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 the nearby municipality of the same name, not from Nahuatl. Most hikes to the volcano enter through the small town of San Jacinto, known for its bubbling mud pits and a small geothermal electric generation plant. The cone stands within the Volcán Telica Rota Natural Reserve.

Most hikes enter through the small town of San Jacinto, known for its bubbling mud pits and a small geothermal electric generation plant. The climb calls for sturdy footwear and plenty of water. Trails are less slippery in the drier months. Noxious gases can be released from the volcano, so take safety precautions.

Telica's summit holds a double crater about 700 meters wide and 120 meters deep. In August 1999 an eruption produced ash fall, and on 18 August a lava lake was observed inside the summit crater. Ash eruptions continued until February 2000 before declining.