This amazing Strombolian volcano is located in the central Pacific basin of Nicaragua and it is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which holds 452 volcanoes and is also home to over 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes. The Natural Reserve Mombacho, which Nahuatl word stands for “Steep Mountain”, is a cloud forest with unique eco-logical characteristics located 20 minutes away from the colonial city of Granada. Due to its eroded peak shape, Volcano Mombacho was probably the highest volcano of Nicaragua with an altitude over 2000 meters above sea level (6000 ft). Today the “Guardian of Granada” as it is also called, rises over 1300 meters.
Volcano Mombacho is constituted by 6,644 hectares (16,420 acres) of buffer zone and 578 hectares (1,430 acres) of untouched cloud forest. Its privileged geographic location allows an exceptional climate, which is mainly induced by the trade winds that carry the Caribbean humidity, dragging at the same time the breeze of Lake Nicaragua and finally depositing all these elements on the walls and peak of Mombacho volcano. This phenomenon provokes rapid winds, thick clouds and heavy rain mainly between May and October.
Mombacho’s cloud forest trails will bring you into the spectacle of nature with vivid adventures and close contact to colorful orchids, blooming heliconias, beautiful begonias, lush ferns, abundant moss, playful butterflies, sneaky insects, loud curious howler monkeys and exciting tiny hummingbirds. Another particular caracteristic of this magical paradise is its “elfin forest”, a unique ecosystem on top of Mombacho, where the forest stays short and trees develop wide trunks and thick leaves due to the high elevation and strong winds. Volcano Mombacho’s ecosystem is formed by 173 species of birds, 47 species of mammals, 752 species of plants and 10 species of amphibians.
From atop the visitor will be able (if weather permits) to enjoy a fantastic view over Great Lake Nicaragua and the “Isletas”, an archipelago of 360 little volcanic islands created ten thousand years ago by the intensive activity of Mombacho Volcano. The visitor can also admire the colonial city of Granada, Apoyo crater lake, the steaming crater of Santiago and part of Lake Managua. This is an incredible journey into one of best protected cloud forests of Nicaragua.
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Mombacho Cloud Forest and Canopy Tour
We will start our day by visiting the mysterious Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve. Here we will enjoy the impressive and unique fauna and flora of the area. After this visit we will continue our day stopping by one of the “Canopy” installations. After receiving our gear and carefully listening to the instructions about our next... |
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Mombacho Cloud Forest Puma Trail
This morning we will drive to base of the Mombacho volcano from where we depart to the top passing through several coffee farms. After some orientations by the local guides we will start this amazing 4 kilometer walk and hike where we will get immersed into the tropical nature. he Mombacho cloud forest is one of the two in the Pacific basin... |
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Mombacho Cloud Forest and Kayaking
This morning we will depart to the Mombacho volcano to admire the flora and fauna of this beautiful cloud forest. Here we will have the chance to explore the different tropical plants bromeliads, ferns, likens, orchids, colorful flowers. This is a beautiful walk and hike around one of the four craters passing through little wooden bridges... |
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Mombacho by Night
Overnight in Mombacho cloud forest is wonderful. Here you will have the chance to learn about the rich flora and fauna of this amazing volcano. With your guide you will walk through the well designed trails to explore the mysteries of the forest. Endemic species like salamanders (Boliglotosa Momboachensis), red-eyed frogs, insects and... |
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Mombacho Cloud Forest and Isletas
This morning we will depart to the majestic Mombacho volcano and experience a wonderful walk through the impressive tropical forest. While heading up to the summit you will drive through shaded coffee plantations and occasional corn and rice farms. The one and a half kilometer walk will lead you through wonderful plants such as... |
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