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Masaya Volcano National Park
Masaya and surrounding
Nature Reserves, Safari Parks, Zoo
Nature Reserves, Safari Parks, Zoo

The Masaya Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya) is a unique natural area with volcanoes that are among the most accessible to explore in Central America. However, the main attraction of this place is an active crater.

The fiery gulf in the rocks was once called the Gates to Hell by the Spaniards. Today, it is one of the most impressive tourist attractions in the Pacific area of Nicaragua.

An area of 54 square kilometers includes two volcanoes and five craters. You can observe the smoke and steam coming out of the active crater of Santiago. The top of the Masaya volcano offers an impressive view of the surrounding area. There are also 15 lava tunnels.

The tourist centre has a permanent exhibition with detailed information about the history, structure, and nature of the park. At the same time, guests can learn about other volcanoes in the region. There is a picnic area nearby where you can relax, eat and enjoy the panorama.

Volcanic eruptions had a significant impact on the environment in the past. Volcanic ash still covers the area around the volcanoes. Nature seems harsh, but calm and peaceful at the same time. Some time after the eruptions, various types of poor vegetation appeared. The park is home to coyotes, skunks, raccoons, possums, deer, iguanas, and even monkeys. There are several trails leading from Santiago to other craters, and the Tzinaconostoc cave inhabited by hundreds of bats.

At night, the volcanic park offers a spectacular sight: the so-called lava lake, which can be seen from observation platforms along the edges of the crater. A night visit to the crater lasts from 10 to 20 minutes (depending on the total number of visitors). However, this is enough to feel the full power of the hot spot.

The park is less than half an hour's drive from Managua and just a ten-minute drive from Masaya. It is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. To get to the Masaya volcano, located in the centre of the territory, you need to walk five kilometers uphill from the entrance to the park. Visitors can climb the mountain on foot (you need to be physically prepared for such a walk) or use transport to get almost to the crater.

Address: Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya

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