Flor de Pochote

Lava area and Slopes

The Northern border of Flor de Pochote is a 100 meter high rocky slope. Beneath the slope there is a wide plateau, mostly covered with black lava rocks and low open forest. Only in the valley close to Flor de Pochote will you find good agricultural soil.

The rocky slopes On rainy days we have an impressive waterfall, and on the remaining days it is an exciting area to explore. You can hike down to the bottom of the slope by a rather easy path, or you can challenge descending the rocks. For the latter we strongly recommend a guide, but if you just want to admire the rocks and the plants that have found a bit of fertile soil between the rocks, you can safely walk around on your own. The routes to this area last 2-3 hours. We adapt the route to the individual visitor. You can see two waterfalls from beneath and get up and down following different paths, or you can continue to the lagoon and take the road back.

The dry waterfall, and the slope seen from beneath.	Children have much fun playing in the big rocks that have broken of at the top of the waterfall.	At the point between the river basin and the real crater the slope is less steep, and can be climbed.
The steeper parts can be quite challenging.	A killer tree try to overcome a stone.	Along the slopes there are a nice view, and you can choose to climb next to another waterfall on your way back.

Lava stone area

The last two eruptions of the most recent volcano craters, about 300 years ago, made lava flows north and south around the older Masaya volcano towards the lagoon. This lava is still visible in the landscape. People call it piedra quemada (burned rock). On this bare rock life has to start from zero, as there is no soil to conserve water and provide nutrients. From a botanic point of view this succession from nothing is very interesting.

In areas with older lava deposits the forest is more developed, and also bigger mammals, such as monkeys, dears and coyotes (wild dogs) are present.

No formal routes are defined in this area, but we can arrange trips according to the wishes of our guests. As most of the lava rock is found within the National Park, the trip might have to be coordinated with the park administration, which costs a small fee and requires a few days of notice.

Price: Guide 3 US$ an hour.

(eventually plus costs for National Park entrance and guide)

Last updated 12.01.2007