Masaya

Masaya is the folklore and craft capital of Nicaragua, a lively city between Managua and Granada famous for its markets, marimba music and traditions. Sitting near a smoking volcano and a crater lake, it is often called the cradle of Nicaraguan national culture.

The city's heart is its craft markets. The old Mercado de Artesanías, housed in a fortress-like stone building, and the larger municipal market sell hammocks, leatherwork, ceramics, embroidered blouses and carved gourds from across the country. Masaya is especially renowned for its cotton hammocks, woven in family workshops that visitors can often watch at work.

Tradition runs deep here. The indigenous neighborhood of Monimbó is a center of craft and of the folk dances and masked processions that fill the city's calendar, and Thursday nights bring live marimba and food to the artisan market. The city's festivals, blending Catholic and indigenous roots, are among the most colorful in the country, filling the streets with folk dancers, ox-carts and towering effigies known as gigantonas.

Dramatic nature lies close by. Masaya Volcano National Park, just outside town, lets visitors drive to the rim of an active crater and, at times, peer down at a glowing lava lake, a rare and unforgettable sight after dark. The Laguna de Masaya, a crater lake below the city, adds to the scenery. Masaya sits on the main road between Managua and Granada, making it an easy stop or day trip, and its central location suits travelers exploring Nicaragua's colonial heartland. Prices for craft are among the best in the region, and bargaining is part of the fun. The dry season from December to April brings the most comfortable weather for browsing the markets and visiting the nearby volcano and lake.