The Zapatera island & archipelago,
isla Zapatera

The 629-metre-high dormant Zapatera volcano forms the island of the same name. Zapatera, with a surface area of 52 km2, is the second largest island in Lake Nicaragua afterOmetepe. Situated not far from the mainland, its closest point being 1 km away, it belongs to the volcanic chain that crosses the country from north to south.

The Zapatera archipelago, comprising the island of Zapatera and 10 neighbouring islets of varying sizes, the main ones being Isla del Muerto, Jesús Grandes, El Plátano and El Armado, was declared a national park in the early 1980s . The ancient cone of the Zapatera volcano is surrounded by hills and valleys covered by dense, dry tropical forests. Despite agricultural exploitation and illegal extraction of precious wood, the island remains very green thanks to its abundant vegetation, which supports a wealth of wildlife, in addition to animpressive collection of pre-Columbian statues, ceramics and petroglyphs. You’ll come across many birds (toucans, parrots, kingfishers, falcons) and mammals (ocelots, jaguars, armadillos, deer).

The local archaeological wealth will satisfy both professional and budding explorers. Pre-Columbian studies of Zapatera Island are rare, and excavations have been too irregular due to the country’s historical and economic contexts. Statues, petroglyphs and ceramics have been discovered in very large numbers all over the island and its surroundings. It wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century that the island’s archaeological potential was published.

During Nicaragua’s dark years, scientific exploration of the archipelago was clearly abandoned. In the early ’80s, small-scale research was undertaken locally, which brought to light certain petroglyphs and ceramics . In the end, the lack of research carried out and the international community’s lack of interest in Nicaragua meant that the real function of Zapatera Island could not yet be identified. Was it a place of worship? Of sacrifice? What legacy did the island leave to the indigenous communities? Unfortunately, the island’s archaeological treasure trove has been plundered many times over. Many statues have been taken, moved and ended up with private collectors. However, some can still be seen at the Convento San Francisco museum in Granada, or as ornaments on some state buildings.

The remoteness of this volcanic island and the limited tourist infrastructure guarantee travelers a unique experience as they meet the families living on the island and enjoy the following activities:

There is as yet no public transport to Zapatera Island. Only private transport organized from Granada or via one of the island’s hotels will get you there.