Versión
Español
Climbing the Concepción Volcano ViaNica.com > Traveling > Activity Guide > Ometepe Island > Climbing the Concepción Volcano
Photo
Description
The Concepción is a near perfect cone-shaped volcano. It is the biggest on Ometepe, with a height of 1,610 meters. The volcano is still active. Smoke is coming out of its crater, and there are other fumaroles on the volcano’s slope as well.
You’ll need a lot of energy, stamina, and you should be in good condition to climb the Concepción. It is one of the toughest climbs in Nicaragua. The slopes are very steep and the volcano is one of the highest in Nicaragua. The bottom part of the volcano is covered in trees. You will first walk through plantain and banana plantations. Halfway, there is a dense, humid forest. Vegetation becomes less dense and less tall more to the top.
Big and smaller rocks do not provide an easy path to the top. You will sometimes be climbing your way to the top, and once descending you will have to continuously pay attention where you put your feet. In addition, rain and humidity can make the rocks slippery and add another difficulty to the hike.
No not envision yourself sunbathing at the top of this mighty volcano. The crater is often covered in clouds and the weather conditions at the top are not very inviting. Your clothes will be soaked at this point, due to sweating and humidity, and a very strong, chilly wind that blows continuously will force you to descent as soon as possible.
Nevertheless, your efforts and the hardship you have to endure will be rewarded. At the first place ascending such a giant volcano is quite an achievement. In addition, standing at the rim of the crater of this volcano is a truly unique experience. The cold wind chilling your body will be countered by the hot smoke that is emitted by the crater. You will feel the heat of the volcano as well as the coldness of the wind. Odd plants growing around the crater only add to the unique atmoshpere.
If you are very lucky to be at the top when there are no clouds, you will have a magnificent view of Ometepe, Lake Nicaragua, and the main land. Nevertheless, the views when descending are quite spectacular as well.
Ascending and descending the Concepción will take between seven and ten hours. You should therefore bring enough water and food, and prepare well. A dry shirt or jacket can help too. Leave early (preferable at sunrise) so you return on time. You have to hire a guide, which can be arranged by your hotel.
- Comments
A visitor (Jul 20, 2009)
I hiked Concepcion several years ago and loved it. Our group consisted of several keen teenage students, myself and another teacher and our wonderful guide Marlon (from Balgue). The description above describes our experience well. We headed up with fantasies of enjoying a relaxing, well deserved lunch at the summit but after a few moments laying down on the warm rim of the volacano trying to warm up, we too decided to head down to a less windy and more protected spot. We all felt a great sense of accomplishment upon our return.
My four and a half daughter loves to hear my story of Concepcion because I always remind her that it was her first hike up a volcano - I was a month pregnant with her at the time! Not surprisingly, she's a confident and skilled rock climber at four and half. In fact she just enjoyed her first multi-pitched climb a few weeks ago. Ole Concepcion!
Angie (May 28, 2009)
We climbed Concepcion in mid 2008 and the description above is so accurate... it all came racing back. Hard climb to the top with almost zero visability and I was scared witless once we arrived - the heat and the smell of sulphur was incredible. 2 minutes at the top then we practically walked/ran/slid/fell back down the side of the volcano. Hard work and we were sore for days afterward but one of the best things I've ever done. Very worth it. We had a young guide whose English was as good as our Spanish and we got along fantastically. Highly recommend.
yesi (Mar 23, 2009)
I recently did this hike and it is so beautiful and a definite must if you visit Ometepe. We had a great tour guide who we contacted through discoveryometepe@hotmail.com.
Happy travels!
tato de zubicaray (Jan 14, 2009)
hola señor de oslo, desde luego no lo intente dos dias seguidos, se lo dice un montañero avezado que le costo lo suyo subirlos
tato
volcano master (Oct 2, 2008)
The description above is quite acurate of the experience. I only wish I had read it prior to hiking the volcano a few years ago. Our guide alllowed us to wear Tevo-like sandals which made the descent feel like every unstable step could lead to death. Nor did we pack enough food or water, nor told how hard it would be. Luckily I was in descent shape and able to do it, but there were a few people ino our group who weren't in good enough shape to make it to the top. Overall, great experience and glad I did it.
amanitapopan (Sep 23, 2008)
imade my way up to the top few years ago!!!! fuking amazing the view and the trekking was really cool and trippy!!!!! uhhhh and know im going gain.... remember being laydown right next to the crater fuck.... did u see that and the wind-------------- we only missed the +++++++++++MIGHTY SHROOMS++++++++++++++
JAJAJA FOR THI S TIME
Tanner Hahn (Jun 18, 2007)
I just got done hiking this volcano two days ago on June 16th. I was working at NPH, (an orphanage on the island) when i decided to hike it. It was rough and hot but I made it all the way to the top and I smelt the sulfur and looked down into the crater.
bill (Jan 21, 2007)
have you guys actullay climbed a volcano thats wiked!!!
i wish i were that brave
unanimouse (Nov 19, 2006)
when climbing a mounting you must make sure ure guide nos exactly what there doing and make sure youll feel safe in there arms
laura (May 1, 2006)
Hiking Volcan Concepcion was the highlight of my trip to Nicaragua. Ask for Berman to be your tour guide. He can be found in town and is a wonderful guide and fun to get a beer with afterwards!
Details
Region
Isla de Ometepe
Category
Nature
Type
Volcanoes
Difficulty
The following companies or organizations offer tours:
Tours
