The volcano that destroyed León Viejo
As 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 4:45 am we gather in the Quetzaltrekkers office to pack our bags and have breakfast. By a combination of local and private transport we get to the geothermal plant on the base of volcán Momtombo. From there our most challenging hike starts. First ascending small paths to our lunch spot where great views over the lake and Momotombito are offered. Then we climb over a steep rocky surface to the campsite. We set up camp and start the last part to the top, going on hands and feet over loose volcanic rocks under an almost 45° angle. Reaching the top, seeing the crater and the incredible views make it worth the effort of climbing. We then go down past 40 m high rock walls back to camp where we watch sunset and have dinner.
Next morning we wake up early to see the sunrise over the lake. We have breakfast, break up camp and start our descent, first sliding down through the volcanic sand and later on small paths through the forest. From the foot of the volcano it is not far to a local comedor where we have lunch. We end the tour with a bus ride back to León.
Start at 4:45 am in Quetzaltrekkers office
Back the next day at 3:00 pm in Quetzaltrekkers office.
Costs of hike: 50 US$
This hike leaves whenever we have a minimum of two persons signed up and enough guides to do the hike. You have to sign up by 11 am the day before the hike. Due to the high risk of falling rocks on the final ascend to the peak we can not always guarantee to reach the top of Momotombo on every hike. We try to offer you the best hike we can, but your health and life are more important to us than the view from the top! Please respect your guides in case they should decide not to move on from the camp site.
Costs includes:
• All transport
• Food
• Purified water
• Guides
• Camping equipment, i.e. tents, sleeping sheets, roll Mats, etc
Costs do not include:
• Personal travel insurance.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Costs incurred due to accident, illness or any other unforeseen circumstances.
• Tips to Guides.
What you should bring:
• Hiking boots
• Backpack
• Warm and dry clothes
• Rain gear (only in rain season)
• Hat
• Sun screen
• Mosquito repellent (only in rain season)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Passport or copy of Passport and valid entrance stamp of Nicaragua
Any of the above items that you do not have we will do our best to provide.
Discounts:
• 10% on second hike with Quetzaltrekkers Nicaragua
• 10% if in possession of Quetzaltrekkers Guatemala T-shirt
• 50% if you have worked as a volunteer in León for at least 3 months.
• 50% for Nicaraguans
** Discount is only given if there are already at least 2 persons signed up for the hike**
All hikes are leaded 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.
