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Description of the villa:
The 1,500 sq. ft. house is a semi-attached house with a fabulous view of Laguna de Apoyo. It is located near Picaya, in Masaya, 20 minutes drive from Granada; 45 minutes drive from Managua International Airport. It is accessible on a paved road which leads to Caterina. Tourists like to hike on this road to look at butterflies and birds, with incredible views of Granada, Lake Nicaragua and the Islands. There are two restaurants and and a bar a few minutes away. It is close to Masaya Volcano and the Masaya Arts & Crafts market. The whole house is equipped with ceiling fans and is air-conditioned. Each room has French doors which give an uninterrupted view of Laguna de Apoyo. The house can sleep 6 comfortably, and 2 more on air beds. The long dining table seats 8 people. The fully equipped kitchen has marble countertops. The furniture in the house is custom made. You can find ceramic tile throughout the house. Breakfast and dinner can be prepared by 2 good cooks who live nearby. Driver service is available.
Laguna de Apoyo:
The Laguna de Apoyo is an extinct volcanic caldera filled with crystal-clear waters to form one of the deepest crater lakes in the world. The cobalt-blue Nicaraguan sky and the towering peak of nearby Mombacho volcano reflecting in Apoyo’s shining surface is one of the most breathtaking sights you’ll ever see. The Laguna de Apoyo is a site of outstanding natural beauty and also one of special scientific interest.
Nicaragua:
Nicaragua, the land of sun, lakes and volcanoes, is the largest but most sparsely populated nation in Central America. With an area of approximately 130,000 square kilometers, it is slightly larger than New York State. However, it has a relatively small population of only about 4.5 million. Nicaragua is bordered by the Caribbean Sea on the east, the Pacific Ocean on the west, Costa Rica on the south and Honduras on the north.
Nicaragua is mountainous in the west, with fertile valleys. Two big lakes, Nicaragua and Managua, are connected by the Tipitapa River. The Pacific coast is volcanic and very fertile. Caribbean coast is swampy. It is the ideal destination for traveling for those that seek something truly different. Laguna de Apoyo is a hidden paradise just for you!!! Whether you feel like swimming the warm waters of this crater lake, hiking in the forest, or just relaxing, you will love it! Canopy tour and kayaking are the activities for those of you who are adventurous.
Masaya Volcano:
In Masaya Volcano National Park, located a few minutes from Masaya, looking down to the still active crater will take your breath away. You can drive all the way to the rim and park right on the edge of the crater. The volcano constantly emits gases which make for excellent photo opportunities. It is one of Nicaragua’s most interesting and beautiful natural phenomena. There is a museum dedicated to the volcano's history. During the pre-Columbian age, Masaya Volcano was an object of veneration by the indigenous people.
Arts and Crafts Market in Masaya:
Named “Flowers City”, Masaya is situated 14 km north of Granada and 17 km south of Managua. Masaya is famous for its coffee plantations and local handicraft markets. You can buy unique local souvenirs: articles in wood, hammocks, leather (shoes, bags), pottery, ceramics, painting, hard stones, coffee and fabrics in the two Arts and Crafts Markets in Masaya. Catarina:
Catarina located at the top of west rim above Laguna de Apoyo, is the flower and plant capital of the country, with dozens of nurseries and many plant and flower sellers. It is a small and characteristic village of Nicaragua where people work in seedling nurseries, make handcraft and raise horses. Norome Resort:
Norome Resort at waters edge at Laguna de Apoyo. For a $5 admission fee, you can use the facilities in the resort. You can have fun in the swimming pool, lunch at the restaurant, or enjoy boating in the crater lake. Mombacho Volcano Natural Park:
This volcano, situated within the Natural Park of Volcan Mombacho, is 1400 meters high. It's been extinct for many years now, and it is totally covered with vegetation. This has created a rich ecosystem which within it live 50 species of mammals,174 species of birds, 30 of reptiles and 750 species of flora. You can reach the top by foot or on a special Russian truck with double traction. A scientific laboratory and a small museum have been built on the peak. San Juan de Oriente:
Pottery of San Juan de Orient: Nicaraguan fair trade pottery inspired by traditional pre-Columbian designs dates back to 1,000 B.C. . With pottery-making traditions dating back to pre-Columbian times, San Juan de Oriente, lying between the volcanoes of Masaya and Mombacho, is an artisan village famous throughout Nicaragua. Masatepe:
Roadside furniture shops and factories-rattan, wicker, wood funiture.
Las Isletas of Granada:
Located in one of the ports of Lake Nicaragua, the isletas consist of 365 small islands created by an old and powerful eruption from Volcano Mombacho. The isletas are also home to many flora and fauna, as well as host to restaurants, homes and other attractions. Please see details on the “La Isleta de Phoebe” page. Visit 365 islands (one for each day of the year) where homes are being built. The islands were created years ago whe nearby Mombacho Volcano erupted. Have lunch at Hotel Isleta La Ceiba. You can rent a Kayak and use it in the lake.
Several international airlines such as American Airlines, Continental, Delta, Copa, Grupo Taca, Iberia and Sol Air operate into Managua International Airport from the U.S.A. Do not forget to bring a camera, sun protector lotion, bathing suits and caps. Electricity is the same as in the U.S.: 110 Volts and 60 Hz. You can use a valid U.S. driving license in Nicaragua. |