The Volcanos of Northern Nicaragua - Cerro Negro, the majestic San Cristobal and Coseguina

Hike the Volcanoes – Cerro Negro and the majestic San Cristobal and Coseguina all sit short day trips from the marina area. San Cristobal is Nicaragua’s largest volcano, located in the quaint town of El Viejo. Cerro Negro, often described as Nicaragua’s most unique volcano for its short, steep climb and lack of vegetation, offers outstanding 360-degree views from its 400 meter peak. Coseguina is the best ‘lush jungle’ hike of the three. It is also the easiest....just a 30 minute hike to the rim from where you can park.

These are pictures taken on our recent hike up and around the Coseguina volcano.











From the Marina office it is just over an hour drive on the newly paved road and then the dirt road (the newly paved road will get closer and and closer as they finish the highway to Potosi) Once we could no longer drive due to road conditions we got out and hike about a half an hour to the rim of the volcano under lush jungle canopy which kept it cool. The crater is quite a stunning sight with its green lagoon and steep lagoons all around. Looking back and then around you can see the Padre Ramos Estuary and nature reserve, Honduras, El Salvador and volcanoes in all three countries. From the rim we headed about an hour to the east and then north to the point where we could see the ‘finger’ pushing into Bahia Fonseca. Between 4 of us we went through 6 bottles of Gatorade and 6 liters of water and we wish we had more so bring plenty of water and food. Two of us road our bikes from the Marina to the volcano and one of us road part way back. We all surfed in the morning so, needless to say, we were all worn out and slept quite well that night!!!

Below are some pictures of some Century 21 clients at Cerro Negro. This volcano is famous for setting the world mountain biking speed record and for "volcano boarding"

Top 13 Things to do in the Northern Marina Puesta del Sol Area

The following is taken from Kristin Wilson's writeup on www.c21nicabeachfront.com Kristin is the General Manager of the Century 21 office in Marina Puesta del Sol.

1. Surf – San Juan del Sur may be known for some of the best surfing in Nicaragua (and all of Central America, for that matter), but that’s only because the North is still on the brink of surfing discovery. From perfect beachbreak barrels to endless point breaks, the Northern Marina area offers something for everyone, all within a short distance. Hit one of the more popular spots or name a secret spot of your own.

2. Sail – They don’t call it the Marina Area for nothin’! Ideal conditions in both the rainy and dry seasons are created by bands of high and low pressure moving seasonally either north or south and meeting together at all times of year in the South Pacific. The rainy season sees traditionally clear blue skies in the morning, a few puffy clouds at midday, and evening showers. Even in the driest months, the marina basin is characterized by consistent, but not overwhelming, off-shore breezes, making for great sailing.

3. Fish – There’s also good reasons that the national rum company, Flor de Caña, holds its annual Fishing Tournament at the Marina Area! A few of them are: rooster fish, red snapper, blue and striped Marlin, sailfish, yellowfin, wahoo and dorado. Need we say more? Inshore or offshore, there are fish here. Make sure you have a local cook up your prize catch or prepare it “ceviche-style”.

4. Jet Ski/Kayak the Estuaries – Day or night by full moon, exploring the mangrove-lined maze of estuaries of the marina is truly a must-do experience.

5. Mountain & Road Bike – With endless kilometers of pristine beaches, ocean view outposts and open roads, Aserradores is a mountain biker’s playground. Choose your own combination of off-road or paved riding on a newly-asphalted highway with light traffic.

6. World Class Hunting (Deer, Dove, Duck, Bobwhite) – From the ground or your own private helicopter, the hunting in the north is more than abundant.

7. Hike the Volcanoes – Cerro Negro and the majestic San Cristobal both sit short day trips from the marina area. San Cristobal is Nicaragua’s largest volcano, located in the quaint town of El Viejo. Cerro Negro, often described as Nicaragua’s most unique volcano for its short, steep climb and lack of vegetation, offers outstanding 360-degree views from its 400 meter peak.

8. Bask in the Hot Springs – The most popular hot springs are located within the area of the Cosigüina Volcano, which heat local pools and also offer proximity to bird and animal watch in local wetlands. After a dip in the hot springs, don’t miss the pristine Mechapa beaches and their high seaside cliffs!

9. Horseback Riding – Probably one of the best ways to truly explore all that Aserradores and the surrounding areas have to offer is on horseback, the mode of transportation of choice of most locals! For the more adventurous and experienced, there are multiple trails and open beaches to ride, or guides to lead beginning riders of all ages.

10. Bird Watching – The great diversity in the northern Nicaraguan landscape provides a habitat for the same diversity of birds. From the Great Egrets and Blue Herons of the estuaries to the Woodpecker, Warblers, Hawks, Kingbirds and Swallos of the mountains and hillsides, experienced birdwatchers will not be disappointed with viewing their standard favorites and exotic local native species.

11. Visit Flor de Caña Factory & Historic Leon – Flor de Caña is best known as one of the best rums in all of Latin America, having been awarded more than 72 medals worldwide in the past 5 years. The plantation distillery, located near the historic, Spanish colonial city of Leon, founded in the 1500s (a bustling town and “must-see” attraction), was first construction in 1890 but completely modernized in 1996. Don’t miss taste testing their “perfect” 12-year Centenario and other variety of rums!

12. Splurge on Lobster – It’s not really a splurge when it’s so readily available, but you can’t leave our fishing village of Aserradores, known for its seafood without experiencing the locals doing what they do best.

13. Whale watching – Keep an eye out for new tour operators popping up to take advantage of the many opportunities to view dolphins and whales along the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. Whale spouts can especially can be seen in the north, a common route for migrating Humpbacks headed toward the Golfo de Fonseca, bay which joins Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador. Biologists from international research teams are currently identifying the Marina Area as an important region for whale study.

Leon, Playa Peñitas and Volcano Boarding at Cerro Negro

The city of Leon and the surrounding region is next on my list of Nicaragua must sees.



The original city of León, in Nicaragua (one of the oldest European cities in the new world) was established in 1524 by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba about 20 miles east of the present site. After the 1610 eruption of the Momotombo volcano, located only a couple miles away, caused extensive damage, the inhabitants of this old León decided to move to the city’s present location.



As a colonial city, León has many fine examples of Spanish Colonial architecture, including the grand Cathedral of the Assumption, built from 1706 to 1740, with two towers added in 1746 and 1779. I personally have a slight preference towards Granada as a colonial city, but for each their own. What makes León such a great destination to me are some of the places and adventures that await you outside the city. In particular I love the relaxing atmosphere at the beaches of Playa Peñitas and Poneloya, and the Volcano boarding at Cerro Negro.



In León, we stayed at a little hostel call the Bigfoot which I really liked (They make a delicious Mojito). One of the activities that they offered was Volcano Boarding. Naturally, when something as unusual as volcano boarding is an option you sign up. The next day a group of eight of us jumped in the truck with the hostel owner, Darryn from Australia, and headed off to Cerro Negro. From there we proceeded on a short hour hike up to the top of this smaller volcano each carrying a wooden plank that they has built custom for descending this particular volcano (see photo below). While on the Volcano we went for a quick spin through the crater. This volcano is very active and you can feel the heat protruding from the ground that you are standing on.



I found this promo for the Bigfoot Hostel on YouTube. It gives a pretty good feel for the Volcano boarding.



This is the same place where the world mountain bike speed record was set (see video). This guy is completely insane.



At the opposite end of the spectrum you have Playa Peñitas. This is a quick bus ride or cheap taxi west of León.



We stayed at the the Oasis (above) which was recommended by our friends at the Bigfoot in León, but we also spent some time hanging out at the Playa Roca (below) and found the owner, Cookie, to be very nice. She even drove us back into León one evening when we missed the bus.



The beach at Peñitas can be a little dangerous for inexperienced swimmers, but you can also get some good surf if you catch the right tide.