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Mombacho Volcano
This is one of the most famous volcanoes in Nicaragua due to several factors: its location just 13 km from Granada city, its road infrastructure, and, above all things, the magnificent cloud forest that occupies pretty much the top of it.
Ascending the cobblestone road is an adventure by itself. Whether it’s your own car (4WD) or the truck provided by local tour companies, the incredible inclined road of the volcano guarantees a spectacular ride. You will see coffee plantations and later on, the cloud forest once you get to the summit. The views are also panoramic from here.
When you arrive at the end of the road (at 1,150 mts) the temperature will probably have decreased significantly and the moisture will be higher. It’s always windy, so be sure to bring an extra sweater. After the 20-30-minute ride, you will find a tourist center on the top of the volcano. There is also a cafeteria where you can get snacks and drinks.
This volcano has four craters and a cloud forest. This type of forest is only found in one other spot in the Pacific, and that is on the Maderas Volcano in Ometepe. Besides lots of different trees and plants that thrive because of the cloud forest’s humidity, you can also observe howler and white-faced monkeys, as well as snakes, deer, reptiles, birds, and insects. The Mombacho salamander is the most extreme endemic species: the little salamander can only be found on the Mombacho volcano!
Gallery of Pictures
Prices for Mombacho volcano
Nationals
– Kids walking: US$2
– Adults walking: US$4
– Kids with transportation (truck): US$4
– Adults with transportation (truck): US$8
Foreigners
– Kids walking: US$4
– Adults walking: US$5
– Kids with transportation (truck): US$10
– Adults with transportation (truck): US$20
Ascending the volcano in your own car costs US$22 for the car, US$3 for each person inside, and US$2 for kids (for nationals). For foreigners, the cost is US$5 for each person and US$3 per kid.
Contribution to the maintenance of the trails
El Crater Trail
-Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes. Self-guided or with a Tour Guide
-Difficulty: medium
-Particularities: great views and opportunities to observe the ecosystem of the Mombacho.
-Maintenance: Nationals US$1, Foreigners US$2
El Tigrillo Trail
-Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
-Difficulty: hard
-Particularities:* difficult route but short. You can enjoy the best scenic spots from the viewpoints. You would need a certified guide.
-Maintenance: Nationals US$2, Foreigners US$4
El Puma Trail
-Duration: 4 hours
-Difficulty: hard
-Maintenance: Nationals US$3, Foreigners US$6
-Particularities: challenging hike definitely worth the effort. You see different types of forests and the views are great. Several platforms give you superb views and make you feel the strong wind on the volcano.
You can not enter the Puma trail without a guide. You can do the El Cráter trail with or without a guide if you are part of a group of less than 20 people, but you will need a guide if part of a group of 20 people or more. The guides tell you more than you would personally observe.
Tour Guide Services
-El Crater Trail: Spanish US$10, English US$12 (1-10 persons)
-El Tigrillo Trail: Spanish US$15, English US$20 (1-7 persons)
-El Puma Trail: Spanish US$17, English US$22 (1-7 persons)
Note:
If you have a group of ten people just call and let us know. If you have less than ten, call to see if there are more people who booked the same tour. You can call (+505) 87679396. From Friday through Sunday the reserve is open to the public from 8 AM until 4 PM. See below the truck schedule.
There are also two lodging options available on the volcano and camping for US$20. WhatsApp us for more information about the Eco Albergue Mombacho to do a Night Tour and Mombacho Lodge.
Truck schedule during the week
This is the time to take in mind:
Monday to Wednesday:
- Up at 8:30 AM and Down at 11:30 AM
- Up at 10:30 AM and Down at 1:30 PM
- Up at 1:00 PM and Down 4:00 PM
Thursday to Sunday:
- Up at 8:30 AM and Down at 11:30 AM
- Up at 10:00 AM and Down at 1:30 PM
- Up at 1:00 PM and Down 4:00 PM
Important notes:
– El Puma trails cannot be visited from the 1:00 PM Up schedule of the truck.
– Any truck service after 1:00 PM could be arranged with the reserve Office.
Zipline – Canopy Tour
Mombotour/Cafe Las Flores ( Mon – Sun, 8:30 am to 5 pm ):
Elevate your Mombacho experience with Mombotour/Cafe Las Flores, where adrenaline meets unmatched natural beauty. With a commitment to safety and thrill, this ziplining company offers a breathtaking journey above the lush canopy of Mombacho Volcano. Feel the wind rush past you as you zip from one platform to another, admiring the panoramic vistas of the dense forests below. Mombotour/Cafe Las Flores combines the thrill of ziplining with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, providing a unique sensory experience. Expert guides ensure your safety while sharing fascinating insights about the volcano’s flora and fauna.
Platforms: 9
Ziplines: 5
Activities: 1 Tarzan Swing and 1 Drop of 14 mts.
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Canopy Miravalle ( Mon-Sun, 8:30 am to 5 pm ):
At Miravalle, adventure knows no bounds. This ziplining company on Mombacho Volcano promises an exhilarating ride through the treetops, offering unmatched views of the surrounding landscapes. With a focus on eco-friendly practices, Miravalle emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural habitat while providing an adrenaline-pumping ziplining adventure. Glide along the cables and immerse yourself in the lush greenery, enjoying the harmonious blend of thrill and nature. Miravalle’s experienced guides make sure your adventure is not only exciting but also informative, enhancing your understanding of the volcano’s ecological significance.
Platforms: 17
Ziplines: 11
Activities: 4 walking bridges
Duration: approx. 1.5 hour
Whether you choose Mombotour/Cafe Las Flores for its unique coffee-infused ziplining experience or opt for Miravalle’s eco-conscious adventure, both companies promise an unforgettable journey above the canopy of Mombacho Volcano. So, gear up and get ready to soar, experiencing the sheer thrill and natural wonder of this remarkable destination.
Coffee Tour on Mombacho
Explore the heart of coffee culture on Mombacho Volcano, where expert guides lead you through the journey of coffee production. From hand-picking ripe cherries to savoring freshly brewed blends, experience the rich aroma and taste of Nicaraguan coffee. This immersive tour offers a deep dive into the region’s coffee heritage, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the artistry behind every cup. Join us for a memorable and aromatic exploration!
Daily Tours of Mombacho Volcano
| Mombacho Adventure (Tigrillo Trail + Zipline) | |
| Crater Trail | |
| Tigrillo Trail | |
| Puma Trail | |
| Coffee Tour | |
| Zipline (Canopy Tour) |
The tours above (crater trail, tigrillo trail, puma trail, coffee tour and zipline-canopy tour ) include transportation from Granada, entrance to Mombacho, entrance to trails and tour guide, check every tour to get more information or get in touch WhatsApp us.
Getting There
The entrance of the reserve is situated on the foot of the volcano. From there, you can take the truck that ascends the volcano four times a day. It is also possible to take your own car, but this has to be a robust four-wheel drive vehicle and the driver will need some experience with driving uphill.
This volcano is situated at a junction called El Guanacaste, at kilometers 50 of the highway between Granada and Nandaime. You could take a bus from Granada or Nandaime, or from Managua to one of those places and then to the other. Check out the map to get directions on how to get here.
