Catarina is a town close to Masaya, overlooking the Apoyo Lagoon. Catarina is famous for this magnificent observation point of the lagoon, as well as for its nurseries.

The viewpoint of Catarina is one of the highest hills surrounding the Apoyo Lagoon, and the view from there is superb. You can see the whole lagoon as well as Lake Nicaragua behind it. The Mombacho volcano borders the lake and is also prominently present.

The viewpoint is a popular place among Nicaraguans during weekends, when families and friends gather here to enjoy the view, grab a bite in one of the restaurants, or have a look through one of the telescopes. These visitors attract salesmen and singers who wander around trying to sell their products or songs. The atmosphere still is quite relaxing during the weekend though, and if you really prefer to be here when there are only few people around you can simply go there during weekdays.

There are also some souvenir shops around the viewpoint where you can buy some locally produced handcrafts.

Catarina is also known for its fertile soil and it is a hotspot of nurseries. There are many small outside shops where trees, plants, palms, and other garden-material is being sold. People come even from Managua to buy there plants here.

You can get to Catarina by taking a right just after Masaya (coming from Managua; if you come from Granada you’ll have to take a left just before Masaya). You will see the signs. Just keep following this road for some 15 more minutes and you will enter the town. For the viewpoint you will have to take a left – you’ll see the huge CATARINA signboard. You can also grab a bus or taxi from Masaya.

There is a small entrance fee to the viewpoint.