Momotombo [Quetzaltrekkers: Nicaragua]

The volcano that destroyed León Viejo

The way to the top As you head towards León it is impossible to miss the view of the perfectly shaped Volcan 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 5:00 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 Volcan 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 45º 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 throu Sunrise at the basecamp gh the forest.

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 El Tigre - Laguna Asososca.

Start at 5:00 am in Quetzaltrekkers office
Back the same day at 5-6 pm in Quetzaltrekkers office.


	When to hike
	Send us an email to schedule a future hike! 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 $10 discount to people who have done a hike with Quetzaltrekkers Guatemala people who have done a hike with us within the last month We offer a 25% discount to volunteers working in León for at least 3 months We offer a 50% discount to Nicaraguans