Masaya Volcano

The Santiago crater within Masaya Volcano maintains a permanent lava lake, releasing continuous streams of gases and occasional explosive episodes throughout the year.

Spanish conquistadors placed a cross at the crater's edge in the 16th century, believing it would expel the devil they thought resided in the fiery depths.

Indigenous Nicaraguan tribes considered the volcano a deity, performing ceremonies and leaving offerings at its base to appease the powerful forces within.

The national park provides paved roads leading directly to the crater's edge, allowing visitors to observe volcanic activity from designated viewing platforms.

The volcano contains one of the few lava lakes in the world where visitors can drive to the rim and look straight down into the molten rock.

Location: Masaya Department

Elevation above the sea: 635 m

Part of: Central America Volcanic Arc

Address: Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua

GPS coordinates: 11.98216,-86.16212

Latest update: May 27, 2025 07:09