It’s been a few decades since this 1345m volcano, the defining feature of the Granada skyline, has acted up, but it is still most certainly active and sends up the periodic puff of smoke, just to keep locals on their toes. It’s easy to get to the crown of cloud forest, steamed up with fumaroles and other volcanic bubblings beneath the misty vines and orchids.
Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho is managed by the Fundación Cocibolca, which since 1999 has been building trails and running an ecomobile (think refurbished military jeeps seating 25) on the 40% grade up to 1100m. Get there early to take the short trail through the organic coffee farm, or check out the mariposario (butterfly garden) and orchid garden (free with entrance) close to the parking lot.
Once you get to the top, where three species of monkeys, 168 species of birds and over 100 types of orchids are just part of the jungle canopy this park is intent on preserving, you have a choice of three trails: Sendero del Cráter, a 1.5km jaunt to the fumaroles, plus great views of Granada and Las Isletas; Sendero la Puma, a steeper 4km trek around the lip of the crater, with even better views. Guides, many of whom speak English, are available at the entrance and run US$5 per group (six maximum) for Sendero del Cráter, which you can also do on a self-guided tour, and US$10 for Sendero la Puma, for which guides are mandatory; and Sendero el Tigrillo, a heart-pumping two-hour tromp up to two overlooks (guides are required for this one).
You can also make reservations to sleep dorm-style in the biological station, with 10 beds and latrines outside, for US$30 per person. This seems steep but includes your entrance fee, transportation, a night tour, breakfast and dinner. Anyone can grab a simple meal at the cafeteria for US$5.
Although the park is only open Thursday to Sunday, groups can make arrangements to visit on Tuesday or Wednesday, when it’s less crowded. Time your arrival to coincide with an ecomobile departure, at 8:30am, 10am, 1pm and 3pm. If you have a 4WD, you can drive for an extra US$15 – plus US$2 for every adult and US$1 for every child in the car (it’s discouraged). Public transportation is inconvenient. Take any Nandaime bus from Granada and ask to be let off at the entrance. From here, you’ll walk two steep kilometers (stay left where the road splits) to where the jeep picks you up.
Several operators in Granada arrange tours to Mombacho. There are two Canopy Tours on site, that take you across more than 1.5km of platforms and cables each for US$28.75 per person.
