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Apoyo Lagoon: Everything You Need To Know About This Spectacular Nature Reserve

Laguna de Apoyo, or Apoyo Lagoon in English, is a staggeringly beautiful and one-of-a-kind nature reserve in Western Nicaragua. For years, we at Casa Marimba have been fortunate enough to call this peace of paradise our home.


Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve

The Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve protects a volcanic lake occupying the caldera of an extinct volcano. It covers a tropical dry forest ecosystem with a flora covering over 500 species of plants and tropical dry trees. The fauna consists of mammals such as squirrels, opossums and howler monkeys, over 200 species of birds, and more than 200 species of butterflies.




The Climate

For most of the year, the lagoon enjoys a temperate climate with lows of 22/24°C and highs of 32°C. March, April and May are the hottest months with highs of up to 35°C. Fortunately, we have many shaded hammocks and fans to beat the midday heat and easy access to the lake for a refreshing swim.


We experience rainfall on Apoyo Lagoon a little above 100mm just 6 months of the year and the driest months are from November to April. Our tropical climate means rainstorms are isolated and often in the evening, so you can definitely expect plenty of time to top up your tan on your next visit.


The Lagoon

The Apoyo Lagoon is fed by hot underwater fumaroles that release sulfurous gases which keep it at a warm temperature that is perfect for a relaxing swim. These waters are crystal-clear and said to have healing properties and to be the cleanest natural water source in the country.


With so much natural beauty, the area attracts a wide variety of peace-seeking travelers looking for a quiet place to unwind and to experience some of the many activities on offer.


Things To Do In Apoyo Lagoon

The guests at Casa Marimba (hotel laguna de apoyo nicaragua) can enjoy the following activities.

  • Kayaking - The perfect way to explore the lagoon.

  • Massages - The ultimate way to unwind.

  • Hiking - Explore the reserve on foot and observe howler monkeys in a breathtaking natural landscape.

  • Yoga lessons - In the perfect tranquil setting.

  • Casa Marimba’s Restaurant - Our restaurant is often described as the best on the lagoon. Let us know what you think of our unique Nica/Mediterranean cuisine.

  • Spiritual retreats - Meditation, yoga, reiki, ecstatic dance, sound baths, etc.

  • Cacao ceremonies - A uniquely traditional experience.

  • Diving - Freediving and scuba diving classes in the lagoon’s crystalline waters.

  • Salsa lessons - A must-try for a complete Latin American experience.

  • Spanish classes - With local experts.


Unmissable Day Trips

Near Laguna de Apoyo Nicaragua hotels, there are many places to visit just one or two hours away:

  • Masaya Volcano - Staring into the crater of this active volcano is one of the most impressive attractions of Nicaragua.

  • Granada - The scenic colonial city on the banks of Lake Nicaragua, popular for daily tours to see some of the lake’s 400+ islands.

  • Mombacho Volcano - 1340ms high this volcano and surrounding reserve offers wonderful hiking trails.

  • Catarina and the Pueblos Blancos - These traditional towns surrounding Apoyo Lagoon are famous for pottery classes, artisanal products and witchcraft.

  • The Treehouse - Just 10km away you can find a unique hostel built in the treetops and surrounded by wildlife. Here they regularly hold parties with live music and DJs.

How To Get To Apoyo Lagoon

To reach Apoyo Lagoon most visitors start from the capital Managua or the colonial city of Granada, here are instructions on how to reach us from each:


Managua Travel Information

Nicaragua’s capital is just 2hrs by bus or 1hr by taxi. To take the bus head to the Managua UCA bus terminal in the city center and catch a bus heading towards Granada. Ask to be dropped at El Puentecito in La Laguna after Masaya and from there take a 10-minute taxi to our address. The easiest way to reach us from Managua’s airport is to take a taxi. We can arrange a shuttle service or pickup by our trusted taxi providers from either the airport or your address in Managua.


Granada Travel Information

This beautiful colonial city on Lake Nicaragua is just 30mins from Laguna de Apoyo by bus or taxi. To reach Casa Marimba (our hotel laguna de apoyo nicaragua) from Granada, you can catch a bus towards Masaya or Managua and ask to be dropped at El Puentecito in La Laguna. From there take a taxi for just 10mins to reach Casa Marimba. We can also arrange a shuttle service or pickup by our trusted taxi providers.


For more information on any of the above, including prices and availability for any of the tours or to book your stay at Casa Marimba, please do not hesitate to get in touch.




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