Habitat for Humanity Nicaragua2013

Nicaragua: Cultural Destinations

Habitat for Humanity NicaraguaNicaragua: Cultural Destinations

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Cultural Activity: Discovering Masaya and GranadaLeaving the city of Managua to the city of Masaya, the group will visit the Masaya Volcano; on the same road we will visit the Masaya’s Crafts Market and the Catarina View Point. The Masaya Craft Market, where they can be obtained very fine pieces, produced by hand in Nicaragua, representative of our culture, worked leather, wood, ceramics and of course, tissues such as the famous Nicaraguan hammocks. In Catarina, you will be able to marvel at the tranquil turquoise waters of the Apoyo Lagoon which was formed approximately 23,000 years ago after a strong volcanic eruption, leaving a hole measuring 6 kilometers in diameter.

Last but not least the group will head to Granada City. Granada is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nicaragua. It is a town known for its rich history, dating back to the days of the spanish conquistadors and the days of William Walker, and its tradition and culture. The city surrounds you with unique colonial architecture, horse-drawn carriages and friendly people sitting in rocking chairs, enjoying a cool breeze.

Granada feels like a trip back in time. We will explore the rich natural beauty of Lake Nicaragua, Volcano Mombacho, the exotic 300 islands and its surrounding natural attractions. We will take you to a tour of the old cathedrals, immerse yourself in the culture, the language, and overall to enjoy your trip as you experience this unique place in time.

In the pages below you will find detailed information about each sightseeing destination in our itinerary. HFH Nicaragua staff will welcome you and will be thrilled to show you around a few of the natural beauties by which Nicaragua is known for. The tour will be full of history and natural marvels, if you like to enjoy outdoors and nature; this trip will fulfill your expectations. Hope you can make it!

Masaya VolcanoVolcan Masaya and Crater SantiagoAt the volcano the group will admire the magnificence of this spectacular giant; you will be able to see the active crater just a few steps not far from the border.The Masaya Volcano National Park comprises an area of 54 km² and includes two volcanoes and five craters. The volcanoes have erupted several times in history, and were feared by both the indigenous people and the Spanish conquerors. The Spanish baptized the active volcano "La Boca del Infierno" or "The Mouth of Hell". They planted a cross, "La Cruz de Bobadilla" (named after Father Francisco Bobadilla), on the crater lip in the 16th century in order to exorcise the Devil.

Visitors can peek over the edge at the Masaya Volcano, and look into the impressive crater, which is continuously emitting smoke and sulfur gases. From this central crater it is possible to start hiking to other craters or viewpoints. Be sure to walk a bit to get a view of the smoking volcano and the fascinating surroundings. There are several trails that lead to other great views, other craters, or to the Tzinaconostoc Cave in which hundreds of bats house.

Habitat for Humanity NicaraguaNicaragua: Cultural Destinations

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Masaya Craft MarketMercado de Artesanías de Masaya

The crafts market in Masaya is a nice place to get your Nicaraguan souvenirs. A friendly setting and lots of small stands with souvenirs that are not very different but that do offer enough variety to find something for everybody back home. It's best to first take a look around and get informed before buying something. Being well-informed will also strengthen your bargaining position. Although the products are friendly priced it is surely possible to get some discount if you buy more than one item from the same vendor. There is even a DHL office inside the market to send your souvenirs home right away.

Catarina View PointMirador de Catarina

Catarina is a town close to Masaya, overlooking the Apoyo Lagoon. Catarina is famous for this magnificent observation point of the Apoyo lagoon, as well as for its nurseries.

The viewpoint of Catarina is one of the highest hills surrounding the Apoyo Lagoon, and the view from there is superb. You can see the whole lagoon as well as Lake Nicaragua behind it. The Mombacho volcano borders the lake and is also prominently present.

The viewpoint is a popular place among Nicaraguans during weekends, when families and friends gather here to enjoy the view, grab a bite in one of the restaurants, or have a look through one of the telescopes. These visitors attract salesmen and singers who wander around trying to sell their products or songs. The atmosphere still is quite relaxing during the weekend though, and if you really prefer to be here when there are only few people around you can simply go there during weekdays. Catarina is also known for its fertile soil and it is a hotspot of nurseries. There are many small outside shops where trees, plants, palms, and other garden-material is being sold. People come even from Managua to buy their plants here.

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Granada

The Oldest City in Central America

Granada was founded in Xalteva (Jalteva) next to Lake Cocibolca, or Grand Lake of Nicaragua, by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba in 1524, constituting one of the oldest colonial settlements of Central America. Francisco named Granada after his home in Spain.

The habitants lived their everyday life in Xalteva as butchers, warriors and artists who had knowledge in various disciplines like astronomy, botany and medicine, and group of traders were also part of this Indian kingdom. After the Nicaraguan historian Jorge Eduarde Arellanom, the historical beginning of Granada can be distinguished in the fusion of architectonic elements and the construction of the city, which was based on the exploration of the river San Juan.

The purpose of those explorations was to find a waterway from the lake until the Atlantic Ocean, which framed the destination, and raised the quality of its harbor. That was an important part of the splendor and decline of the city Granada. Poets and journalists named Granada the city "Sirena" (siren), because in reality it consists of two opposite parts: one urban and one with an open view over the lake Cocibolca.

During the Colonial period, Granada became one of the most important commercial harbors in Central America. At the same time many important buildings were being constructed in the city and all following the architectonic principle of Spanish cities. In the first 60 years of the 17th. century, the commercial peak changed Granada to one of the main cities. An earthquake caused by the eruption of Volcano Momotombo in 1610 destroyed León, the twin city of Granada. Because of this event, Granada became the most important city of Nicaragua.

The inhabitants of the region lived from tobacco and cacao plantation and cattle and donkey breeding. Granada's business effected Cartagena, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama and Peru.

The increase in business at the route Gran Lago and Del Rio San Juan, the colonial competition of Spain and England, the Netherlands and France, made Granada a victim of at least three pirate attacks.

In 1670 the pirate Gallardito attacked Granada, scoffing at the Spanish resistance. To be saved for such attacks, the colonial authorities built El Castillo de la Imaculata Concepcion (Castle of Immaculate Conception) by Rio San Juan in 1675. The castle helped to defend the country from pirates and Britains, who pretend to take possession of the main route of communication. Although the fortification was constructed, the pirate Frances William Dampier plundered and set the city fire on 8 th April in 1685.

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William Walker, an adventurer, that wanted to take over Central America, attacked Granada and elected himself to president in 1855. Walker instituted slavery and declared English as the official language. Nevertheless the target to conquer all Central American countries did not work out, Walker had to flee and Granada was once again set on fire. After another National war in 1854, reconstruction of Granada was being started. At the same time the city became the political capital which lasted until Granada lost its political balance, caused by a liberal revolution, ordered by the General José Santos Zelaya. 1893 Zelaya deposed the Conservative president and became dictator of the country.

In the 21st century, there were other developments in Granada. With the following commercial and industrial activities, Granada lost its political supremacy, but not its colonial and neoclassic city character. In the beginning of the 20th century, Granada was considerate to be the most beautiful city in Nicaragua. The following years were dedicated to save and conserve its historical center, because there was a demand to preserve the city's cultural treasure for the future of Granada.

Boat Ride among Granada Islets

When the Mombacho Volcano erupted thousands of years ago, it threw huge rocks into Lake Nicaragua. As a result of this violent eruption 365 islets were formed in front of Granada. The islets differ in size between a hundred square meters and over one hundred hectares.

The small islands, in Nicaragua called “Las Isletas”, serve different purposes. There is a community of about 1,200 people living on the islets. Most of the people living here are fishermen. Other islands accommodate hotels or luxurious houses. There are also uninhabited islets with only some palm trees growing on it.

At the wharf of Granada there are many boatmen who offer a boat ride to the islets. You can slowly pass by the islands and catch a glimpse of the immensity of Lake Nicaragua. The birdlife around the islands is abundant. You can see cormorants, herons, parrots, hawks, vultures, and many other birds. The lake also houses lots of fish. Sweet water shark once crowded the lake, but this unique animal is nowadays threatened with extinction and barely ever seen. You can see the huge Mombacho Volcano arise right next to the lake. Taking a boat ride to the islets of Granada is a fun, relaxed way of exploring Central America’s biggest lake.