The most random, adrenaline seeking thing I did in my time in Central America was shooting down a volcano at 60 mph.
Yes 60 mph, on a literal piece of plywood. If you’re up for some unforgettable adventure’s, volcano boarding on the active volcano, Cerro Negro in Leon, Nicaragua has to be added to your Bucket List.
What the heck is Volcano Boarding
Unfortunately, for my super thrill seekers it’s not ripping down hot ash standing on a board like some of the posts you see. You’ll hike up 800 ft to the top of Cerro Negro with your board (plywood) and essentially sled down the mountain sitting down. I felt really safe throughout the entire excursion — you’re in full control of how fast or slow you want to move down the volcano.
Where can I Volcano Board
Central America! Cerro Negro in Leon, Nicaragua is one of the only places in the world where you can race down an active volcano (at the top there’s even spots you can even feel the heat). You can find volcano boarding tours with Bigfoot Hostel and Volcano Day Nicaragua. I personally went through Bigfoot Hostel and chose the sunset volcano boarding excursion and had a wonderful experience. You do not want to leave your central America backpacking trip without checking this off the bucket list.
What to expect Volcano Boarding
Let me take you through what the day in your life volcano boarding will look like.
Getting to the Volcano
You’ll start the adventure off at Big Foot hostel located in Leon Nicaragua, at 12:30 pm and you can expect to be dropped back off at the hostel at 7pm. They also offer sunrise and day packages starting at 3:15 am and 9 am. You’ll start off with a briefing at the hostel and load up for about a 45-minute bus ride to the volcano. You’ll stop at a little convenient store right before to use the restroom and buy any last-minute snacks / water for the hike. Once you arrive at the volcano, they will distribute your gear (safety glasses, suit and board) and you’ll begin your hour hike up the volcano.
The Hike
The hike up to Cerro Negro will take approximately 1 hour and is about 800 ft of elevation gain. It is a moderate hike; at a low elevation, but you can expect to be at an incline for pretty much the entire hike. You will have to carry your board and your gear (they give you a backpack) to the top of the volcano. If you don’t think you’re able to hike and carry the equipment, don’t freak out! They typically have porters they you can pay ~$5 to carry your equipment up the volcano for you. During the hike you’ll be able to make pit stops to rest, drink up and take in the amazing views. Once you get to the top your tour guide will give you a bit of science and history of the volcano, they’ll even point out the areas where you can feel the heat of it (remember… this volcano is ACTIVE!)
The Boarding
At this point… You’re going to PUMPED to sled down this thing, all the anticipation and build up makes it that much sweeter. Your guide will show you the portion of the volcano you’ll sled down and will teach you what to do and how to control your board. They’ll teach you how to go fast, how to slow down, etc. You’ll slip on your orange jailor jumpsuit and get in line to start the adventure! I recommend going fast, lift those feet up baby and LET HER RIP! Once you’re at the base of the mountain you can take off your suit and watch all your new friends fly down the volcano.
The Post Board Party
If you choose to do the sunset tour, once everyone’s finished, the party begins… You’ll start off the evening with a bonfire at the base of the volcano at sunset, they’ll provide the marshmallows and the drinks, you just have to bring the vibe. After the bonfire is done firing, you’ll load back up on the bus and head back to the hostel, except this won’t be a bus ride… it will literally be a night club. You can expect a liquor bottle to be passed around and to dance the night way on this school turned party bus! Once you arrive back at the hostel, stick around with your new friends at the hostel bar, or head back to your place for a well-deserved sleep (I recommend staying at Bigfoot Hostel and partying with your new friends… But what do I know).
What to bring / What they provide
My biggest advice is to wear some sort of hiking pants that will protect your legs. You will be boarding down harsh gravel, so you’ll want to protect your body. I personally wore hiking boots, a tank top, leggings and bandana to protect my face from volcanic rock as I was sledding down the volcano. I was pretty much covered in ash by the end of the excursion.
Cental America is a very warm climate you will definitely want to bring plenty of water and wear lots of sunscreen.
As far as phones go, they collected everyone’s draw string bags before you board and you’re able to collect them at the base of the volcano when everyone is done. The hostel will also record the video of you volcano boarding and send it via whats app.
What else is there to do in Nicaragua
Surfing
The surfing is Nicaragua is absolutely unmatched. The beaches and the vibes are beautiful. My personal favorite is actually a 4-hour drive South to San Juan Del Sur but there is still great surfing near Leon. Check out Las Penitas Beach if you want to stay closer to Leon. If you are crazy about surfing check out my page for San Juan Del Sur’s Dream Sea Surf Camp.
Walking Tours
Wander around the city with a Free Walking Tour. This tour is great to learn the culture, history, food and art of Nicaragua. I also recommend checking out some of the beautiful churches like Leon Cathedral and Iglesia de la Recolección (just to name a view)
Get Fried Chicken for Breakfast
I get SO MUCH HATE for this…. But I will forever recommend going to every country’s McDonalds… It’s a Kobi staple! Go see all the fun different things on the McDonalds menu in the main square of Leon. (They literally serve fried chicken legs and dirty rice for breakfast!)
Wander the Market Steets
There are street vendors in almost every inch of this city. You’ll find literally everything here from knick-knacks to street food. Stop by to see the hectic, fun local pace of life!
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