See the lava at Masaya Volcano

Protected in the country's largest national park, the Masaya Volcano is also one of the best things to do in Nicaragua, just 20 kilometers south of Nicaragua's capital city of Managua. The most amazing part about visiting this active volcano is how close you can get to the lip of the crater in a private vehicle - you simply drive right up to the edge and park, although you have to park facing downhill in case an emergency evacuation is necessary. Looking down into the crater, you can see a lake of molten lava. Visit after dark to see the glow the bubbling lava creates inside the pit. If you visit during the day, there is a museum on-site, as well as picnic facilities. Visitors can peer into the volcano from a safe distance, though because of the noxious fumes they limit your time at the crater to about 10 minutes. Still, it’s an incredible experience, and definitely one of the most iconic things to do in Nicaragua. At about $15-20 for a night tour, it won’t break the bank, either, for one of the most exciting Nicaragua points of interest.

Masaya Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua, and seeing it is a bucket list thing to do in Nicaragua. Although smoke and steam escape from the Santiago crater, giving off vapors with a peculiar sulfurous odor, it is possible to stroll around the crater. There are a variety of hiking paths around the area and you can also rent a horse to take you all the way down to see the lava if you don’t feel like walking. The best time to go to Masaya Volcano is at night when you can see the lava in the dark. There are various hiking trails and it is also possible to rent a horse to go all the way to the crater to see the lava.