Volcán Masaya National Park

One night that we were staying in Granada we went on a tour to this very interesting volcanic area. It's made up of about 5 different craters, the Volcán Santiago being the youngest and the only one that is active at present. The group is only about 650 metres about sea level and there is a road leading to the side of the crater, where noxious gases make it difficult to breath. We climbed to the lookout where the Spanish, a long time ago, erected a cross to help purify the area as they thought it was the entrance to hell. You are advised to park your car facing the exit for a quick get away, as not so long ago cars were showered with rocks when it did a little 'burp'. We climbed the hill opposite to watch the sun set 3035 and look at some other craters no longer active. We then travelled on to see some lava tunnels, the first one where bats were just coming out to feed, and the second which we walked along for about 180 metres. Tree roots line the walls that bats cling too. Tarantulas move about in the dark, and other nocturnal animals scurry about in these amazing tunnels. 3067 Our last stop was the other side of the Santiago crater looking straight into it's firery depths listening to the low roar that it made about the sound of the gentle breeze. A very interesting and worthwhile tour that we couldn't have done without a guide.