A lagoon? No, more like a crater lake. Excuse the correction, but it’s important to point it out. The Apoyo Lagoon is one of my favorite places in Nicaragua. Close to Granada and Masaya, I’m always delighted to go there. Warm, soft water in a stunning setting. The crater is said to have formed over 20,000 years ago following an explosion that left a 6 km diameter funnel behind.
Easy access
Access is easy and straightforward. A few small shops and inns line the lake. It’s a favorite weekend spot for families from the capital or Granada. And I don’t blame them. Its proximity and easy access are assets. The white villages of Catarina and San Juan de Oriente lie on its crest. A splendid panorama is presented to me from the top, a beautiful mirador.
Horseback ride to Apoyo lagoon
You can go for a ride on horseback, have a cup of coffee and browse the small craft shops around the mirador, the viewpoint. I know this is where you’ll find the most beautiful plants and flowers, and there are plenty of nurserymen. It’s green and smells good.
View of nearby volcanoes
Silence. The colors and the view take my breath away every time. I’m inevitably a little hot. I wanted a clear, cloudless view, so I could see the nearby volcanoes of Apoyo and its water-filled crater. The idea was to get back to the car or take a cab and get out as quickly as possible to cool off! On the way, I’m always impressed by this almost invasive nature. It’s green! I catch fleeting glimpses of monkeys and iguanas. When I finally arrive, I jump into the water. The lake is quickly deep, the water warm and clear. I let myself sink into the flow of this funnel. An exquisite sensation.
Plan your next trip to Nicaragua!
