Nicaragua has been labeled “the land of lakes and volcanoes” because of the many lagoons and lakes, and the string of volcanoes that run north and south along the Pacific side of the country. Currently, only seven of the fifty volcanoes in the country are labeled as active. A lot of these volcanoes provide some great opportunities for with activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and swimming in crater lakes. Another recent activity that has gained popularity is sand skiing. It is most popular at the Cerro Negro volcano that is located in the city of Leon. If you are adventurous, both dormant and active volcanoes can be climbed. Some of the most frequently visited volcanoes are Masaya Volcano, Momotombo, Mombacho, Ometepe’s Maderas, Cosiguina, and Concepcion.
The Apoyo Lagoon was formed by the eruption of the Apoyo Volcano around 23,000 years ago. The eruption left a large 7km-wide crater that slowly filled with water. It is encircled by the crater wall. The edge of the lagoon is populated with restaurants that also have kayaks available to customers. Many visitors enjoy exploring the forest around the lagoon, kayaking, and participating in other water sports.
Another popular tourist attraction in Nicaragua is the archipelago of 365 islands that are called the Islets of Granada. The islets were made when the Mombacho volcano erupted and blew its top into the lake. The islets are popular with tourists and locals alike. They are of all different sizes and have a population of around 1200 people.