Volcanos:
Activities: Excursions and exploring.
Difficulty: 3/5.
The Cosiguina Volcano is located in northwestern Nicaragua. It takes a little more effort to reach the peninsula Cosigüina, but truly worth it, because in this western corner of the country you will find one of the most impressive volcanoes in Nicaragua. In 1835, the Cosigüina Volcano exploded with such force that a third of its crater was destroyed. Ashes were sent all the way to Jamaica and Mexico City about 1,400 kilometers away. Shortly after the eruption, the volcano became inactive. Over time, the crater filled with water and now you can find a loophole in this place.
Activities: Climbing and Hiking
Difficulty: 5/5.
The San Cristobal volcano is the highest active volcano in Nicaragua. This steaming cone-shaped mountain presents the 'traditional' characteristics of a volcano.
There are several volcanoes located around San Cristóba;; in fact this area is called 'San Cristobal Volcanic Complex' and comprises five volcanic structures. This complex also includes the San Cristóbal, Las Casitas, El Chonco, Moyotepe and Pelona. San Cristobal is the most active group. This volcano emits gases continuously and occasionally there is seismic activity around it.
Activities: Excursions
Difficulty: 5/5.
Another active volcano in Nicaragua is the Telica Volcano. The most recent and abrupt eruption was in 1948, but others have been reported that were less intense. Telica volcano is constantly emitting gases, and ash and lava can be seen at the bottom of the crater. The surrounding area suffers from volcanic activities, due to the gases that are emitted. Accompanying the Telica Volcano are other smaller craters, and it is believed that the hotbeds of San Jacinto are connected to the volcano.
Activities: climb.
Difficulty: 4/5.
Cerro Negro (Black Hill) is a perfect description for this sublime volcano. The Cerro Negro volcano was formed less than 160 years ago (in 1850) and is the youngest volcano in Central America. Its young age and constant activity, make it impossible for trees or plants to grow along its steep and black skirt. Portions of this volcano are covered by huge rocks and other fine sand. Ascending it is no easy task, there is no easy path, and is quite steep. Add to this the intensity of the sun, the lack of shade available, and it results in one of the toughest climbs in Nicaragua.
Activities: Climbing, Hiking
Difficulty: 4/5.
El Hoyo is a volcanic complex consisting of several structures. The first volcano is called 'The Picachu', After being active the volcano collapsed, forming other volcanic structures. Currently, the most significant is El Hoyo. This can be distinguished by a hole located in one of its skirts, instead of being located at the top. Climbing the volcano is possible, but not often done. The area is sparsely populated and there is non maintained access road leading to the base of the volcano. It is easier and more fun to access the volcano on horseback.
Activities: Climbing
Difficulty: 4/5.
One of the most significant landmarks in Nicaragua is provided by the Momotombo Volcano. This volcano, with almost perfect conical shape, can be seen from many places including the capital, Managua, as well as northern cities like Matagalpa, over 100 kilometers. The last eruption of Momotombo was reported in 1905. but surrounding Villages have been threatened on more than one occasion by leaking gases, ash and lava. However, for over a century the volcano has remained silent, despite the constant emission of gases. Some parts of the volcano exceed 500 ° C. A geothermal plant is located at the base of the volcano to transform heat into electricity.
Activities: Walking, Jogging, Swimming
Difficulty: 3/5.
Located about 10 miles from Managua is Chiltepe Peninsula, on the coast of the central part of Lake Xolotlán (Lake Managua). This peninsula is composed of two lagoons: Apoyeque and Xiloá. The Apoyeque was formed after an eruption of the volcano of the same name. The Apoyeque volcano erupted thousands of years ago. In 1988, the temperatures of the lagoon waters started to rise and to also give of strong, sulfur smell. There are still active steam holes on the volcano. Despite being inactive, there have been some recent volcanic activity around Apoyeque.
Activities: Hiking, horseback riding, night tour and bat cave exploration.
Difficulty: 1/5.
Masaya Volcano is located half an hour from Managua and it is very accessible. The smoking crater can be seen from the road. It has made into a national park, and within the park there is a paved road that leads to a parking lot on the edge of the crater. This allows visitors to arrive by car to the Santiago crater. Masaya Volcano National park includes two volcanoes: Masaya Volcano and Nindirí Volcano, and five craters. Santiago crater was formed in 1852 and is the most active.
Activities: Swim, kayaking, camping
Difficulty: 2/5.
When the old Apoyo Volcano erupted about 23,000 years ago, it left a gaping crater of about 7 kilometers in diameter. This lake is located between the cities of Masaya and Granada and is surrounded by a volcanic wall. You can reach this lake by car and is a good place to fish, swim and relax. It has some of the cleanest fresh water in all of Central America. While there is still an active steam hole on the west coast of the lagoon, the volcano is inactive. There are also many myths that surround this pristine lagoon.
Activities: Hiking. bird watching, night tours
Difficulty: 2/5.
The Mombacho Volcano is an imposing volcano located on the edge of Lake Nicaragua, near the city of Granada. The 360 island archipelago of the lake is the result of an eruption of this volcano, which blew the top off the volcano and deposited large chunks of earth in the lake. Currently the Mombacho is very quiet, with a dense, cloud forest that covers its slopes. The cloud forest contains thousands of species of plants, including bromeliads and orchids. Visitors can take a safari truck ride to the top of the volcano for spectacular hiking around the forested craters, with plenty of opportunities for bird watching and wonderful views of Granda, Lake Nicaragua, the double volcanic Island of Ometepe and Apoyo Lake.
Activities: Hiking and exploration
Difficulty: 2/5.
Zapatera Island is located within Lake Nicaragua, between Mombacho Volcano and the double volcanic island of Ometepe. Zapatera Island is about 70 km2 and is inhabited by only a small group of people. The old volcano shows no sign of activity and the island that was left is now covered by forest. The Zapatera Island, which was inhabited by indigenous peoples harbors many archaeological sites. Many statues and archaeological artifacts in large quantities have been discovered. It is believed that there are many more archaeological treasures still to be found. In the San Francisco Museum in Granada, you can find a collection of statues from Zapatera Island.
Activities: Hiking
Difficulty: 5/5.
A true giant of Nicaragua is the Concepción volcano. With a little less height than the San Cristobal volcano, it dominates the west side of the island of Ometepe. Like San Cristóbal and Momotombo, Concepción has an almost perfect structure. The most recent eruption was in 1986 that shook the population on this side of the island. The volcano continues to emit gases and ash; and in fact, in August 2005, there was seismic activity and expulsion of gases reported and fears that it would erupt. However, this activity gradually reduced and the expected eruption fortunately never happened. You can take a guided hike to the top of this very steep volcano, but it is probably the toughest volcano to climb in Nicaragua.
Activities: Hiking, bird watching
Difficulty: 4/5.
The volcano located in the southernmost part of Nicaragua is the Maderas, on the island of Ometepe. The Maderas is a dormant volcano that shares many characteristics with the Mombacho volcano. These two volcanoes are not only more or less the same height, they also share a rare ecosystem in the Pacific Nicaragua: a could rainforest. Mombacho and Maderas have the same humid environment and Maderas, like Mombacho, is covered by forests.
