Volcanoes in Nicaragua

You don’t have to be a geologist to appreciate the immense power and beauty of a volcano in Nicaragua. The incredibly fertile soil that surrounds these “creatures of the earth” helps create an incredibly beautiful home for many animals and plants. Add to this the gentle rumbling of the living, breathing volcano beneath your feet and the thrill of knowing you’re so close to one of earth’s most awesome natural powers – all of this combines to create one of the most amazing natural experiences that man can enjoy.

Nicaragua’s Volcanoes can be both fierce and tranquil – it all depends on when you visit.

Nicaragua has one of the most impressive volcanic chains in Central America. It features more than fifty volcanic cones of which seven are active. These cones rise off a flat coastal plain which is just above sea level – a geographical feature that makes them more striking to look at and more accessible to climbers and hikers. Of course, this would be a very long page if we were to write on all fifty volcanoes. Instead, we have chosen to list only a few of the more popular volcanoes. Below you will find a list and brief description of the top nine volcanoes in Nicaragua. Remember to check with authorities that the volcano is ‘safe’ before attempting to climb or hike to their summits.

Leon

Cerro Negro Volcano – Located in the middle of the Maribios Volcano Mountain Range, the small but incredibly active Cerro Negro continues to erupt with some ferocity. The volcano currently measures just 450 meters in height and is one of the newest volcanoes to emerge from beneath the earth in the Americas. Cerro Negro had eleven heavy eruptions in the 20th century, the last of which resulted in a further three craters opening up at its base. It is possible to hike up the black gravel-like sides of the volcano. The hike up the north face takes about one hour and after tackling that you might try to slide down the steep western face.

Telica Volcano – This spectacular volcano is situated in Leon in the central parts of the Maribios Volcano range. This volcano is roughly 1 061 meters above sea level and its western face is being constantly eroded. While the volcano last erupted in 1999, it still emits a light but constant smoke. There is a long but enjoyable hike up the east face of the summit that takes roughly 6-8 hours. There are three starting points and you can choose to make a round trip or continue on to the village of San Jacinto. The most spectacular thing to see at the summit is the vertical inner walls of the volcano’s crater.

Momotombo Volcano – Noted as one of Nicaragua’s most picturesque volcanoes, Momotombo is located on the southern tip of the Maribios Range. Its symmetrical cone rises to an elevation of 1 300 meters and it towers over the shores of Lake Managua. The volcano is still smoking and is listed as being active, but it has not seen an eruption since 1905. Besides long (2 days), beautiful hikes it features a geothermal plant at its base.

Nicaragua - beauty of Chinandega

Far up on the most north-western part of Nicaragua you will find the very attractive department of Chinandega. Peppered with interesting attractions and beautiful sights, you can be sure that Chinandega will prove to be a most delightful holiday destination with no shortage of things to see and do. Perhaps this is why it is fast becoming one of Nicaragua's most popular tourist destinations.

What is it about Chinandega that makes it so popular? Perhaps it's the beautiful forests and beaches. It could also be the magnificent volcanoes. Or it could even be the fact that Chinandega is one of the main producers of the high quality Flor de Caña rum. It could even be the sites of historical interest that are just waiting to be explored further. Whatever it is, it drives thousands of visitors to this small part of the world every year and both locals and foreigners enjoy their time here.

The beaches of Jiquilillo and Corinto, as well as the inlet of Paso Caballo, are generally the most popular attractions in Chinandega. Every year people flock to them to enjoy the fine sand and sun as well as the beautiful waters of the ocean. Some venture a bit further inland to the four volcanoes that can be found here. The dormant Cosiqüina Volcano has been declared a Natural Reserve and is located in the northern part of the department. The volcano has well forested slopes - both inside and outside the crater - and a lagoon in the crater. From its towering height of 859m above sea level, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Gulf of Fonseca and, if the weather is good, you can also see both Honduras and El Salvador – now that is a sight worth seeing! Southwards you will find El Chonco, El Apante and San Cristóbal, which is the biggest active volcano in the country. There is also the Natural Reserve Padre Ramos, which is great learning more about watery ecosystems since there are plenty of these to be found in its creeks and mangrove swamps.

If you enjoy a little history while on vacation, the city of El Realejo will prove fascinating. The city is quite old and was used as an important sea port during colonial times – even seeing the likes of several English pirates in times gone by. However, if that sort of thing bores you, you can be sure that activities such as hiking volcanoes and wetlands or taking a boat ride off the Gulf of Fonseca will prove more entertaining. Chinandega has a wealth of activities and attractions just waiting to be discovered.