Golden Tours Nicaragua

Pottery Workshop + Catarina Lookout + Apoyo Lagoon

The Destination: City of Masaya

Good morning! 

Today, our tour will start at 9:00 am. We will drive from your lodging to the town of San Juan de Oriente, located half an hour from the city of Granada. 

San Juan de Oriente is a small and picturesque municipality located in the department of Masaya, Nicaragua. It is known mainly for its rich handicraft tradition, especially the production of pottery. Artisans in the area have perfected pottery techniques dating back to pre-Columbian times for centuries, creating decorative and utilitarian ceramic pieces that are appreciated both locally and internationally. The town is also characterized by its tranquil atmosphere, cobblestone streets, cool climate and lovely people.  

Our ceramic instructor, a descendant of the Chorotegas lineage, will show us step by step the process of clay making. These people have carefully guarded for centuries the process of clay pottery and today, we will learn with them this cultural tradition. After this man finishes his exposition, you will have the opportunity to get your hands muddy and try your hand at making your own clay piece. 

Next, we will drive about 15 minutes to the town of Catarina. Catarina Lookout is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nicaragua, located in the municipality of Catarina, in the department of Masaya. This viewpoint offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Laguna de Apoyo, a volcanic crater filled with crystal clear water surrounded by a lush tropical forest. From the lookout, you can also enjoy the views of Lake Nicaragua, the Mombacho Volcano and the surrounding landscapes, making it an ideal place for photography and contemplation of nature. You will have 40 minutes free time here before we head for our next destination. 

After our time in Catarina Lookout, we will drive 30 minutes to Apoyo Lagoon. Here, we will spend several hours having a great time in one of the most visited destinations in the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. At 2:30 pm, we will leave Apoyo Lagoon back to Granada. 

Apoyo Lagoon is a volcanic lagoon located in the crater of the extinct Apoyo volcano, between the departments of Masaya and Granada in Nicaragua. It is one of the most beautiful and visited nature reserves in the country. The lagoon was formed 22 thousand years ago after a violent volcanic eruption, and is currently filled with crystal-clear water that reaches depths of up to 170 meters, making it the deepest volcanic lagoon in Central America.

Laguna de Apoyo is known for its clean and warm waters, ideal for swimming, water sports such as kayaking, paddle-boarding or diving. It is also a perfect place for those seeking tranquility, as the shores of the lagoon are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, which is home to a rich biodiversity of birds, monkeys, reptiles, insects, butterflies and other native species. The area is protected as a nature reserve, making it a popular destination for both nature lovers and those seeking a quiet retreat.

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Included?

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