15 Volcanoes of Nicaragua: A List You Don't Want to Miss

Want to learn about the volcanoes of Nicaragua? This is the right place.

Nicaragua is a land of lakes and volcanoes, and not for a poetic reason.

It is called the land of lakes and volcanoes because Nicaragua has more than 54 active and non-active volcanoes that provide a unique landscape to the Pacific region of Nicaragua.

These volcanoes are some of the best tourist attractions in Nicaragua, so if you are considering having a challenging adventure, you can't miss the opportunity to climb one of these volcanoes.

In this article, we will share a list of 15 of Nicaragua's volcanoes that have caused the most interest for national and international tourists.

List of Nicaraguan Volcanoes with the greatest tourist interest

1. Cosigüina Volcano

The Cosigüina volcano is located in the department of Chinandega, it is a protected area under the status of Natural Reserve. It is located on the Cosigüina peninsula in the Gulf of Fonseca very close to the cliffs.

In 1835 this volcano had an enormous explosion, which is even cataloged as one of the most violent in the history of the planet. It has an extension of 14,123 hectares. Characterized by its shape of a truncated cone with a maximum height of 872 meters above sea level and a lagoon at its bottom.

Here you can practice

• Hiking
• Landscaping
• Observe the fauna and flora of the place

Climbing the Cosigüina volcano has a very high difficulty. That is why this is one of the volcanoes of Nicaragua reserved for lovers of extreme experiences.

2. Volcano San Cristobal

The volcano San Cristobal is the highest volcano in Nicaragua and one of the youngest volcanoes in the country. It is located in the department of Chinandega and is constantly active.

Around the San Cristobal volcano stands a whole volcanic complex formed by 4 other volcanoes. These are El Chonco, El Moyotepe, El Casita and El Cráter La Pelona.

Climbing the volcano San Cristobal is one of the most difficult activities. You must be in very good physical condition, as it will take you a full day to climb up and down.

3. Telica Volcano

The Telica volcano is located in the department of Leon, just 30 kilometers from the city.

This is one of the volcanoes in Nicaragua that remains active and constantly expels ashes. For this reason, the authorities maintain intensive monitoring in case of an emergency.

There are no roads that take you to the slopes of the Telica volcano, so you will have to travel a long way to reach the volcano.

There are some tour operators that offer the service of climbing this volcano during the night, so you will be at the top of the volcano just at sunrise. This is without a doubt one of the most magical experiences you can have.

4. El Hoyo Volcano

El Hoyo volcano is part of the Pilas - El Hoyo Volcanic Complex Natural Reserve and is under the status of a natural reserve. To be honest, it can be said that all volcanoes in Nicaragua have the status of protected area by the local authorities.

El Hoyo has three deep, vertical-walled craters of 400, 80 and 200 m in diameter; the main one (400 m in diameter), from which the volcano derives its name, is located at the summit, has a stepped funnel shape, a depth of approximately 500 m and fractures on the rim.

El Hoyo volcano has become popular because it is a perfect place to camp, watch the stars and get ready to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. Besides, you will enjoy excellent views of the nature that makes up the department of Leon.

5. Cerro Negro Volcano

The Cerro Negro volcano is one of Nicaragua's most internationally known tourist attractions. It is the only volcano where you can practice sandboarding.

This volcano is located 25 km from the city of Leon, is the youngest in Central America with 167 years and measures approximately 728 meters above sea level. Visiting the Cerro Negro volcano is an adventure.

Climbing the Cerro Negro volcano is perhaps easier compared to other volcanoes in Nicaragua, due to its height. Climbing up to the top can take about an hour.

The descent, however, can take only 10 minutes, either running or using a board to slide down.

It is recommended to wear cool clothes, pants and hard-soled shoes suitable for climbing and that can protect you from the sharp volcanic rocks.

6. Zapatera Volcano

Zapatera is an extinct volcano, and it is not even known when it last erupted.

An interesting fact is that it is located within Lake Cocibolca or Lake Nicaragua, which makes it the second largest island within this lake, after Ometepe.

Currently, it is a protected area and has an impressive historical value, since many archaeological remains, pre-Columbian pottery, among other treasures, have been found here.

7. Momotombo Volcano

The Momotombo volcano is located in the northern part of Lake Managua or Xolotlán and reaches 1,258 meters above sea level.

This volcano has registered 9 explosions during its history, being the last one in 1903. It is currently active; fumaroles can be observed constantly.

Momotombo volcano is also used to produce geothermal energy, so it is natural that if you want to climb this volcano you need a permit from the company. This is because the starting point is precisely in the facilities of the geothermal station.

If you travel to this beautiful volcano in Nicaragua, it is recommended that:

Either leave very early,

Or go prepared to camp at the top of this place.

If you decide to camp at the top, keep in mind that it is very windy and cold at the top. So you need to bring a sweater, sleeping bags and tents that can protect you.

It is important to mention that climbing this volcano is very difficult. It will take you at least 8 hours to go up and down.

8. Momotombito Volcano

Momotombito volcano, together with Momotombo, is part of the volcanic complex of the same name. This volcanic complex was named a natural reserve and is a protected area by local authorities.

Momotombito is an extinct basalt cone that rises some 350 m above the surrounding water level.

Here you can practice hiking, flora and fauna observation, bathing in hot springs with mud therapy possibilities, camping, among other outdoor activities. Everything is for the taste of the most adventurous.

9. Apoyeque Volcano

Apoyeque volcano is located in the department of Managua, about 10 kilometers from the capital.

Apoyeque volcano erupted thousands of years ago and is considered an inactive volcano. However, some volcanic activity is still observed in the area as constant fumaroles or small tremors.

In this area there are 2 very important lagoons for tourist attraction, these are the lagoons of Apoyeque and Xiloá.

If you want to visit this volcano in Nicaragua, we recommend you look for a guide in the INTUR of Xiloá or asking in the restaurants located near the area.

10. Masaya Volcano

Another of Nicaragua's volcanoes with the highest number of national and international tourists is the Masaya volcano; also known as one of the gates of hell that exist on the planet.

It is possible to visit the Masaya volcano both day and night, the latter being an unforgettable experience, since it is at night when you have greater visibility of the lava river at the bottom of the crater.

In addition to seeing the lava, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Managua and Masaya.

The Masaya volcano is part of the list of curiosities of Nicaragua because it has a lot of history and many legends are told. It is certainly a site worth considering when traveling to Nicaragua.

11. Mombacho Volcano

The Mombacho volcano is another of Nicaragua's volcanoes that has gained much visibility nationally and internationally. It is a very complete place in the attention of tourists, providing various entertainment options such as canoping, hiking, appreciation of flora and fauna, and visits to coffee farms, among others.

There is even a restaurant in the middle of the volcano.

The Mombacho volcano is active and is located in the department of Granada. Climbing to the top of this place is easy, since there is a paved road that transports tourists from the foot of the volcano to the top.

Once at the top, you will only have to follow the circuit you signed up for at the station.

12. Concepción Volcano

The Concepción volcano is one of the 2 volcanoes that form the Ometepe Island, considered the 8th wonder of the world.

This volcano has a height of 1,610 meters and is still active. Many tourists take the challenge to climb this volcano, so they need all their energy and excellent physical condition to win.

The volcano has a tropical forest, so it is normal that it rains frequently, this also means that you will pass through a lot of vegetation on the way.

This volcano can only be climbed with a guide, as it is very easy to get lost.

13. Maderas Volcano

Maderas is the second volcano on Ometepe Island. It is a little smaller than El Concepción, measuring 1400 meters. However, that does not make it any easier to climb.

If it is necessary to compare it with any of the volcanoes of Nicaragua, one could speak of the Mombacho volcano, since in the Maderas volcano there are several coffee farms and a very cold climate takes hold of its summit.

The ascent to the volcano is similar to that of the Concepción volcano, quite steep in some parts and with a lot of vegetation. Along the way, you will see hieroglyphs and indigenous people's carvings, which reinforces the historical importance of this area of Nicaragua during pre-Columbian times.

The biggest surprise is at the top of the Maderas volcano. Right in the crater there is a lagoon, which is accessible. This lagoon is spectacular, as it envelops a mysterious atmosphere with mist and sounds of animals protecting their territory.

14. El Chonco Volcano

El Chonco Volcano is located at the foot of the San Cristobal volcano. This is already an extinct volcano that has eroded a lot over the years, so there is a danger of landslides.

In this site there is a lot of vegetation and fauna scattered throughout the protected area, so it is possible to enjoy a unique encounter with nature. In height, El Chonco is 1165 meters high, which is still quite considerable to climb.

If you wish to visit this place, it is preferable that you hire a guide or a tour operator to keep you informed and protected at all times.

15. Casita Volcano

The Casita volcano is also part of the San Cristobal Volcanic Complex. It is 1,405 meters high and is completely surrounded by vegetation.

Casita shares many characteristics with the other volcanoes in the area, but it is much more difficult to climb than the others. This is because the trails are difficult to follow unless you go with a very experienced guide.

If you are an adventurous person, the Casita volcano can be the challenge you are looking for.

What are the best Volcano Tours?

 

8 Curiosities of Nicaragua's Volcanoes

How many volcanoes does Nicaragua have?

Nicaragua has 54 volcanic structures between active, inactive and extinct volcanoes. All of them are scattered throughout the Pacific region.

Which is the most dangerous volcano in Nicaragua?

Apoyeque volcano is the most dangerous volcano in Nicaragua, and is ranked as the second most dangerous volcano in the world. It is also estimated to be a latent risk, since the probability of it erupting in less than 100 years is very high.

The Apoyeque volcano is located 10 kilometers from Managua, and its possible eruption could provoke a powerful tsunami of 25 meters high that would cover all of Managua and could reach Japan, the Philippines, and the coasts of China, Korea and Russia.

What is the youngest volcano in Nicaragua?

Cerro Negro is the youngest volcano in Nicaragua, and it is even the youngest volcano in Central America. It is located in the Department of Leon and is currently active.

What is the most important volcano in Nicaragua?

The most important volcano in Nicaragua is the San Cristobal volcano because of its national and international importance. However, another very important volcano in Nicaragua is the Mombacho volcano because it helps to generate geothermal energy.

Where are Nicaragua's volcanoes located?

Nicaragua's volcanoes are located in the Pacific region, and are scattered in the departments of Chinandega, Leon, Managua, Masaya, Granada and Rivas.

How many active volcanoes are there in Nicaragua?

There are at least 8 active volcanoes in Nicaragua, as they show signs of constant activity. These active volcanoes are El Cerro Negro, Telica, Momotombo, Apoyeque, San Cristobal, El Hoyo, Masaya and El Concepcion.

Which is the highest volcano in Nicaragua?

San Cristóbal is the highest volcano in Nicaragua with a height of 1,745 m (4,745 ft).

Does Nicaragua produce geothermal energy?

Yes, Nicaragua produces geothermal energy thanks to the Momotombo volcano.

Nicaragua's Pacific Volcanoes Route

The Route of the Volcanoes in Nicaragua is an effort by local authorities to promote tourism in the country.

The route is oriented to the development of different types of tourism such as adventure, ecotourism, nature tourism, sun and beach, health and wellness, scientific and rural community tourism.

The Volcanoes Route includes the Maribios Volcanic Chain, 10 crater lakes and 25 nature reserves, as well as private wildlife reserves throughout the Pacific Region of Nicaragua.

Some of the volcanoes that make up the route are the San Cristobal, Cosigüina, El Chonco, Casita, Telica, Santa Clara, Cerro Negro, El Hoyo, Momotombo, Apoyeque, Santiago, Masaya, Mombacho, Concepción and Maderas volcanoes.

Which of the volcanoes of Nicaragua will you visit?

All of Nicaragua's volcanoes offer a unique and unparalleled experience. Each of these sites has its own history and way of entertaining and delighting visitors.

From night tours, to camping, or even sliding down the slopes. Nicaragua's volcanoes are unique and worth exploring.

We hope you will soon be able to climb one of these wonderful gifts of nature.