Table of contents
- How to get to Leon
- Pick the company for your experience
- Pay the fee to enter the National Park
- You have the option to pay a local to carry your board
- Hiking up the volcano
- Best advice for the slide so you don’t get injured
- The after party and drive back to Leon
- Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to Nicaragua
How to get to Leon
The closest main city to the volcano is León, which is about three hours from the international airport in Managua. The easiest and most convenient way to get from Managua to León is by taking a tourist shuttle bus (approximately $20) with Gekko Travel Explorer or Bigfoot Hostel.
Pick the company for your experience
The company will you book with will provide the transportation to and from, the physical board, body suit and googles. Make sure to bring a buff or scarf to keep the sand from getting into your lungs when you slide down the volcano.
Pay the fee to enter the National Park
Prior to entering the national park, you have to stop and pay the park fee that’s equivalent to $10 USD.
You have the option to pay a local to carry your board
At the start of the trail of Cerro Negro, you’ll find locals offering to carry your board to the top of the volcano for a small fee of $5 USD. It might not seem like much, but the hike can get hot and tiring, especially with the weight of the board, so many travelers find it worth the extra cost. It’s also a nice way to support the local community.
Hiking up the volcano
In order to slide the volcano, you first must hike to the top. Make sure you pack plenty of water since Nicaragua has a humid climate.
The ground is soft because well… it’s a volcano. That means every time you take a step forward you are also potentially sliding back three. The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours to the top.
Best advice for the slide so you don’t get injured
You should always have travel insurance while traveling but especially if you choose to partake in adrenaline activities.
Tips to help your volcano experience
Follow your guide’s instructions carefully on technique, posture, and where to ride. You will have a small tutorial prior to volcano boarding so make sure you are paying attention.
Lean back slightly and keep your feet up while riding to maintain balance and control your speed. I highly recommend starting off slowly and then increasing your speed.
Fun fact: Your tour company tracks your ride with a speed gun and shares your top speed at the end. The world record is currently at 54 mph.
The after party and drive back to Leon
Enjoy the sunrise as you make your way back to the city of Leon. Depending on which company you booked with you may have a stop or two prior to reentering the city. If you went the party route, then you will be served alcohol as music blasts from an old American school bus. Which is not a bad way to end the day after completing a bucket list item.
Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to Nicaragua
Book your Flight
Start by comparing airfare early to get the best deals.
Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track price trends and flexible travel dates.
Book your Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for hostels or boutique hotels the Nicaragua has a wide range of options.
Booking.com is great for hotels and guesthouses across the country.
Hostelworld is ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
Travel Insurance for the unexpected
Always, always have travel insurance! Travel insurance is essential. It protects you from unexpected events like flight delays, illness, theft, or accidents.
I recommend SafetyWing, which offers flexible and affordable plans perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
Best Resources to book Tours and Activities
GetYourGuide is great for booking everything from city tours and museum tickets to outdoor adventures. It’s easy to use, has tons of reviews, clear pricing, and offers free cancellation on most bookings.
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