Nicaragua has a variety of protected areas that are under the administration of the Ministry of Environment (Marena). They are administrated by the office of National Parks (SINAP for Sistema Nacional de Areas Protegidas) There are 71 protected areas in Nicaragua. The Cosiguina Peninsula was the first area to reach that status. This was back in 1958. It was given the status of Wildlife Refuge.
Since then, the national park system slowly grew into its current number of 71 protected areas. The largest of these areas are the Biosphere Reserves. Nicaragua boasts 3 of these reserves: the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve located in the RAAN (North Atlantic Autonomous Region); the Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve in the RAAS (South Atlantic Autonomous Region) and the department of Rio San Juan. Last but not least, and definitely the new kid in the block, the Ometepe Biosphere Reserve. The Ometepe Biosphere Reserve was established in 201o. The whole Island of Ometepe is part of this reserve.
The National Park System has several different titles to the areas. This indicates the specific protected status. The status includes Biosphere Reserves, Nature Reserves, National Parks, National Monuments, Nature Reserve and Wildlife Refuge.
Tour bus Designed for the El Mombacho Volcano Tour.
The most visited protected areas in Nicaragua are the Parque Nacional Volcan de Masaya. It is halfways between Managua and Granada. Therefore only 20 km (12 miles) from either of these cities. The other area with a high visitation is the Mombacho National Park. This is very close to Granada and easily within 90 minutes from Managua. Both of these have an extensive trail system and professional guides to give you a tour of the area.
Most of Nicaragua’s protected land is in the Caribbean side of the country; however there are also several outstanding protected areas within the northern central area of the country, which is the most mountainous region of Nicaragua.
Lake Nicaragua, also known as Lake Cocibolca. This is its original precolombian name. The lake was originally named “La Gran Mar Dulce” the great fresh water sea, by the Spanish Conquistors. The size of this lake impressed the conquerers! The lake sits at an altitude of 30 meters above sea level. Lake Cocibolca has a total territorial extension of 8,624 square kilometers. It is the largest freshwater lake in Central America, and the 6thth largest lake in America. Second only to the great lakes that are on the border of the USA and Canada.
It is however the largest tropical fresh water lake in America. The lake actually has a river which drains it on the southeastern end of it: the San Juan River. The river flows slowly, but steadily towards the Caribbean Sea. Its path follows a 200 kilometer route that takes it through some of the best preserved wilderness in the World: The Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve.
Islands in Lake Nicaragua
View of Ometepe Island from the ferry to San Jorge
Lake Nicaragua has a maximum depth of 30 meters, and has many different islands within its realms. The largest of all is Ometepe, which by the way, is the largest freshwater island in the World! Ometepe is actually a volcanic island with two different volcanoes: Maderas and Concepcion, the first is extinct and has a crater lake on the top; the second is an active volcano that towers over a mile over the lake, creating a unique landmark that is visible from around the lake![themify_hr color=”light-gray” width=”1px”]
In addition, a group of tiny islands, known as the “Isletas” sits just offshore the city of Granada, the largest city on the lake. Many of these islands are private and have beautiful weekend homes that belong to the rich and famous of Nicaragua, as well as to a few expats. There are some that even offer a boutique bed and breakfast hotel within them!
The second largest island in Lake Nicaragua is the island of Zapatera. This island is close to Ometepe, and was once home to a unique civilization. Petro glyphs (big rocks with glyphs carved into them) from the island are at display in the Museum at the San Francisco Convent in Granada. There are a couple of options where you can overnight in Zapatera Island, by far the nicest is the Santa Maria Ecolodge Spa.[themify_hr color=”light-gray” width=”1px”]
View from Hotel Catalanica in Solentiname
Farther south, another archipelago of islands is an artisans paradise: Solentiname. Most of the community is artists who were educated by the famous priest Father Ernesto Cardenal. Many of the colorful wooden handicrafts produced in Nicaragua are made right there, in Solentiname. There are several different hotels in Solentiname where you can spend the night, enjoy life at a tranquil pace and explore the natural surroundings. Father Ernesto Cardenal even has a home here where he still comes to meditate, and you can visit the church where he originally gave Holy Mass under the unique concept of the “Misa Campesina” or Peasant Mass, inspired by the Theology of Liberation that supported the Sandinista Revolution of the 1980s.[themify_hr color=”light-gray” width=”1px”]
Lake Nicaragua and the San Juan River
The western shores of the lake have become an important site for the production of renewable energy. Several wind parks have been set up along the shores. The steady easterly winds that blow over the lake provide the perfect setting. On the eastern banks of the lake you can still find many different small towns and villages. Many where only accessible by boat from the lake until recently. The new highway that connects Managua with San Carlos was recently finished. Towns such as San Miguelito retain their ancestral charm, and even San Carlos, the capital of the department, is still a pleasant town to visit.
The port facilities at these towns still see a lot of activity, especially in San Carlos. This is the gateway to communities down river. The only way to travel to towns and villages on the river is via the different river boats. These function as a kind of “public chicken boat” that transports people to villages. This is the only way to get to the quaint town of El Castillo. A truly interesting river village for travelers seeking an authentic experience in rural Nicaragua.
Lake Nicaragua and the Interoceanic Canal
When the Nicaragua Inter Oceanic Canal is built, Lake Nicaragua will be the most important part of the equation. It will provide much of the needed water for the operation of the canal. In the meantime, Lake Nicaragua or Cocibolca offers a different, unique setting in all of Central America. Any trip to Nicaragua must include a visit to the city of Granada and the Island of Ometepe. Two shining stars within Lake Nicaragua. If you have more time, make sure you visit the Solentiname Islands. This together with the Rio San Juan are the other two stars that shine on their own within this beautiful and unique fresh water lake in Central America.
