Masaya Volcano National Park, Active volcanic formation in Pacific region, Nicaragua
The national park contains the Santiago Crater, formed between Nindiri and Masaya volcanoes, with continuous sulfur dioxide gas emissions from its depths.
The caldera within the park originated approximately 2,500 years ago through a basaltic ignimbrite eruption that ejected 8 cubic kilometers of material.
The park represents a central element in Nicaragua's geological heritage, obtaining recognition as the country's first national park in 1979.
Visitors can access the park through organized day and night tours, with entrance fees of 100 Cordobas for foreign tourists and 30 Cordobas for locals.
The Santiago crater displays a visible lava lake during nighttime visits, accompanied by underground sounds similar to ocean waves.
Website: http://manfut.org/masaya/grancrater.html
GPS coordinates: 11.98333,-86.15000
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:14
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
1.3 km
Volcán Momotombo
64.8 km
Reserva Natural Laguna de Apoyo
14.8 km
Hacienda San Jacinto
42 km
Old Cathedral of Managua
23.4 km
Palacio de la Cultura
23.3 km
Parque nacional Volcán Mombacho
27.1 km
Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, Granada
22.3 km
Apoyeque
35.6 km
Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve
21.8 km
Zapatera
45.4 km
Chiltepe Peninsula Natural Reserve
36.8 km
Loma de Tiscapa
22.1 km
Banco de América
19.6 km
Plaza Nicaragua
23.9 km
Central Park (Managua)
23.5 km
Chocoyero-El Brujo Natural Reserve
6.6 km
Puebla
57.7 km
Chocolate Museum & Workshop
21.9 km
Chacocente Wildlife Refuge
47.8 km
Convento de San Pablo
68 km
Playa Gigante
67.4 km
Monumento a Salvador Allende
24.4 km
Roberto Clemente Stadium
5 km
Reserva Natural Laguna de Nejapa
24 km
Iglesia El Calvario
6.8 km
Iglesia zona4
30.6 km
Fortaleza El Coyotepe
5.8 kmReviews
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