Established in 1979, the Masaya Volcano is the first national park in the country. The park includes a beautiful volcanic lake known as the “Masaya lagoon”. Upon arrival, we will witness all the influences the volcanic activities have had in the shaping of the area. Only ten minutes from the entrance we will be able to visit the environmental center, a museum where we can see a scale model of the park and also see paintings of Nicaraguan artists relating to the history of the volcano. We’ll learn about the tectonic plates and volcanic regions of the planet and about the flora and fauna of this wildlife refuge. We will continue our trip to the summit of the volcano, where we will get out of our vehicle and walk the few steps to see the Santiago crater, active since 1946. We will also have time to explore the surrounding area and see more volcanic formations, learn about the Aratinga Strenua (amazing birds living in the toxic crater walls) as well as the history of the Spanish priests who explored the volcano and the superstitious beliefs held by the natives who inhabited the area. Just fifteen minutes away we will visit the Masaya arts and crafts market for local ceramics, hammocks, wood and leather souvenirs. After lunch continue to the Colonial city of the Granada for an afternoon tour ending your day with a relaxing boat trip in Lake Nicaragua and its hundreds of islets.