Travel from Matagalpa to Masaya

Although it has a huge cultural center, incredible nightlife, and a volcanic national park, Masaya is often overlooked for its neighbor to the East, Granada. Granada is one of the cities at the top of most tourists’ lists when they come to Nicaragua because of its architecture and it being the oldest colonial city in the country. Because of this, it can feel overwhelmingly touristy - the kind of place where you can’t sit down on a park bench without 10 separate people coming up to you trying to sell you something.

Masaya has managed to stay (at least for the moment) under the radar of many tourists entering the area, which gives it a much calmer feel. This may not be for lack of trying on their part, however, because Masaya boasts the largest artisan market in the country. Craftsmen and artists come from all over to sell their handmade creations here. This essentially has drawn day-trippers from Granada to visit Masaya solely to purchase souvenirs and trinkets and then be off again.

What they are missing is exactly what is worth staying for. Unknown to many tourists is that just a short distance away from the market is Masaya’s baseball stadium, as well as its beautiful municipal park. Here there is a lookout point where you can gaze upon the Laguna de Masaya, and the Volcano National Park directly behind it.  

 Following the boardwalk, you can enter the park. Here you can find people playing chess on tables with newly painted chessboards, families playing with their children on playscapes, couples out for a jog, or people exercising on the built-in ellipticals at the exercise station. Not to mention, there are several restaurants in the center where you can grab a bite to eat. The best thing about this park for tourists, however, is the fact that it is well-lit and there are security guards around every corner. It feels very safe here.

Masaya also has a thriving nightlife. There are several dance clubs close to the park, and a variety of different bars in and around the central park.  One bar in particular called Zona Alf’s, (Del Cuerpo de Bomberos Una Cuadra al Este) located a few blocks from Calle Central has Karaoke, a pool room where yes, even women are welcome to play, and a disco. 

Day-trips outside of Masaya are pretty incredible as well. The Volcano National Park is just 20 minutes away by cab. Here you can either take a tour of Masaya’s active volcano and bat caves in the surrounding areas, or just check it out for yourself. 

Laguna de Apoyo is also a must-see destination. Located between Masaya and Granada, this fresh-water lagoon was formed by a crater and is situated in the middle of lush forest and vegetation. For $6 per person, you can enter Laguna Beach, a beautiful resort with a restaurant, wifi, picnic tables and lounge chairs. Your admission also covers all-day rental of stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. 

You can make the trip by catching a bus at 9:30 in the morning from the bus station in Masaya. The cost is around C$10 cordobas and it will drop you off at the triangle where Laguna Beach is just a short walk. Make sure to catch the bus back at 4:30 in the afternoon because this is the last bus of the day. If you want to stay longer, you can always take a taxi. 

GETTING TO MASAYA FROM MATAGALPA

There is one direct bus from Matagalpa to Masaya that leaves daily at 3:00 pm. The cost is C$70 cordobas and it is 3 hours. You will leave Matagalpa from the South Bus Station, and arrive to Masaya at their Central (only) Station. One detail worth noting, however, is that the direct bus does not run on Thursdays or Sundays.

If your travel plans dictate that you need to leave on a Thursday or a Sunday, or if you would like to leave earlier than 3:00 pm, there is another option - you will just have to have do a bit of fancy footwork and change busses.

First, you will need to take the EXPRESS BUS to MANAGUA. This bus leaves every hour from Matagalpa at 20 minutes past the hour starting at 5:20 am. (5:20, 6:20, 7:20, 8:20, etc.) Unlike Ruteados (normal chicken busses), on Express Busses, you need to buy your ticket in advance and will be given a seat assignment. You can buy your ticket at the ticket window in Matagalpa’s South Bus Station - the cost is $76 cordobas. 

You will travel almost all the way to Managua, but get off at Tipitapa - La Gallera. Plan on it being almost a 2 hour trip. When the attendant comes to check your ticket, just let him know that you are getting off at La Gallera in Tipitapa and he should be able to advise you when it is time. This is a big stop, and many people should be getting off the bus at the same time as you are.

After you disembark, stay at the bus station and look for a chicken bus that says TIPITAPA - MASAYA. One comes every 30 minutes so you shouldn’t have to wait long. This bus will cost C$11 cordobas and will take you all the way to the bus station in Masaya. Plan on this ride taking approx. 45 minutes.

A trip to Masaya is definitely worth the effort if you have time enough to make the treck. It is the perfect weekend getaway after a week of volunteering with VAYA Volunteers!