Granada Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Granada with this comprehensive travel guide that includes a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, activities and tours, where to stay, what to buy, and more.


Introduction to Granada

Located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Granada is a beautiful colonial city in Southern Pacific Coast, Nicaragua. It is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, colorful buildings, and lively cultural scene. Here is our comprehensive travel guide to Granada, Nicaragua, with everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip.

List of Places to Visit in Granada

No trip to Granada would be complete without visiting its many attractions. Here are some must-see spots:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mi Museo: This museum contains a wide array of pre-Columbian artifacts that are sure to enthrall any history buff.
  • Casa de los Tres Mundos: A cultural center that features exhibitions, concerts, and educational events.
  • Convento y Museo San Francisco: A beautiful and historic building that houses a museum showcasing local art and religious artifacts.
  • La Merced: A stunning colonial church with a bell tower that offers breathtaking views of the city.
  • Iglesia de Xalteva: A 16th-century church with intricately carved woodwork and stained glass windows.

Natural Attractions of Granada: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Volcano Mombacho: This dormant volcano is a must-visit for its stunning views and lush cloud forest.
  • Las Isletas: A group of 365 small islands located in Lake Nicaragua that are a popular spot for boat tours and bird watching.
  • Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve: A nature reserve that is home to a crystal-clear lagoon and a variety of wildlife.
  • Masaya Volcano National Park: A park that houses one of Nicaragua’s most active volcanoes, as well as bat caves and other geological wonders.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Granada

Granada is a great place to explore on foot or by bike. Here are some popular routes:

  • Laguna de Apoyo Hike: A moderate-level hike that takes you through lush jungle to the top of a dormant volcano, with panoramic views of Lake Apoyo.
  • Mombacho Volcano Hike: A challenging hike that takes you through a cloud forest to the top of a volcano.
  • Biking 365 Isletas: Take a biking tour around the Isletas, stopping to explore small islands along the way.

Best Things to Do in Granada: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re interested in exploring nature, learning about local culture, or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery, Granada has something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours:

  • Horse and carriage tour of the city: A fun and relaxing way to explore the city’s historic center.
  • Cultural walking tour: A guided tour that takes you through the city’s iconic landmarks and historic churches.
  • Kayak the Isletas: Explore the Isletas by kayak, stopping to see the local birdlife and swim in Lake Nicaragua.
  • Cigar factory tour: With Nicaragua being home to some of the world’s finest cigars, touring a local factory is a must-do for any cigar enthusiast.

Week-Long Itinerary for Granada

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Granada:

  • Day 1 - Arrive in Granada and explore the city center on a horse and carriage tour.
  • Day 2 - Take a cultural walking tour of the city center, including stops at the historic La Merced church and San Francisco Convent.
  • Day 3 - Hike Mombacho Volcano and explore the cloud forest.
  • Day 4 - Take a boat tour of Las Isletas and enjoy the local wildlife.
  • Day 5 - Take a day trip to Masaya Volcano National Park to see the active volcano and bat caves.
  • Day 6 - Visit the Mi Museo and learn about the pre-Columbian history of the area.
  • Day 7 - Relax and enjoy the city’s beautiful scenery and local food and drink scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Granada

With its wide array of delicious local specialties and international cuisine, Granada is a great destination for foodies. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Vigorón: A traditional dish made with yucca, pork rinds, and cabbage salad.
  • Nacatamal: A Nicaraguan-style tamal, typically stuffed with pork, rice, and vegetables.
  • Ropa vieja: Shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce, often served with rice and beans.

Local Beverages

  • Tona: The most popular local beer, often served with a slice of lime.
  • Rum: Nicaragua is known for its high-quality rum, with Flor de Caña being the most popular brand.
  • Café con leche: A strong cup of coffee with steamed milk, the perfect way to start your morning in Granada.

Where to Stay in Granada: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Granada offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Hotel Plaza Colon: A beautiful colonial-style hotel located in the heart of the city center.
  • Hostel Oasis: A budget-friendly hostel with comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Hotel Los Patios: A boutique hotel with lush gardens and a rooftop pool.
  • Hotel Dario: A historic hotel that was once a stately mansion, now offering modern amenities and an elegant ambiance.

What to Buy in Granada: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

No trip to Granada would be complete without bringing home some souvenirs. Here are some of the best things to buy in Granada:

  • Cigars: Nicaragua is known for its high-quality cigars, making this a must-buy for any cigar enthusiast.
  • Handwoven textiles: Beautifully handwoven tablecloths, blankets, and other textiles make great souvenirs or gifts.
  • Ceramics: Granada is home to a variety of ceramics workshops, where you can find beautiful hand-painted plates, cups, and bowls.

Local Culture and Customs of Granada

The people of Granada are warm and welcoming, with a rich cultural heritage that blends Spanish colonial influence with indigenous traditions. Be sure to respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting churches and other religious sites. Tipping is not required in Nicaragua but is appreciated for good service.

Best Time to Visit Granada

The best time to visit Granada is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The weather during this time is warm and sunny, with low humidity and no rainfall. The rainy season, from May to November, can still be a great time to visit, as the landscape is lush and green, but be prepared for heavy rainfall and occasional tropical storms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Granada

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Granada:

Do:

  • Try the local food and drink, including vigorón and rum.
  • Take a boat tour of Las Isletas.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Engage in street gambling or illegal activities.
  • Leave valuables in plain sight in your car or hotel room.
  • Travel alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Safety and Health

Nicaragua is a relatively safe destination for travelers, but it is important to take basic safety precautions. Here are some tips:

Safety in Granada

  • Be cautious when using public transportation, especially buses.
  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
  • Don’t flaunt valuables in public.

Health in Granada

  • Be sure to drink only bottled or purified water.
  • Use insect repellent to protect against mosquito-borne diseases like Zika virus.
  • Bring any necessary prescribed medications with you.

Getting to Granada: Transportation Options and Logistics

Granada is easily accessible by air or bus. Here are some options:

Airports Near Granada

  • Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport (MGA): Located in Managua, about an hour’s drive from Granada.

Bus Stations Near Granada

  • UCA Bus Terminal: Located in Managua, with regular service to Granada.
  • Granada Bus Terminal: Located in the city center, with service to destinations throughout Nicaragua.

Other Options

  • Private car: Private car services are available for hire from Managua to Granada.

How to Get Around in Granada

The best way to get around Granada is on foot or by bike, as the city is small and easy to navigate. Taxis are also readily available, but negotiate the price before getting in the car. Public transportation is also available, but can be crowded and confusing for non-Spanish speakers.

Where to Go Next from Granada: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time in Nicaragua, here are some nearby destinations and excursions worth checking out:

  • Ometepe Island: This beautiful island in Lake Nicaragua is home to two active volcanoes and is a great spot for hiking and wildlife viewing.
  • Leon: A beautiful colonial city on the Pacific coast known for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
  • San Juan del Sur: A laid-back beach town on the Pacific coast with great surf, restaurants, and nightlife.

Conclusion

Granada is one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful and historic cities, with a rich cultural heritage and plenty to see and do. Whether you’re interested in exploring nature, learning about local history, or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery, Granada is a great destination for travelers of all types.

A view from the Parque Central towards the Cathedral. A view from the Parque Central towards the Cathedral. Puerto Asese marina in Granada Puerto Asese marina in Granada