It is located approximately 10 kilometers south of Granada, near the west coast of Lake Cocibolca. The protected area includes only the summit of the Mombacho volcano from the level curve of 850 meters above sea level. Its figure is that of a high cone with a truncated and serrated summit, apparently extinct in activity, the highest peak of which reaches 1,344 meters above sea level.

The main crater, formed in time immemorial by a gigantic explosion, measures 1,800 meters in diameter and 650 meters deep. It is open and collapsed to the south due to a collapse and avalanche that occurred in 1570. Two small secondary craters open on the plateau called Plan de Las Flores. These craters are covered in vegetation and have long been extinct.

It was declared a natural reserve for being recognized as one of the last tropical forest refuges, through Decree 13-20 published in the official newspaper La Gaceta No. 213 on September 8, 1993. It received its name from the Nahuatl language and means “ Cerro de Agua ”, due to the slopes of rivers, lagoons and springs that it has on its slopes.

The volcano is covered with forest from its bases and several coffee farms thrive on it. Among its trails it is possible to observe small fumaroles and enjoy a mild climate and cold winds. It maintains a thick vegetation due to the humidity that the great Lake of Nicaragua offers it; highlighting the cloud forest, deciduous forest and dwarf forest; which are home to exotic plants such as the orchid maxillaria mombachoensis, lush genízaros and gigantic ceibas, intertwined foliage and dense hanging gardens on steep slopes.

On the other hand, this reserve is the only place where there are endemic species of fauna such as the salamander,  red eyed frog and the butterfly  napeogenes tolossa moombachoensis. Likewise, it is possible to observe some species of mammals such as howler monkeys and white-faced monkeys, squirrels, chocoyos and magpies.

Activities

  • Mountain biking
  • hiking, It is possible to make a long walk from the entrance to the reserve to the top of the volcano since it is paved all the way. It is an opportunity to test your physical conditions by overcoming the slopes that the route presents.
  • Tour by The Crater Trail It measures 1.5 kilometers and is possible to do without a guide.
  • Tour by El Puma Trail It measures 4 kilometers and must be guided since it has paths of high difficulty to walk and wild animals are easily found.
  • Canopy, it is possible to carry out this adventure activity by contacting Mombacho Canopy Tours or Mombotours.

visit him

  • Public transportation: From Managua at the Huembes Market bus terminal you board the bus that goes to Nandaime or Rivas, ask to be dropped off at the entrance to the Reserve, exactly at Kilometer 50, the cost of the ticket is 22 cordobas.