Mombacho Volcano
Mombacho Volcano
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,140 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
322
Average
106
Poor
30
Terrible
25
Matt P
9 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I took a local bus from Granada heading to Rivas and jumped off at the crossroads by the volcano. A short walk up this road leads to the office where you must pay your entry fees.
The prices for the hikes are not too bad if you have enough people for the guide fees required for the puma or el tigro trail but the real rip off is the 4x4 shuttle to the top of the volcano for around $20pp
I opted to walk the 5k road and do the creator trail which cost me $7. The hike up wasnt too bad and the creator trail was nice - very easy. I had the view point to myself for some lunch and just missed a large group who had come up on the shuttle.
Fairly cheap to do yourself without organising a tour as long as your up for the hike up and down the steep cobbled road! My advice would be to set off early.
The prices for the hikes are not too bad if you have enough people for the guide fees required for the puma or el tigro trail but the real rip off is the 4x4 shuttle to the top of the volcano for around $20pp
I opted to walk the 5k road and do the creator trail which cost me $7. The hike up wasnt too bad and the creator trail was nice - very easy. I had the view point to myself for some lunch and just missed a large group who had come up on the shuttle.
Fairly cheap to do yourself without organising a tour as long as your up for the hike up and down the steep cobbled road! My advice would be to set off early.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bucketlisttravellers
Sydney, Australia3,641 contributions
Nov 2020
Mombacho Volcano is a distinctive figure which can be seen from almost any part of Granada. Located just 10km outside of Granada Nicaragua, this is an extinct volcano with its own unique habitat and cloud forest. For the best views of Granada and a whole lot more you must do a hike at the top of Mombacho Volcano! We came across plenty of wildlife on our volcano hike, like howler monkeys and the guardabarranco, the national bird of Nicaragua. Best of all we were rewarded with spectacular views of Granada, Lake Nicaragua, Las Isletas, Volcano Masaya and Laguna de Apoyo.
There are 3 hiking trails that you can do at the top of the volcano:
• Crater Trail – This is the easiest of the trails and does not require a guide. It can be done in 1-2 hours, is 1.5km in distance and includes a couple of lookouts with stunning views over Granada and Lake Nicaragua
• El Tigrillo Trail – This trail requires a guide
• El Puma Trail – This is the most demanding of the hikes and requires a guide
There is an entry fee for Mombacho Volcano for entrance to the park and an additional price for the specific trail you want to go on. The cost of entry to Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho as at November 2020 was $5 USD for foreigners and $4 USD for locals. You also have to pay an additional amount depending on the trail you decide to walk once you have reached the top. We chose the Mombacho Crater Trail. This was a further $2 USD for foreigners and $1 USD for locals, bringing the total entry cost to $7 USD and $5 USD respectively. For the tougher Mombacho Tigrillo trail and Puma trail, you need to walk with a guide and these will cost you more for both the trail and the guide. You also have the option of taking a truck up to the top, however this will set you back $22 USD per person.
There are 3 hiking trails that you can do at the top of the volcano:
• Crater Trail – This is the easiest of the trails and does not require a guide. It can be done in 1-2 hours, is 1.5km in distance and includes a couple of lookouts with stunning views over Granada and Lake Nicaragua
• El Tigrillo Trail – This trail requires a guide
• El Puma Trail – This is the most demanding of the hikes and requires a guide
There is an entry fee for Mombacho Volcano for entrance to the park and an additional price for the specific trail you want to go on. The cost of entry to Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho as at November 2020 was $5 USD for foreigners and $4 USD for locals. You also have to pay an additional amount depending on the trail you decide to walk once you have reached the top. We chose the Mombacho Crater Trail. This was a further $2 USD for foreigners and $1 USD for locals, bringing the total entry cost to $7 USD and $5 USD respectively. For the tougher Mombacho Tigrillo trail and Puma trail, you need to walk with a guide and these will cost you more for both the trail and the guide. You also have the option of taking a truck up to the top, however this will set you back $22 USD per person.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shula
Frome, UK146 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I loved this place. To get the opportunity to stick my head over the ridge of a caldera and see the magma churning below.....just amazing.
The museum on the way up was interesting and well worth a visit and if you're into geology the lava fields are exciting. Don't know if the visitor number was the maximum when we were there- I guess so but the was plenty of room for everyone. All part of my Nicaragua high.
The museum on the way up was interesting and well worth a visit and if you're into geology the lava fields are exciting. Don't know if the visitor number was the maximum when we were there- I guess so but the was plenty of room for everyone. All part of my Nicaragua high.
Written April 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Waleed
Canmore, Canada82 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
This is based on Mombacho crater 1, this is a total waste of time and money. For $22 US pp the park drives you up to the volcano to literally get to see the city of Granada, Apoyo lake and Masaya in far horizon. If you want to do all 4 craters a guide is required and an additional $25 US plus per person. This was an event that could be completely avoided without FOMO.
Written March 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marianne F
Sydney, Australia79 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We did a morning walk on the Tigrello track with guide 'El Tigre', who was incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The cloud forest is beautiful, the crater views terrific when not in the cloud! The walk took us about 3 hours but that was because our guides were happy to go slow and look for wildlife and tell us about the forest, plants, and history. We'll worth a trip, we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy B
Kingsport, TN39 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Catch the early “bus”—the open air transport that grinds its way up almost a mile of winding roads through coffee plantations and rainforest. Take one of the trails from the reserve hostel, keep going to the overlook and look down below at the peninsula with 365 islands ....formed when where you stand exploded years ago when Mombacho erupted. The peninsula you see was the lava that flowed out into Lake NICARAGUA. Continue on the trail to an open field with even more fantastic views. Look around and enjoy the orchids and ferns at every turn. If you’re quiet you may hear the growl of a jaguar or the grunts of howler monkeys. Watch carefully as you ride the bus back down the mountain—-that’s the Pacific Ocean and the well-known Volcán Santiago at Masaya that appears through the breaks in vegetation. Sometimes the temperature drops so you may need a jacket.
Be advised! Anyone with back or neck problems need to be aware that the “bus” ride up and down the mountain will jerk and jostle you. You might need to miss this incredible journey:(
Be advised! Anyone with back or neck problems need to be aware that the “bus” ride up and down the mountain will jerk and jostle you. You might need to miss this incredible journey:(
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karla A
18 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Un lugar espectacular! Make sure you are ready to walk a lot. Wear comfortable shoes. It was not too hot. Customer service was great! I highly
Recommend the canopy zip line. You can buy breakfast, zip line and lunch for about 33.00 dollars per person at cafe la flor.
Recommend the canopy zip line. You can buy breakfast, zip line and lunch for about 33.00 dollars per person at cafe la flor.
Written April 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SunnyW358
Albuquerque, NM6,533 contributions
Jan 2020
We have done this hike before and have always found it to be great exercise. I just read my review from 2015, which said it took us 1 hour and 20 minutes to get there. Five years later, with a very short pause we still could reach the top in 1 hour 40-50 minutes or so.
It is not easy, but with a bit of motivation, it can be done. It is good to take something warm because when you reach the top, very sweaty, it can be cold, if it is windy up there.
We did not stick around for the views because it was very windy and cloudy.
Again we took a ride back because we did not want to torture our knees anymore.
Will definitely do it again.
It is not easy, but with a bit of motivation, it can be done. It is good to take something warm because when you reach the top, very sweaty, it can be cold, if it is windy up there.
We did not stick around for the views because it was very windy and cloudy.
Again we took a ride back because we did not want to torture our knees anymore.
Will definitely do it again.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KendeMalamu
Brussels, Belgium124 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We were in the clouds so no view. The Puma trail took us 1hr30 (not 4 hrs), I am 57 and not particularly fit but we decided to get our weekly exercise so we walked relatively fast I guess (and no pauses for the non-existent views); most foreigners do it in 2 hours according to our guide. The forest was beautiful even in the mist. Lots of steps, can be slippery.
I knocked two stars off the experience because these guys have a monopoly and there was not even coffee available at the top (but coke was available). This is a pity because one can wait a while for the truck to go back down. Had an altercation with the grumpy manager who refused to stick to the schedule of the return truck saying that he decides when the truck leaves. He was also not going to let us drive up in our manual Land Rover 4WD - evidently a Toyota fan! Said it would not make it…
Perhaps a bit overrated and a hassle to get there and back (even if you have a 4WD!), we may have been influenced by the weather. Guide said that in March one has a better chance of clear skies. On the afternoon it was clear… but as others have pointed out, in the afternoon maybe there are no guides available…
I knocked two stars off the experience because these guys have a monopoly and there was not even coffee available at the top (but coke was available). This is a pity because one can wait a while for the truck to go back down. Had an altercation with the grumpy manager who refused to stick to the schedule of the return truck saying that he decides when the truck leaves. He was also not going to let us drive up in our manual Land Rover 4WD - evidently a Toyota fan! Said it would not make it…
Perhaps a bit overrated and a hassle to get there and back (even if you have a 4WD!), we may have been influenced by the weather. Guide said that in March one has a better chance of clear skies. On the afternoon it was clear… but as others have pointed out, in the afternoon maybe there are no guides available…
Written December 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heathweb78
San Francisco, CA73 contributions
Aug 2023
An amazing experience.
I got lucky and b/c it was low season and a weekday I got my own guide for the Puma trail. First things first - when you hear you are driven up in a truck to get to the start of the hike you might be inclined to push back and say you want to start your hike from the entrance of the park. Don't do this on your first time unless you plan to do the easier or mid range trail.
The Puma trail is AMAZING. Sadly it was cloudy so I didn't get killer views (often it was just white) but the first half is through the gorgeous green, rain forest area and I was really entranced by the dead forest and thought it was so unique.
I'm in good shape, hike regularly and the steepness of the trail was tiring and strenuous but not impossible. Took about 2.5 hours but it will take longer if you're with a group.
Luis was my certified guide and he was wonderful. So knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and the ecosystem and passionate about conservation.
Really enjoyed my time here and the staff and locals are friendly
I got lucky and b/c it was low season and a weekday I got my own guide for the Puma trail. First things first - when you hear you are driven up in a truck to get to the start of the hike you might be inclined to push back and say you want to start your hike from the entrance of the park. Don't do this on your first time unless you plan to do the easier or mid range trail.
The Puma trail is AMAZING. Sadly it was cloudy so I didn't get killer views (often it was just white) but the first half is through the gorgeous green, rain forest area and I was really entranced by the dead forest and thought it was so unique.
I'm in good shape, hike regularly and the steepness of the trail was tiring and strenuous but not impossible. Took about 2.5 hours but it will take longer if you're with a group.
Luis was my certified guide and he was wonderful. So knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and the ecosystem and passionate about conservation.
Really enjoyed my time here and the staff and locals are friendly
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the cost per adult and per child to use the park's own transportation up and down the mountain? I am quite confused by their rates listed on their website. Can anyone explain the costs listed on the website? We are a foreign family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children). Thanks!
National Children walk $2.00
Foreign walk children $4.00
National transport children $4.00
Foreign children transport $10.00
National walk adults $4.00
Nationals transport $8.00
Foreign walk $5.00
Foreign adults with transportation $20.00
Right to Camping
(Visitor brings his tent, the price is per store) $20.00
Access 4×4 $22.00
National Adult Passenger 4×4 $3.00
National Child Passenger 4×4 $2.00
Adult stranger Passenger 4×4 $5.00
Kid stranger Passenger 4×4 $3.00
Written February 16, 2018
How can I contact them directly?
Written January 24, 2018
We want to ride the Zip Line, we will be driving ourselves, what time should we arrive for the afternoon Zip Adventure?
Written January 24, 2018
Midday you'll get a better tan not as busy because it's too hot
Written June 2, 2019
Can this be a self guided hike or are we required to go as part of a tour? We are a family of three with a 7 year old child and prefer to go at our own pace.
Written February 28, 2017
You can definitely do it on your own! a tour guide is only required for the 2 longer hikes. You can do the basic 1-2 hour loop on your own.
Written March 1, 2017
En partant de Granada, y a t'il des autobus qui peuvent nous amener au parc du volcan Massaya?
Written February 7, 2017
Any bus from Granada to Managua should be able to drop you at the entrance of the park. The main problem is going to be the walk from the entrance to the top of the crater. It is especially a challenge if you want to see the lava in the night since it can be pitch dark, and cars go on the same road.
As a reference I paid $35 for a taxi to go the Masaya volcano, wait there for us to see the lava and bring us back.
Have a good trip.
Written February 7, 2017
Hi there! Who did you book the zip-line tour with? We're looking into options, but getting a bit of an internet run-around. Thanks!
Written February 5, 2017
You can contact Cafe Las Flores directly to reserve the zip line tour. It is fabulous. We have visited several times and they are very profesional and safety minded. Highly recommended.
Written February 19, 2017
I'd like to get to the 1345m summit ie the highest one, farthest East, farthest from the access road. Is this possible?
Thanks
Written January 7, 2017
Hi,
There is only one crater you can do on your own. The other 2 offered by the park which you must do with a guide are El Tigrillo & Puma. We did EL Tigrillo. The lady we stayed with told us that the Puma one didn't go to the highest point. We stayed with Cynthia in Mombacho Lodge so you could try emailing her or Cafe des Flores or the park to get an answer incase you can hire a private guide to do it, good luck. I admire your stamina and fitness!!!
Written January 8, 2017
We want to hike to the 1344m summit. Which trail is that? Do we have to have a guide? Any info appreciated Thanks
Written January 6, 2017
Just saw this! Honestly I dot know what trail that would be, however I do know you will need a guide. They are sticklers for having guides on that mountain. Happy trails!
Written January 12, 2017
Is this open on Christmas eve or Christmas day?
Written December 24, 2016
Hi could you let me know how fit you have to be to a trek aroun Mombacho as one of our group is not very fit, they are okay to walk on the flat but not very good if steep or hilly. Thanks
Written April 3, 2016
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