Volcano Sledding on Cerro Negro

Book Your Volcano Boarding Adventure

We chose the Volcano Boarding Basic package. For $25 USD, the deal includes the ride, gear, and photos. To secure your spot, pay a $10 USD down payment via CashApp, and settle the rest when you reach ViaVia Restaurant and Bar. Book through their website or contact them on WhatsApp at 505-8368-7347. Adventure is just a conversation away.

Essential Gear to bring with you Before Volcano Sledding

You must bring your own face protection, such as a scarf or mask. Without it, you can’t go volcano sledding on Cerro Negro. This protection keeps dust out of your mouth so you can breathe! I ended up buying a scarf from a street vendor. The bus ride was a blast—lively tunes played as we bounced through towns, capturing glimpses of local life. Kids playing, vendors selling goods, and stray dogs provided perfect snapshots of everyday Nicaragua.

Preparing for the Ascent

As we approached, the imposing silhouette of Cerro Negro emerged from the clouds, a dark giant rising from the earth. Its steep slopes and jagged contours loomed menacingly, daring us to challenge its formidable presence. The sight alone made me question my sanity, and a shiver of trepidation ran down my spine. Here stood a mountain that seemed to defy not just our courage but perhaps our very survival. Despite the thrill and excitement, a nagging thought persisted: this volcanic behemoth might just be more than we bargained for.

Arrival and Gear Check

When the bus arrived at the base of the mountain, we got off at a small guard shack where park rangers counted us. A quick glance at the maps showed the challenging terrain we were about to tackle. We then hopped back on the bus for a short ride to the volcano’s base. There, we met the tour guides and received our “sleds”—yellow-painted boards with rope handles. Looking at this flimsy gear, I wondered how it would keep me safe. The guides assured us that no one had died. Yet.

Capturing the Beauty of Cerro Negro

The climb to the summit of Cerro Negro takes about an hour. The trail starts on one side and winds upward around the volcano. Each step revealed breathtaking photo opportunities and showcased the stark beauty of a landscape scarred by past eruptions. As we climbed higher, the view became more surreal. We saw other volcanoes, their shapes etched against the sky, and barren, blackened earth where lava had once flowed.

Cerro Negro’s History and Anticipating the sled ride

Halfway up, we paused to catch our breath and listen to our guides explain the volcano’s history. They discussed its eruptions, its power, and the spirit of those who dared to sled down its steep slopes. This moment allowed us to reflect on Nicaragua’s raw beauty and the thrilling adventure ahead. With the summit in sight, we eagerly anticipated the unforgettable ride down the ashen slopes of Cerro Negro.

A Breathtaking View and Final Briefing

As we neared the summit, the anticipation was almost tangible. At the top, we were greeted by a stunning vista—an expansive volcanic landscape dotted with craters and scarred by past eruptions. Our guides gave one final briefing, detailing the descent and making sure everyone felt ready. The view was both breathtaking and daunting, a reminder of the raw power of nature.

Embracing Speed and Thrill on Cerro Negro

Strapped into our gear, we lined up, each of us clutching our yellow sleds with a mix of eagerness and nerves. The moment of truth arrived as we took our positions. Launching ourselves down the slopes, the experience was a wild cocktail of speed, dust, and sheer exhilaration. The sleds rattled and roared as we raced down, volcanic ash swirling around us in dramatic clouds. Each twist and turn was a thrilling reminder of the power and unpredictability of the mountain.

Cheers After the Volcano Descent

Reaching the base, we were met with cheers and high-fives from the Volcano Day team. Cold drinks awaited, and the sense of accomplishment was palpable. Volcano sledding Cerro Negro had been as exhilarating as it was unforgettable—a true testament to the adventure that Volcano Day promises. The adrenaline and thrill of the descent left us buzzing. We loaded our equipment back on the bus to head back to where it all started. Ron and I agreed that some beers and shots were in order back at ViaVia, a perfect ending to an epic day in Nicaragua’s volcanic playground.

If you’re interested in something like this, reach out to me and see when I’m going again. Let’s Travel Together.