Laguna de Apoyo is probably not the most famous place in Nicaragua amongst visitors, but is by locals mentioned as one of the most beautiful in the country. After staying in Laguna de Apoyo for a few days, I couldn’t agree more. What makes this place so special is that this lake takes place in a former volcano crater, reaching a depth of 175 meters. Most people only tend to visit the lake for the day, but I’m a big supporter of staying at least one night to experience the true tranquility. This post covers everything you need to know before you visit Laguna de Apoyo.
How to get to Laguna de Apoyo
Getting to Laguna de Apoyo from Managua
Laguna de Apoyo is located approximately a 45-minute drive from Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. There are several ways of getting here with the most popular ones definitely being by taxi or local bus (the so called chicken buses).
Chicken buses leave from the UCA bus station in Managua, heading towards Granada. It will pass the entrance to Laguna de Apoyo. Tell the bus driver you want to get off there, at La Entrada de Laguna de Apoyo, and the bus will stop. The ride takes about 1 – 1.5 hours and will cost you about 30 – 40 Córdobas. Do note that the bus stop is located on the highway by the exit to Laguna de Apoyo. There is still approximately 5 kilometers to get to the lake. Here you can either try to time another chicken bus or grab a taxi or tuk-tuk for about 100 Córdobas.
A taxi from Managua to Laguna de Apoyo will cost you around 40 USD.
Getting to Laguna de Apoyo from Granada
Going by chicken bus from Granada to Laguna de Apoyo works the same as when leaving from Managua. Take the bus heading for either Masaya or Managua and tell the bus driver you want to get off at La Entrada de Laguna de Apoyo. Chicken bus from Granada will cost you about 20 Córdobas.
Some of the hotels around Laguna de Apoyo organize daily shuttles from Granada to Laguna de Apoyo. One of those are Paradiso Hostel. This shuttle costs 3 USD one way.
What to do in Laguna de Apoyo
Now when we’ve gone through the logistics, let’s talk about the fun part! Laguna de Apoyo is a truly unique and serene spot to visit in Nicaragua. Since it’s located in a volcano crater, it’s surrounded by mountains and is therefore quite remote. Don’t expect a visit to Laguna de Apoyo to be full of activities and high pace. This is where you go to relax and disconnect. For me it was the perfect spot to start my backpacking trip after 24 hours of traveling.
Spend a day at one of the beach hotels
The absolute best thing to do in Laguna de Apoyo is relaxing and spending the day at one of the beach hotels. There are a few in the area, for example Paradiso Hostel.
Kayak or paddleboard on the lake
Many of the hotels around Laguna de Apoyo offer use of kayaks and paddleboards. Heading out on the lake truly is a must if you’re visiting Laguna de Apoyo. The views are absolutely amazing and how many people can say they have kayaked a volcano crater?
Admire the view from Mirador de Catarina
From Mirador de Catarina you get an incredible view of the lake. The place does its best at golden hour, so head up there for the sunset. There are no buses leaving from Laguna de Apoyo to Mirador de Catarina so you will need to take a tuk-tuk or taxi. The hotel you’re staying in/visiting can help you organize that and it will cost you around 200 – 300 Córdobas per way.
Watch the sunrise
All of the beach hotels are located on the same side of Laguna de Apoyo, which has the perfect sunrise view. The tranquility is next level during this time of day; quiet and peaceful. Set your alarm at 5AM and head down to the water.
Visit the town of Catarina
When going to Mirador de Catarina, you will also pass the town of Catarina. This place was actually really cute and picturesque. I went to the Mirador in the evening only before the last light of the day so I didn’t have the time to explore Catarina in daylight. If I would do it again I would definitely set one hour aside to stroll the streets of this small town and check out the many arts and crafts stores, before sunset. For me as a plant lover, they also had a lot of beautiful plant shops.
Hotels in Laguna de Apoyo
Most people only tend to visit Laguna de Apoyo for the day. I would highly suggest staying at least one night to experience the tranquility. I stayed for two days and the lake really is at its finest in the morning. The first shuttles with the day pass visitors start arriving at around 10.30AM, so up until then you and your fellow hotel guests (which are very few) will have the place to yourself.
Paradiso Hostel is one of the best places to stay in Laguna de Apoyo. I stayed in a dorm for 16 USD per night which included breakfast and free use of kayaks, tubes and stand-up paddleboards. A day pass with roundtrip shuttle from Granada will cost you 14 USD as reference.
Another popular place to stay in Laguna de Apoyo is Casa Marimba. This is a little more luxurious, with prices starting at 65 USD per night. Laguna Beach Club is the most budget-friendly option costing 12 USD per night.
