When I first heard about volcano boarding in Nicaragua, I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical. Sliding down the sandy slopes of an active volcano on a wooden board? It sounded like a recipe for disaster.
But as I learned more about the experience and saw the incredible photos and videos of people having the time of their lives, I knew I had to give it a try.
Cerro Negro is one of the few places in the world where you can try volcano boarding, so if you happen to be around, you must at the very least consider giving it a go – here’s what to expect.
The Experience
Cerro Negro is the youngest volcano in Central America, formed in the late 1800s. Situado sobre 30 kilometers from the charming city of León, it offers a stunning backdrop for your adventure. The dark, rugged landscape is not only visually striking but also adds to the excitement of boarding down its slopes.
As you approach the volcano, you’ll be struck by its unique appearance, which stands out in the lush surroundings.
Before you can enjoy the thrill of the descent, you’ll need to hike to the summit. The trek typically takes about 30 a 45 minutos, and while it can be a bit of a workout, the views along the way make it worthwhile.
As I climbed higher, I could see the stunning landscape of Nicaragua stretching out before me, with lush forests, sparkling lakes, and towering mountains in the distance.
The trail is mostly exposed, entonces it’s important to bring water and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
As you climb higher, you’ll have the chance to take in the breathtaking scenery, with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape that make the effort all the more rewarding.Once you reach the top, it’s time for the main event: the descent.
Standing at 736 metros, Cerro Negro offers a thrilling ride that usually lasts around 2 minutos. You’ll feel the rush of adrenaline as you slide down the sandy slopes, with the wind whipping past you and the ground racing toward you. The experience is thrilling and the scenery breath-taking, and it’s hard not to laugh and scream as you make your way down.
The first few seconds were a blur as I picked up speed, the wind whipping past my face and the ground rushing beneath me. But as I found my rhythm and started to control my speed, that’s when the fun begun. When I reached the bottom, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride.
For those who prefer a slower pace, simply hiking the volcano is worth the energy, though it’s not quite as exciting!
My tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable, and they quickly put me at ease with their safety-first approach. You are provided with a jumpsuit, gafas de protección, and gloves for protection during the descent, and they gave me clear instructions on how to control my speed and navigate the slopes.
Accidents are rare, so you can focus on having fun without worrying too much about safety.In addition to volcano boarding, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the area.
Hiking and camping are popular options, and many tour packages include these experiences, allowing you to make the most of your time in Nicaragua. Exploring the natural beauty of the region can be just as rewarding as the thrill of boarding down the volcano.
When it comes to cost, you’ll find that volcano boarding tours are quite affordable, typically ranging from $25 a $40. If you book it on the spot, you may be able to haggle the price a bit, but personally I chose to book my experience online so that I could compare packages and check the reviews.
This price usually includes transportation, equipment rental, and sometimes even snacks or refreshments. Given the unique nature of the experience, it’s a great value for an adventure you won’t find anywhere else.
Sandboarding tours are available from any town in the proximity of Cerro Negro, although Leòn is the closest:
de una lesión
Desde Managua
desde granada
Seguro de Sandboarding en NicaraguaMapa mundial de embarque de volcanes
deportes de arena
 sandboarding trineo de arena abordaje de volcanes |  Esquí en la arena Cometas en la arena |  Carreras en el desierto Ataques a las dunas |  Viajes al desierto acampar en el desierto Correr por el desierto |
Pete Leoni is the founder of Sand-boarding.com and a lifelong adrenaline junkie who traded the slopes for the dunes. When he’s not busy running the site, you can find him strapping on a board, scouting new spots, or perfecting his technique on the world’s most epic sandboards.