Volcano boarding in Nicaragua
The Cerro Negro volcano has been attracting a sizable number of tourists, including thrill-seekers who delight in sliding down its steep ash-covered slopes. Nicaragua's tourist industry has embraced the trend.
The climb
A group of tourists ascend the 728-meter (2,388 feet) tall Cerro Negro, which takes roughly one hour. Its name, which translates to "black mountain," derives from its gravelly basaltic cinder cone which contrasts with the verdant surroundings.
Rewarding views
Scaling the volcano is well worth it simply for the panoramic views of the stunning landscape. Cerro Negro forms part of the Cordillera de los Maribios mountain range. It also happens to be Central America's youngest volcano, having first erupted in 1850.
A volcano like no other
Cerro Negro is the world's only volcano that lends itself to boarding down its ash-covered slopes. It's drawn crowds of intrepid holidaymakers and surf enthusiasts.
On top of the world
Lester Centeno, a local guide, poses atop Cerro Negro. The volcano's popularity with tourists is a godsend for Nicaragua's embattled tourist industry. For years, political unrest battered the tourist industry and the COVID-19 pandemic only made matters worse.
Safety first
Before embarking on their high-speed descent, boarders don yellow overalls and protective glasse to protect them from the volcano's hot surface and gravel.
Say cheese
A tourist hurtles down Cerro Negro, as local guide Lester Centeno snaps a picture.
Affordable fun
A guided tour up Cerro Negro to whizz down the volcano costs a mere $30 (€27). Tourists who don't want to carry their board up can hire locals for the equivalent of $4 (€3) to do it for them.
Sleeping giant
Cerro Negro is one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes, having erupted 23 times so far. The last volcanic activity occurred in 1995. Experts project a major eruption in the near future. Fortunately for tourists, such events can be accurately predicted, meaning the sleeping giant is safe to ascend.
Harmful clouds of ash
The countryside surrounding Cerro Negro is sparely populated, which means few people are at risk should an eruption occur. That said, Cerro Negro is notorious for spewing large plumes of ash that can be dispersed by the wind and cause serious harm to buildings and farmland.
Hard work
Hiking up takes about 60 minutes, hurtling down takes less than five. Even so, most visitors agree the tough ascent is totally worth it. Views from Cerro Negro are fantastic, and gliding down is said to provide one of the greatest adrenalin rushes.