If you’re near Nandaime or Granada and you want to see some excellent volcanic activity, or you’re itching to climb a volcano, look no further than the Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho. The reserve protects the Volcán Mombacho, a still active volcano that gives off the occasional puff of smoke to keep visitors and residents on their toes, but it is currently mostly harmless.

Sightseeing
It’s an easy hike to the crown of the cloud forest near the top of the volcano, or you can take a nice stroll over to the organic coffee farms, the mariposario— a butterfly and orchid garden—which is right next to the carpark and a sight not to be missed. Another trail will lead you around the lip of the crater. Closer to the top of the volcano, the reserve protects a horde of wildlife and flowers, including 3 species of monkey, 168 bird species and 100 kinds of orchid. The park is open to the public Thursday through to Sunday—plan accordingly.

Getting there
Buses run back and forth from Nandaime and Mombacho frequently and you can ask the driver to let you off at the entrance to the reserve.