Masaya Volcano National Park: Nicaragua’s Most Mesmerizing Natural Attraction

For a truly mind-blowing brush with the power of nature, take a trip to Masaya Volcano National Park near Managua, Nicaragua.

The park gives visitors a chance to peer into the crater of an angry, active volcano, providing a glimpse of an intimidating lake of molten lava, as it swirls and heaves in a mesmerizing, fiery dance — a rare phenomenon on Earth as the molten rocks often cool and solidify within weeks.

In order to witness the true beauty of this natural wonder, I highly recommend the night time tour, which starts from 5:30pm and costs US$10 per person — the night sky is blazoned with an orange glow from the heat of the volcano, and it’s also a great time and place for star gazing.

Photo: Martin Rietze