San Cristóbal Volcano

Name	San Cristóbal Volcano
Status	Active
Type	Volcanic Complex
Coordinates	12.702°N, 87.004°W
Last Eruption	2004
Elevation	1,745 m
Activities	Climbing
Difficulty

The San Cristóbal is the highest active volcano in Nicaragua. This high, cone-shaped, smoking mountain exhibits all characteristics of a 'traditional' volcano. There are several volcanoes located around the San Cristóbal. This whole area is often referred to as the San Cristóbal volcanic complex, and it encompasses five volcanic structures. These include, in addition to the San Cristóbal Volcano, La Casita, El Choncho, Moyotepe, and La Pelona. The San Cristóbal is the most active volcano of the group. Gas is constantly emitted by the volcano, and every now and then strong seisms are measured around the San Cristóbal.

Ascending the San Cristóbal is one of the most difficult climbs in Nicaragua. The steep slopes make it hard to reach the huge crater. It takes a whole day to ascend and descend the volcano, and you should be in very good condition. This climb is certainly a challenge, but the views of the area and the experience of reaching the crater are surely rewarding. Guides can be found in León or Chinandega.

 

Telica Volcano

Name	Telica Volcano
Status	Active
Type	Stratovolcano
Coordinates	12.603°N, 86.845°W
Last Eruption	2004
Elevation	1,061 m
Activities	Hiking
Difficulty

Another very active volcano is the Telica Volcano. The most recent violent eruption took place in 1948, but other smaller eruptions have continued to take place throughout the years. The Telica Volcano emits gases and ash, and the glowing magma can be seen in the bottom of the crater. A wide area around the Telica Volcano is affected by volcanic activity. Besides the main crater there are several other craters, and the mudpots of San Jacinto are also assumed to be connected to the Telica.

With a height of 1,061 meters the Telica Volcano is not as high as the San Cristóbal Volcano, making the climb less difficult. The slopes are not as steep either, and the difficulty of the climb is mostly the length of the trail. There is no road access to the foot of the volcano, so you will have to hike for quite a while before reaching it. The dry but tropical surroundings offer amazing landscapes. The complete hike takes about 15 hours, and it is recommended to stay around the crater overnight. Not only will it be easier if you can rest a little, this will also allow you to actually see the red magma on the bottom of the crater, which can only be seen during nighttime.

 

Cerro Negro Volcano

Name	Cerro Negro
Status	Active
Type	Cinder cones
Coordinates	12.506°N, 86.702°W
Last Eruption	1999
Elevation	728 m
Activities	Climbing, sand-skiing
Difficulty

Cerro Negro means 'Black Hill', and it is the perfect description of this truly unique volcano. The Cerro Negro volcano was formed less than 160 years ago (in 1850) and that makes it the youngest volcano of Central America. The volcano's young age and constant volcanic activity have made it impossible for trees and plants to grow on the steep, black slopes. Some slopes are covered by huge volcanic rocks, others by fine volcanic sand.

Ascending the volcano is not easy. There is no trail and the slopes are steep. Add the intense sun without any shade, and you have one of the toughest climbs of Nicaragua. Fortunately, it is a relatively short climb (you can be up within one hour and a half). Once at the top, you can walk around the crater rim and enjoy a superb view. You can observe the impressive crater as well. Going down is a lot easier, as you can run down the sandy slope and be at the bottom within 10 minutes. This slope is also used to sand-ski. The most recent eruption of the Cerro Negro took place in 1999. Glowing lava violently erupted from the volcano, as well as rocks and ash. The ash caused damages in the city of León, 25 kilometers away. A new crater was formed during recent eruptions. The Cerro Negro is one of the most active and most interesting volcanoes in the region.