Rachel (Nov 9, 2008)
You actually CAN climb the steep side of the mountain, if you're in for a good workout.
That truly gives you a sense of accomplishment.
All you need is to pace yourself.

Buena Suerte!

Donna Watkins (Mar 20, 2008)
Climbing Cerro Negro was awesome! I was certainly say....pile on the sunscreen. I am paying the price; blisters on my shoulders.

Also, if you decide to board down the ash.....be sure you have upper body strength because you may have to carry your board the whole way!

Kristin Van Cauteren (Nov 27, 2006)
CLIMBING THE CERRO NEGRO IS EASY.THE CLIMB TAKES ABOUT 30 MINUTES AND IS NOT THAT STEEP.BUT THE VIEUWS ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL AND YOU CAN SEE THE OLD LAVA GLIMMERING ON THE SLOPES OF THE VULCANO.IT'S VERY INTERESTING BECAUSE THIS VULCANO IS FULL OF LIFE.YOU CAN SEE THE STEEMING CLOUDS AND SMELL THEM.THE GOING DOWN TAKES 10 MINUTES, EVEN WHEN YOU ARE RUNNING VERY SLOW!

andy (May 21, 2006)
hi,
pretty much the same advice as the others. sun lotion and lots and lots of water! we caught the bus from leon to malpaisillo early in the morning, had a pretty large meal there to stock up and set off on the 10km walk to the cone. long, straight sun drenched dirtpaths so it is very tiring. found a guide, who led us up to ascend the cone. this was less tiring than the walk from malpaisillo! stunning views of sorrounding area and previous lava flows. an absolute must if your in the area. the rubber on soles of my boots began to melt at the summit, and the sulphur in places was unbearable. 10 minute descend was definately the highlight tho. enjoy.

Gerrit (May 27, 2005)
Climbing the Cerro Negro is really great. I'm not such a climber, but I took a more or less easy way up. And for sure, there is also a faster but more or less killing way up (but as I said, I'm not such a climber). The view is breathtaking and the volcano itself is quite special with nothing else than the volcano. And please take water and sun protection with you. If you're on top look down at the slope and imagine how it would be to go down by bike. I was told a Frenchman did it twice. Others seem to return to earth by a (sort of?) snowboard. Don't take this as an advice to go up with a bike or snowboard because it really must be dangerous. So just think of it.

Have lots of fun!

Lotte (Apr 29, 2005)
Yeah, its clever to protect yourself against the sun. Otherwise, it will be 'Let it burn!'

The Cerro Negro is a beautiful volcano. On the top, the surroundings are amazig. Its like another planet! Never seen this nice things before!
The nicest way back is there were the stones are like gravel. You can slide down like ski-ing. Don't do this at your ass, because your pair of trousers are worthless afterwards.... ( very funny!)

Good luck!

Jeronimo (Apr 16, 2005)
Hi guys,

If you're around Leon, you should climb this amazing vulcano! You'll find your way up climbing over hot vulcanic rocks and after taking some 'fresh' sulfurous breaths, the way down (wich you'll probably do running)is even more exciting.....

My free but important advice :
If you start climbing early in the morning, you can enjoy your afternoon in the citycenter of Leon watching the people walking by; otherwise (and in my case) you'll be laying down on your Leon 'hotelito' bed, dehydrated and tired for the rest of the day......

Have fun!