Nicaragua - Volcan Masaya National Park

"The Masaya National Park consists of a complex volcano with three craters that have formed one larger boiler. These are in constant activity and present lava outflows at different dates with signs of the successional colonization processes. The park area contains various species in danger of extinction and is a very representative sample of a Tropical Dry Forest. The volcano, because of its great beauty, its geological and ecological importance, besides its accessibility to Managua, was the first National Park in Nicaragua and is presently the best maintained protected area in the country. Because of its volcanological characteristics, it is unique and comparable only to the Kilahuea volcano of Hawaii."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Volcan Masaya National Park. Thanks to Marco of Austria for mailing inside envelope.

Nicaragua - The Natural Reserve "Bosawas"

"This area represents the largest protected surface of tropical humid and cloudy forests (especially in conjunction with the areas pertaining to Honduras). It counts with a great number of endemic species and numerous medicinal species now identified by the three ethnic indigenous groups that inhabit the area (Rama, Sumo and Miskito). Because of its dimension (8000 km2) it presents the opportunity to see the species evolutionary processes reflected in the endemic species of the zone. Its hydrological value of binational importance gives it great economical importance because of its incomparable scenic beauty."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List


Bosawas Biosphere. Thanks to Marco of Austria for mailing inside envelope.

Nicaragua - City of Granada and its natural environment

"The City of Granada is one of the most ancient cities founded by the Spaniards in the New World and the oldest in dry land that remains in its original location. It was founded in 1524 and constituted one of the principal cities of the colonial era and of the XIX century in Central America. It is located at the North-western edge of the Nicaragua Lake, surrounded by an exceptional natural environment consisting of isles, archipelagos, woodlands, volcanoes, lakes and lagoons that have exercised an important influence on its historic evolution and converted this site in one of the most extraordinary natural-cultural scenic backdrops in the world...." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

A panaroma postcard of Granada, Nicaragua - Las Iglesias Xalteva, La Merced, Catedray y Guadalupe. Thanks to Grete of UK who was visiting here.