Hiking Nicaragua’s Ring of Fire

Volcano hopping, anyone? Pack some sturdy boots and hike one or all of the more than a dozen ascents detailed in this travel guide.

Nicaragua [1]’s Maribio and Dirián mountain ranges contain both dormant and active cones, each one completely unique in scenery, difficulty, vegetation, and length. A few of these hikes have established, well-blazed trails (Mombacho [2] and Masaya [3]), most don’t.

In undeveloped-for-tourism areas, “hiking” means turning off the pavement, taking a poor dirt road to an even poorer one, and then entering the country’s vast network of mule- and footpaths that have connected rural communities for centuries. Always hire a local guide, as a way to both support the community and to not get lost, both respectable goals: León [4] has an excellent selection of guides and tour services specializing in volcano treks.

Following is a quickie weeklong jaunt up a couple of favorites, but after seeing the long chain of gas-streaming peaks stretching off into the horizon, you’ll realize that this is only the beginning.

Day 1

Arrive at Managua International Airport and transfer to Granada [5].

Day 2

After enjoying the specter of Volcán Mombacho [2] looming over the colonial streets, get a ride to its summit and walk the various ridge trails around its jungled craters; the wonderful loops make a good warm-up for what’s to come.

Day 3

Spend the morning at Volcán Masaya [3]’s gaping crater, only an hour from Granada and guaranteed to impress. On the way back, enjoy a swim in the Laguna de Apoyo [6], an unspoiled crater lake, easily accessed by bus from Masaya [7].

Day 4

Transfer to León [4] and find someone to take you to Cerro Negro [8], a relatively short but stout and rewarding hike.

Day 5

Rest up on the beach at Las Peñitas [9] and paddle out to Isla Juan Venado [10].

Day 6

Today’s the big day. Hook back up with your guides in León and set out early to tackle Momotombo [11], a 1,300-meter, eight-hour round-trip on horseback and foot. Celebrate with a fancy dinner in León that night.

Day 7

Back to Managua [12], back to work, or back to the beach.