To the south of Granada rises the magnificent and imposing Volcán Mombacho. For those inclined to do more than admire its 1,344-meter peak from afar, you’ll be pleased to know that you can now easily access Volcán Mombacho and get a reverse view: from the rim of one of Mombacho’s craters to Granada, Las Isletas, and beyond.

Thanks to the fine efforts of the Nicaraguan non-governmental organization (NGO) Fundación Cocibolca, Volcán Mombacho (NicaNews 14), which since 1983 had been a protected area on paper only, is now being managed on the ground as a natural reserve. In February 1999, after constructing a hiking trail and other facilities designed to enhance visitor access, Cocibolca opened Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho to the public. This is the first time in Nicaragua that an NGO has taken over the management and protection of a protected area, and it will serve as a model for similar efforts in the future.

Start your journey into the cloud forest of Mombacho at the main parking lot about 400 meters up the volcano. The two-kilometer road leading to the parking lot is in good condition and should take just a few minutes by car or about 30 minutes by foot. Along the way, you’ll pass shade-grown coffee plantations and great big Guanacaste trees. You’ll then have to leave your car behind and rely on the Cocibolca Foundation's capable drivers to get you up the steep (40% grade!) road that takes you up into the Reserve. Each of the two trucks—one courtesy of the Nicaraguan military, the other courtesy of Mercedez-Benz—holds up to 25 people. At the 1,100-meter mark, you’ll find the trailhead. The British Embassy is also financing a biological station, which is scheduled to be completed in March of this year. Before setting out for the trail, spend some time at the biological station (which also serves as a welcome center, ranger station, training facility, and seminar room) to learn more about the flora, fauna, and general ecology of the dwarf cloud forest ecosystem that comprises much of the upper reaches of Volcán Mombacho.

The one-kilometer, mostly-level loop trail traces the circumference of one of Mombacho’s four craters and takes you past fallen moss-covered trees and under an enchanting forest canopy. The usually-misty forest is so thick you will likely hear many more birds than you’ll be able to see. The trail then veers out into an area known for its fumaroles (steam vents) http://pubs.usgs.gov and orchids, of which there are some 100 species in the Reserve “The Rape of Mombacho’s Orchids”  (NicaNews 14). Here, bird watching is much easier and you’re likely to see raptors soaring overhead. Beautiful hand-carved interpretive signs along the way point out special features of the surrounding forest. There are also several lookouts that provide amazing views of Lake Nicaragua, Granada, Las Isletas, Laguna de Apoyo, and, on a clear day, the volcanoes of Ometepe Island. The benches along the trail, built from nearby trees felled by Hurricane Mitch, invite you to relax and soak in the natural beauty around you. Take note of the charming, well-maintained trail. Holding true to Cocibolca’s belief that local people must be involved in the protection of Nicaragua’s natural resources, members of Mombacho’s local communities themselves helped construct the trails (marked by discarded coffee stakes and other recycled and secondhand materials) and will be involved in trail maintenance and other reserve improvements in the future.

Admission into the reserve is about $1.50 for nationals and $4 for foreigners. The ride up is extra. Contact Cocibolca at 505/277-1681, 278-3224 or fcocibol@ibw.com.ni for more information.