If you have been to one Local Market in Central America, you have been to them all. Similar goods, with a Nicaraguan twist from time to time. I couldn't pull the trigger to purchase anything this time! This is the best crafts market in the area of Masaya and irnos a goof place to buy crafts and souvenirs from the whole Nicaragua with good quality at reasonable prices.
Special mention for the paintings. Spent 1 hr visiting this market on a day trip while staying at Mombacho Lodge outside Granada. Very typical touristy items. We had a great lunch at a local place inside the market on a corner. Wish I could remember the name! Spend more time at the local Masaya Market. The moment we arrived off our big tour bus, we were followed by people trying to get us to shop in particular shops.
They would ask what we wanted to buy, and take us past the shops that actually had the goods we wanted, and try to get us off the beaten path. Was not impressed, and put my foot down. Finally got to purchase a beautiful silver and malacite ring, and my partner a hand made leather satchel.
Perfect end to a very rushed trip through the markets. The market had a lot of different little stalls with inexpensive treasures. It was hard to enjoy because I had an annoying escort would not leave my side. He drove me nuts and I am pretty sure he was getting a kick-back of some kind as he steered me to specific stalls. Recommend visiting to see the goods but avoid the individuals who try to show you around if possible.
We ended up here as part of a day tour arranged by our lodge. What a waste of time. After 10 minutes we realized that every vendor sold almost exactly the same junk. With the exception of a few wooden pieces that I recognized from the market in Costa Rica which our guide at that time, informed us were actually made in Nicaragua , most of the stuff is made in China trinkets.
