Concepción Volcano
Ometepe, Nicaragua
Boasting the accolade of Nicaragua’s second-highest volcano, the active Concepción Volcano serves as the symbol of Ometepe Island. At 5,282 feet (1,610 meters) high, it’s much easier to spot than it is to climb, though the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular—and you might even spot a molten glimmer of lava.
The basics
You need to hire a guide to climb Concepción Volcano; depending on the trail you take, the round-trip climb takes 7–10 hours. There are three main trails to the top, but La Flor is the most popular and direct. Good physical fitness is mandatory for this challenging summit, which requires a lot of scrambling and is almost vertical in parts. If you want to admire the volcano from afar, a kayaking tour is a great way to save the sweat of climbing it.
Things to know before you go
The vertiginous climb is rocky and full of loose gravel, so sturdy hiking shoes with excellent grip are an absolute must.
As you trek through the jungle sections of the route, you might be lucky enough to spot (or hear) howler monkeys.
It’s windy at the top, so ash can blow into your eyes and mouth; take a mask and sunglasses to protect yourself.
If you’re afraid of heights, you might want to skip this hike, as the drops near the top are sheer.
How to get there
The jumping-off point for Ometepe Island on mainland Nicaragua is San Jorge, from which you can take a ferry or smaller wooden boat to Moyogalpa (1-hour ride) or San José (80-minute ride) ports. From Moyogalpa, it’s a 40-minute drive to the base of the volcano; many tours include hotel pickup and drop-off to save you from reaching the trailhead yourself.
When to get there
Because of its long duration, it’s best to begin your hike in the early morning; no climbers are allowed up the volcano after midday. While you’re likely to encounter clouds at the top year-round, you’ll have the highest chance of a clear day if you visit Concepción Volcano in the dry season from December through May.
How to climb Volcán Maderas
If climbing Concepción Volcano has whet your appetite for more challenging hikes, the 4,600-foot (1,400-meter) Volcán Maderas offers another strenuous yet spectacular route to its summit. However, it’s a much shorter trail and generally takes walkers around four hours, so it’s a great alternative to Concepción if you’re short on time.
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