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Sandboard down an Active Volcano in Nicaragua
Published by Sidonie Wybourn, Writer
Country: Nicaragua 
The Experience
A trip to Nicaragua would not be complete without trying out volcano boarding: sandboarding down an active volcano—an extreme sport that could have only been created in a place known as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes”.
Cerro Negro, an imposing dark mass of rock and volcanic ash true to its name (“Black Hill”), is the place to test your fear. Formed in 1850, it is the youngest volcano in Central America, and has erupted more than twenty times. Best of all: it’s still active today.
Although the Cerro Negro volcano is relatively small at only 400 meters high, its slopes are incredibly steep. One of these has an incline so dramatic that walking up is impossible, but because it is uniquely composed of volcanic sand instead of rock, it is the perfect spot to slide down on a sandboard. The high speed, thrilling ride of sandboarding down an active volcano is not for the faint of heart, and those brave enough to try it will be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime.
Start by climbing Cerro Negro’s rockier side to the steaming crater that still emits gases and sputters impressively. The hike is quite challenging, and the amazing, unobstructed 360-degree view from the top is well worth it. Gaze out at Nicaragua’s lush green countryside, a stark contrast to the darkness of the active volcano you are standing on, which is incapable of growing any vegetation. You will also be able to see some of Nicaragua’s other famous volcanoes that make up the stunning Maribios Volcanic Chain along the Pacific Ocean.
When you’re ready to descend, head to Cerro Negro's edge and strap on your wooden sandboard. Looking down the intimidating vertical drop, you may need awhile to work up the courage, but at over 50 km per hour, it will take less than a minute to reach the bottom! As you pass over layers of volcanic soil in your surreal descent, you'll leave a trail of ash in your wake, and you won't believe you're sandboarding down an active volcano.
Cerro Negro, an imposing dark mass of rock and volcanic ash true to its name (“Black Hill”), is the place to test your fear. Formed in 1850, it is the youngest volcano in Central America, and has erupted more than twenty times. Best of all: it’s still active today.
Although the Cerro Negro volcano is relatively small at only 400 meters high, its slopes are incredibly steep. One of these has an incline so dramatic that walking up is impossible, but because it is uniquely composed of volcanic sand instead of rock, it is the perfect spot to slide down on a sandboard. The high speed, thrilling ride of sandboarding down an active volcano is not for the faint of heart, and those brave enough to try it will be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime.
Start by climbing Cerro Negro’s rockier side to the steaming crater that still emits gases and sputters impressively. The hike is quite challenging, and the amazing, unobstructed 360-degree view from the top is well worth it. Gaze out at Nicaragua’s lush green countryside, a stark contrast to the darkness of the active volcano you are standing on, which is incapable of growing any vegetation. You will also be able to see some of Nicaragua’s other famous volcanoes that make up the stunning Maribios Volcanic Chain along the Pacific Ocean.
When you’re ready to descend, head to Cerro Negro's edge and strap on your wooden sandboard. Looking down the intimidating vertical drop, you may need awhile to work up the courage, but at over 50 km per hour, it will take less than a minute to reach the bottom! As you pass over layers of volcanic soil in your surreal descent, you'll leave a trail of ash in your wake, and you won't believe you're sandboarding down an active volcano.
When to Go to Sandboard Volcano Nicaragua
The best time of year to try volcano boarding is between December to April. This is the dry season in Nicaragua, perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Cerro Negro is located close to the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua, one of the hottest parts of the country. Some travellers may find it more comfortable to visit at the very beginning or end of the rainy season.
The Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a religious celebration usually occurring at the end of March or beginning of April. The traditional decorations and festivities which take over most local villages are a sight worth seeing, but be prepared to pay more for your stay and reckon with the crowds both in the city and at the beach.
Cerro Negro is located close to the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua, one of the hottest parts of the country. Some travellers may find it more comfortable to visit at the very beginning or end of the rainy season.
The Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a religious celebration usually occurring at the end of March or beginning of April. The traditional decorations and festivities which take over most local villages are a sight worth seeing, but be prepared to pay more for your stay and reckon with the crowds both in the city and at the beach.
Odds n' Ends
Hiking up a volcano is no easy feat, particularly when it's hot out. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, wear sunscreen and a hat, and only attempt the climb if you are physically fit to do so.
Equipment to sandboard down the volcano will be provided by your tour company of choice, but make sure you dress appropriately. Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt made from a light, breathable material will protect your skin from any scrapes.
Most tours to Cerro Negro leave from the nearby city of Leon, a colonial gem with architecture that rivals better-known Granada. Base yourself here for a few days to get the most out of the area. Once your adventure on the volcano is complete, recharge with some of Leon's famous street food. It doesn't get any more authentic or delicious than this!
Equipment to sandboard down the volcano will be provided by your tour company of choice, but make sure you dress appropriately. Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt made from a light, breathable material will protect your skin from any scrapes.
Most tours to Cerro Negro leave from the nearby city of Leon, a colonial gem with architecture that rivals better-known Granada. Base yourself here for a few days to get the most out of the area. Once your adventure on the volcano is complete, recharge with some of Leon's famous street food. It doesn't get any more authentic or delicious than this!
Want a Guide?
- Tierra Tour
- Experience the rush! Join the Experts! Ever boarded down the side of an active volcano? Let us show you how!
- Bigfoot Adventure
- A fun and exhilarating day out!
- Vapues Tours
- Vapues Tours is a Nicaraguan tour operator, licensed by the National Tourism Board (INTUR) and member of the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR).
Recommended Places to Stay
- La Tortuga Booluda Hostel
- Located in the center of the city of León, Hostal La Tortuga Booluda (The Lazy Turtle) offers a relaxing multi-cultural atmosphere, comfortable dorm beds and private rooms, free pancake breakfast, free organic coffee, open kitchen, free internet, free pool table, a complete book exchange, house guitars, self-service bar, one-on-one Spanish classes, and more.
- Big Foot Hostel
- Centrally located in a beautiful renovated old colonial home, our hostel provides a great vibe to relax, enjoy and meet like-minded backpackers.
- Hotel La Perla
- The Hotel La Perla is the finest examples of the neoclassical style of architecture that exists in Nicaragua.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Los Balcones is the safest and the most original hotel in Nicaragua. It is located at the most exclusive residential zone in Managua and it ... 13 miles away
In the hotel San Juan D'Leon they have like emblem "a site to combine business and pleasure". The premises, located near downtown, count on comforts ... 13 miles away
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Media References
- A Sport Erupts on a Live Volcano in Nicaragua (newspaper)
- THERE’S nothing quite like the sudden silence one experiences midway through the descent down a roughly 1,600-foot volcanic slope, having just somersaulted out of the pebble-scraping, air-rushing trajectory previously occupied by you and your volcano board.
- New adrenaline sport sees boarders surf down active volcano (newspaper)
- Dressed in protective jump suits, knee-pads and helmets, the boarders visited the foothills of Nicaragua's Cerro Negro mountain, and climbed 726 metres (2,382ft) to travel down on specially-constructed plywood boards.
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