MASAYA, CARAZO, AND THE PUEBLOS BLANCOS

The City of Flowers, as Rubén Darío christened Masaya a century ago (he was talking about the girls, not the flora), is the epicenter of a thriving community of artisans and craftspeople who work in leather, pottery, fabric, oil paint, and much more. That’s not to say you won’t find inspired handicrafts elsewhere in the nation, but the intensity of the creativity and passion of Masayan artists far exceeds that of their compatriots, and the diversity and originality of their creations reflects that. Tourism officials have attempted to fortify this image of Masaya by refurbishing the square city block of the Old Market. A visit inside the castle-like walls of the market is a safe, colorful, pleasant experience—especially when there is folk dancing and music on one of the stages.

  In the hills surrounding Masaya, dozens of small, picturesque towns perch on a cool, breezy meseta (elevated flatland) punctuated by enormous, azure crater lakes and the nation’s most accessible active volcano. Here the lifestyle is unhurried—even by Nicaraguan standards—and the curious traveler can admire not just the evocative and inspiring landscape but many beautiful handicrafts, each one the specialty of one of the Pueblos Blancos.

El Malecón: Take a stroll along the crater’s lip, which marks Masaya’s western edge, and enjoy the view of the lagoon below. (read more)

National Handicrafts Market: The immense variety of goods available in Masaya’s market will tempt you to fill your luggage with handmade treasures. (read more)

Coyotepe: The dungeons of this hilltop fort are just as impressive as the wide, 360-degree vista from the battlements. (read more)

Volcán Masaya National Park: Peer into the gates of hell, wherein dwell demon parakeets—then visit the gift shop of this popular national park. (read more)

The Catarina Mirador: This crater’s lip patio terrace, with one of the best panoramas in Nicaragua, often offers live marimba music to accompany your beverage. (read more)

San Juan de Oriente: At this potter’s paradise, you can browse through thousands of hand-crafted ceramic pieces (as well as paintings and other crafts), or talk your way into the workshop and watch how it’s done. (read more)