Just 15 minutes west of the historical city of Granada rests the luxuriant Mombacho cloud forest. Once we reach the base of the volcano, we will drive up to the summit passing numerous coffee farms. At the top we will visit the Biological center where we can learn significant information about the rich biodiversity of a unique tropical forest.
Afterwards we will get immersed into the fascinating world of nature. The well-designed trails will bring you into close contact with wonderful species of plants including colorful orchids, endemic bromeliads, several species of ferns, begonias, bamboo-palm like plants, mimosas and other special flowering vegetation to this type of forests. As you explore the one and a half kilometer trail you will find informative wood boards with explanations about the interesting natural history of the reserve. If weather permits we can delight ourselves with spectacular views to the great Lake of Nicaragua, Granada colonial city, Apoyo volcanic Crater Lake, Masaya active volcano and surroundings.
Mombacho is not an extinct volcano, its fumaroles activity can be wonderfully observed at the open area of “Los quemados”. Before getting out of this spectacle of the nature we will hike through the “elfin forest” in Mombacho, a special type of tropical vegetation where trees do not reach their full size because of the continuous strong winds. These trees develop wider trunks to resist the wind and thicker leaves to absorb more water.
Then we are going to enjoy a wonderful adventure experience through “Las Isletas” a set of tropical little volcanic islands resting on the fresh waters of the vast Lake Nicaragua. Here fervent nature lovers will decidedly enjoy the exuberant lush vegetation of the “isletas”, sundry kind of trees, such as kapoks, mangoes, coconuts, rain trees and others, emerge splendidly from each islet. Paddling your way through Lake Nicaragua soothing waters, you will be stunned by unexpected natural sounds of bird calls, the spectacular flights of tropical birds or observe their amazingly ingenuity for grasping some fish; some of these bird species include kingfishers, flycatchers, egrets, herons, cormorants, ospreys, magpie jays, jacanas, and others.
As our rewarding trip resumes eye-catching vistas to magnificent Mombacho cloud forest volcano can be noticed from our natural perch. Thousands of years ago this impressive mountain discharged an unbelievable amount of solid rocks creating approximately 365 islands of diverse sizes. As well, in clear days, views to the eroded archaeological volcanic island of Zapatera National park can blissfully be spotted. In addition, this natural site is sprinkled with rural life activities where fishermen on teetering wood boats are either line-fishing or tossing nets into the water for catching “guapotes”, “mojarras”, “tilapias” or other sorts. Kayaking, around this outstanding archipelago and exclusively upon one the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world, is utterly an ultimate and unique escapade.
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