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Mombacho Volcano will peak the interest of tourists

When your faced with another hot day at the beach and dreaming of getting away to a place that is really different, consider the going up 1,345 meters to the peak of Mombacho Volcano.

Become intimate with clouds, as they surround you and the world around. Search for orchids and imagine the ecosystem in each bromeliad as you hike one of two trails, the 1.5 km or the 4 km options, both well marked and maintained. Challenge yourself to find tree frogs and salemendars. Or, just wait for the clouds to break and reveal stunning views of Granada and the crater.

At the top of the mountain, enjoy lunch or a snack as the clouds fly into the building. Enjoy the breeze, and being cold.

Want more? Part way up the mountain is a coffee farm where you can wander the plants while enjoying the view and a fresh cup of local grown coffee. There is also the Mombacho Canopy Tours (505/888-2566), where for an additional $25 you can fly between 15 platforms through ceiba and ficus trees that are shading the coffee plants below. Watch out for the monkeys!

Take the bus from Rivas to Granada or Masaya (many Managua busses go this way) and get off at El Guanacaste. It’s a half hour walk up the road to the park entrance. From here, pay the enterance fee and make sure to take their truck ($12) to the top of the mountain. If not, you’re in for a multiple hour, very steep hike up the well maintained road. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays is only for tours. Buses to El Guanacaste on Sunday are less frequent.

There is more than enough to keep you entertained and cool for one day away from San Juan del Sur, and you will not be disappointed.

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