Land of fire: the Sultan rising majestically

At any point along Granada’s heat seared streets, Mombacho can be viewed rising majestically into the clouds. Today I climb it. A shuttle picks me up and stops for tour mates from Amsterdam. We drive six miles outside Granada and continue up the steeply pitched volcano road along coffee plantations to the cloud forest and the Mombacho reserve tourist center. In no time the air is cool.

Cloud forests are technically rain forests higher than a thousand feet. Ethereal jungle light showcases dazzling orchids like jewelry store cases. All along ferns and vines our guide points out reptiles, birds, insects and a white-faced monkey.

We circle the main crater through a cloud forest that is more scale than hike. My stalwart tour mate offers a hand up the steepest rocks. I appreciatively accept. We ascend a slippery, tree trunk path beneath a covering of trees. The panoramic viewing platform bestows superb views of Granada, Lake Nicaragua, and the Laguna de Apoyo. Bracing wind blows sulfer scented smoke whisps from the fumarole.

Giddy with fatigue I roost atop an extinct volcano with its own unique habitat and cloud forest. My legs shake and perspiration rolls off me. I forget that the hike is one way as I silently chant fatigue-fighting mantras. Our guide leads us a short distance to a brick road. A van awaits us. We climb in. Now everything feels better.