Tourist Possibilities - Nicaraguan Volcanoes
Across the horizon of Nicaragua, you can see volcanoes peek up at many locations along the way. The country has quite a few volcanoes, some active, some dormant, but all spectacular. Some are more easily reached than others, and some are more picturesque than others, but they are all testaments to Earth's violent core. Here are a couple of special interest you may want to check out while in the country.
San Cristobal is the highest volcano in the country, at slightly under 1750 meters. It is still active, and routinely billows gas and steam from its summit. It is possible to scale this volcano, but it is no simple task. The volcanic sand provides little traction, meaning you slide downhill one step for every two steps forward. The hike above the tree line is especially daunting. On a clear day, Honduras, El Salvador, and the Gulf of Fonseca are visible from the summit.
Consiguina also rests above the Gulf of Fonseca. At 850 meters, it is not high, but a good hike none-the-less. The last time this volcano erupted was in 1835, and the effect was a huge crater that is now a lake. Panoramas from the top of this peak encompass the Pacific Ocean, and it is possible to drive most of the way to the top before beginning your hike.
It is possible to drive all the way to the summit of another active volcano, Masaya. There is even a parking lot with attendants. The air is sulfur-laden and thick, but not so overwhelming that you can't peer over the rim and into the crater. As you approach, you will see huge lava flows along both sides of the roadway. It is possible to make your way to a few other craters at the top if you so choose, but this is definitely the most accessible volcano around.
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