Landscape
Black chunks of volcanic rock strew the mountain, which is carpeted in soft green grasses.
Understand
Masaya is an active volcano with constant flumes of sulfuric smoke spewing from the vents in its main crater. Lava flows have not occurred in over 200 years, although explosions are fairly frequent the most recent, in 2001, hurled 2-foot rocks as far as the visitor center, injuring one tourist and damaging several vehicles. Masaya is the largest of the two volcanoes that lie within the park. The smaller volcano is Volcan Nindiri.
Flora and fauna
Two of the most interesting life forms that can be seen at Parque Nacional Volcan Masaya are:
bats
early evening guided hikes are available which will take you to the caves where millions of bats live, emerging in clouds of fluttering black wings just after sunset each day. The park charges a small additional fee for the bat tour.chocoyos
a colony of these small, green parrots actually lives inside the main caldera of the Masaya volcano! While most life forms avoid the gaseous fumes and inhospitable terrain of the crater, thousands of these parrots thrive there. The best time to see the parrots is late afternoon, when the parrots return to their nests.
Climate
Although Nicaragua is generally hot and humid, a steady breeze blows across the mountain and it can get chilly at the top, especially in the evening. Be sure to bring a hat and/or sunblock because there is no shade or shelter near the top of the mountain.
History
Indigenous people worshipped, feared, and respected the volcano before the arrival of Spanish conquerors. The Spanish considered the place evil, and called it "La Boca del Infierno".