Nicaragua has nine active volcanoes, numerous dormant cones and many geologic volcanic structures. The magnificent views from the summit of these volcanoes, as well as the presence of hot springs, boiling mud holes, fumaroles, and a wide variety of plant life create opportunities for an inspiring nature experience. Volcanic Nicaragua offers the visitor everything from leisurely outings to challenging peak climbs.

Volcano Ranch sits on the crater rim of Laguna de Apoyo. The Apoyo volcano is an extinct crater dating back 23,000 years. Today, the crater holds a marvelous dark blue lagoon, 7 km wide. It is Nicaragua’s largest crater lake and reaches depths of up to two hundred meters. The lagoon waters remain about 80 F. year round and offer a relaxing swim after a horse ride from the ranch. The crater lake does have a sandy beach but a very sudden drop off into deeper water away from the shoreline.

The always present Mombacho Volcano rises above Volcano Ranch and the surrounding countryside. This national park has exceptional walking tours, a biological station and museum, and is home to a spectacular cloud forest. The last reported volcanic activity was in 1570, when a debris avalanche destroyed a village on the crater’s south side. A massive eruption thousands of years before this created nearly 360 islands, Las Isletas, located in lake Nicaragua near the city of Granada. Boating tours thru the islands are a popular tourist diversion.

The rich volcanic soil of Mombacho and the ever present cloud forest have created a rich landscape for biological diversity. In this ecological reserve you will find gigantic trees more than a century old. Howler monkeys, sloth, porcupines, toucans, cuckoos, trogons and iguanas are abundant. There have been counted as many as 130 species of trees, 160 varieties of butterflies and over 140 types of exotic birds. Wild orchids flower profusely on the exposed upper volcanic slopes.

Nicaragua has some of the most impressive geologic volcanic sites in the world. Do not miss the chance to visit ! Volcano Ranch is located 20 minutes from the entrance to the Mombacho National Park. We can help provide information on transportation and open hours.

VOLCANOES !