Masaya, called the “City of Flowers”, is the capital city of the Masaya department of Nicaragua. It is situated approximately 17km south of Managua. The town of Masaya is just south of the Volcán de Masaya, an active Volcano from which the city takes its name. It is located centrally to a large agricultural production region in Nicaragua. Masaya is also a notable industrial centre, producing footwear and clothing. Many of the communities surrounding Masaya produce hardwood and wicker furniture, and there is a neighbourhood in Masaya near the lake dedicated to the production of hammocks.

Around and closeby
Volcán de Masaya has a deep crater lake, "Lago de Apoyo", at its summit. This lake is a popular attraction in the area, and is host to several hostels and small resorts. Apoyo's crater measures four miles wide and over 656 feet deep. It is used for fishing as well as water sports. It has also been a location for pre-colonial, archaeological findings.

Sightseeing
Masaya is known as "The Cradle of Nicaraguan Folklore" and is the very heart of Nicaraguan handicrafts. The main market in Masaya is located next to the central bus station. Aside from unique Nicaraguan products such as hand woven hammocks, embroidered blouses, wood carvings, and hemp weaving the market is very diverse, selling electronic devices and clothing as well as raw meat. The Mercardo de Artesanias is located inside what used to be the old market, near the centre of the city and a couple of blocks away from the general population market. This market has been revitalized and set as a tourist spot, where crafts from Masaya and other areas of Nicaragua can be found. In addition, every Thursday night there is a Noche de Verbena or Night of Revelry, where folkloric dances are presented and Nicaraguan food is available for a very reasonable price.

Getting there
You can get buses from Carazo, Catarina, Granada, Managua, Laguna de Apoyo and San Marcos, that will come into town and drop you off at the eastern side of the Mercado Municipal.