Apoyo Lagoon is a must-visit destination in Nicaragua. Crystalline waters teeming with healing minerals reflect a cerulean sky. The silhouette of Mombacho Volcano rises above the crater’s curve. Exotic birds of all shapes and sizes flit overhead. It’s an idyllic scene that invites you in for a day and leaves you looking for a place to stay in Laguna de Apoyo.
There’s no shortage of fantastic options. Many hotels in Apoyo Lagoon have eco-conscious designs and blend seamlessly into the surrounding natural beauty. From among the many beautiful boutique hotels, we’ve narrowed down the list to our top picks. From bed and breakfasts to hostels to resorts resting higher up on the laguna slopes, these are the 10 best hotels in Apoyo Lagoon:
Best Hotels in Apoyo Lagoon
Casa Marimba
If you read our full guide, then you know that Casa Marimba might just be our favorite place to stay in Apoyo Lagoon. Somewhere between a bed and breakfast and an enchanted garden, it’s a peaceful waterfront hotel that feels like a secret. You can wake up to a lagoon view right from your terrace, spend the day out on the water, then sample cocktails and organic shared plates under string lights at the on-site restaurant. Casa Marimba starts at $50/night.
Casa de las Aves
When you’re surrounded by the sounds of nature, it’s only fitting to stay at the “House of the Birds”: Casa de las Aves. The hotel is perched on the shore of Apoyo Lagoon, featuring colorful rooms to match the rainbow of flowers adorning the lush gardens. Fill up on home-cooked vegetarian meals at the terrace breakfast bar, then kayak on the crater lake or unwind with a massage. Casa de las Aves starts at $60/night.
San Simian Eco Lodge
San Simian is a peaceful and authentic eco-hotel nestled on the shores of Apoyo Lagoon. Just off the trail to scenic Mirador de Catarina and the San Juan de Oriente artisan town, it’s a quaint respite from the fast pace of travel. Rest on a lounge chair overlooking the peaceful lagoon, or wander down to the water’s edge. It’s a bit of an older model, but San Simian enjoys a location that feels more private than other hotels, so expect less noise and fewer crowds to contend with. Bungalows start at $60/night.
Hotel Posada Ecologica la Abuela
Hotel Posada Ecologica la Abuela is a charming bed and breakfast to stay at in Laguna de Apoyo. Cozy wood-paneled cabins create a rustic atmosphere that complements the natural landscape of Apoyo Lagoon. But the best part of La Abuela? The massive water slide into the lagoon! Hotel Posada Ecologica la Abuela is an excellent choice for families with young children that want to spend all day diving into the water. Rooms start at $75/night.
Finca Malinche
Finca Malinche isn’t one of the best places to stay in Apoyo Lagoon–it’s technically five of them! The five casitas that make up this sunny little property are charmingly constructed from the crater lake’s ample volcanic rock. Staying at Finca Malinche is like stepping back in time. The hotel melds beautifully with the natural landscape, and the many amenities and large communal space make this a lovely choice in Laguna de Apoyo. Casitas start at $70/night.
Best Hostels in Apoyo Lagoon
Paradiso Hostel
Paradiso is the best hostel to stay at in Apoyo Lagoon. Paradiso hosts lots of fun activities for its overnight guests–everything from ceramic classes with local artisans to trivia nights. With the spa, organized day tours, excellent on-site restaurant, and waterfront location, Paradiso is more like a mini resort than a budget hostel. If you can’t stay overnight, make sure you visit for an afternoon–it’s the perfect day trip from Granada. Choose from bright, clean private rooms or a garden dorm–starting at $16/night.
Laguna Beach Club
Popular for its day passes, Laguna Beach Club doubles as a great affordable option to stay the night in Apoyo Lagoon. The friendly staff is quick to set you up with any activities or accommodations you could want, in addition to the property’s generous water sports equipment. After a day of drifting on inner tubes, birdwatching parrots and other exotic species, and clinking cold Toña cervezas, extending your stay at Laguna Beach Club will feel like an easy decision. Dorms start at $12/night.
Best Hotels Near Apoyo Lagoon
Pacaya Lodge & Spa
If you’re searching for a resort experience up in the hills, look no further than Pacaya Lodge. Situated high above Laguna de Apoyo, Pacaya gives you a sense that you’re hovering over the ancient crater lake like a bird. You can take in the panoramic laguna view from any of the private cabins and casitas that ring the central lodge’s state of the art spa. Pacaya Lodge rooms start at $180/night.
El Guayacán Retreat
El Guayacán is a pristine oasis on the cusp of Laguna de Apoyo. Designed with luxury in mind, the rooms are classic and airy, with a sprawling lawn that opens up to a spectacular view of the lagoon. El Guayacán feels like a scene straight out of the Sound of Music–but instead of the Austrian Alps, you get to look out at Nicaragua’s iconic Mombacho Volcano. El Guayacán Retreat starts at $168/night.
Best Hotel for Retreats in Apoyo Lagoon
Villa Laguna
Villa Laguna is a sprawling waterfront property resting on the lagoon’s edge. It’s secluded enough to feel exclusive, but maintains a homey and connected ambience. Accommodating up to 20 people with homecooked meals and personal care, Villa Laguna is ideal for intimate retreats and group experiences. The healing atmosphere–and gorgeous open air deck–make it the perfect destination for yoga and wellness retreats in Nicaragua. Villa Laguna starts at $165/night.
Conclusion
It’s easy to fall in love with Apoyo Lagoon–what’s hard is deciding on one of the crater lake’s many beautiful hotels. Whether you stop by for a day or stay for a month, these 10 best places to stay in Apoyo Lagoon will leave you feeling rested and rejuvenated for whatever Nicaragua travels await you next.
Where is your favorite place to stay in Apoyo Lagoon? Let us know the best hotel in Laguna de Apoyo in the comments!
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