This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Are you curious about volcano boarding in Leon, Nicaragua? Well, you came to the right place!
We have traveled both Nicaragua and Central America extensively and nothing comes close to this legendary adventure sport. But is it safe? Can anyone do it? And what’s the best way to experience it?
Don’t worry, I will answer each of those questions and more below. This is a quick read that covers everything you need to know, some personal tips, and how to have a fun, safe, and unforgettable experience.
So keep reading for everything you need to know about volcano boarding in Leon, Nicaragua!
1. About volcano boarding
When I say volcano boarding is a one-of-a-kind activity I mean it. In the entire world, Cerro Negro is the only place you can board down an active volcano. How’s that for bragging rights?
I’m always on the hunt for these kinds of adventure activities and volcano boarding is easily up there as one of the coolest. It’s absolutely on our list of the best things to do in Leon!
Cerro Negro is the youngest and one of the most active volcanos in Central America. It last erupted in 1999 and it was shortly after this eruption that volcano boarding was born. Because of strong winds during its last eruption, all of the fine silt and ash settled on one side of the volcano. This silky smooth ash and lack of large rocks is what makes volcano boarding possible in the first place.
Nowadays adventure seekers slide down the slopes on a specialized sled, so knowing how to snowboard isn’t required. Just about anyone can do this as long as you’re capable of climbing the volcano and while it sounds kinda scary, it really isn’t that bad. I’ll go more into the details of how to board later and what to expect though.
2. Where do you go volcano boarding?
As mentioned above, Cerro Negro is where the volcano boarding action takes place. While there are a total of 19 volcanos in Nicaragua this is the only one you can board down and is luckily very accessible.
It’s located roughly a 45-minute drive from Leon and about 20 of those minutes is spent bouncing down dirt paths to the base of the volcano. When we went, our guides were blasting Latin music and passing out beers, it was so much fun!
3. What can I expect when I go volcano boarding?
After getting to the base of the volcano, the first thing you’ll probably do is look up at it and think “Am I seriously about to slide down that thing?” From the bottom, Cerro Negro looks massive and to be fair it is pretty big.
The first step is to take your board and gear and start the trek to the top. After about 30 – 45 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding area and can even look into the crater of the volcano. If you want to experience something really cool, rub your boot into the ground and put your hand on the spot you uncovered. You can feel the heat of the volcano beneath you!
After your guides wow you with some fun trivia and take pictures, it’s time to slide. You’ll be given a safety jumpsuit, goggles, and gloves. The goggles can be a little scratched or dirty at times, so check yours at the base and ask for a new pair if you can’t see out of them.
Make sure to bring your own boots (no sandals allowed). Keep in mind that the ash can and will tear up soft material on shoes, so this isn’t the place to wear your new Nikes. Some people also like bringing a bandana or something to cover your face while going down to protect you from the dust.
All that’s left is to push off and begin the adrenaline-fueled trip down. Dust and ash will be flying everywhere and you’ll probably be holding on for dear life, but don’t forget to look up and take in the spectacular views! It’ll be over faster than you expect, so enjoy it while it lasts. Guides will be on the side of the volcano to get action shots of you as you fly by.
Most tours will have a celebratory beer waiting for you at the bottom. After I completed my run, it was a bunch of “cheers!” and laughs with the other people in our group as we reminisced on one of the coolest things we’ve ever done.
4. What are the best tours to go volcano boarding on Cerro Negro?
Small Group Volcano Boarding Tour from Leon
I love this volcano boarding experience because you go with a small group. This keeps costs down and it’s a great way to meet fellow travelers! If you want to save money and make new friends, look no further than this tour.
There is both an 8 am and 2 pm start time and the whole experience is about 4.5 hours. If you want to beat the heat go early, but if you want to see the sunset, go in the afternoon. After an air-conditioned ride to the volcano, you’ll snag your gear and start hiking. If you don’t want to carry it yourself, you can pay a little extra (in cash) to have someone take it up for you.
After you make it to the top you’ll get some Instagram-worthy photos and then suit up for one wild ride down the volcano. After making it to the bottom you can expect some bottled water and fresh watermelon, sweet!
With entrance to the park, an air-conditioned ride, water, gear, guides, and snacks, this tour is a steal at only $60 USD.
Available daily, grab a spot on this volcano boarding tour here!
Private Volcano Boarding Tour with Pickup from Leon
If you prefer private tours or you are traveling with a group, I suggest checking out this private volcano boarding tour. They take care of everything from pickup to carrying your gear up the volcano at no extra cost and make the whole thing as smooth as the volcano you board down.
With start times at either 8 am or 2 pm, you can beat the heat by going early or get amazing sunset views if you go in the afternoon. Being only 4 hours in total, it’s easy to fit into your day either way.
After pickup from your accommodation, it’s a 45-minute air-conditioned drive to the volcano. Entrance into the park is covered, so no need to bring money for that. The hike up is easy thanks to the fact that they carry your gear for you, which I seriously appreciate. Along the way, guides will teach you about the area, its history, and take pictures for you.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a volcano boarding tour without the boarding! After gearing up, it’s time to slide down the side of an active volcano for the memory of a lifetime. Once your group is finished, you’ll be taken directly back to your hotel.
This tour can accommodate 2-15 people any day of the week and depending on how many you book for, it’s as cheap as a small group tour! Expect to pay around $65 USD per person for a group of 4 or cheaper with larger groups.
Book your private tour here and you can reserve a spot now and pay later!
Small Group Volcano Boarding from León with Pickup
I think this tour is another good option. It doesn’t offer an air-conditioned vehicle or a prepaid ticket into the park, but it does offer hotel pick-up.
After being picked up from your hotel at 8 am, it’s off to the park in a 4-wheel drive, open-air truck. I actually really like this because it adds more to the adventure! Once you get there, you’ll quickly pop out to buy your ticket ($10 USD) and then continue to the volcano.
You’ll have to carry your gear up, but this lowers the overall price of the experience. Plus, it’s good exercise! Along the way, guides will fill you in on Nicaragua’s unique volcanic history, teach you about the landscape, and take plenty of pictures. All that’s left is sliding down the side of the volcano!
You can book this tour any day of the week for only $65 USD per person. It’s a stellar deal and a great way to experience a one-of-a-kind activity.
Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Is volcano boarding safe?
Yes, it is! Well, mostly.
While the volcano is still active, it is very, very closely monitored by scientists and you don’t have to worry about it erupting while you’re up there. They actually know days (sometimes weeks) in advance before something like that happens.
The boarding is also very safe since you’re in a jumpsuit and can control the speed of the board. Each board has a rope on the front that you hang onto and if you pull on this and dig your heels into the ash you slow down. Pick up your feet and you go faster, simple! Again, boots are highly recommended for the protection of your feet and ankles.
While just about everyone who goes down the volcano does so without any injury, if you like to go fast it’s still possible to crash. You’re more than welcome to fly down if you want, but if you wipe out and break something that’s on you and not the tour provider. You’ve been warned!
6. What is included in a volcano boarding tour?
Every tour will include transportation, boards, guides, and the necessary safety gear to go down the volcano.
Most include entrance to the park, but not all of them do, so double-check beforehand (tickets are $10 USD). Finally, while each tour has drinks like beer and water to purchase, it’s always smart to bring your own water. It gets hot on that volcano, trust me!
Related Read: If you’re gearing up for your trip, check out our Ultimate Nicaragua Travel Guide!
7. How difficult is the hike up Cerro Negro?
I would say that the hike is moderately challenging, but just about everyone will be able to do it. You can take as many breaks as you need, but it usually is about 45 minutes to 1 hour of climbing.
In total, it’s 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers) and a mixture of volcanic rock, dirt, and soot. When we went, the guides split up into two groups, fast walkers and slow walkers, and made sure no one was left behind.
You’ll definitely be breathing a little heavy by the top but hey, you get to slide down! Also, most tours provide a paid service where someone will carry your gear up for you, so if you’d like that bring some extra cash.
8. When is the best time to go volcano boarding
Generally, tours offer a morning and afternoon experience. Both are good for different reasons, but we prefer the afternoon since you get to see the sunset from the volcano! Plus, the drive back through the countryside at twilight is incredible.
However, the morning is much cooler in comparison and less busy, so if you like the sound of that, take the morning option. The views are still spectacular (we have done morning and afternoon), so you really aren’t missing out on that much.
9. What do I need to wear to go volcano boarding?
While shoes or hiking boots are both fine, I strongly suggest hiking boots. It makes the climb up easier and protects your feet better on the way down. You can’t do this in sandals or your feet will get cut up badly.
A hat, sunscreen, and water are a must – unless you want to come back looking like a tomato! Since you get a jumpsuit to put over your clothes, wear whatever you feel comfortable hiking in. Oh, and some people like having a bandana or Buff to cover your face from dust!
You can bring a Go Pro with you, but it will have to strap to your chest since you need both hands to steer your board. Guides won’t let you go down one-handed.
10. Is volcano boarding suitable for families?
If you have kids who don’t mind the hike up and enjoy adventurous activities, I couldn’t recommend it more. They can control how fast or slow they want to go and it’s pretty much like sledding in snow!
Make sure you check the age limits on the tour you book. This tour allows kids as young as 6 to join. However, other tours we’ve seen don’t allow anyone under 16.
Because of the size of the boards, kids will have to go down on their own but can go down at the same time as parents or guardians.
11. Is volcano boarding on Cerro Negro worth it?
You bet it is!
This is a one of a kind activity that can’t be done anywhere else in the world. On top of that, it may not be doable after Cerro Negro erupts again, so do it while you can.
The views are amazing, the adrenaline rush is real, it’s safe, and absolutely something you shouldn’t miss out on while in Nicaragua.
Where to Stay in Leon, Nicaragua
You have lots of choices for awesome places to stay in Leon! All of the hotels are generally in the same area walking distance from the cathedral and central plaza. So, all you have to do is find a place that is comfortable and within budget and you’re good to go!
Here are some of our top recommendations.
ViaVia Hostel – Low Budget
ViaVia Leon isn’t just a great place to party. The hostel itself is centrally located, the rooms are spacious and there is a great social atmosphere by the restaurant and bar which serves African, American, and Belgian cuisine. This is a great place to stay if you want to meet other travelers for a low price. A dorm bed only costs $10 USD.
You can book ViaVia Hostel on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Hotel Flor De Sarta – Moderate Budget
Hotel Flor De Sarta is a great hotel for those looking for a really comfortable stay in Leon. All rooms have air conditioning and there is even a beautiful outdoor pool onsite. The hotel is half a kilometer (.03 miles) from the main cathedral, so still within walking distance of the hustle and bustle, while being in a slightly quieter area. The rooms are large and breakfast is included. A standard room begins at $70 USD.
You can check prices and book your room at Hotel Flor De Sarta on Booking.com.
Hotel El Convento Leon Nicaragua – Luxury
Hotel el Convento is Leon’s most luxurious hotel. It’s only a few minutes walk from the cathedral, this hotel has immaculate gardens and grounds that make it look like something in a movie. They also have a large outdoor pool, an onsite restaurant and bar, and breakfast is included in the room rate. Expect to pay around $127 USD for a queen room. We never stayed here – but we wish we had!
You can secure your room at Hotel El Convento on Booking.com
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I hope you’re all set for the adventure of a lifetime zooming down a volcano! Going volcano boarding in Leon is one of our favorite memories from our time in Nicaragua and I know you’ll love it too. It’s a unique experience and one worth doing while you’re in Central America.
For more travel guides, check out all our blogs on Nicaragua or take a peek at some of our popular ones below.
8 Best Places to visit in Nicaragua (and 24 Fun Things to do!)
25 Awesome Things to do in Granada, Nicaragua
ULTIMATE Guide to Surfing in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua (For ALL Skill Levels!)