Volcanoes Route

 

 

Nicaragua is known as “The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” but definitely the latter make the most dramatic impact upon incoming tourists. There’s smoldering San Cristobal, the tallest active volcano; landmark Momotombo, which probably appears in the most photo snapshots of all; and Ometepe, an island formed of the volcanoes Maderas and Concepcion.

 

Dare-devils should plan to travel to Cerro Negro, an active volcano with natural features that make it perfect for “surfing” (i.e. riding a modified knee-board down the side). Thick ash acts similar to snow. A Swiss expat started this activity -- it’s the closest thing to skiing that Nicaragua has. Only you do it in bright orange flame-retardant suits.

 

Many of these volcanoes offer some great possibilities for tourists. You can climb active and dormant volcanoes, swim in crater lakes, walk through forested slopes, and peek over the rim into the crater of a volcano.