MOMOTOMBO | CERRO NEGRO | COSIGÜINA | TELICA | FULL MOON | ASOSOSCA | SOMOTO | SAN CRISTOBAL | EL HOYO
VOLCANO SURFING

The volcano that destroyed León Viejo

The way to the topAs you head towards León it is impossible to miss the view of the perfectly shaped Volcán Momotombo. Rising 1297 meters high, Momotombo towers over Lago Xolotlan (Lago de Managua) and its little brother, the island volcano Momotombito. Momotombo began growing 4500 years ago and last erupted in 1905. Momotombo played an important role in history when, in 1625, it buried Nicaragua’s former capital, the old city of León, under layers of volcanic ash.

At 4:30 am we gather in the Quetzaltrekkers office to pack our bags and have breakfast. By private transport we get to the geothermal plant on the base of Volcán Momotombo. From there one of our most challenging hikes starts. First we ascend small paths to our lunch spot where we enjoy great views over the lake and Momotombito. The second half is a push to the top, going on hands and feet over loose volcanic rocks at almost a 45° angle. Reaching the top, seeing the crater and the incredible views make it worth the effort of climbing. We then descend past 40 m high rock walls and slide down through the volcanic sand until we reach small paths winding through the forest.

Sunrise at the basecamp

 

From the foot of the volcano we get back in the4x4 and head off for our reward - a swim in the clear green water of Él Tigre´ - Laguna Asososca.

Start at 4:30 am in Quetzaltrekkers office
Back the same day at 5-6 pm in Quetzaltrekkers office.

Minimum Donation: 45 US$


When to hike
Upcoming hikes can be found on our monthly schedule! Even if there is no hike scheduled, we can leave whenever we have a minimum of four persons signed up and enough guides to do the hike. Please sign up at least one day before the hike by 12 am.

What to expect
Our services include:
  • all transport
  • food
  • purified water
  • two Volunteer Guides
  • entrance fees to national parks
  • a free T-shirt
Our services do NOT include:
  • personal travel insurance
  • alcoholic beverages
  • costs incurred due to accident, illness or any other unforeseen circumstances
  • tips to guides :-)
All hikes are lead by a minimum of two guides. In general our guides are bilingual and have lived in Nicaragua for some time, working in tourist services, social and development work etc. The tour leaders are happy to explain the different cultures that you encounter and the significance of places that you visit. They will accompany you throughout the tour, ensuring a smooth, stress-free, safe and enjoyable time.
Quetzaltrekkers uses local transport and purchases food provided on trips from local markets and shops when possible.

What to bring
You will need the following equipment to join us on this adventure:
  • hiking boots
  • daypack
  • warm and dry clothes
  • rain gear (only in rain season)
  • hat
  • sun screen
  • mosquito repellent (only in rain season)
  • passport or copy of passport and valid visa of Nicaragua
We can provide you with camping gear in case you don't have your own. Please note that our ressources are limited! Donations of old and used gear are very welcome and help us a lot to improve our service!

Discounts
We offer a 25% discount to
  • owners of a Quetzaltrekkers Guatemala T-shirt
  • volunteers working in León for at least 3 months
  • people who have done a hike with us within the last month
We offer a 50% discount to
  • Nicaraguans