The “Ring of Fire” is a 25,000 mile horseshoe-shaped area surrounding the Pacific Ocean which is home to over 450 volcanoes – 75% of all of the volcanoes on Earth. In addition, 90% of the world’s earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire. This area includes the west coasts of North America, Central America and South America as well as the east coast of Russia and Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea and New Zealand. Right in the middle of all of this tectonic activity is the largest country in Central America: Nicaragua.
Nicaragua has been called the “country of Lakes and Volcanoes.” With a line of 28 volcanoes and 8 crater lakes running from north to south through the country, it’s easy to see why. During my brief visit to Nicaragua, I was able to see just a few of these natural wonders.
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| Dormant Crater of Volcan Masaya |
I spent an afternoon at Masaya Volcano National Park – less than an hour from Managua. Masaya last erupted in 1772 leaving a trail of volcanic rock leading up to the cone of the volcano.
The contrast between the lush green jungle growing around the volcano and the barren area immediately surrounding it is stark:
Since 1993 Masaya has been continuously emitting sulfurous gases – the white plumes can be seen from miles away.
It’s possible to stand right on the edge of this smoking crater and look down to the lava below. The park recommends staying near the gases no more than 20 minutes since prolonged exposure to the fumes can be harmful. The volcano also spits rocks into the air from time to time – up to 500 meters into the air! As an added safety measure, they recommend backing cars into the parking spots to allow for a quick getaway. I was there on foot and a bit unsure of which way to run should I need to. Fortunately, I had a plastic hardhat to protect me!
I'm glad I wasn't around when this volcanic rock shot into the air!
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| A Very Informative Sign: "Ball of Rock" |
I also spent a few days on Ometepe – an island made up of two volcanoes: Concepcion and Maderas.
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| Scale Model of Ometepe Island |
Concepcion is an active volcano standing 5,200 feet above sea level (the one on the left in the above photo). Concepcion’s last major eruption was in 1986. In late 2009 it spewed smoke and ash 150 feet into the air but, fortunately, a major eruption did not follow. Concepcion has erupted over 25 times in the last 150 years!
Maderas (the southern part of Ometepe) is a dormant volcano that last erupted about 3000 years ago. Interestingly, the two large cities and the paved roads on Ometepe are on the Concepcion side of the island. I find it interesting that people chose to settle on the less stable side. Evacuation signs are all over the island – a fact of everyday life for these Nicaraguans. Not something I’ve ever had to worry about living in the Midwest!
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to hike up either volcano but I hear the views are incredible. Something to do on my next trip to Nicaragua!
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