masaya crafts market

I came to this market because my well known guidebook had promised :" Here will find the best selection of C.A. handicraft, enough to find birthday presents for the next three years." Maybe, if you have an average taste! I only saw the stuff you find in all those tourist shops, painted woodcarvings, average weaving etc., nothing original I would like to give to my family or friends. So I decided to go to Chichicastenango in Guatemala again when I have to stop at Guatemala on my way home. The things on that market are by far better quality, more authentic, more artistic and subtle than on this market. I was disppointed. I was glad, the volcano made the visit of Masaya still worth while, the market did not!

If you like colorful crafts, then this is a place you gotta visit! There are two different craft markets in Masaya, one that's more for the locals and one that's more for tourists. Your choice!

If you are in the Masaya area and in need of reliable transport, call Jesus at 7819-1192. We arranged a ride with Jesus prior to a shopping expedition in the Masaya Market. He was exactly where he said he'd be as arranged, four hours later... looking for us. He drove us to Lake Apoyo, to a place he'd never been. Found it like a champ. We arranged for him to take us to Managua the next day. He appeared as promised in a drenching rainstorm. Most reasonable prices.He was accommodating, smart, and took us to exactly what we needed despite our limited Spanish. If you use him, tell him the "perisosos" sent you. He will know that highly satisfied customers recommended him.

This market is uber touristic and that hike the prices accordingly. Even in mirador Catarina prices were lower. In San juan del oriente we found th every prices in the region.

I love this artisan market. You can find some beautiful locally made items most reasonably priced. Do a walk of the entire market before purchasing. Ask prices to get an idea and then do your shopping. The vendors are very pleasant and don't harass you, they let you take your time which is so nice. There's also some restaurants and juice bars around that are a good value, not the best food but some plantanos will get you through your shopping journey.There are some creepy items like stuffed toads and armadillos, but luckily not too many of these items were around!We took the public bus and walked down to the market, about 5-6 streets away. The locals helped us find it and there were some great shops along the way.A vibrant safe area giving you a feel of Centro America!

Like many tourist markets the prices are high and the variety limited and not the best quality. Not to say there aren't plenty of things to browse and buy but we found better quality direct from the artisan shops in the surrounding villages.

I visited Nicaragua for a day tour and loved this Market. The items were/are of good quality. I hope to be able to purchase Nicaraguan hand made furniture one day. But the market is great, good prices; not much haggling. I would love to return. THE RESTAURANT AT THIS LOCATION IS TOP NOTCH. THE BEST FOOD EVER/ CHAROSSCO STEAK AND FISH WE GREAT.

Shops all look the same and sell pretty much the same things. The prices are high and the sellers seem to be colluded. Te problem is the constant influx of tours that come to the market to unload hordes of Americans that don't even ask about the price of anything. If you want to find good souvenrs at half the cost go to San Juan del Oriente. The shops there sell at a much lower price point the exact same items sold here.

There were vividly coloured crafts everywhere and one was spoilt for choice. However, watch out for the extremely high prices. The craft markets at Laguna de Apoyo and Granada offered similar items at lower prices. Bargaining is welcome though and you could start at 60% of the offered price and try to work your way to 75 or 80%. There are two fresh fruit smoothie bars at the centre of the market with all sort of exotic fruit combinations to choose from. We were advised that the ice used in the smoothies was safe for consumption. On my word, the pineapple, banana and zapote smoothie was out of this world.

Typical tourist trap with all the fixings. Anything you want that has "Nicaragua" plastered on it will be here. Clothing, toys, pictures, wall art, purses, hats, shoes, wallets, etc....

After reading/hearing descriptions of this market from several sources, I was expecting to find actual artisans selling unique handmade goods. With a few exceptions, most vendors had the same selection of scarves, wooden utensils, t-shirts and other mass-produced souvenirs. We were there around 1:00 p.m. on a Tuesday and many of the food vendors were closed.

Every craft known to Nicaragua on display and for sale-browse for a coupla hours and then go back and negotiate for what you want...negotiation is a friendly game and you should enjoy the process, it is part of the experience, nothing in writing is sacred. There is conveniently a bar at two corners, however my favorite is the lady in the middle with the smoothie stand--if in season recommend the dragon fruit-pittaya--with a trago-shot of rum.Over the years have found that some of the wood bowls crack when you come home as it is dryer here, and the caiman belts don't last well, all other products have held up well. They do a great job of keeping the beggars out and the "here is a free flower, now give me money" kids out that pester you in so many other places.The main market is a mile away, and not for the faint of stomach........

The range of goods here is great and you can spend a good day wandering between stalls. Prices might not be the cheapest, but are still good value!

I've been to this market plenty of times and the best thing about it is that it is always kept clean. In Nicaragua they call this the old market because most of the vendors have moved to the bigger market in Masaya. This market in a way I feel is better firstly because it's 20 times cleaner than the other one and you also won't get lost trying to find souvenirs and artisanal items to take back home. The drawback is that the items that they sell at this market is a bit pricier than the ones they sell in the other market. Everyone in the market is friendly and are always glad to help out. If you are looking for a fast and simple way to get your souvenirs then go to this market but if you are looking for a little more adventure and feel like taking a risk go to the other market. A big tip for people who are buying souvenirs always hagglw and bargain. Even if you get 10 cordobas off of an item it's still something. They always accept bargaining!

There are about 80 stalls in this market as well as a few places to grab a snack or drink. Thankfully it is mostly an open-air space because it was quite hot the day we visited. If you want authentic Nicaraguan-made crafts you won't find a bigger selection anywhere. Most vendors sell the typical Nica crafts like leather belts, purses, keychains and boots, primitive style paintings on canvases, feathers, wood, pottery, and hammocks. If you're in the market for cowboy boots it's much better to make the drive up to Esteli where you will find several stores jam packed by the artisans who made the boots. The selection and price is better there too. Also beware that the woven fabric is imported from Guatemala and is not made in Nicaragua. Only a concern if you want something made in Nica.