Reserva Natural Laguna de Apoyo, Protected volcanic lake area in Masaya and Granada, Nicaragua
The circular crater measures 6 kilometers in diameter and contains the largest volcanic lake in Nicaragua, with water depths reaching 176 meters.
The natural lake formed 23,000 years ago after the explosion of Pre-Apoyo Volcano, which created the current crater structure.
Indigenous people used the lake waters for fishing and created petroglyphs near the shores to honor their deities, with two burial grounds discovered.
The reserve allows swimming, scuba diving, and kayaking activities, with access through an unpaved road from kilometer 37 of the Masaya-Granada highway.
Natural thermal water springs emerge when the lake reaches maximum levels due to volcanic gases still released in certain locations.
Elevation above the sea: 70 m
GPS coordinates: 11.92200,-86.02900
Latest update: May 12, 2025 01:45
Nicaragua features active volcanoes, beaches stretching from the Pacific to the Caribbean, tropical islands, volcanic lakes, and colonial buildings. The country includes natural reserves with rainforests and mangroves, museums in historic homes, traditional fishing ports, and waterfalls accessible via marked trails. Colonial churches and cathedrals showcase religious architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Masaya Volcano
16 km
Concepción
61.5 km
Hacienda San Jacinto
46.5 km
Old Cathedral of Managua
37.1 km
Palacio de la Cultura
37.1 km
Masaya Volcano National Park
14.8 km
Parque nacional Volcán Mombacho
12.7 km
Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, Granada
8.3 km
Apoyeque
49.3 km
Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve
35.7 km
Zapatera
30.9 km
Chiltepe Peninsula Natural Reserve
50.5 km
Ojo de Agua
67.4 km
Loma de Tiscapa
36.1 km
Banco de América
33.7 km
Plaza Nicaragua
37.6 km
Central Park (Managua)
37.2 km
Chocoyero-El Brujo Natural Reserve
21.4 km
Puebla
53.2 km
Chocolate Museum & Workshop
8.1 km
Chacocente Wildlife Refuge
44.9 km
Playa Gigante
59.3 km
Monumento a Salvador Allende
38.2 km
Roberto Clemente Stadium
10.1 km
Reserva Natural Laguna de Nejapa
38.7 km
Iglesia El Calvario
8.9 km
Iglesia zona4
45.1 km
Fortaleza El Coyotepe
11.1 kmReviews
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