Isletas de Granada – El Encanto, Nicaragua - Atlas Obscura

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Isletas de Granada

El Encanto, Nicaragua

This group of small islands on Lake Nicaragua formed after an eruption of the Mombacho volcano. 

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When the Mombacho volcano in Nicaragua blew its cone some 20,000 years ago, it spewed debris into a lake and created, by coincidence, 365 islands. Today, the islands offer a beautiful excursion into the lake.

The islets range in size between 100 square meters and over 100 hectares. The wild nature, resident birds and visitors, and the day-a-day routine of the locals make it an ideal place for a boat ride or kayaking. Most are covered in vegetation and are occupied with private homes and hotels. Some of the bigger islands are home to resorts equipped with pools and their own electric power source.

Lake Nicaragua, also known as Cocibolca, is the largest freshwater lake in Central America. Geologists believe that it, along with the nearby Lake Managua, was once part of an ocean bay but a volcanic eruption led to a change in the landscape that cut them off from the coast. The Isletas de Granada are those on the northwest shore, closest to the city of Granada.

Know Before You Go

You can always arrange a tour at any of the docks of the Asese Port, situated in the end of the Tourist Center of Granada.

In partnership with KAYAK

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