Pacaya Lodge & Spa, Laguna de Apoyo

Perched on the rim of a prehistoric volcanic crater, Pacaya Lodge & Spa is a boutique masterpiece of “Tropical Chic” that overlooks the turquoise depths of Laguna de Apoyo. This is a place where the dramatic geography of Nicaragua meets the refined artistry of its people. The lodge was built to celebrate the views, with an open-air design that invites the warm breeze and the scent of the surrounding dry forest into every corner. It serves as a sophisticated balcony over the lagoon—a quiet, elevated sanctuary where the horizon is dominated by the Mombacho Volcano and the deep blue water below.

Rooms & Accommodation

The 26 rooms are a tribute to Nicaraguan craftsmanship, featuring hand-carved furniture, locally woven textiles, and artwork from nearby artisan villages.

  • King & Queen Balcony Rooms: These breezy retreats offer private balconies that serve as front-row seats to the spectacular crater views. The décor is minimalist and warm, using sustainably sourced hardwoods and cooling tiles.

  • Large Balcony Suites: For those seeking extra space, the suites offer expanded living areas and premium vistas. Every room is designed to be a tech-light sanctuary, encouraging guests to trade screen time for the sight of white-faced monkeys in the canopy and the sound of the wind through the trees.

 

Dining

Dining at Restaurante Guardabarranco is an elevated farm-to-table experience that draws inspiration from the “Pueblos Blancos” (White Villages) surrounding the lodge. The menu is a vibrant celebration of Nicaraguan ingredients—think fresh lake fish, sun-ripened tropical fruits, and organic vegetables grown in the lodge’s own gardens. Whether you are enjoying a traditional vigorón with a modern twist or sipping a signature cocktail by the infinity pool, the focus is always on seasonal, local flavors paired with one of the most breathtaking backdrops in Central America.

 

 Facilities

Pacaya Lodge is designed for holistic rejuvenation, blending luxury with the raw beauty of the volcanic landscape.

  • The Infinity Pool: Perhaps the most iconic feature of the lodge, the pool appears to spill directly into the crater lake, offering a seamless blue horizon.

  • The Spa: A serene wellness space offering treatments inspired by local tradition, including volcanic clay wraps and massages using organic Nicaraguan oils.

  • Yoga Deck: A secluded wooden platform nestled in the forest, perfect for sun salutations as the mist rises off the lagoon.

 

Activities

The lodge acts as a gateway to both the wild nature of the crater and the cultural heart of the Masaya region.

  • Laguna Exploration: Take a winding trail down to the water’s edge for a swim in the mineral-rich, thermally heated depths of the lagoon or explore the shoreline by kayak.

  • Artisan Village Tours: Visit the nearby workshops of San Juan de Oriente to see world-class pottery being thrown by hand, or wander the vibrant Masaya craft market.

  • Volcanic Adventures: Hike the cloud forests of Mombacho Volcano or witness the glowing lava lake at the nearby Masaya Volcano National Park.

 

Sustainability & Community

Pacaya Lodge & Spa operates with a deep social conscience, functioning as a “lodge with a mission.” The property was established in partnership with Opportunity International, and a significant portion of the proceeds supports the nearby Emprendedora technical high school. By staying here, guests directly fund education and vocational training for local youth, helping to break the cycle of poverty in the region. Beyond social impact, the lodge practices rigorous environmental stewardship, from solar water heating and greywater recycling to reforestation efforts that protect the vital habitat of the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve.