El Hoyo

Name	El Hoyo
Status	Dormant
Type	Volcanic Complex
Coordinates	12.495°N, 86.688°W
Last Eruption	1954
Elevation	1,050 m
Activities	Climbing
Difficulty

El Hoyo is a volcanic complex consisting of several volcanic structures. The first volcano in this area was called El Picacho. After being active the volcano collapsed, and several other volcanic structures were formed. Nowadays, the most significant structure is the El Hoyo Volcano. This volcano can be easily recognized by the huge hole located on a slope of the volcano. Climbing the volcano is possible but not often done. The area is located in a sparsely populated area, and there are no roads to the base of the volcano. It is easiest to reach the foot of the volcano by horse.

Other volcanic structures include the Las Pilas volcano, another stratovolcano just like El Hoyo, and two maars called Laguna Asososca and Malpaisillo. Maars are flat craters formed after a violent eruption. Water often collects in these craters, forming a crater lake. The Asososca Lagoon is completely filled with water, and part of the Malpaisillo maar is also filled with water.

Momotombo Volcano

Name	Momotombo Volcano
Status	Active
Type	Stratovolcano
Coordinates	12.423°N, 86.540°W
Last Eruption	1905
Elevation	1,258 m
Activities	Climbing
Difficulty

One of the most significant landmarks in Nicaragua is the Momotombo Volcano. This almost perfect cone-shaped stratovolcano can be seen from many places, including Nicaragua's capital city Managua as well as the northern city of Matagalpa, over 100 kilometers away. The Momotombo has erupted several times in the last couple of centuries, most recently in 1905. There are several settlements close by that have been and continue to be threatened by the volcano's eruptions of lava, smoke, and ash. For more than a century the volcano has been relatively quiet, although gases are continuously emitted and the temperatures of certain parts of the volcano exceed 500°C. A geothermal plant has been set up at the base of the volcano, producing electricity from the volcano's heat.

Climbing the Momotombo volcano is a challenging task. There is no trail, the upper part of the volcano is extremely steep and without shade, and the Momotombo is one of the highest volcanoes in Nicaragua. You will have to set up camp somewhere around the summit of the volcano, because it is impossible to climb the Momotombo in one day. All in all, ascending the Momotombo is not an easy task and can only be done if you are in good condition. In return for all the hardship, you can enjoy unparalleled views, a very impressive crater, and some splendid landscapes.

Apoyeque Volcano

Name	Apoyeque Volcano
Status	Dormant
Type	Pyroclastic shield
Coordinates	12.242°N, 86.342°W
Last Eruption	about 6400-6800 years ago
Elevation	518 m
Activities	Hiking, swimming
Difficulty

Located only 10 kilometers from Managua lies the Chiltepe Peninsula. This peninsula is composed of two lagoons: Apoyeque and Xiloa. The Apoyeque lagoon was formed by the Apoyeque Volcano. This volcano has erupted for the last time thousands of years ago. In 1988 the temperature of the lagoon started increasing and sulfur gases were smelled. Active fumaroles are still present in the area. Although not active, there is still some volcanic activity present around Apoyeque.

The Xiloa lagoon is located right next to the Apoyeque Volcano, on the same peninsula inside Lake Managua. This lagoon is very accessible by road and can be used for swimming and recreation. Hiking can also be done in the area. The Apoyeque lagoon, however, is separated from the Xiloa lagoon by the old crater wall of the volcano. This makes it hard to access the lagoon. Furthermore, the Apoyeque lagoon is located about 400 meters below the crater rim, making it even harder to access the lagoon itself. The views of the surroundings, including Lake Managua, are great, though. This beautiful peninsula, located close to Managua, is definitely worth a visit.