Hacienda Puerta Del Cielo Ecolodge Spa

Nicaragua , Masaya
Nandasmo, Camino De Los Bueyes Nimboja No 2
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49 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Fernando

From the beginning, Juan Carlos was on top of things from making sure everything was in order and ensuring that our arrival was managed accordingly. The location, the place and most of all the staff amazing. Francisco and Erick were superb from the check in till the end. Muchas gracias.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2025

Andy

This is the best hotel we have ever been to. It is designed, built, and operated by the owner JC Espinoza, an accomplished architect for his clients. The view is simply phenomenal overlooking volcano Masaya which had a minor eruption on Dec 22, 2024. The hotel also overlooks lake Masaya, an old volcano crater. During our 4 night stay, we were practically the only guests there. So, we had the whole villa and staff to ourselves. Road access to this hotel is rural. Best to have a local guide or ask hotel for pick up. Food is simple and local not fine dining. No buffets. Activities include star grazing at night and playing with the pet cow. Side trip to the historical city Granada is highly recommended. This hotel is simply superior to the $650 CDN per night one we stayed in Costa Rica.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2024

Jasser

Aweson!

8/10

Excellent

22 Dec 2023

Sonja

Lovely.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2023

Jerry

Super friendly amazing staff. They really go out of their way to make your trip special

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

19 Aug 2022

Paul R

Beautiful resort, friendly staff

An amazingly beautiful resort with staff that did everything they could to accommodate all of my needs. It had a pool and some of the best views in Nicaragua.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Jan 2020

Alexander

Beautiful place, inapt staff; scorpion in bed

The place is small and beautiful, built very well out of good natural materials. The food is simple (chicken, etc) but done very well, tamales at lunch on Saturday were amazing. The attitude of staff was curios. Getting hot water to work required multiple reminders and 40 minutes to solve. You need to specifically ask for it every time you want to use it. The first day the staff refused to clean our room, remarkable as we were the only guests staying. A scorpion climbed into an unmade bed and bit one of us in the middle of the night, which was unpleasant. It took us a while to find the offending creature, hidden in a blanket. Later during the stay a sensible English-speaking manager arrived and things worked better.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2017

Verified traveler

Lovely staff and beautiful views of the Volcano

The staff was amazing! The meals and friendly service made our stay very memorable. The lodge setting was spectacular. We loved our time there!

2/10

Poor

25 Mar 2017

Verified traveler

Have extra money and need rip off experience?

We just finished a 3 night stay this hotel and have some serious concerns regarding the exorbitantly high rate we were charged per night and the value we received, or did not receive for it. Since we want to be fair in reviewing we will start with the good things and then move to our concerns. We would also like to compare this hotel with the Camino Real hotel we stayed in for part of our trip. Camino Real is also a 4 star property in Managua and very conveniently located to the city and airport. Comparing the two, we found Camino Real to be a REALLY good value, with super amenities, outstanding food, all for half the price of the Hacienda full board. So, our advice is to stay at someplace else, and take a day trip to the volcanoes. Anyway, here is our review of the Hacienda. FOOD was not at par with what was promised. after paying more than a 4 figures for full board, we ended up having beans and rice for two out of the three dinners, and were hungry during the lunches. The hotel is in a very remote area, so no restaurants or anything within walking distance left us at the hotel’s mercy and hungry. Even when we used the hotel’s tours, we were not offered lunch for those tours. The room’s amenities are not at par with a 4 star property or worth the pricing. The WiFi was too slow for us to complete any work, which is going to cost us due to backlog of work. No WiFi in the rooms. This is a glorified campsite, not a 4 star hotel

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2017

ilo79

Fabulous lodges on a cliff

I absolutely loved this place! It really is a little bit of paradise! Wonderful lodges, the view is out of this world- one can actually see the erupting volcano from afar- excellent service, great food and both wfficient and friendly staff. I honestly dont have anything negative to write.Moreover their choice of excursions is perfect- there is something for everyone. I HIGHLY HIGHLY RECCOMEND IT.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2017

Asem

Excellent choice, wonderful people,

I found about the place while searching choices for a stay in Nicaragua. I love to be closer to Nature and away from cities. This place provided all that. It has a breathtaking view over a lake and some amazing peaks.
The staff were very helpful and friendly and always ready to take the extra mile to accommodate any plans or requests.
JC, the manager, was very friendly and helpful. The organized last minute excursions for me that were really fun and enjoyable.
Highly recommended. You won't regret it!

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2016

Mark

A honeymooners paradise!!!

From beginning to end, the entire stay was wonderful! The view was breathtaking, the room and the resort were perfectly designed, and the meals were excellently prepared. The staff were extremely kind, professional, and knowledgeable and we were grateful for all their hard work. Katherine, Ruth, Ariel, Oscar, and Adrian worked tirelessly throughout our stay to keep the place clean and were always on time with a smile and kind word. The owner, JC, also generously gifted us with a bottle of wine. The masseuse, Blanca, really helped to make my wife very comfortable and we highly recommend her services. All together, they helped make this honeymoon a memorable and fantastic visit we will never forget!! We cannot wait to visit again....

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2016

Verified traveler

Super for couples

Wonderful place to relax and stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Sep 2015

Val P.

What an amazing place

Loved the setting, food, beautiful views and sunsets

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2015

Verified traveler

Spectacular views and staff. Amazing food

a must experience for anyone traveling to masaya. Staff are amazing. Views unbelievable. Perfect place to unwind

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2015

holly

Rustic with all comforts you need

You cannot go wrong with stay at the Hacienda. The views, the casitas, the staff make for a perfect vacation. You will not want to leave.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2015

Brian and Pat

A true Gateway to Heaven

We spent a glorious 3 weeks at Hacienda Puerto del Cielo over Christmas and New Year 2014-15, with its stunning scenery, photographs cannot do it justice, the panoramic view across the National Park to the distant Masaya volcano are so beautiful one can understand why the hotel has been named, “Gateway to Heaven”.
Despite the beauty of HPDC, we found the most important and consistently enjoyable aspect of our stay was the staff. The front of house and kitchen staff were delightful, great characters, full of fun and made sure they looked after every need.
We stayed in Casa Bela and made friends with a great diversity of people from many walks of life and soon found the humour and bon-homie of like minds. This differentiates the Hacienda from other places we have stayed where one only gets to know a few people. In the evening JC’s bar is a magnet for banter, fun and delightful cocktails after a hard day relaxing or touring.
Every trip was a great experience, the folk music evening was very special, we can't understand a previous comment about being embarrassing and feeling compelled to pay; that is a niggardly response, we found it a joyful experience and believe it fundamentally important not to lose Nicaragua’s cultural heritage. Many visitors stayed just a night or two on their way to other destinations, consider a longer stay. HPDC supports the local community.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2015

stressfullllll

Hacienda Puerta Del Cielo

This place is one of the most beautiful places that we have visit, the staff is beautiful the hacienda is beautiful the food is amazing the views are what your eyes mind heart and body needs to relax; Don Juan Carlos is an exceptional person ; we are planning to enjoy this place again ; and take my family as well . love this place love the people love the food. Thank you love you all :)

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jan 2015

Martin

Home From Home - Next to a Volcano!

JC and his staff give you the warmest welcomes and make you feel at home at the Hacienda which overlooks a lagoon in the shadow of the Masaya volcano.

8/10

Excellent

02 Jan 2015

Verified traveler

Stunning Views in a Beautiful Hotel

Stunning view from this beautiful hotel with beautiful cabinas and great staff. Ricardo is particularly good. Meals were usually good but with one very notable exception.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2015

Laura

Startlingly quiet with extraordinary conversation

The first thing we felt when we arrived was that there was a vacuum of noise. It was incredibly still, with only birds breaking the silence. Next, we were hit with the once in a lifetime view. You would really have to be determined not to relax here.

JC and Linda treat hospitality like a dinner party. They create a wonderful atmosphere where everyone gets to know each other. There wasn't anyone at the dinner table of 20 that I wouldn't want to chat with. It was a mix of couples and singles, Brits and Americans, mid-20's to mid-60's. It felt like this out of the way, isolated respite attracted an interesting, unpretentious crowd who enjoyed staying up late, drinking Macua and chatting well into the night. Lovely!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Nov 2014

Laurel

Authentic Experience

Amazing staff, quite rooms, beautiful view, social atmosphere- I'd go back in a heart beat!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2014

Joseph

Relaxing place, great service, and an awesome view

TWe had an awesome stay at the Hacienda. It is on a hill overlooking Masaya Volcano and Lagoon. The roads are a little rough to get there, but it is well worth it. The service was great. Linda helped arrange all the tours, spa treatments, and transfers ahead of time. Leonel was a fantastic tour guide--taking us to Masaya Volcano, Mombacho Volcano, Catarina, Granada, and to Masaya Market. We had the spa package with massage, facials, and a visit in the wood-heated sauna. The massage was honestly one of the best I have had. The rooms were clean, and had AC. The grounds could use some work on the upkeep. The food was good, but I was always left wanting a little more. Overall, would definitely return and take friends and family for a visit to an area often overlooked.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2014

Ryan

Amazing!

I chose this resort based on reviews and it did not disappoint what-so-ever. Most people who choose this resort do so because of the reviews and I must say, if you are reading this and debating where to go, this is it!

The staff is friendly and hard working, always there to get you another drink, teach you about nicaragua, or learn about wherever you are coming from.

The food is all local and made specifically for you, if you like something or don't like something they will go out of their way to get it for you. We asked to have pineapple crepes one morning for breakfast and caught someone coming back in a couple of hours with a crate full of pineapples. They go out of their way to make your trip like you want it. Also, the cooks are AMAZING - I wanted to bring Carla home in my luggage to cook for me at home. haha. And it is all local nicaraguan food so you really get a chance to experience local cuisine.

Linda and JC are the owners of the resort and are absolutely wonderful, they brought us out to town at night to see some local dancers and hit up local bars. They also had some dancers come to the resort one night for us. JC also has some amazing stories so if you get the chance to sit down and talk with him, do it. Lionel is the tour guide/manager and he is very knowledgable and friendly.

Rooms are clean and have lots of space - recommend getting a casita

We did the Masaya volcano tour and Mambacho cloud forest. Both great.

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2014

Pat

End of Vacation

Stayed early May. It was HOT and the pool was very inviting. This place was GREAT! After two weeks of traveling through Nicaragua it was the perfect place to get some peace and quiet. Rooms were simple and very clean. The staff is very attentive, view unreal. The meals that are included in your stay were the best we had throughout our trip. Wish we had stayed there longer. Highly recommend.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2014

meggie

Pleasantly surprised

A small slice of paradise in a beautiful unspoiled country. The only frustrating part of the holiday is finding the lodge. The directions are good but in the last month the road turning off from the bus station ( can't find that either) has become a one way. But that is not the only thing. The actual access to the lodge is through a pass between rocky short cliffs and NOT on the curving cobble stoned road that slopes up steeply as one would assume.
But once at the lodge it's truly wonderful. The service is personal, welcoming and excellent. The food is really good. We did not have even one bad meal!!
The casitas are clean and very comfortable.
The best and most relaxing part is to lay in a hammock with a cool breeze and read a good book.
Would I recommend this lodge? absolutely!

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2014

meggie

Pleasantly surprised

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2014

Mark

A Place of Tranquility

The location of this place is somewhat remote. The roads getting there are a little bumpy. Once you're there, though, you are glad you came. The Hacienda overlooks an active volcano and Lake Masaya. There is a constant gentle breeze that makes you forget that the city nearby is 90 degrees F. There is also a cooling refreshing pool close by. But, probably the thing that sets this place apart from others is the food. The cooks have managed to give the Nicaraguan food that they serve a very distinctive and appetizing flavor. Night after night, they manage to present the chicken or beef they serve with the correct amount of ingredients and spices to make it taste quite delicious. Add to that the fact that the staff takes a personal interest in the tenants (the owner takes part in that activity), and you have the ingredients for a very pleasant stay. The owner mentioned that he does not want to increase the capacity beyond 22 people so that better service can be provided. If you are looking for a place away from it all, this is the place to come.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Feb 2014

Verified traveler

Gorgeous eco-lodge

We enjoyed our stay. The staff went above and beyond to meet our needs. We would definitely go back!

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2014

DaveT

Wonderful place to stay

Excellent all round: stunning views; helpful, knowledgeable and attentive staff; 3 delicious meals of local food and 'afternoon tea ' at 5 every day . The lodge is in an isolated rural locaton and the owner has been very concerned to ensure that the development of the Hacienda has brought benefits to the locals in terms of employment and facilities. The cabins / rooms are spacious and very comfortable each with their own hammock and deck chairs in very private sitting areas.There is a full programme of tours and visits available to experience the life and culture of the area . We have travelled extensively around the world and this rates amongst our Very best experiences.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Nov 2013

Verified traveler

Volcanic Paradise

We stayed in Casa Linda for three nights in November. Casa Linda looks exactly like the pictures on the hotel website and also includes an outdoor shower, hammock, and seating area right into the private entrance to the pool. The Casa is surrounded by colorful flowering vegetation that draws butterflies, honey bees and small birds which produced a lovely background hum. The food was truly gourmet and made to order by Chef Carla who provided fresh, delicious, authentically Nicaraguan food every day. I am now addicted to her delicious empanada's, tostones, and chicken mole. Oscar was the great bartender creating the perfect Pina Colada and Mojito. JC and Leonel were perfect hosts ensuring that every need was met and provided tips and ideas to fully maximize our time there. I will say the highlight of the trip was relaxing and enjoying the view. The site is remote so plan your excursions in advance and plan to spend some quiet time enjoying the hotel. There is wi-fi available in the common areas.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2013

Rudi & Susan

Very nice and quiet lodge outside Granada

We stayed for three nights in mid-August and had an absolute wonderful time. The hosts Linda and JC were great company; the food was excellent; and our casita was pleasant, quiet, and enjoyable. We wanted to just kick back after a strenuous two weeks completing a volunteer foot-bridge building project in Santa Teresa, Condega; and this was the perfect place for it. The staff was attentative, and we enjoyed the views from the lodge and the pool. If we have a chance to travel to the Granada area in the future, we would stay here again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2013

Chris

Great resort to getaway with outstanding service

The resort is in a gorgeous location not close (w/in 15 minutes) to much of anything, but that is the point of going there. The food and service were outstanding and there are many options for great excursions within an hour of the hotel. Highly recommended for those looking to get away, relax, and experience Nicaragua.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2013

Sarah & Keith

Better than we expected!

My husband and I recently had an opportunity to stay at this lovely Hacienda. Luis, Pancho & Staff helped make our stay comfortable and memorable. The views from any spot at the resort are simply breathtaking! We requested Luis to make arrangements for volcano and city tours, and he did not disappoint. Food and accommodations were absolutely fabulous! We could not have picked a better place! This resort is in a remote location and not for everyone, but certainly one of the best places I've been too. I highly recommend this resort to anyone looking to escape to a little place in heaven! I can't wait to return!

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2013

Verified traveler

the ultimate secluded get-away!

The only way to experience Nicaragua! This exclusive and affordable resort will show the beauty of it's country, while the considerate and charming owner will personally give you a tour of the culture it has to offer. A MUST see!!!!

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2013

Julie

Fantastic vacation and unique experience!

We spent 8 nights at the Hacienda. It was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The smaller nature of the resort provides an intimate setting and exceptional service that you do not get at larger resorts. The food was terrific. The hotel also provides a variety of excursions and spa services. We highly recommend the Hacienda!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2013

Shannon

Peace in the jungle

The view of the lake and volcanos, the natural reserve, is astounding. You really are able to remove yourself from all the complications of society and simply enjoy the natural beauty of Nicaragua. Also, the staff are so friendly and provide a true family welcoming. I will absolutely go back to this paradise.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2013

daniel

Great Hideaway

Great place to unwind and detached form reality,
it is situated in a superb location on top of a hill.

The staff will make you feel as you are part of the family. The owners are great!!
the room (not the Casitas) could use a bit more furniture, no place to store anything.

the place is in a remote location, but plenty to do around or arranged by owner.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2013

Lady Doctor

Perfect Honeymoon spot!

My husband and I stayed here for 9 days over the last week in December and the first week in January as a late honeymoon. Our stay here was everything we expected plus more. We had read really great reviews before coming so our expectations were high, and we were not disappointed.

We were transported to and from the airport, as well as to and from every excursion in a private air-conditioned shuttle, driven by Louis, co-owner of the resort. We felt safe the entire trip, but we also got to experience the local flavor and party with the locals, thanks to Louis. He was born and raised in Nicaragua and everyone seems to know him and respect him. We were welcomed by everyone we met. The staff at the Hacienda was wonderful. They were very attentive to all of our needs, we actually got ill from some street food we ate, and the staff was bringing us fresh juice, soup, and pepto-bismol.

The scenery at the Hacienda can't be beat. I even indulged in a poolside massage by the masseuse, which was absolutely wonderful.

The food was delicious, each meal was 2-3 courses. The portions were excellent and all of the ingredients were fresh.

Only downsides: the staff does not speak good English and the alcoholic drinks are a bit pricey.

Tip: be sure to get a Casa, they are so worth it!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2013

Dave

Outstanding

We had a fantastic stay here. The hotel is beautiful, the location and views amazing and the food is excellent. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone who wants a unique experience in Nicaragua. Luis is a knowledgable, very friendly and accommodating host.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Aug 2012

Verified traveler

Great weekend!

My girlfriend and I had a great time at Hacienda Puerta Cielo. It had a \"mi casa su casa\" feeling to it. Staff was great. Always willing to accomodate any requests. If you have a stressful life and you just want to get away from it all then this is the place to go.
If you are looking for a place to be with your special someone away from any distractions or if you are just looking to be closer to nature, this is the place for you. You can drive yourself to the hotel but I recomend a pick-up or a SUV (high ground clearance) the average car will not make it. If it rains you are probrably looking at a 4x4.

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2012

catbird

beautiful jungle setting

We really had a great time! We got to see alot of Nicaragua.The tours were given by our host -he spoke very good english and spanish.The food was also very good.We highly recommend if you are going to Nicaragua.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2012

Lydia

Over the top in NIcaragua!!!

This was an experience of a lifetime!!! Hacienda Puerta Del Cielo is a superb example of having it all!! Remote and off the beaten path yet 'jungle' luxury fit for a king!! In the region just outside of the capital Managua near Granada a wonderful old Spanish colonial town and a must see in itself you have adventure travel with an endless choice of mountain hiking, boating, swimming in crater lakes or zip lining through jungle or over coffee plantations in the lowlands of volcanic mountain ranges or you can visit the local villages and craft markets of Masaya and Masetepe or take in the spectacular view from Caterina Mirador and have an exquisite lunch of fresh steamed lobster, shrimp and fish!! The choices are endless but you can always just hang at the hacienda and take it one of the most incredible views in the world and have a dip in the infinity lazy river pool and have a massage! DO NO MISS THIS PLACE!! You will not be disappointed, the service was too good for words!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2012

Meg1

Exotic bliss!

Situated in a remote area at the end of a very \"rugged road\" the Hacienda has a captivating view of the Massaya volcano and lake. In the evening you can see the lights of Massaya in the distance. The accommodation is casual chic, the staff very accommodating and management is very keen to make your experience memorable. Picture reading in a hammock after a delightful massage!

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2012

Elizabeth

Hacienda Puerta Del Cielo Masatepe Nicaragua

My husband & I spent our 20th Anniversary here. We were thrilled with everything, the owners made us feel so welcome and treated us as family from the moment we were picked up from the airport.
The staff, food and the facility were absolutely perfect. We had the Honeymoon Room where we could step out straight into the pool. The views were stunning and we could see the steaming volcano from our room. We did 3 amazing tours, which were extremely well organized with English speaking guides. We can't recommend this small exquisite resort highly enough, it was wonderful in every respect.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2011

Thomas

Hilltop extravaganza

The final kilometer of roadway to the Hacienda Puerta del Cielo is bumpy, but the rewards upon arrival are great. The hotel spreads graciously across a hilltop nestled in a tropical forest. The views from the hotel grounds are magnificent and include the Masaya Volcano and Lake. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and all of the buildings including the public spaces and the cabins are clean and beautifully laid out. The warmth of the staff cannot be exaggerated. There is nothing too difficult or inconvenient. They can provide rest and a beautiful pool and hammocks for this purpose. Or they can direct the guests to guided tours of the area. The meals on site were fantastic and very geared to the specific needs of the guests. I cannot imagine a scenario where a guest would not have a wonderful visit in this tropical paradise.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Feb 2025

Esteban

Is very difficult to get there you need to get a 4x4 car

Leisure Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

20 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Qué nunca lo encontré. Qué fue una estafa. este Hotel no Existe.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2013

John W

Flott kjærlighetsrede!

Vi er veldig fornøyde med oppholdet og den servicen som var lagt opp for at vi skulle ha det best mulig hele tiden. Det er en plass vi gjerne vil dra tilbake til en dag, perfekt for brullypsreise =) Hotellet har en nydelig arkitektur som er åpen og varm, man får en følelse av at man hører til når man er der! Dette er den perfekte plassen for og bygge kjærlighet!

Partner