el coyotepe fortress

El Coyotepe Fortress, on the outskirts of Masaya is a bit of forgotten history from Nicaragua's troubled past. I did not take a guide, and walked from Masaya up the road to the Fortress. It was a pleasant walk, on a beautiful day. The vista's from the Prison were great. The Fortress itself, unfortunately is deteriorating, despite the obvious devotion of the few caretakers. There is a small museum in the center of the fort, with pictures and stories from the early 1900s. The prison levels themselves are dark, and you should have a flashlight, and good walking shoes with closed toes, as there are numerous bits of metal not quite cut flush with the floor. A stop at Coyotepe (I think the admission was 2 USD or 50 Cordobas) is worthwhile before heading on to the volcano,, or as a nice long walk from Masaya. My only regret is not reading more about Nicaragua's troubled past, before my visit to El Coyotepe.

Incredible to hear such recent history brought to life here. After the fun of Granada, this place reminds you to take nothing for granted and be grateful for the struggle and sacrifice of others. Dreadful atrocities took place here that shouldn't be forgotten. Our guide was superb, and a small torch and sensible shoes are recommended to navigate the cells.

Fortunately, we had a taxi up and down to the fortress. The panoramic views are fantastic .. you can see from Lake Managua to Lake Nicaragua. A tour of the two levels of dungeons are a sobering experience - but worth the visit. I was told that the tour is better if you go with a fluent Spanish speaker (I am not), when the Spanish speaking guide tells more detailed and scary stories about what went on in those dread cells.Go for the views - but take in the dungeons.

We missed out going here, but word is that is something everyone that goes to Masaya must see. The hours are not to the advantage of the travelers. That day electricity was out!!! :(

Spooky. Interesting and atmospheric. Great view of masaya from up there. It's a maze of rooms/cells, Stairs and halls inside.

We went here on a suggestion from our fantastic driver Peter from Armadillo Tours.There were great views of Masaya and surrounding areas. The tour underneath the fort into where the prisoners were kept was fascinating. Make sure you have some spanish under your belt, because these guys dont speak any english.We paid $5 to enter (2 foreigners and 1 nica) and gave the guide a $5 tip for the 30 minute tour.

BE AWARE!!!!!My friend and I (two girls) got off the bus on the main street and wanted to walk up to the fort. The street goes up a mountain and is encircled by hedges on both sides. When we were a couple of hundred meters meters in four men came down the street walking downwards.They almost passed us and suddenly grabbed me from behind and threatened us with a knife and a slingshot. They took our backpack and my camera. It was midday, about 1 am.So be aware!!! Dont walk up there on your own. Take a taxi up to the fort!!!!! Afterwards we were told that this is a spot were assault happens frequently!!!!

Beautiful sweeping views of Managua, Granada, and all the other points of interest for miles around. The prison below is worthy of touring, full of sad stories of those who occupied this place. Many bats but harmless and a bit of fun for us. The view amazing, the history depressing, so it balances out to make this place worthy of a visit.

this is a place so see a beautiful view, N,S,E,W but also with alot of information about the civil war in nicaragua, back in the time, this is a estategic location to protect the city from the Liberales atack, the city of granada, with the time every single goverment used this building like a prision, take people for a political prisionary, now is a base camp for the boys scout in masaya.also is a place for many people who like run to be on the top, fisical activity condition, gym

DO NOT WALK TO THIS ATTRACTION IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!!My wife and I were ATTACKED by a MAN WITH a butcher KNIFE while walking down from the fort towards Masaya. Several hours later we returned to the site with the police to show them where it had happened and a Nicaraguan couple reported to the police they had been attacked as well. The people running the fort did not seem surprised when the police told them so I assume it has happened before (they were of course concerned and disapproving). This was not a mugging this was a man jumping out of the bushes and charging at us full-speed with a large knife.We took a taxi up the hill and therefore did not have any problems until we started hiking down (the other couple were attacked on their way up). The entrance fee is US $2/person. The fort itself was very interesting but somewhat creepy and dark. It has a unique of history as both a military fort, prison, and scout camp. I would recommend bringing a flashlight because the guides light was a bit dim, although it really gave us a feel for how awful the prison must have been.If you choose to visit the fort you must take a taxi both ways. It is not safe to walk the path leading to the fort from the highway.DO NOT WALK TO OR FROM FORT CAYOTEPE.

Go with a guide. There is so much history here, so tragic. I've talked about this place as much as any other we visited in Nicaragua.

The history here must be immense. One can visit the dungeon like areas below. Even today they feel heavy. The significance of this spot is still felt. We wish we knew more of this time in history. The views are commanding. You can see the lakes, Managua, Masaya, and the volcanos. I think we could even see the volcano near San Miguel, El Salvador, too far off in the distance to be any of the Nicaraguan volcanos. From Masaya you can get to this hilltop fortress by walking. It makes for a good day trip.

The view from the top is great. English speaking guide for underground tour of prison cells and torture chamber. They don't show you everything, in fact the 2nd floor tour is very brief. I would have liked to see more and hear more stories but I guess they don't have many records. I'll have to watch the Ghost Hunters Episode to get more info...

Disliked the bats in the lowest level cells. Sad to here about and difficult to understand the history and torture at this location in its more recent history.

My wife and I recently returned from Nicaragua and visited Masaya. We went to Coyotepe and found it educational while at the same time very sad. If you grew up during the Contra-Sandanista period you will want to visit as it brings history to life. One of the tour guides spoke excellent English and did a wonderful job of explaining everything. Also, once at the top there are some great views of the area, including Masaya and nearby Granada.