Telica, Active stratovolcano in León Department, Nicaragua
Telica is an active stratovolcano reaching 1,061 meters with two craters at its summit. The larger crater measures roughly 700 meters across and about 120 meters deep, with smoke and gases constantly rising from within.
The volcano experienced its most intense eruption in 1529 during the early Spanish colonial period in Nicaragua. Since then, it has gone through regular phases of smaller activity that have shaped the region's geology.
The name Telica comes from Nahuatl and means 'cave of fire', reflecting how indigenous peoples understood this place. Today, locals and visitors use the trails and observe the natural activity as a way to connect with the landscape.
Hikes to the volcano start from the nearby town of San Jacinto and require sturdy footwear plus plenty of water for the climb. The driest months offer the easiest hiking conditions, as the trails become slippery during the rainy season.
On clear nights, visitors at the summit can see an orange-red glow from hot magma deep in the crater. This rare sight occurs at only a few active volcanoes worldwide, making this one a special place for night observation.
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