Top things to do

The recipient of more international awards than any other master is the village, Helio combines geometric, traditional and contemporary design elements in his unique ceramics and is known as the father of the contem…

This stellar shop mostly stocks high-end pieces by Miguel Maldonado, winner of national and international awards, which blend traditional, geometric and contemporary design. Also a number of excellent pieces by Greg…

Internationally renowned José Ortiz produces very distinctive contemporary pottery known for its cubistic forms reminiscent of Picasso and its use of bold colors (particularly blue). His style is unmistakeable and h…

Young artist Jacobo Potosme specializes in traditional pottery styles, combined with fine geometric detail. Some of his pieces combine several patterns in one, making them intricate works of art. His mother, wife an…

Miguel Ángel Calero, known locally as Michelangelo, is well-known for his finely detailed geometric pieces, as well as pottery influenced by pre-Columbian designs. There's something for every budget here, including …

Catarina’s main claim to fame offers views across the startling blue waters of Laguna de Apoyo to Granada and Lago de Nicaragua all the way to Ometepe. This spot is rumored to have been youthful Augusto C Sandino’s …

From the village of Diriá, a road leads up to the Mirador el Boquete, a peaceful viewpoint overlooking Laguna de Apoyo, without the crowds that the similar viewpoint in Catarina attracts. Ignore the lackluster place…

Masatepe is perhaps best known for delicious, steaming bowls of mondongo (tripe soup marinated with bitter oranges and fresh herbs, then simmered with garden vegetables for hours). This is one of the best places in …

Stocking the work of a number of artists from around the village, this cooperative has a wide selection of inexpensive vases, plates, bowls, cups and platters, as well as exhibition pieces. There's plenty of utilita…

Slightly out of town, towards Masaya, this thatch-roofed restaurant is locally famous for its quesillos (tortillas stuffed with fresh quesillo cheese, topped with pickled onions and sour cream), and also serves an a…