When the old Apoyo Volcano erupted, about 23,000 years ago, it left a huge 7 km-wide crater that gradually filled with water. This lake, located between Masaya and Granada, is surrounded by the old crater wall. This spectacular lagoon can be easily reached by car, and it is a great spot for swimming and relaxing. There is still an active fumarole at the western shore of the lagoon, so the volcano is not yet dormant. There are also myths that still surround this pristine lagoon.
A true giant among the Nicaraguan volcanoes. the Concepción dominates the western side of Ometepe Island. the Concepción is a cone-shaped stratovolcano. The most recent violent eruption occurred in 1986, which heavily affected people living on this side of the island. The volcano continues to emit ash and gases. As recent as August 2005 the Concepción threw out ash, and seismic activity around the island increased, prompting many to think the Concepción was about to erupt. Gradually the seismic activity decreased, however, and the expected eruption did not take place.
Climbing the Concepción is another great challenge, but definitely worth the effort. You can easily reach the foot of the volcano from where you rapidly ascend, walking through banana and coffee plantations. Stunning nature and spectacular views can be expected on the way up. It is not an easy climb though, and you will have to climb big rocks that somehow form the trail and lead to the crater. Along the way you will pass different types of vegetation, including a small forest and spectacular plants. Closer to the top the views are often limited by clouds, but if you are lucky enough to have a clear sky, you can enjoy superb views. Finally, watching the sulfur smoke come out of the crater on the top of this volcano is a truly magnificent experience. Going up and down will take between seven and ten hours, and it can be done in one day
A volcano is an opening, or rupture, in a planet's surface or crust, which allows hot magma, volcanic ash and gases to escape from below the surface.
Volcanoes are generally found where tectonic plates are diverging or converging.
NICARAGUA, It is the largest country in Central America. The country is bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south.
Nicaragua is often referred to as 'the country of Lakes and Volcanoes'. When you look at the map, you can understand why. Not only do many lakes and lagoons exist throughout the country, an impressive line of volcanoes also runs from north to south. There is a great variety among these volcanoes; some have huge smoking crater mouths whereas other volcanoes were blown away in violent eruptions thousands of years ago, leaving behind nothing more than a tranquil crater lake.
