Journal

Nicaragua

There are [25] photos in this gallery.

Leon, hiking volcan Cerro Negro and El Hoyo, Granada, Isla de Ometepe and Playa Marsella

Anna riding from Chinandega to Leon with Volcan San Cristobal in the background. Views[47] The walls of houses along streets of Leon are colourfully covered in murals. This is a mural of Sandino, a Nicaraguan revolutionary and leader of a rebellion against the U.S. military presence in Nicaragua between 1927 and 1933. He was labeled as a bandit by the U.S. government, and his exploits made him a hero throughout much of Latin America, where he became a symbol of resistance to U.S. domination. Views[47] Also Sandino, this time a mozaic. Views[41] Basilica de la Asunción next the parque central of Leon. Inside is the tomb of Ruben Dario, Nicaragua's most famous poet. Views[39] We do a two day hike with Quetzaltrekkers to two volcanoes, Cerro Negro and El Hoyo. This is the view from the rim to the inside of the crater. Views[38]
 
After walking up we get to run down the black slopes of Cerro Negro. The angles of the volcano and surrounding lowlands make for interesting photography. We can't seem to get the horizon straight... Views[46] Ali running down Cerro Negro. It creates a lot of laughter. Our toe nails are less happy with the strain, and to this day still recovering... Views[40] Cerro Negro from a distance. It is a very new volcano, the youngest in Central America, having first appeared in April 1850. It consists of a gravelly basaltic cinder cone, which contrasts greatly with the surrounding verdant hillsides, and gives rise to its name, which means Black Hill. Views[39] Green iguanas in a hatchery at a ranger station. We don't like the way wild animals are treated in Central America. One day we buy three tied up green iguanas on the side of the road to release them. We know that's a futile action, but it makes us angry and sad to see endangered animals disappear in rich peoples stomachs. Views[38] Oli and Scott, our Quetzal trekker guides, enjoying the afternoon sun and views of Volcan Momotombo from our camp on the slope of Volcan El Hoyo Views[39]
 
Anna sitting next to a fumarole near the crater of El Hoyo. A fumarole is an opening in the Earth's crust, which emits steam and gases. Views[48] Our camp on Volcan el Hoyo. The hole above our tent gives this volcano its name. El Hoyo means 'the pit´. Knowbody knows how the pit was formed. Locals told us it was caused by an eruption, but experts say it´s more likely a sinkhole. Views[43] The next morning we walk down to Volcan Asososca and Laguna Asososca. The lagoon provides for a good swim and lunch spot. Views[40] Cathedral of Granada Views[36] colourful houses line the streets of Granada Views[36]
 
Our second attempt to reach Isla de Ometepe...the boat fare from Granada was too steep as they wanted to charge a fee per bike pannier, a total of 10 bags... so we rode another day to San Jorge from where another ferry left. Views[40] Sunrise over Volcan Conception, one of the two volcanoes forming Isla de Ometepe. We spent a rest day at Finca Magdalena watching the sky change colours. Views[40] Ali´s 30th birthday present is a stay at Empalme las Playas, near Playa Marsella, where Roy and Karen take good care of us. Thanks mum! Thanks Roy and Karen! Views[51] Ali´s birthday coincided with the birth of 137 hawksbill turtles. Views[56] hello world! Views[42]
 
They say that only one in thousand to one in ten thousand sea turtles make it to adulthood. Views[47] The turtles are brought to a small pool untill sunset. Views[46] Around sunset the turtles are brought to sea. This is done to keep predators from eating them on their way. It´s a grand sight, those small heads above the water´s surface taking of on a grand journey in the sea. Maybe in 15 years one or two will make it back to this very same beach to lay eggs and continue the circle of life. It does make us wonder, isn´t that walk from nest to sea necessary for their ability to return? Views[43] off to sea Views[45] Karen cooks a delicious meal and then a pineapple upside=down cake to celebrate Ali´s 30th. Views[104]
 

About thefuegoproject

Somewhere under a rainbow...afternoon thunderstorms on the slope

See all my tags

Photo Galleries

Where I've been

Favourites

Highlights

My trip journals

My Top 10 Photo Tags

See all Tags

  Learn the Lingo on your iPod - Our free language guides

Find us on these social networks  Flickr YouTube Vimeo Facebook Twitter

Insurance
Travel Insurance
What we cover
Prices & Benefits
Get a Quote
Claims
Faqs
Safety
Travel Safety
Safety Hub Blog
Adventures
Features
Destinations
Photos
Stories
Videos
Tags
Create your journal
Footprints
Open projects
Completed
Footprints Network
Positive Footprints Documentaries
WorldNomads.com
About Us
Press Room
News of the World (Nomads)
Contact Us
Partner Network
Privacy

Copyright © 2004-2009 World Nomads. All rights reserved. Patents pending 2002