Masaya Volcano National Park
Masaya Volcano National Park
Masaya Volcano National Park (Km 23, highway to Masaya) – just 30 minutes southeast of Managua is this national park that contains two volcanoes and five craters. It is part of the Central American Volcanic Belt (along with the Tacaná volcano in Guatemala and Irazú in Costa Rica). Masaya shows that its volcanoes are still active when they emit large amounts of sulfur dioxide gas. Interestingly, visitors can actually drive to the rim of these volcanoes. Visitors can peek over the edge at the Masaya Volcano, and look into the impressive crater, which is continuously emitting smoke and sulfur gases. From this central crater it is possible to start hiking to other craters or viewpoints.
Another spectacular activity is to undertake a nocturnal tour. The Masaya Volcano National Park offers this tour every day from 5PM until around 7.30-8PM. The tour starts right before sunset, with a visit to the cross (La Cruz de Bobadilla) overlooking the volcano and the surroundings. The park is also inhabited by many different kinds of animals. The park’s wildlife includes coyotes, skunks, raccoons, opossums, deer, iguanas, and monkeys.
Admission: C$100 (foreigners), C$30 (Nicaraguans). Night tour: US$10 per person. Hours: 9:00 am – 4:45 pm (regular visits); Evening tours conducted from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.