Nicaragua's Southwest Nicaragua
Parque Nacional Volcan Masaya
In addition to the artistic delight of Masaya City, Southwest Nicaragua is home to one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world. Climb to the Santiago Crater, 29km from the center of new Managua, as you drive the paved road to the pinnacle. At its height, the park rises 635m above sea level, measured from the extinct cone of San Fernando. From this perch, the views of the lush lake valley are unsurpassed.
Within this ancient caldera discover more than 7 volcanic cones and a crater lake, all of which are protected by the park. The landscapes are those of science fiction, where moonscapes pave the topography and crater dwelling parakeets rule the toxic inner walls of the active Santiago Crater, a perilous residence, considering the last eruption was in April of 2001.
