Masaya Volcano & Laguna de Apoyo day tour from Managua

The volcano's lava reflects orange across the crater rim at the lookout point.

A day tour from Managua combining Masaya Volcano and Laguna de Apoyo, with hotel or airport pickup included. You'll walk the crater viewpoint to see the 54 km volcanic landscape, swim in the lagoon's clear water, and kayak if you choose. The full outing takes about 6 hours with your guide and driver.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Masaya Volcano45m
2. Apoyo Lagoon4h

Visit Masaya Volcano and Apoyo Lagoon

• Meet local guide at hotel or airport
• Drive to Masaya Volcano
• Take pictures at volcano lookout
• Walk along crater viewpoint
• Drive to Laguna de Apoyo
• Swim in Apoyo Lagoon
• Kayak on the lagoon
• Optional lunch by the lagoon
• Return to hotel

The experience

Your guide meets you at your Managua hotel or airport (free airport pickup is included on the day of the tour), and drives you to Masaya Volcano first. At the national park, you walk to the lookout on top of the crater to photograph the petrified lava field and the orange glow reflecting off the volcanic rock. The guide explains how the lava belt formed and the volcano's history while you take in the 54 km expanse of volcanic terrain spread below.

After the volcano, you head to Laguna de Apoyo, a crater lake with water so calm and clear that kayaking and swimming are both easy. You can paddle around the lagoon, float in the water, or grab a local beer and relax by the shore. A restaurant on-site serves typical local food at affordable prices if you want lunch. That's an optional add-on with its own cost, separate from the tour price.

The whole day, including the drive back to your hotel, runs about 6 hours. Your guide speaks English or Spanish, and children as young as one can come along as long as an adult is with them. The tour suits any fitness level.

What’s included

• Hotel or airport pickup and drop-off.
• local guide in English or Spanish.
• driver for the full day.
• access to both Masaya Volcano and Laguna de Apoyo (entrance fees are optional purchases at checkout).

Options for this experience

2 options

Day pass to Laguna de Apoyo together with Masaya VolcanoGuide in English or Spanish · 13:00Private tour, pickup is included

Free pickup from the airportGuide in English or Spanish · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Enjoy this adventure and save money: we collect you from the airport at no charge, provided that happens on the same day as the tour. Pickup is included.

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 day6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (17 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 16 years) · Child (5 to 12 years): free · Infant (1 to 4 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 12

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Show Me Nicaragua Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want volcano and lagoon swimming in one outing from Managua. The 6-7 hour loop departs from your hotel or airport, so you fit it around a half-day window without coordinating separate trips.

Traveler reviews

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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 (13 to 16 years); Child (5 to 12 years): free; Infant (1 to 4 years): free.

What will I see at Masaya Volcano?

Masaya Volcano's crater viewpoint shows a 54 km landscape of petrified lava and volcanic terrain. The lava reflects an orange glow across the crater rim, which is especially striking for photographs.

Can I swim and kayak at Laguna de Apoyo?

Yes. The lagoon's water is calm and clear, so both swimming and kayaking are easy to do. You can choose to do either, both, or just relax by the shore with a drink.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is optional and costs extra. A restaurant by the lagoon serves typical local food at affordable prices, but you can skip it if you prefer.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour takes about 6 hours round trip from your hotel, including the drive to and from Masaya Volcano and Laguna de Apoyo.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from the airport?

No. Free airport pickup is included on the day of the tour, so your guide will collect you directly if you arrive that morning.