation and a day pass to the lagoon's facilities. It runs 8 to 11 hours depending on your choices and pickup location (Granada or Managua). A minimum of two people per booking is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit three volcanoes and lagoon

• Explore Mombacho Volcano cloud forest
• Relax and swim at Apoyo Lagoon
• Visit active Masaya Volcano

The experience

The tour centers on three volcanoes that show Nicaragua's geology in different states. Masaya Volcano, ranked among the world's most active, sits 25 kilometers southeast of Managua and currently erupts from its Santiago crater. You'll see the caldera's steep walls and the site of ongoing activity. Mombacho, about 10 kilometers south of Granada, rises 1,344 meters and holds a cloud forest with hundreds of orchids. Current activity there shows as fumaroles and hot springs on the upper flanks. Between the two, you spend time at Apoyo Lagoon, an extinct volcano's crater lake ringed by lush vegetation where the water is clear enough to swim and kayak.

The day includes entrance to both active volcanoes, a crater trail on Mombacho, and a full day pass to Apoyo Lagoon with access to its facilities. A bilingual guide (English and Spanish) leads the tour and handles the logistics. You choose whether to start from Granada or Managua. Both options include hotel pickup. The tour runs between 8 and 11 hours depending on which volcanoes you visit first and how long you spend at the lagoon. Bring a swimsuit, towel, proper shoes, sunscreen and water. A rain jacket is useful during the rainy season.

What’s included

• The tour includes entrance fees to Masaya Volcano and Mombacho Volcano.
• a crater trail on Mombacho.
• a full day pass to Apoyo Lagoon with swimming, kayaking and access to facilities.
• transportation to all three sites.
• a bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• and hotel pickup from either Granada or Managua (depending on your option). Guide gratuity is optional and can be added at checkout.

Options for this experience

2 options

Pickup From GranadaGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00Pickup from Granada is included

Pickup From ManaguaGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 08:30Includes pickup from Managua

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 35 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Next Adventure Nicaragua

Is this one for you?Choose the Granada pickup if you're based in or near the city and want to minimize travel time. The Managua pickup works if that's where you're staying or flying in and out. The 8- to 11-hour span depends on which volcano you visit first and how long you spend swimming at Apoyo Lagoon, so you can adjust the pace to fit the rest of your day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What is Masaya Volcano like when you get there?

Masaya Volcano is one of the world's most active volcanoes, currently erupting from its Santiago crater. You'll see the caldera (a large depression with walls up to 300 meters high), and the site of ongoing activity. Unlike most volcanoes in subduction zones, it erupts mainly fluid basaltic lava rather than explosive material.

Can you actually swim at Apoyo Lagoon, or is it just a viewing stop?

Apoyo Lagoon is a full swimming and kayaking stop. Your day pass includes access to the lagoon's facilities, so you can spend time in the water and relax after visiting the volcanoes.

What's the difference between picking up from Granada versus Managua?

Both options include hotel pickup and transportation to all three sites. Pickup from Managua will add travel time since Masaya Volcano is 25 kilometers southeast of Managua, while Granada is closer to Mombacho and Apoyo Lagoon. Choose based on where you're staying.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included. You'll want to bring snacks or plan to eat during the day pass time at Apoyo Lagoon, where facilities are available.

Do I need to bring anything special for the volcanoes?

Wear proper shoes, bring sunscreen and a bottle of water, and pack a rain jacket if you're traveling during the rainy season. For Apoyo Lagoon, bring a swimsuit and towel. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the tour.