Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya (Masaya Volcano National Park)
© Jamie Tarallo
The Masaya Volcano National Park covers an area of 54 km² (21 sq mi) around the steaming and belching Masaya Volcano
and apart from the Masaya, it includes several other active volcanoes and thermal springs. The park was established in 1979 adn it was Nicaragua's first national park.
and apart from the Masaya, it includes several other active volcanoes and thermal springs. The park was established in 1979 adn it was Nicaragua's first national park.According to legend, the Indians in the region used to throw young women into the boiling lava to appease the goddess of fire, Chaciutique, but evidence for these stories has never been found. When the Spanish first arrived in the region, they believed it to be the entrance to hell.
The park features a lava tube that is inhabited by bats.
The entrance to the Masaya Volcano National Park is only 20 km southeast of Managua.
Images
Masaya Volcano ©Jamie Tarallo
Masaya Volcano ©Jorge Mejía Peralta
Bats in the lava tube ©Beth and Anth
