Born in 1850, Cerro Negro is Central America’s youngest volcano and one of Nicaragua’s most active volcanoes. Rising out of emerald green forest, the black slopes of Cerro Negro create a bizarre contrast with the surroundings.
We leave the Quetzaltrekkers office at 8:00am and hit the road with our driver Victor. Passing beautiful Nicaraguan farmlands, we arrive at the base of Cerro Negro an hour later, where we greet the rangers at the ranger station and begin our ascent of the volcano. The hike starts with an easy climb to the first of two active, colorful craters. After talking about the volcano’s history, we follow the crater’s ridge to reach the second crater and highest point of Cerro Negro (1 hour of walking total). Here we spend some time enjoying the views over the Maribios volcano range and the Pacific Ocean.
Then begins the part everyone has been waiting for: a spectacular descent down Cerro Negro’s black sand slopes on volcano boards. Volcano boarders put on a protective jumpsuit, receive a tutorial on safely, and off they go! Thrill seekers will be hopeful of keeping up with the record speed of 95km/hour! For those with less need for speed, take a more tranquil descent and enjoy the picturesque panorama in front of your eyes.
Once at the base of the volcano we break for a snack and enjoy a little shade. We then offer you the option of climbing the volcano again and using your new-found volcano boarding skills for a second go. A bit dirty and still full of excitement, we return to the ranger station to eat some yummy veggie burritos, meet some local Iguanas, and return to León. We typically arrive at the QT office around 2:30pm.
Minimum Donation: US 30$