Masaya Volcano night tour and lava watching is one of the most incredible experiences of wild Nicaragua. The highlight of the spectacular volcano night tour is the impressive Santiago crater along with the sound of lava flowing below your feet.
Masaya Volcano night tour.
Masaya Volcano National Park lies between the cities of Managua and Granada and it is the largest national park in the country. It’s possible to explore the park on a day time or take a night tour for lava watching.
Advice – never travel to Managua if you don’t have to! It’s a heavy, busy city with almost nothing to see. Granada and Leon are must see destination.
We were very keen to visit Masaya by ourselves, however for night tour and lava watching I highly recommend booking an organized tour.
Masaya Volcano National Park.
Masaya Volcano is not just any volcano – it’s one of the most active in Central America. Located about 20 kilometers from the capital, Managua, it is part of the Masaya Volcano National Park.
The park encompasses several craters but it’s known for the captivating sight of glowing lava at night.
How to visit Masaya Volcano.
Most importantly – it is only possible to visit Masaya Volcano by car, there were no walkups allowed at the time we were traveling. Masaya Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua, thus for safety reasons you are not permitted to walk the park on your own at night time.
Only vehicles are accessible during night time, co they can control trafic and evacuate people if any danger occurs. Bus tour is the cheapest and most comfortable way to visit volcano at night time. We paid 20$ per person (regular prize) for the organized trip. Single entrance fee to the park after 4 p.m. is 10$, and it’s included in the price.
Once you have booked Masaya Volcano night tour, they will pick you up from Granada around at 4 p.m. and you will return after 8 p.m.
Masaya tour.
Be prepared there will be lots of vehicles waiting to enter the National Park for the night tour to Masaya Volcano.
We waited almost 3 hours to get through the gate. The highlights of the tour is reaching the viewpoint at the active Santiago crater. Standing at the edge, you’ll experience the sight of lava bubbling and glowing within the crater.
I’ll remain maximum 15 minutes for Masaya Volcano lava watching from the edge of the crater.
Masaya Volcano crater.
At the same time 15 minutes is long enough to experience this phenomenon. It’s fascinating to watch live lava flowing under. The sound of flowing lava is hipnotizing.
If you are visiting the park in the day time, the lava imporession obviously is not going to be the same. But there are many other things to do and trails to hike in the park. The volcano landscape across the national park is incredible. The entrance to the National Park during day time is much cheaper, you are not limited with time and you can also do some volcano hiking with many viewpoints across the area.
Safety during Masaya Volcano night tour.
While the experience is thrilling, but it’s important to stay safe. The guide should provide basic safety instructions. You should stay within designated viewing areas, there’s no need to wear mask, the sulfuric gases are not that intense.
Wear comfortable clothing, breathable fabrics, water and snacks and absolutely a camera or a smartphone. 😉
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