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If you’re looking for a trip that pushes you out of your comfort zone, an adventure that takes you beyond the beaten path, then Nicaragua is for you. We went to meet a country that vibrates to the rhythm of its volcanoes, and we can tell you: there is nothing more authentic. The air smells of sulfur. The earth groans beneath our feet. We dove into the heart of this seismic energy to live an extraordinary adventure.
Volcano-boarding at Cerro Negro
When we arrived in Managua, we headed straight for León, an essential city for understanding the country’s revolutionary history. While that chapter is now closed, the area around León continues to bubble with activity. Whether it’s a short drive to Los Hervideros, where thermal activity makes the mud boil, or to the summit of Cerro Negro, adrenaline is guaranteed.
This volcano, recognizable by its deep black scoria, is Nicaragua’s most active, yet it remains open to the public. Its summit is accessible in just an hour and a half of hiking. The ascent reveals a striking contrast between the green surroundings and the charcoal-colored cone. Beyond its beauty, the volcano attracts travelers seeking thrills, as the descent can be done on a sled or a snowboard! Trust us, if you don’t have a good sense of balance, opt for the sled to avoid bringing home some embarrassing souvenirs… in your underwear.
Sleeping on the crater of the Telica Volcano
Still in the area around León, the Telica volcano offered us a unique experience: the chance to observe molten lava. Many agencies in the city offer travelers the opportunity to hike and even bivouac up to the volcano. To reach the crater, you’ll be driven in a 4×4 to the entrance of the trail. On the way, you’ll stop at Los Hervideros, a site where bubbling mud puts on a show.
From there, it’s about a four-hour hike. Our makeshift campsite for the night was set up on a plateau slightly below the crater. From this spot, the view at sunset is already magnificent. But the real spectacle happens at night, when darkness settles in. We then hiked back up to the crater to witness the burning show of the lava. The next morning, we were able to contemplate the sunrise before heading back down.
Climbing the giants of Ometepe Island
The Maderas and Concepción are the two iconic volcanoes of Ometepe Island. Their presence is a large part of the island’s charm. While some prefer to admire them by walking at their base or with their feet in the water, it is possible to make the ascent.
Maderas, at 1,394 meters, is inactive, and a small lake has even formed in its crater. The hike to get there is difficult due to the 1,200-meter elevation gain and the slippery, narrow trail. To climb the 1,600 meters of Concepción is even harder. You have to leave very early in the morning to hope to be back before nightfall. The path sometimes resembles rock climbing, and at the summit, the gases from the active volcano add an extra layer of difficulty. The descent is also particularly trying. That’s why these two hikes can’t be improvised. It’s best to be accompanied by a guide, be well-equipped, and have a good level of physical fitness.
Other volcanoes are worth a look during your trip, such as the Masaya volcano and its ever-present smoke, or the little-known Cosigüina volcano and its green lagoon.
All photo credits: Les globe blogueurs
