Las Isletas

Las Isletas were formed when a flank of Mombacho collapsed and scattered debris into Lake Nicaragua, leaving a few hundred rocky islets close to the Granada shore, now wooded and inhabited: some hold single fishing families, some carry large private houses, one has a small Spanish fort, and one is occupied by a group of spider monkeys put there years ago and fed by boatmen, which is a practice worth being uneasy about. Boat trips from Puerto Asese thread the channels for an hour or two, passing herons, cormorants and kingfishers, with Mombacho standing behind. Public boats, private hire and kayaks are all available, and prices differ sharply between them.

What you actually see

• The scattered islets - a few hundred wooded rocks in the lake.
• Island households - fishing families and large private houses side by side.
• Water birds - herons, cormorants and kingfishers along the channels.
• Mombacho behind - the volcano that created the islands.

When to go

December to April for calmer water; the lake gets rough in the windy months and small boats have a hard time. Late afternoon gives the best light on the water and Mombacho.

Honest expectations

The monkey island involves feeding wild animals for entertainment and is not good practice. Prices vary enormously between public boats and private hire, so asking at more than one dock pays. The contrast between wealthy private islands and fishing families is stark.

Nearby

Granada lies north; Zapatera island is further out in the lake.