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Cocibolca is the widest lake in Central America and one of the biggest in the world covering 3,166 sq. mi. (8,200 sq. km.). Cocibolca is 110 miles (177 kms) long and is 103 ft. (31 m) above sea level. On maps, it is usually denoted the Gran Lago Nicaragua (Nicaragua’s Big Lake). .

Its name comes from the Nathualt word coalt-pol-can that means “place of the big snake”; symbol of the Quetzalcoaltl god and brother of Xolotl and thus the name Xolotlan, the Managua lake name

Cocibolca lake is very rich in tropical flora and fauna and is home to the only species of freshwater shark. The last was seen a few years ago and the people believe they are living in the deepest part of the lake near Solentiname.

The cities of Granada, Rivas and S. Carlos are located on the shores of Lake Cocibolca and are linked by a ferry.

Granada lake is connected to the Atlantic Ocean though Rio San Juan, a navigable river; on the other side its shores are only 12.5 mile far from the Pacific Ocean.

The most important period for Cocibolca lake was the gold race age. People leaving from the east regions of the United States arrived on Nicaragua’s coasts, streaming up the San Juan River catching up the lake. Then crossed the strip of land that divides the Cocibolca from the Pacific Ocean where a boat was waiting with destination California.

In the Cocibolca lake you can find the largest lacustrine island in the world, Ometepe Island.

Los Guatusos lacustrine National Park is closed to the Costa Rica borders and people can visit it on small boats.