Welcome to Hell: Masaya Volcano tour
Located just 20 miles from Managua, the Masaya Volcano National Park -- Nicaragua's first national park (1979) --comprises an area of 54 km² and includes two volcanoes and five craters, with the main volcano consistently active of late.
Still open for visitors, Masaya Volcano allows for a a beautiful and thrilling opportunity to point your head and your camera straight into the mouth of a vast caldron of hellfire and geological magic that rivals any place on earth.
Throughout history the volcanoes have been feared by both the indigenous people and the Spanish conquerors. The Spanish baptized the active volcano "La Boca del Infierno" or "The Mouth of Hell". They planted a cross, "La Cruz de Bobadilla" (named after Father Francisco Bobadilla), on the crater lip in the 16th century in order to exorcise the Devil. The threat of volcanoes was even used in the United States to sway government approval away from a Nicaragua canal.
The eruptions have had a dramatic impact on the surroundings. Rocks and volcanic ashes still cover the area surrounding the volcanoes. The nature is rough yet peaceful. Different types of vegetation appeared after the eruptions. The park is also inhabited by many different kinds of animals. The park's wildlife includes coyotes, skunks, raccoons, opossums, deer, iguanas, and monkeys.
There are several trails that lead to other great views, other craters, or to the Tzinaconostoc Cave in which hundreds of bats house. These special trails vary in distance between 1.4 and 5.9 kilometers and are all guided, with prices between C$10 and C$20 per person. Each trail takes between 1-1½ hour.
