Solentiname Islands
Solentiname Islands | |
|---|---|
Municipality | |
Río San Juan | |
| Area | |
| • Total | 190 km2 (70 sq mi) |
| • Land | 38 km2 (15 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 257 m (843 ft) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 1,000 |
| • Density | 5.3/km2 (14/sq mi) |
The Solentiname Islands (Spanish pronunciation:
They are made up of four larger islands, each a few kilometres across, named, from west to east, Mancarroncito, Mancarrón, San Fernando and La Venada, along with some 32 smaller islands with rocky headlands which afford shelter to numerous aquatic birds. The islands’ origins are
History
There is some confusion over what the archipelago's name means. Some hold that it is from a
Geography
The Solentiname Islands are tropical in every sense. They are covered in tropical tree species, transitional between wet and dry tropical, and are home to various colourful bird species, including various kinds of
The yearly rainfall in the islands measures between 1,400 and 1,800 mm (55 and 71 in), with most of it falling between May and December. Solentiname's mean yearly temperature is 26 °C (79 °F).
The islands’ tranquility and colourfulness are likely what has attracted artists to their shores. Painters and woodcarvers share the islands with farmers and fishermen. The archipelago's population is less than 1000, and its land area is about 38 km2 (15 sq mi). Modern amenities, including electricity and running water, are quite rare in the islands.
Mancarrón is Solentiname's largest island. It is here that the
Painters resident at the art colony included Asilia Guillén.[1]
Tourism and economy
For these very things, the Solentiname Islands have also been the object of ecotourism in recent years, although currently, they are still a somewhat obscure destination. However, there are now three hotels in the islands, two of which are quite new.
There are also important archaeological sites (including petroglyphs on San Fernando featuring images of parrots, monkeys, and people), the Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge, a 400 km2 (150 sq mi) marsh parallel to the lakeshore, home to both monkeys and alligators, and the Solentiname National Monument, which consists of the islands themselves and the lakeshores around them.
Solentiname's agricultural products include
Parts of the story "Apocalipsis de Solentiname" by Julio Cortázar are set on the Solentiname Islands. The story features Ernesto Cardenal as a character, as well as the community's small art gallery.
References
- ISBN 978-0-7614-1969-3.
External links
11°12′N 85°2′W / 11.200°N 85.033°W
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