Volcano Climbing in Nicaragua, Tourist Activities

Volcano Climbing in Nicaragua is not only an exhilarating and fascinating experience, but it can also be very dangerous. This attraction in Nicaragua has steadily grown in popularity mostly due to human fascination with the power and beauty of volcanoes, and the fear that they invoke. When thinking of a volcano you get the image of smoke, fire and massive rivers of boiling lava that cause panic and destruction on a large scale. To know that you are standing on an active volcano - that your feet are mere meters away from a fiery lava pit and being surrounded by clouds of smoke and dust - is an experience that you will never forget. And Nicaragua has an abundance of volcanoes to choose from. As mentioned before, volcano climbing is a very dangerous activity and it is therefore advised that you join a certified tour group instead of trying to navigate your way to the top of a volcano on your own.

Tour companies have trained guides that can safely get you to the volcano and back home. In addition, they will know if it is safe to climb the volcano and also be able to share valuable and significant information with you. The most visited volcanoes in Nicaragua include the Cerro Negro Volcano, El Hoyo Volcano, Telica volcano, San Cristobal Volcano, Volcano and the Masaya Volcano. While volcano climbing in Nicaragua it is advised to wear sensible shoes as many of the volcanoes have brittle and jagged rocks to climb over. Even though the climbs are not very difficult it still requires a certain level of fitness as the hikes can take hours. Many tour companies that have volcano climbing as one of their activities in Nicaragua will spread the tour out over a few days so that visitors get the opportunity to camp at the foot of a volcano, swim in the crater lakes, explore the forests surrounding the volcanoes and learn more about the volcanic fauna and flora that is unique to the area.

There are both inactive and active volcanoes to climb, such as the Telica
Volcano that still smokes and grumbles, even though the last volcanic eruption that was recorded took place in 1948. The hike is strenuous and steep but the hot springs that are found near the volcano are almost as impressive as the steaming mountain. The Pacaya Volcano is definitely active. Here climbers will be able to feel the heat from the lava rise through the earth and see the burning red rock in the cracks. If you are lucky, you will be able to see the small rivers of lava, as they seep through. Conception Volcano erupted in 1954 and the Cerro Negro eruption was recorded in 1999 – the eruption formed three smaller craters.

Even though there are a large number of active volcanoes in Nicaragua
they are closely monitored and, though they hold a certain amount of mystery
and danger, volcano climbing in Nicaragua is definitely recommended. The
beauty of the forests and wildlife that surround these massive mountains of
fire cannot be compared.

back to Activites