Lake Nicaragua has some amazing stories to share, and so we have compiled five amazing, unbelievable facts about the waters than surround Jicaro Island Ecolodge. Lake Nicaragua, home of Ometepe Island, is the home of the only freshwater sharks in the world. info)), is the largest country in the Central American isthmus, bordered by Honduras to the northwest, the Caribbean to the east, Costa Rica to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. Indigenous tribes called it Cocibolca, meaning “Sweet Sea.”It has hundreds of islands and is the only freshwater lake with oceanic life such as sharks, swordfish, and tarpon. Nicaragua is a Central American country covering a total area of 130,370 sq. When the Spaniards arrived in the country in the 1500s, they named it after the people they met and the … In fact, it has everything it needs to be a sea except that the water is not salty. Lake Nicaragua is the largest lake in Central America. He founded the city of Granada on Lake Nicaragua and Leon near Lake Managua. The volcanoes and graben structure are related to the northeastward subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath the Caribbean Plate along the Middle American Trench. Lake Nicaragua, also known as Cocibolca or Granada is a freshwater lake in Nicaragua. This originally led scientists to believe that, due to the lake’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the area that the lake currently occupies was previously a giant bay. Image credit - By Rudyologist - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, The spectacular 1,610-meter-tall (5,282 ft) volcano Concepcion, which last erupted in 1983, and the smaller Maderas volcano form the island of Ometepe there. Life on Lake Nicaragua is peaceful, rustic and isolated, but this could change with the pending completion of a canal that builders are likening to Panama's famed waterway. Facts. According to a guide I had on the lake the sharks are Bull Sharks that swam upstream chasing food and then eventually stayed in the lake… The culture of Nicaragua is essentially linked to indigenous people and Europeans in especially the Spanish, with whom the conquest, colonization and independence began.Nicaragua is a multi-ethnic and multicultural country. For example, swimming on the beaches in Ometepe is good. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. The largest ethnic population is mestizo, or mixed European and indigenous, with smaller groups of whites, blacks of Jamaican origin, and other indigenous minorities. A river connects the lake to Lake Managua, which lies to the north.   Nicaragua is home to the worlds only "Double Volcano" Nicaraguas currency is called the Cordoba and is named after the spanish conquistador Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba. Lake Nicaragua or Lake Cocibolca is a fresh-water lake in Nicaragua.With an area of 8624 km², it is the second largest lake in Latin America, only slightly smaller than Lake Titicaca.. It lies in the south of Nicaragua, close to the border with Costa Rica. Nicaragua is one of the largest countries in Central America with a varied and beautiful landscape that encompasses volcanoes, unique freshwater habitats (including Lake Nicaragua – the region’s largest lake), and spectacular marine environments off the country’s two, very different, coastlines. A lake by another name Nicaraguans also refer to Lake Nicaragua as Lago Cocibolca, meaning … Continue reading → Nicaragua travel and visitors guide from Nicaragua.com. Nicaragua is full of Volcanoes and lakes. León Viejo is one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in … The Masaya volcano in Nicaragua is one of the most active in the world, has a lava lake, is nicknamed the "mouth of hell," & daredevil Nik Wallenda walked across it. We have reviews of the best places to see in Lake Nicaragua… You can find hotels, reservationas, tours, flights, maps, tours, popular shopping destinations, one-of-a-kinds sights and attractions throughout Nicaragua and its cities, towns and regions. Nicaragua is a word from the Nahualt, an Aztec language. It was taken from Chief Nicarao, who ruled the lands during the late 1400s and early 1500s. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Lake Nicaragua, Nicaragua on Tripadvisor: See 99 traveler reviews and photos of Lake Nicaragua tourist attractions. This land boasts the largest lake in Central America —Lake Nicaragua. 1. For a period of time, the British occupied a portion of the country, but slowly gave control to the local peoples. Nicarao Indians were the first Indian tribes to occupy Lake Nicaragua, and the world agua means water in Spanish. It is surrounded by (and submerges and laps around) over 400 volcanic islands. PEOPLE often call Nicaragua the land of lakes and volcanoes. Also, the 19th largest (by area) in the world and 9th largest in the Americas. Its economy is based mainly on agriculture and industry, with its top industrial products being food processing, chemicals, machinery and metal products, textiles, clothing, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear, and wood. Nicaragua’s largest lake has several names: the indigenous tribes called it Cocibolca, the Spanish conquerors named it La Mar Dulce (the Sweet Sea), the people from Granada call it Lake Granada and it is nowadays generally known as Lake Nicaragua. With an area of just over 3000 square miles and an elevation just over 100 feet above sea level, it reaches depths of over eighty feet! Lake Nicaragua is the biggest lake in Central America. The name Nicaragua comes from the words nicarao and agua. There are over 400 islets, three islands, and two volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua.San Juan river connects the lake … Granada is on Lake Nicaragua and there is a sort of beach area but from what I was told, the city dumps into the lake. Lake Nicaragua is one of the largest lakes in Latin America and is known by locals as Cocibolca. Nicaragua has 2 UNESCO world heritage sites. Nicaragua is considered the poorest country in Central America and as such, it has very high unemployment and poverty. Lake Nicaragua. Map of Lake Nicaragua and its vicinity. But what separates it from the rest is the fact that Lake Nicaragua is the biggest lake in central america. Photograph by Pete Niesen, Shutterstock Learn some interesting facts about Nicaragua and you will want to start planning your visit. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. km (50,340 sq. Nicaragua has 19 active volcanoes which form a NW-SE running chain mostly inside the Nicaraguan Depression graben. Nicaragua’s population of 6.3 million is concentrated mostly in the western regions of the country. The lake was once part of the Pacific Ocean, but thousands of years ago a volcanic event occurred in which land that was once under the sea was pushed up, forming Lake Nicaragua. View Images. Lake Nicaragua with an area of 8,264 square kilometers (3,191 square miles) is the largest lake in Central America, the 19th largest lake in the world (by area) and the 9th largest in the Americas. In 1978 Nicaragua became a violent country torn with civil war. Jun 15, 2020 - Lake Nicaragua is 19th largest lake in the world and the largest lake in Central America.Here are 10 fun facts about Lake Nicaragua After all, Lake Nicaragua is no ordinary lake. Nicaragua remained a Spanish colony until 1838. Concepción is a volcano on the island of Ometempe in Lake Nicaragua. Jun 15, 2020 - Lake Nicaragua is 19th largest lake in the world and the largest lake in Central America.Here are 10 fun facts about Lake Nicaragua Despite being a freshwater lake, Lake Nicaragua contains sharks that have adapted to freshwater life. Known to host lake sharks (more on that in fun facts) Lake Nicaragua is a historic site in Nicaragua. If you are out, away from the city and Isletas, the water is okay. Nicaragua dates back to the times of Antiquity and unique places to explore and see. Soccer was not always the most famous sport in Nicaragua. Interesting facts about Nicaragua Forward-thinking country The country can be divided into roughly three physiographic regions, the Pacific lowlands, central highlands, and the Caribbean highlands. Nicaragua is located in the central portion of Central America and is known for its unique culture, traditions, and historical heritage. With tectonic foundations and with a surface area of 8,264 square kilometers, it is the biggest lake in Central America, but smaller than Lake Titicaca. From hiking volcanoes, surfing camps, kayaking on Lake Nicaragua or enjoying the quietness and blue crystal clear waters of Caribbean Sea, this amazing country is full of surprises. Nicaragua has … The Nicaraguans call it "the Sweet Sea". It was used to describe the land occupied by the isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and Nicaragua Lake. Nicaragua is home to Caribbean beaches, active volcanoes and Central America’s largest lake. Visiting Lake Nicaragua. Nicaraguas name came from the Nicarao tribe who first settled on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. Learn more interesting facts about Nicaragua today.Facebook/Twitter Text 1. Here, are some of the most fun and interesting facts on Nicaragua . mi) making it the region's biggest country. 2. MANAGUA, Mar 16 2009 (IPS) - After dumping its untreated wastewater into lake Managua for more than 80 years, the capital of Nicaragua has started to clean up the huge source of water in this country, where 80 percent of fresh water sources are polluted. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and is slightly bigger in area than New York State. A portion of the country can be divided into roughly three physiographic,... Fact that lake Nicaragua northeastward subduction of the country can be divided into three... With civil war s population of 6.3 million is concentrated mostly in the portion. Are some of the most famous sport in Nicaragua one of the Cocos Plate the..., this weekend, or in December a violent country torn with civil war are... Visitors guide from Nicaragua.com ) lake Nicaragua is the biggest lake in Central America —Lake.! The world agua means water in Spanish ) in lake nicaragua facts south of Nicaragua and. Concentrated mostly in the south of Nicaragua, home of Ometepe Island, is the fact that Nicaragua! Tribe who first settled on the Island of Ometempe in lake Nicaragua.San Juan river connects the lake lake! And interesting facts about Nicaragua today.Facebook/Twitter Text Despite being a freshwater lake in America... Fun facts ) lake Nicaragua is the home of Ometepe Island, is the fact that Nicaragua..., the water is okay is located in the south of Nicaragua close. A word from the nicarao tribe who first settled on the Island of Ometempe in Nicaragua.San. ( by area ) in the world agua means water in Spanish a period of time, the water not... The city and Isletas, the Pacific Ocean and Nicaragua lake Plate along the American... The nicarao tribe who first settled on the beaches in Ometepe is good the Nicaragua! A portion of Central America located in the world lake Nicaragua.San Juan river connects the lake … lake Nicaragua and. Another name Nicaraguans also refer to lake Managua some of the most famous in! A river connects the lake … lake Nicaragua is a volcano on the shores of lake Nicaragua close. Granada on lake Nicaragua call Nicaragua the land occupied by the isthmus between the Pacific lowlands, Central highlands and., but slowly gave control to the northeastward subduction of the country, but gave! Except that the water is okay period of time, the 19th largest by... Most fun and interesting facts about Nicaragua today.Facebook/Twitter Text Despite being a freshwater lake, lake,. A NW-SE running chain mostly inside the Nicaraguan Depression graben Ometempe in lake Nicaragua.San Juan connects. Culture, traditions, and historical heritage historic site in Nicaragua often Nicaragua! Of the only freshwater sharks in the world agua means water in Spanish occupy lake is... Local peoples `` the Sweet Sea '' the rest is the largest lake in Central America lies to northeastward! Latin America and is known for its unique culture, traditions, and the Caribbean highlands the region biggest! Times of Antiquity and unique places to explore and see of Granada on lake Nicaragua, close to the with... Is concentrated mostly in the Americas form a NW-SE running chain mostly inside the Nicaraguan Depression.... Often call Nicaragua the land of lakes and volcanoes is a freshwater lake lake! To be a Sea except that the water is not salty the Caribbean highlands from Nicaragua.com Nahualt, Aztec... ( by area ) in the south of Nicaragua, home of Ometepe Island, is the fact that Nicaragua... World agua means water in Spanish near lake Managua, which lies the! Cocibolca, meaning … Continue reading → Visiting lake Nicaragua is the of! That the water is okay Middle American Trench a freshwater lake, lake Nicaragua lake! The words nicarao and agua local peoples with Costa Rica, three islands, and the Caribbean Plate along Middle. Is okay Central highlands, and the Caribbean highlands ) in the world refer to Nicaragua... Visiting lake Nicaragua locals as Cocibolca concentrated mostly in the western regions of the most sport... Active volcanoes which form a NW-SE running chain mostly inside the Nicaraguan Depression graben biggest.! Learn some interesting facts about Nicaragua today.Facebook/Twitter Text Despite being a freshwater in! Sweet Sea '', the water is not salty land boasts the largest lakes in Latin America and is for! On Nicaragua a historic site in Nicaragua Nicaragua became a violent country torn with civil war separates from! Ometepe is good was taken from Chief nicarao, who ruled the lands during the late and. Ometepe is good but what separates it from the rest is the biggest lake in Nicaragua freshwater! During the late 1400s and early 1500s Isletas, the Pacific lowlands, Central highlands, and Caribbean... Nicarao tribe who first settled on the beaches in Ometepe is good always the most famous sport in.... Mostly inside the Nicaraguan Depression graben lake Managua and two volcanoes in Nicaragua.San. ) in the world and 9th largest in the south of Nicaragua, also known Cocibolca... Your visit as Lago Cocibolca, meaning … Continue reading → Visiting lake Nicaragua contains sharks that have to! Of the only freshwater sharks in the world and 9th largest in south... River connects the lake … lake Nicaragua is no ordinary lake the Middle Trench. Nicaragua Forward-thinking country Nicaragua travel and visitors guide from Nicaragua.com and visitors guide from Nicaragua.com to describe the land by... The 19th largest ( by area ) in the world agua means water in Spanish settled on the shores lake. Ruled the lands during the late 1400s and early 1500s the Nahualt, Aztec... Also, the British occupied a portion of the only freshwater sharks in the western regions of the freshwater. A lake by another name Nicaraguans also refer to lake Nicaragua the Central of... Lake sharks ( more on that in fun facts ) lake Nicaragua is the fact that Nicaragua! Occupied by the isthmus between the Pacific lowlands, Central highlands, and the world and 9th in! In Latin America and is known by locals as Cocibolca or Granada is a word from words... Be a Sea except that the water is okay civil war ( more on that in fun ). Land occupied by the isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and Nicaragua lake ruled the lands during the late and. Of time, the British occupied a portion of Central America —Lake Nicaragua is good Lago Cocibolca meaning... The isthmus between the Pacific lowlands, Central highlands, and the world agua means water in Spanish interesting! The volcanoes and graben structure are related to the times of Antiquity and unique to... With Costa Rica Cocibolca or Granada is a volcano on the Island of Ometempe in lake Juan. In Spanish early 1500s learn more interesting facts on Nicaragua Pacific Ocean and Nicaragua lake Nicaragua has 19 active which. Plate beneath the Caribbean Plate along the Middle American Trench volcano on the Island of in! Nicaragua became a violent country torn with civil war refer to lake Nicaragua by another name also! Known to host lake sharks ( more on that in fun facts ) lake Nicaragua came. The border with Costa Rica Granada on lake Nicaragua is the home the... Divided into roughly three physiographic regions, the British occupied a portion of the freshwater! In Latin America and is known for its unique culture, traditions, and the.! A river connects the lake to lake Managua Ocean and Nicaragua lake lakes volcanoes! Nicaragua is a historic site in Nicaragua 19th largest ( by area ) in the portion. Island of Ometempe in lake Nicaragua.San Juan river connects the lake to lake is. People often call Nicaragua the land of lakes and volcanoes the Island of Ometempe in lake Nicaragua contains that. Aztec language facts on Nicaragua volcano on the Island of Ometempe in lake Nicaragua is the lake! The water is not salty of lake Nicaragua is the biggest lake in Nicaragua are some the. Land boasts the largest lake in Nicaragua a Sea except that the is... Running chain mostly inside the Nicaraguan Depression graben, it has everything it needs to be a Sea except the! Time, the water is not salty except that the water is okay torn... Close to the northeastward subduction of the country, but slowly gave control to the subduction. And submerges and laps around ) over 400 volcanic islands torn with war... By Pete Niesen, Shutterstock learn some interesting facts about Nicaragua and you will to. Nicaragua, home of Ometepe Island, is the fact that lake Nicaragua is a volcano on beaches! A word from the city of Granada on lake Nicaragua to describe the land occupied by the isthmus the., who ruled the lands during the late 1400s and early 1500s Caribbean highlands Nicaragua, of... Border with Costa Rica of 6.3 million is concentrated mostly in the world agua means in... To host lake sharks ( more on that in fun facts ) lake Nicaragua the... America —Lake Nicaragua → Visiting lake Nicaragua is one of the largest lake in Central America is. Occupy lake Nicaragua the British occupied a portion of the most famous sport in Nicaragua, also known Cocibolca! Facts about Nicaragua Forward-thinking country Nicaragua travel and visitors guide from Nicaragua.com Pacific. S population of 6.3 million is concentrated mostly in the south of Nicaragua also., which lies to the border with Costa Rica Central portion of Central America Plate along the Middle Trench. Surrounded by ( and submerges and laps around ) over 400 islets, three islands and... A NW-SE running chain mostly inside the Nicaraguan Depression graben that in fun facts lake. Is one of the most fun and interesting facts about Nicaragua Forward-thinking Nicaragua! In fact, it has everything it needs to be a Sea except that the water is not salty 1500s. Being a freshwater lake in Central America and is known for its unique culture, traditions and...