Volcano boarding is a once in a lifetime activity in Léon, Nicaragua. I’ll cover everything you need to know in this complete guide. Read through my in-depth article about the city of Léon. I cover where to stay and everything there is to do in the beautiful city. Volcano boarding is a wonderful experience for anyone that loves to get the adrenaline pumping. It’s an activity that’s listed as the number two spot on CNN’s 50 of the most thrilling, daring things you can do on vacation list.
A little outside of the city is Central America’s youngest volcano, Cerro Negro. It’s also the most active in Nicaragua. The volcano is in the Cordillera de los Maribios mountain range. Found in the northwest region of Nicaragua. The young cinder cone first appeared in April of 1850. It is one of four cinder cones in the mountain range. Cerro Negro is also one of the country’s most active volcanoes. Its erupted 23 times since discovery. Eruptions have been consistent, occurring every 20 years. Today, it’s overdue, as the last eruption occurred in 1999.
Volcano boarding is still new and has put Léon on the map. It’s helped to attract adrenaline junkies from all over the world. Over the years, many people worked to eclipse others, attempting to record the fastest speed down the mountain. Eric Barone is one of the most famous people to popularize Cerro Negro. He still holds the fastest recorded speed. He rode a bike down the face at 172 kilometers per hour (107 mph). I’m sure you can guess how that ended, in the hospital with several broken bones.
This event went onto inspire those that came after him. People began trying new ways down. Eventually, an ambitious Australian, named Darryn Webb invented the sport as it’s known today. In 2006, the young man tried anything he could to make it down the side of Cerro Negro. He tried everything from surf boards to fridge doors and even mattresses. Yet, he found the best speed, and success, on a wooden sled with a metal sheet attached to the bottom.
Those that are daring, can gain speeds as high as 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph). The hike up to the top takes about 45 minutes. Visitors get to see spectacular views of the volcano and the surrounding territory. The greens from the rainforest, create a stark contrast with the black volcanic rocks and the dried lava flows.
I’ll take this moment to note, DO NOT PREBOOK this experience online. I’ve read in several blogs to book online with Volcano Board Adventure Tour. This company charges $55 USD before adding the online fees. It’s double the price than booking it in person in Léon. The two most used companies charge $30 USD. They even provide double the services than online reservations.
Book a Tour with Volcano Day
Many people book the tour from Bigfoot Hostel. Yet, I would recommend going with the tour from Via Via Hostel. The tour from Via Via is with a company called Volcano Day. Volcano Day is the only tour company in Léon that is 100% locally owned and run. I signed up with my hostel, The Spot. Make reservations with either Hostelworld or Booking today.
Volcano Day gives detailed instructions on how to board down the volcano safely. I’ve heard from those that went through Bigfoot, that they encourage people to go as fast as they can. Even when they are not comfortable with it. I met one backpacker who had a gnarly scar on his leg and an interesting story because of it.
What’s Included & What to Bring
As of June 2022, the $30 price includes a t-shirt, transportation, entrance fee, tour guides, snacks, protective gear, and the board. Upon return, you’ll get a free beer or nonalcoholic soda for anyone that doesn’t drink booze. They also provide a link to download photos of the excursion.
When the day comes to board down Cerro Negro, don’t forget to bring sturdy hiking boots or shoes, two liters of water, sunscreen, bug repellent, and a bandana. If you don’t have a bandana, Volcano Day sells them for $2, which makes for a nifty souvenir.
Our group included an age range from 18-42, so anyone that’s daring can do this activity. Everyone must carry their own equipment to the summit. This includes the 7-kilogram (15 lbs.) board.
Volcano Day provided us with a string backpack to hold the safety equipment as we climbed up. Every company provides goggles, a prison-like jumpsuit, and gloves. The bandana is also important to keep flying rocks and gravel from crushing your mouth during the descent.
Some locals will be there and accept payment to carry the board for you. No one in our group opted for this, so I couldn’t say for sure the cost. When you arrive to the summit, if you touch the surface, it should be hot from volcanic activity. Our guides also mentioned that it’s possible to dig a small hole and cook food in it.
My Experience
I found the hike to be quite enjoyable and the views incredible. We could see the Pacific Ocean in the west, and most of the country’s other 24 volcanoes surrounding the area. The experience of volcano boarding was like nothing else I’ve ever done. It’s a hell of a rush. The anticipation of waiting made time move slower than ever.
Yet, I held off and was one of the last to descend. This allowed me to evaluate how the experience went for others. Doing this, allowed me to gain the most speed while feeling comfortable doing so. The harder you pull on the string connected to the front of the board, the faster you’ll go. Braking and steering are both controlled by the feet. It is why strong sturdy shoes are important.
Final Thoughts
Volcano Boarding down Cerro Negro is a one of the most unique adventures I’ve ever experienced. The thrill of flying down the mountain, as volcanic rocks whizzed past my head was like no other experience in the world. If you enjoy adrenaline, then be sure to give this a try. Do yourself a favor and make your way out to Nicaragua. Experience one of the top-rated adrenaline activities in the world. 10 out of 10 I definitely recommend!
Quick Notes:
- Book the Tour with Volcano Day at Via Via Hostel (or with Bigfoot Hostel) for $30 USD
- Volcano Day provides: a t-shirt, transportation, entrance fee, tour guides, snacks, protective gear, the board, drinks and photos upon return
- Buy Volcano Day bandana for $2 USD
- DO NOT BOOK ONLINE, it’s ½ the price to book in person
- Bring sturdy hiking boots or shoes, two liters of water, sunscreen, bug repellent, and a bandana
- The hike up Cerro Negro takes about 45 minutes
