Volcán Apoyeque, Shield volcano in Managua Department, Nicaragua
Apoyeque is a shield volcano on the Chiltepe Peninsula with a crater filled by a lake. The crater contains substantial water reserves, and the formation lies within a protected natural area.
The last documented volcanic activity at Apoyeque occurred roughly 2 millennia ago and was one of the largest eruptions in the region. This ancient eruption fundamentally shaped the geological landscape of present-day Nicaragua.
The name Apoyeque comes from Nahuatl and means 'water on stone', reflecting the volcanic nature and the crater lake. Local people connect this place to their linguistic heritage and regional identity.
The site lies about 15 kilometers northwest of Managua and is accessible via the main road toward the Chiltepe Peninsula. Visitors should prepare for volcanic terrain and wear appropriate footwear for uneven ground.
In 2012, earthquakes near Apoyeque were measured that indicated magma movement beneath the surface. This event showed that the volcano remains geologically active despite its dormant status.
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