Investing in Nicaragua real estate or buying a retirement property in Nicaragua allows you the opportunity to experience nature in a way that would be impossible in North America. Nicaragua is often referred to as 'the country of Lakes and Volcanoes' and that is for a very good reason. An awesome string of volcanoes also runs the length of the country.
You can climb both active and dormant volcanoes, walk through the forested slopes, swim in the crystal blue crater lakes, or take a peek over the rim into the crater of an active volcano. There are over a dozen volcanoes in Nicaragua with six being within an easy day trip of the real estate hot spot of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
The Masaya Volcano (635m) is an active volcano located in Masaya Volcano National Park and is located approximately 80 miles from San Juan del Sur. A national park has been set up around the volcanoes. Within the park there is a paved road that leads directly to the crater. The park includes two volcanoes, the Masaya Volcano and the Nindirí Volcano, and five craters. The park setting is a wonderful place to wander or hike. Hiking through the reserve allows you to observe spectacular landscape which was formed by past eruptions.
The Masaya Volcano is the most easily accessible volcano in Nicaragua. There is also a small visitor center with a little museum.
When the Apoyo Volcano (468m) last erupted, it left a huge 7 km-wide crater that gradually filled with fresh water. This lake, located between Masaya and Granada, is surrounded by the old crater wall. The village of Katarina is perched high above the crater and has a great view of the lake. This wonderful laguna can be reached by car from San Juan del Sur in 1.5 hours. It is the perfect spot for a day of swimming and relaxing.
The Mombacho Volcano (1,345m) is a huge dormant volcano bordering Lake Nicaragua and just south of the colonial city of Granada. Currently, the Mombacho Volcano is quiet and today a dense forest covers the slopes. The Mombacho Volcano is a very accessible volcano and there is a shuttle to take you to the top. The biodiversity of the Mombacho Volcano provides a wide selection of animals and plant species endemic to the volcano. Well maintained hiking trails have been set up and their are a number of hiking options. In addition to awesome natural vegetation you can also find spectacular look out points along the trails.
Zapatera Island (629m) is an extinct volcano which forms a island within Lake Nicaragua. Zapatera Island was inhabited by indigenous tribes and has many important archaeological sites. Ancient statues and artifacts have been found in great quantities on the island, and it is thought that many are still buried there. Although Zapatera offers some interesting archaeological sites, the island is not frequently visited. Some of the uncovered artifacts are housed in the Convent Museum in nearby Granada
Concepcion Volcano (1,610m) is a giant among the volcanoes in Nicaragua. The Concepción Volcano dominates the western side of Ometepe Island. Ometepe Island is the largest island in Lake Nicaragua. Concepción is a cone-shaped stratovolcano. The most recent violent eruption occurred in 1986. However, the volcano continues to emit gases and ash on a regular basis. Climbing the Concepción is challenging but is well worth the effort. Beautiful vegetation and spectacular views great hikers on the way up. If you are lucky enough to climb on a clear day, you will be treated to a number or wonderful vistas. Ometepe Island a short drive and then a short ferry ride from San Juan del Sur. If you intend to climb the volcano you should make plans to stay overnight on the Island.
Concepción Volcano shares the island of Ometepe with it's quieter sister, the Maderas Volcano (1,394m). Maderas is a dormant volcano covered in a wet tropical rain forest similar to the Mombacho Volcano. On the top of Madera you will discover a refreshing crater lake. There is no paved road to the crater. To visit the lake you will have to hike. The trail to the top of Maderas is much less steep than the trail on Concepción, but it is still a substantial hike. The round trip with a short swim should take approximately eight hours. Ascending the Maderas volcano is a once in a lifetime experience as it is likely the most beautiful of the all the volcanoes in Nicaragua.
When you chose to retire in Nicaragua or buy Nicaragua real estate you can count on seeing some volcanoes.
