It was declared a protected area by Decree 79, published in the official newspaper La Gaceta No. 114 on May 24, 1979 and since then it has become one of the main tourist attractions in the country.

Two ecosystems are clearly identified, the dry tropical forest and the Masaya lagoon aquatic ecosystem. From these a number of habitats are derived that are determined by the geological characteristics of volcanic origin, which make up a complex vegetation represented by jiñocuabo, sardine, poro poro, pochote, chilamates and the tree of our national flower sacuanjoche. Regarding the potential uses of plants, 48 ​​medicinal, 54 ornamental, 58 timber, 64 food, 12 for handicrafts, 8 for fibers and 4 for dyes have been identified.

On the other hand, it is possible to find an interesting fauna that has adapted to the particular conditions of the area; Among which 37 species of mammals stand out, of which the majority are in some category of risk according to CITES, such as the White face monkey, whitetail deer and coyote. There are also 100 species of birds, of which 25% have been identified as migratory. Among the most attractive the coludo chocoyo or their, which lives in the walls of the Santiago crater and tolerates the high amounts of gases that the volcano emanates. Likewise, there are 53 species of reptiles and amphibians, among which are iguanas, garrobos and a variety of snakes that find their refuge among the rugged topography.

Activities

  • Coyotes Trail It is a 5-kilometer route that starts from the road to the summit and ends at the Masaya lagoon, crossing the spectacular rivers of petrified lava. 
  • Trail of the Pencas leads to the fumaroles of the Nindirí crater. 
  • Visit the Tzinancostoc or Bat Cave. It is located south of the Santiago crater. Its strange formations of lava and its colonies of bats make the place a somewhat gloomy place.
  • Photography and Landscaping

visit him

  • Own vehicle: from Managua to Masaya at kilometer 23 is the entrance, where you pay the entrance to the site, the price varies according to the type of vehicle; the road to the crater is in excellent condition so it is possible to get there without any inconvenience.
  • Public transport: from Managua it is possible to board a minibus at the station in front of the Central American University, of those that go to Masaya or Granada, the cost of the ticket is 20 cordobas; You must ask for a stop at the entrance to the volcano.