Laguna de Apoyo, Nicaragua Travel Guide: Where to Play, Stay & Eat

Along a chain of volcanoes in the western region of Nicaragua lies an ancient crater lake of mythical proportions: the Laguna de Apoyo, or the Apoyo Lagoon.

Lush flora, abundant fauna, and the purest water in the country make up the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, a top ecotourism destination in Nicaragua – and one of my most-loved destinations in the entire country.

I lived on this active volcano for three months, so I know first-hand just how magical Laguna de Apoyo really is. In this comprehensive travel guide to Laguna de Apoyo, I’m going to share with you why it’s worth more than just a day trip from nearby Granada.

Get ready to fall in love with the bountiful nature, warm people, tranquil lifestyle, and fascinating history surrounding this Nicaraguan treasure. Laguna de Apoyo is one of the most unique off-the-beaten-path places in Central America!

You have to add it to your Nicaragua itinerary.

Must-Know Facts About Laguna de Apoyo

• The Laguna de Apoyo was formed by a volcano explosion some 23,000 years ago that left behind a crater shaped like an upside-down volcano, which slowly filled with rain and subterranean waters.
• How deep, you ask? At about 200 meters, or 656 feet deep – the Laguna de Apoyo is the lowest point in all of Central America!
• You won’t find any lake monsters here… Due to the high sulfur content, only a handful of endemic fish species from the cichlid family inhabit the lagoon, as well as freshwater turtles (rarely spotted).
• The rich volcanic minerals of the water offer inherent antibacterial properties and increase swimmers’ blood circulation and collagen production.
• Over 225 bird species live on the Laguna de Apoyo, as well as tons of arboreal animals (tree-dwelling animals), terrestrial wild animals (land-based animals), and insects.
• The protected status of the lake (no motorized boats or water extraction), as well as natural thermal ventilation, help keep the Laguna de Apoyo extremely clean.

NOTE: It’s important to respect and preserve the Laguna de Apoyo by wearing natural sunscreen and eco-friendly bug repellent and disposing of all trash properly. Let’s keep this a sacred place to be appreciated for many years to come!

Day Trip from Granada? Or Stay at Laguna de Apoyo?

One of the most popular things to do in Granada, Nicaragua is taking a day trip to the Laguna de Apoyo – an ideal spot to cool off from the city heat. Only have time for the day trip? Do it!

However, if you have the time to spend a few days on the Laguna de Apoyo, you should. You could easily spend up to a week here and be perfectly content, but I think five days on the Laguna de Apoyo is the perfect amount of time. You’ll treat yourself to a total immersion in stunning nature and a peaceful way of life.

The Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve is indeed a nature lover’s dream. Stay a while and delight in spectacular views, a plethora of water activities, diverse wildlife, miles of hiking and nature walks, unique lodging, and close proximity to epic volcanoes (Mombacho and Masaya).

Since you have more time than the average traveler, you’ll also get to explore charming Caterina and Masaya, communities that embody classic Nica charm, food, and culture.

You simply must extend your day trip to see and do all the best things around the Laguna de Apoyo!

HOT TIP: Considering a day trip? This adventurous full-day hiking trip from Granada guides you to Laguna de Apoyo and the Masaya and Mombacho volcanoes. Your guide will help you spot birds and other wildlife along the way! Click here to book your day trip. 

Where to Stay in Laguna de Apoyo

Casa Marimba

Hands down, Casa Marimba is the best place to stay on the Laguna de Apoyo. The property of this charming bed & breakfast, restaurant, and bar extends from the top of the tree canopy all the way down to the shore.

Aside from its perfect location, amazing food, and warm ambiance, the staff at Casa Marimba are what will make your stay unforgettable. Their “welcome-to-the-family” treatment will have you feeling right at home!

Casa Marimba is intimate with only five guest rooms (all with AC and ensuite bathrooms) and offers sprawling grounds for you to retreat into nature. Relax on a floating dock, inner tube, hammock, or swinging bench, or take one of the kayaks out for a spin on the lake!

You’ll love the daily complimentary breakfast, which the staff will happily deliver to you wherever you choose to dine; there are many cute dining nooks, from the top of the grounds all the way to the terraces above the sand!

People from all over the world have left a piece of their heart at Casa Marimba after visiting the Laguna de Apoyo – myself included! Click here to book without hesitation! 

Other Places to Stay in the Apoyo Lagoon:

• Paradiso Hostel: Definitely the most lively place on the Laguna de Apoyo, this hostel has many hangout areas, games, a restaurant and bar, and a huge beach with a number of kayaks, floating tubes, floating docks, and beach chairs to kick back on. Click here to book your stay at Paradiso Hostel.
• Hotel Pacaya Lodge & Spa: Luxury in the jungle, the Pacaya Lodge has an on-site spa, infinity pool, and open-air restaurant and bar. Since it’s higher up on the crater slope than the hotels on the shore, it has a wide, picturesque vista of the lake. Click here to book your stay at Hotel Pacaya Lodge & Spa. 
• San Simian Eco Resort: This eco-lodge, restaurant, and bar boasts large private cabins for guests to enjoy seclusion above the crater lake, while still offering easy water access to their large slice of beach. Click here to book your stay at San Simian Eco Resort.

Click here to find the best deals on Laguna de Apoyo accommodations!

Things to Do In & Around Laguna de Apoyo

Now that the logistics are out of the way, my favorite part. Here are all of the best things to do on the Laguna de Apoyo!

Bird-Watch

Because of its gentle impact on the environment, naturally calming effects, and ability to spread awareness about wildlife, birdwatching is becoming a very popular ecotourism activity. Many migratory birds flock to this nature reserve!

Without even leaving your hammock, you can easily spot the Guardabarranco, or Turquoise-browed Motmot –  the national bird of Nicaragua.

Book a birdwatching tour to get to know more of the hundreds of bird species in the area. 

Take a Kayak out on Lake Apoyo

Exploring the Laguna de Apoyo by kayak gives you a sense of how massive this huge crater really is! (About 6.6 kilometers, or 4 miles across.)

It’s not unheard of for people to make it halfway across and be bewildered that they haven’t made it to the other side yet… Looks can be deceiving!

Tip: Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring some water – you’re in for a great workout!

Learn to Freedive

The first and only freediving school in Nicaragua – Freediving Nicaragua – is located right here on the Laguna de Apoyo! Trying out this fast-growing sport is a reason to visit Laguna de Apoyo.

Freediving Nicaragua is here to support you along your freediving journey with skilled instructors and all necessary equipment.

The school also often has yoga classes on its large terrace and has even opened a café with what’s said to be the only espresso machine on the Apoyo… Come get your feet wet!

Note: If you’re already an experienced freediver, try their autonomous sessions!

See the Sunset & Sunrise

Awaken in the jungle to the calls of howler monkeys right outside your room (at Casa Marimba – ideally!), then watch an ethereal sunrise over the glassy morning waters.

In the evening, bask in the golden glow of a sunset on the lake, with Mombacho volcano as the backdrop.

Tune in to the natural world around you as it begins to come alive; being in the tropical forests around the Laguna de Apoyo is a remarkable experience.

Scuba Dive the Laguna de Apoyo

Ever dreamed of scuba diving in an active volcano? Volcano Divers is the PADI-recognized scuba dive shop to make your dreams come true.

The lake is safe from predators and is, no doubt, a peaceful place to scuba dive. While you’re down deep, about 20 meters to be exact, you’ll find a statue of Jesus Christ, sunken in an effort to protect the visitors of the lake from misfortunes. How cool!

Appreciate the Mirador de Catarina

Take a tuk-tuk up to the adorable town of Catarina on the rim of the crater to enjoy a spectacular view of the Laguna.

On weekends, locals gather here to enjoy the vista, eat delectable Nicaraguan staples like vigorón, and share handmade gifts and music. Watching the sunset here is a favorite local pastime!

On the way home, make sure to check out the cute potted succulents in a colorful ceramic pot right alongside the road. Catarina’s fertile soil is some of the best in the country – Nicaraguans travel from all around to buy flowers, trees, and other kinds of plants.

Explore Masaya & the Masaya Volcano

Get a fresh-squeezed orange juice and people-watch from a shaded bench in Masaya’s Parque Central. Stroll around and take in the local life of this small town.

Masaya is where you’ll find the closest full-size grocery store to Laguna de Apoyo, as well as some of the best second-hand clothes shopping around! (Take my word for it.)

An hour before sunset, head to Masaya Volcano National Park. This is one of the few live volcanoes where you can get close enough to view red-hot lava bubbling way down below.

For sure, your hotel can book a shuttle service for you with a certified tour guide.

Tip: Wear shoes suitable for the short nature hike around the crater rim of the San Fernando Crater, just adjacent to the volcano.

Improve Your Spanish

Travel provides you with the opportunity to learn about different cultures and ways of life. So, if your Spanish could use some work, definitely sign up for some Spanish lessons at the Laguna Beach Club.

The club is conveniently located right at the bottom of the triángulo (at the end of the only road down to the Laguna de Apoyo). They can set you up with a professional tutor. Click here to lock down your sessions and improve your ability to connect with the people of Nicaragua! 

EXPLORING NICARAGUA? READ MORE:
The Ultimate Nicaragua Itinerary (For 1, 2, or 3 Weeks)
10 Reasons to Visit Nicaragua ASAP: Central America’s Hidden Gem
10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Granada, Nicaragua
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Is it Safe to Travel to Nicaragua? A Solo Female Traveler’s Perspective
Nicaragua Rainy Season: What to Know & Why You’ll Love It!
11 Best Things to Do in Popoyo, Nicaragua + Must-Know Travel Tips

Where to Eat in La Laguna (on the Apoyo Lagoon)

• Casa Marimba Restaurant & Bar: The food at Casa Marimba is honestly the best food I’ve had in Nicaragua, and I’ve been here for many months… (Just another reason to book your stay here!) Made with locally sourced ingredients and love by the sweet ladies in the kitchen, everything is absolutely delish! There’s an array of healthy options from granola, veggie moussaka, and salads, to Nica favorites like tostones mixtos (O.M.G. – that is all), and jalapeño chicken. My favorite item has to be the homemade focaccia pizza! For dessert, just order the Torta de Calala. Trust me.
• Paradiso Hostel: The sumptuous menu and killer happy hour make this restaurant a great option for all taste buds. Whether you’re craving sushi, pasta, a cordon bleu, or Greek salad, Paradiso has you covered. Try the Canela Iced Coffee with ​​coffee, cinnamon, banana, and coconut milk. So rich! Not to mention, they have a gorgeous view of the lake!
• Punta El Cacique: Another great option for lake-side dining, this Punta El Cacique is known for its authentic Nicaraguan cuisine and service.
• Restaurante en la Posada: This restaurant is connected to the hotel La Abuela, which offers a day pass with the purchase of food and beverages. Come for lunch over the lake and stay for a splash into the water from their iconic blue slide!

Laguna de Apoyo (Apoyo Lagoon) Travel Guide:
Best Things to Do, See & Eat!

Whether you’re soaking up time with yourself or loved ones under the sun, exploring the nature trails all around the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, cooling off in the freshwater, or venturing to nearby towns, Nicaragua’s Apoyo Lagoon is the perfect place to drop into the rhythm of a slow-paced, easy-going lifestyle.

If you’re in the Laguna de Apoyo long enough, you may be able to find the fabled hot springs! (Locations are shared by word of mouth only – sorry!)