Volcano boarding at Cerro Negro is one of the best things to do in Nicaragua. It is one of the few places in the world where you can experience this unique adventure. Plus, you can control your speed. So, almost anyone can do it! It is only available on an organized tour and requires planning. I loved my tour here going first thing in the morning. So, read on to discover my Nicaragua volcano boarding tours and tips for the experience of a lifetime.
About Cerro Negro
Known as ‘the land of lakes and volcanoes,’ Nicaragua is home to 19 active volcanoes. Just a 45-minute drive from Leon, the Cerro Negro (“black hill”) is the youngest volcano in Central America. It first appeared in 1850 and last erupted in 1999. This basaltic cinder cone stands at about 728 meters high with steep sides.
Black ash and rocks cover the volcano in contrast to the green vegetation in the mountains surrounding Cerro Negro. The steepest side with the most wind stays smooth and ideal for volcano boarding. Overall, the volcano has 5 craters, 3 at the base (created in 1999) and 2 on the top.
Check out my YouTube Video!
What is Volcano Boarding?
Volcano Boarding is somewhat like riding a sled down a steep hill, however, you are sliding down an active volcano on ash. Most people sit on the heavy board, however, some brave ones stand on it like snowboarding. It can be an extreme sport if you have the need for speed. The speed record at Cerro Negro is over 100 kph. However, being cautious, I safely experienced it feeling in control. By keeping your feet in the sand as you go down, the brakes are on to manage speed.
There are only a few opportunities for volcano boarding in the world. Besides Cerro Negro, there is volcano boarding in Pacaya, Guatemala; Mt. Yasur, Vanuatu and Mt. Bromo, Indonesia.
Volcano Boarding at Cerro Negro Requires an Organized Tour
A popular tour group run by the person who invented the sport is Big Foot Hostel Leon. Besides, if you beat the speed record of 100 kpm, you win free mojitos for life with this company! Another good local tour group is Volcano Day.
Tips on what to bring for volcano boarding safely!
–Take water, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses because it’s hot with no shade
-Pack light because everything must come down the volcano
-Wear sturdy hiking boots, especially for feet breaking in ash down mountain
-Bring a bandana or cloth to protect nose and mouth from dust and fumes
-Bring a small camera, phone or GoPro strap for helmet
What to expect from a Cerro Negra Adventure?
You must arrange an organized tour including a 4WD transportation, that is about a 45-minute drive from Leon. The tour companies provide the equipment, including the boards and protective clothing, helmet and goggles. Our company carried all the equipment to the top of the volcano. However, some companies have you carry your 15-pound wooden board to the top. So, if you are concerned, be sure to arrange for the service to have them carry it.
The trail to the top is easy to moderate on rocky terrain. It took about 45 minutes to reach the top. Once you are on the crater rim, the views are stunning of the crater and volcanoes in the horizon, such as Mt Telica and San Cristobal. It is windy on the summit, so hang on to your hat. We enjoyed adequate time to marvel at the views and take good pictures. Then, we headed to the point of descent and got dressed up in our gear.
Tips on Safety Precautions, Controlling Speed & Having Fun!
We all geared up with the coveralls, goggles and helmets. Our guides gave us a briefing on safety precautions and tips on volcano boarding. There are 2 things to remember to control speed: feet in the sand on both sides of the board and leaning forward slow down the speed. They recommended never putting feet on board as the weight will stop movement. If you want to speed up, just pull on the rope and lean back, however, keep your heels gently in the sand close to the board.
Only one person can go down at a time with 2 tracks and the slower ones goes at the end. That was me, and I watched everyone else breeze down before my turn. It takes less than 2 minutes to reach the bottom. I kept my feet in the sand the entire time, so my legs felt a bit tired at the end and my pace was very safe.
All of us said the same thing: After doing it once and getting the idea of volcano boarding, we would go faster the next time. Our guides took one of our phones on the side of the mountain and took photos and videos of each of us.
Enjoy Volcano Boarding at Cerro Negro!
With this being such a unique experience, you must try this, especially if you are in Nicaragua. It is a memory you will never forget. If your travels bring you to volcano boarding at Cerro Negro, please share any tips below in the comments.
Read More!
Leon, Nicaragua Revolutionary 2-Day Travel Itinerary – Historic Walking Tour, Volcano Boarding & More
Wonderful El Salvador Travel Highlights at Suchito and Beachfront Hotel
