Destinations >> Granada

The colonial city of Granada is located some 47 kilometers (29 miles) from Managua. Founded in 1524, it is the oldest city in the continental Americas.

Set on the west coast of Lake Nicaragua, it has excellent potential for tourism and historical interest. Like Leon, the city still retains its colonial style.

Relive those times by taking a ride in a horse-drawn coach, leaving from the Parque Colon, and enjoy the scenery of Granada. On Fridays, experience the Noches de Serenata (Serenade Nights) and enjoy the local cuisine and a festive atmosphere enlivened by a variety of musical groups.

The Convent and Church of San Francisco were founded in 1529. San Francisco is the first church of the city and one of the most important colonial buildings in Central America. The Convent is now a museum that houses part of the pre-Columbian statuary of Nicaragua.

Visit the shores of Lake Nicaragua and take a boat ride from La Cabaña Amarilla or from Port Asese for an incredible ecological voyage among 350 small islands, borne of an ancient and violent explosion of Mombacho Volcano.

On the Isleta La Ceiba, visit the hotel of the same name, where you may enjoy aquatic and fishing activities and spend the night under a sky inundated with stars. Take photographs of the San Pablo Fort. To the south is Zapatera Island, famous for its many pre-Columbian petroglyphs, which are well worth viewing.

Plan a tour of the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve, and enjoy wonderfully scenic views of the city, the Isletas of Granada and the Mombacho Volcano itself, from its two scenic overlook points. Hike the nature trails to learn about the lush flora and fauna of this spectacular volcano.

The towns of the department of Granada are: Nandaime, Diriomo and Diria.

Tourist Attractions

Historical: Convent of San Francisco, La Merced and Xalteva Churches; La Polvora Fort, San Pablo Fort, the small islands (Isletas); the Islote del Muerto (the Isle of the Dead) and Zapatera Island.

Scenic: Archipelago of the Isletas, Asese Bay, the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve, with interesting sights such as the Crater, the Plan de Las Flores (Plain of Flowers), Cutirre Farm, Pichicha Crater Lake and the Charco Muerto (Dead Pool); Zapatera Archipelago National Park.

Ecological: Forests, cloud forests, and fauna of Mombacho. Birds of the Isletas and the Mecatepe Crater Lake. Aquatic birds in the Charcos de Genízaro (Rain Tree Pools); the fish of Lake Nicaragua and the Zapatera Archipelago National Park.

Church of San Francisco in Granada

The church is among the first built by the Spanish conquerors in continental America, when the city of Granada was founded in 1524. Friar Bartolome de las Casas preached from its pulpit, interceding for the indigenous people.

Mombacho Volcano

On its summit, and between 850 and 1,400 meters (2,789 and 4,593 feet), is one of the few cool humid forests of the Pacific region. It is known for its misty dwarf forest, its impressive orchids, bromeliads and ferns, and a great variety of birds and butterflies.