Laguna de Asososca is a beautiful crater lake located in Leon, Nicaragua. Not to be confused with Laguna de Asososca in Managua, the lake in Leon is a stunning natural attraction that’s barely explored by tourists. Even less explored is Volcan Asososca, which is positioned northwest of Laguna de Asososca. By hiking Volcan Asososca, you’ll enjoy unbeatable views of the lake. Of course, hiking the volcano and then swimming in the lake is the best way to experience this stunning part of Nicaragua.

First of all, we are going to drive in a wild-off road toward the Laguna crater rim and then start the hike in narrow y shady path which gradually inclines. The walk is for 12km, it can take up to 6 hours and is designed for enthusiastic people who want to face a truly challenge.

There’s another Laguna de Asososca located in Managua. To avoid confusion, locals refer to the lake in Leon as ‘Laguna del Tigre’. In English, this translates to Tiger Lagoon. Locals also refer to the lake in Leon as Asososca Junior, because it’s smaller than the one in Managua. 

The Asososca volcano, with its pyramidal shape, has an average inclination of 45 degrees from its middle part, which makes the descent technical and requires concentration but at the same time fun.

After reaching the summit, we will return to the lagoon for a well-deserved swim in the clean, crystal-clear waters with a view of the Asososca volcano and its sister volcano, El Hoyo, in the distance.

The lagoon is just a stone’s throw away from León, it will take us only 20 minutes to ascend back to the vehicle and 45 minutes to return to civilization