Cerro Negro Volcano Boarding
There’s no adventure quite like Cerro Negro volcano boarding, a bucket-list thrill that places you atop the youngest volcano in Central America. Located just outside the colonial city of León, Cerro Negro is a 728-meter-high cinder cone volcano formed in 1850—and still active today. What makes it truly special is its black gravel slope, a natural slide that adventurers descend on a wooden sandboard.
Your day begins with a transfer from Granada or León, heading toward this remarkable volcanic landscape. After arriving at the base, your guide will lead you on a 1-hour moderate hike along a gravel trail and lava ridges. The higher you go, the better the views—expect sweeping vistas of the Maribios volcanic chain and endless Nicaraguan lowlands. At the summit, you’ll receive a safety briefing and your board. Then, you’ll sit, push off, and slide your way to the bottom at speeds that can reach up to 70 km/h (or go slower if you prefer).
This is the only place on Earth where you can volcano board an active cinder cone—an experience that combines the rush of extreme sports with the otherworldly beauty of Nicaragua’s volcanic terrain.
Leon Catedral
After the adrenaline wears off, your tour slows down for a deeper connection to Nicaragua’s cultural heart. In the city of León, you’ll visit the Leon Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque and neoclassical architecture and the largest cathedral in Central America.
A guided tour takes you through its cavernous nave, past marble tombs and altars rich with religious symbolism. You’ll then climb to the rooftop domes, where panoramic views of León and the surrounding volcanoes create a breathtaking backdrop. Your guide will share stories about its revolutionary history, its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its role in shaping the spiritual and political life of Nicaragua. The visit is as humbling as it is enlightening, making it the perfect balance to your adventurous morning.
Nicaragua’s Top Volcano Tour
This Volcano Tour is not just a sport—it’s a symbol of Nicaragua’s unique blend of nature and adventure. With only minimal hiking experience, you can stand atop a still-smoking volcano and slide down its ashy flank, guided by knowledgeable locals who prioritize both safety and fun.
Unlike long, strenuous hikes to reach other volcano craters in the region, Cerro Negro offers instant rewards with minimal effort. It’s also more than just adrenaline—it’s an opportunity to witness Nicaragua’s raw volcanic power, ecological diversity, and its rising place on the map for eco-adventure travel. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just curious, this volcano tour offers something unforgettable—and it’s suitable for most travelers aged 10 and up.
Departure Location
-
Granada – hotel or central pickup
-
León – hotel or central pickup
Departure Time
-
6:00 AM from Granada, Masaya or Managua
Check more Day Trips here.
