Cerro Negro Volcano, Leon: Address, Phone Number, Cerro Negro Volcano Reviews: 4.5/5
Cerro Negro Volcano
Cerro Negro Volcano
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,143 reviews
Excellent
843
Very good
230
Average
59
Poor
4
Terrible
7
Afish1
26 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Book the volcano boarding with Quetzaltrekkers - firstly, they donate most of your money to their scholarship scheme for nicaraguan kids, for the same price as other tour companies ($30 inc park entry). secondly, you go an hour earlier than all other tour groups so we didn’t have to wait for others to go down, we were the only ones up there the first time. It’s also a lot cooler. i dont know how big their groups can get, but there were only 5 of us which was perfect. They also offer for you to do it a second time, which is worth the extra hike up!
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
bucketlisttravellers
Sydney, Australia3,783 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We ventured up this volcano as part of a Volcano boarding tour with Volcano Day. To get there you need to take a bumpy dirt road for a couple of km, so not advisable if you are planning to get there on your own with a hire car. It is a moderate hike up to the crater rim that takes around 45min with a couple of breaks along the way. The views over the valley and along the line over other Nicaraguan volcanoes is quite spectacular. The side that you board down is steep however it isn't as scary as it looks and you have control of the speed that you go. Boarding is the best way to experience this particular volcano.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alejandro Tenorio
San Jose, Costa Rica9 contributions
Jan 2020
Sandboarding from the top of Cerro Negro in Leon, Nicaragua is a great adventure. The hike uphill rewards you with fantastic views of the surrounding area and neighboring volcanoes. The slide using the woodboards looks intimidating at first, because of the perception of a steep descent from the top, but it is rather manageable and safe. You can really control the speed. We booked the tour with Pinolero Tours, from Chinandega. Highly recommended.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bryan
Calgary, Canada7 contributions
Apr 2022
We did our private tour with Franklin and Victor from Vamos Tours. See the website down below. They were amazing and we actually added on another 1/2 day tour after sandboarding. I would recommend them as they do a lot of different types of tours around Nicaragua. Franklin is very knowledgeable about the area and the history of Nicaragua. Victor is a great driver of his Toyota Land Cruiser and gets you everywhere safely.
A few comments on sandboarding: I booked late and as such was not able to get in touch with most tour groups for a next-day sandboarding adventure. Although very happy with our "private tour" of 2 of us (my wife and I) I would say that we paid about $30 US more per person than if you book ahead with a tour operator that does group tours (6-20 people). Take a look at some of the comments for sandboarding and see what people on larger tours are saying.
For the actual experience, the hike up Cerro Negro carrying a board is a relatively moderate effort. There are a few steep parts and the wind was howling at the top which we were told is quite rare. We are both in pretty good shape so it wasn't too much of a struggle. Just saying so that you know what you are getting into. Our guide offered to carry my wife's board so that she effectively didn't get blown off the mountain. Once at the top we parked the boards and hiked a bit longer so that we could look down into some other craters off to the sides. When we got back to the boards we changed into some coveralls, added gloves, and goggles and got ready to go. The guide does a bit of explaining and then runs down a couple of hundred feet with your camera so that they can take some video of you coming down.
Overall I was happy that we both did the tour BUT you don't go nearly as fast as you think that you should (or want to)(your weight plus the rocks coming over the top of your board slow you down significantly), it is over in a few minutes as opposed to the time it takes to hike up, and we could only do it once. Several friends have told us that you can do it as many times (usually 2) that you want in the time allotted. Not worth $60 for an hour of experience but definitely worth $30 for the chance to tell your friends that you tobogganed down a volcano I would say.
A few comments on sandboarding: I booked late and as such was not able to get in touch with most tour groups for a next-day sandboarding adventure. Although very happy with our "private tour" of 2 of us (my wife and I) I would say that we paid about $30 US more per person than if you book ahead with a tour operator that does group tours (6-20 people). Take a look at some of the comments for sandboarding and see what people on larger tours are saying.
For the actual experience, the hike up Cerro Negro carrying a board is a relatively moderate effort. There are a few steep parts and the wind was howling at the top which we were told is quite rare. We are both in pretty good shape so it wasn't too much of a struggle. Just saying so that you know what you are getting into. Our guide offered to carry my wife's board so that she effectively didn't get blown off the mountain. Once at the top we parked the boards and hiked a bit longer so that we could look down into some other craters off to the sides. When we got back to the boards we changed into some coveralls, added gloves, and goggles and got ready to go. The guide does a bit of explaining and then runs down a couple of hundred feet with your camera so that they can take some video of you coming down.
Overall I was happy that we both did the tour BUT you don't go nearly as fast as you think that you should (or want to)(your weight plus the rocks coming over the top of your board slow you down significantly), it is over in a few minutes as opposed to the time it takes to hike up, and we could only do it once. Several friends have told us that you can do it as many times (usually 2) that you want in the time allotted. Not worth $60 for an hour of experience but definitely worth $30 for the chance to tell your friends that you tobogganed down a volcano I would say.
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
joshua b
23 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Mostly for volcano sledding. It's an ok activity, but overhyped. The hike is About a half hour, not to steep. I recommend this activity, but not to be over hyped; snow sledding is more fun, people just get caught up in the exotic feel of it all...i get it...i went twice.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
carlotatrx
Sant Cugat del Valles, Spain437 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Very interesting landscape. I went with a volcano boarding group which I think loses all the beauty the volcano has : it destroys the frozen lava and creates paths. People from these trips can be nasty and leave trash in the volcano, or smoke cigs in dry areas , without the guides saying anything. That pissed me off because I think it really contributes to the destrection of the untouched beauty.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
scotty99
Vancouver, Canada69 contributions
Mar 2012 • Friends
Volcano boarding outside of Leon Nicaragua is a must for anyone that like adrenelene junky sports. It takes about 1hour to get to the active volcano through some great country. Then the journey begins by strapping your board to your back and climbing up the volcano for about an hour. Take the scenic tour of the smouldering craters and awesome views of the countryside before you hit the ashfields and descend on your board. Boarding takes about 45 seconds and goes all the way to the bottom. This is not for the faint of heart and the hike up is enduring but well worth it.
I recommend Arny at Mas Adventures in Leon masadventures@gmail.com. He was one of the first to board the volcano in 2004 and his son Deigo at the age of two was the youngest to do it. Mas Adventure will take you in a 4x4 with a small group for $28 (including park fees). If you choose like most to do Bigfoot, expect a huge group, no tour of the volcano and a very young crowd.
This is a one-in-a-lifetime thrill that I can highly recommend.
I recommend Arny at Mas Adventures in Leon masadventures@gmail.com. He was one of the first to board the volcano in 2004 and his son Deigo at the age of two was the youngest to do it. Mas Adventure will take you in a 4x4 with a small group for $28 (including park fees). If you choose like most to do Bigfoot, expect a huge group, no tour of the volcano and a very young crowd.
This is a one-in-a-lifetime thrill that I can highly recommend.
Written March 7, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lemonheart
Alberta, Canada149 contributions
Feb 2012
There are many good tour groups to climb up this volcano with. I would recommend a guide, because going down requires a little bit of, "supplies". Go as early in the morning as possible - it's bloody HOT in Leon and HOTTER on MT. Black. Seeing the path down when you arrive is terrifying. After you recieve a back pack that includes...wristguards, knee and elbow pads, googles and your cover-alls AND after you strap on your sled or board, your ready to go. Make sure you have drank tons of water before and bring a bottle for the climb. Good shoes or close toed sandles-MUST! (socks might be recommended).
The climb itself is a switchback up the volcano and takes about 45 min to an hour. Careful it does get VERY windy up there! The views are spectacular. Time to get outfitted...sitting on top is a little intimidating but listen to the guide and just do it. Use your heals to steer and break-NOT YOUR HANDS! Everyone that sleds down Cerro Negro regrets that they hadn't gone faster when they reach bottom...so stay in control and go for it.(even if you wipe out, it does not hurt) Most imporant tip bring a bandana for your face.
The climb itself is a switchback up the volcano and takes about 45 min to an hour. Careful it does get VERY windy up there! The views are spectacular. Time to get outfitted...sitting on top is a little intimidating but listen to the guide and just do it. Use your heals to steer and break-NOT YOUR HANDS! Everyone that sleds down Cerro Negro regrets that they hadn't gone faster when they reach bottom...so stay in control and go for it.(even if you wipe out, it does not hurt) Most imporant tip bring a bandana for your face.
Written March 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lulu-Jelly J
Langport, UK65 contributions
Feb 2014
This is a highly dangerous activity, bigfoot are well renowned for this but why, I have no idea as nearly everyone I met have hurt themselves very bad. Including spending time in hospital, broken backs and bones coming out the skin, cut open heads and smashed in faces. Bigfoot talk you in to it yet they do not provide the right safety to prevent accidents and then to top it off no one is first aid trained people had nothing to attend to their injuries, the girl with broken back had to wait for hours for help. Its awful, they need more protection. I believe other tour places have more equipment such as elbow and shin pads. If you do it, I'd recommend to take a first aid kit, lots of water, wear long trousers and tops and maybe something to cover your face and pray you don't come off because its random, you can't control the boards and once your off you don't just come off, you smash into the rocks at high speeds of 40mph plus and the kinetic energy just pelts you down the volcano with no control to stop yourself. Pray you don't break a bone. Its a sport for people who want to look cool, unfortunately its not cool that you end in hospital for the rest of your trip.
Written March 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Goal100Countries
Cheltenham, UK615 contributions
Dec 2018 • Friends
This volcano is perfect for Volcano boarding in which we booked through out hostel (BigFoot) who run the BEST tour. The views from the top are break-takingly stunning and it really is wondrous. It is definite bucket list ticker and a must see!
Written December 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
fricking
Toronto, Canada92 contributions
what's is the minimum age requirement?
James R
9 contributions
I saw plenty of people going up and down with their kids -- maybe ages six or eight. They sat on the boards with their parents going down. I'd 100% recommend you pay the few bucks to have the local carry the kids' boards up the mountain (and you're own if you're not to confident). The boards weigh a few pounds and are annoying to carry -- more so when the wind kicks up.
Courtney T
Brentwood, UK30 contributions
Solo needing a group tour!
Hey, I’m so keen to do the volcano boarding but wondered if anyone knows of a group tour from Granada? I’m on my own and thought it will be no where near as fun (and a lot of tour companies don’t offer for solos) thanks in advance!
AllyP1994
Martinborough, New Zealand156 contributions
we used Tierra Tours in Leon but they were contracted by Oro Travel in Granada who helped us arrange our trip
Courtney T
Brentwood, UK30 contributions
Solo needing a group tour!
Hey, I’m so keen to do the volcano boarding but wondered if anyone knows of a group tour from Granada? I’m on my own and thought it will be no where near as fun (and a lot of tour companies don’t offer for solos) thanks in advance!
Julian B
Wilsall, MT111 contributions
yeah, Leon is worth a night and i think any tour company there will take a single in their group...
Melina E
2 contributions
Hi:) My friend and I are travelling to Nicaragua, and we really want to try the sandboarding. However, I have never snowboarded before, and I get a little afraid of high speed. Will this tour be Ok for me ?
Gaëlle D
Paris, France12 contributions
Sorry just seeing this question now but I guess it’ll be useful for others.
Yes you can slow with your feet when you go down.
Benni G
Isla Boca Brava107 contributions
Hey @ all, we'll visit Lèon the next days and of course Cerro Negro incl. Sandboarding is a "must have".
Is it somehow possible to go there without a guide? By Taxi to the BaseStation and rent a board / suite there? 30$ for a 4hs trip sounds a bit too much, since most of it must be for transfer etc. We don't need somebody who tells us the history during the 1h hike. But of course we also don't want to be there lost, alone and just to figure out that we can't rent a board/cloths.
Thanks in advance for your support...
Reg... Benni
piednu
salies de bearn45 contributions
Désolé ! je ne lis votre message que aujourd'hui. J'imagine que vous avez déjà fait la descente du volcan ?
cantillorivera92
Leon, Nicaragua
Horario de visita al cerro negro? Me pueden dar especificaciones...
beingon
Bilbao, Spain50 contributions
salimos desde Penitas a las 8:00 h y despues de un recorrido de aprox 1h 30" llegamos al punto de control donde nos especificaron unos datos sobre el ascenso y posibilidad de contratar el descenso sandboard .
Guimauve4
Chandler, Canada24 contributions
What company is the best??
rodolfocubillo
San Jose, Costa Rica211 contributions
Recomiendo a Manuel Tellez de Barbaro Tours . Excelente atención y calidad humana al servicio de turismo . Emprendedor de León .
How long does a tour, sandboarding included,usually take? Thank you!
InigoCarlos
Palawan Island, Philippines189 contributions
if you make the tour at 8.00am you will be back in Leon at 13!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cerro Negro Volcano
- We recommend booking Cerro Negro Volcano tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 12 Cerro Negro Volcano tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Cerro Negro Volcano:
- Cerro Negro and Volcano Sand Boarding from León (From $45.89)
- Volcano Boarding Private Tour (From $61.54)
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" (From $66.67)
- Charming Nicaragua "9 days Private Tour" (From $1,107.70)
- Cerro Negro Volcano Boarding from León City (From $58.00)