The black cone
Basaltic gravel against the hills.
Guillaume Baviere from Uppsala, Sweden — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Guillaume Baviere from Uppsala, Sweden — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Guillaume Baviere from Uppsala, Sweden — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Guillaume Baviere from Uppsala, Sweden — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Guillaume Baviere from Uppsala, Sweden — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Guillaume Baviere from Uppsala, Sweden — CC BY-SA 2.0
Cerro Negro is an active volcano in the Maribios range and the youngest in Central America, having first appeared in April 1850. Its name means black hill. It is a cone of dark basaltic gravel that stands out sharply against the green hills around it, 728 metres high according to Wikidata. The first recorded eruption began on 13 April 1850, and it has erupted about 23 times since, making it one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes despite its age. Oddly, some eruptions have sent ash from the top while lava came from cracks at the base. An eruption in 1968 formed the Cristo Rey crater. The latest eruption was in August 1999. You climb a slope of black gravel that slides underfoot, with the wind growing stronger as you rise. At the top are craters in red and yellow, white deposits on the rock and steam that may rise from cracks. The whole Maribios chain lies before you. Trips here are known for the fast descent on wooden boards over the gravel. The volcano is 20.6 km in a straight line east of León and about 10 km from Malpaisillo. Going with a company from León is best, as the road is dirt. The black gravel gets very hot, so bring plenty of water and a hat and start in the morning. Wear closed shoes and long clothes. The fast descent can cause injuries, so use protective gear. Edges are unstable, so stay with the guide.
Basaltic gravel against the hills.
Red, yellow and white.
A fast ride over gravel.
Maribios range, near Malpaisillo, east of León
It is fairly short, but the gravel slides and the wind is strong.
Yes, it last erupted in 1999, so follow your guide.