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| Laguna de Apoyo from the Diriomito overlook. Photo by Ad Konings. |
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| View of Laguna de Apoyo from Catarina, with Granada and Lake Nicaragua in the background. |
Laguna de Apoyo is a water-filled volcanic caldera, formed 23,000 years ago, along the Ring of Fire in Nicaragua. A 180-meter deep lake, more than four kilometers in diameter, contains slightly salty water, always warm (83 degrees Fahrenheit) and clear. There are several species of fish in the lake, some of which are subjects of intense academic study. To date, six fish species have been discovered which only inhabit this lake. There are also crabs, vegetation, and thermal vents which all provide excellent underwater adventures for the
SCUBA diver.
The lake and the volcanic crater interior were designated a Nature Reserve by the National Assembly of Nicaragua in 1991. However, little has been done to protect the wild nature found in its water and the forests along the caldera interior. In 2010, the first management plan was approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment for this reserve, after five years of preparation in which FUNDECI/GAIA figured prominently.
FUNDECI/GAIA operates
Estacion Biologica PROYECTO ECOLOGICO, where research, environmental education, and conservation activities are organized and executed. You are welcome to visit, stay at the hostel, volunteer, or participate in other ways.
We hope you find the following blog entries interesting. They depict the activities of
Estacion Biologica, which is located inside the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, and whose activities are mostly directed toward this reserve. We invite you to visit and participate in an ecotour,
Spanish class, or
volunteer with us.
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| Volcano Mombacho can be seen above the ridge of the Apoyo Volcano in the background. |
