Laguna de Apoyo:
The crater of Apoyo was formed approximately 23,000 years ago, after a strong volcanic explosion left a hole measuring six kilometers in diameter. Time went by and subterranean waters and rain filled the crater and the slopes became covered by vegetation. Today this crater is considered to be a sleeping volcano, in repose, with certain volcanic activity still present through a few hot springs in its interior.
As part of the Nicaraguan volcanic chain, Apoyo is located between the Mombacho Volcano in the south and the Masaya Volcano in the north. It is not the only crater in the country which contains a lagoon; in Nicaragua there are various volcanic lagoons like the lagoon of Cosigüina (in Chinandega), Tiscapa (in the center of Managua), Apoyeque (just outside Managua), and others. Out of these volcanic lagoons Apoyo is the one with the most tourist potential given its more accessibile, is a protected area, and because it is the largest crater lagoon of Nicaragua.
The Apoyo lagoon has a surface of 2,110 hectares. It is very deep: according to investigations the deepest level is 100 meters below sea level, while the shore of the lagoon is 75 meters above sea level. The water is the most crystal-clear out of all fresh water bodies in Nicaragua and possibly in Central America. Even though it is not fit for direct human consumption, it is very clean, with a low level of natural or human contamination.
