Cerro Negro and Volcan Hojo

Just got back from a two day backpacking trip to a few volcanoes in Nicaragua! although it was less than 25km i am exhausted. The trip started with a hike up volcan Cerro Negro the second youngest and most active volcano in Central America. The volcano has had something like 26 eruptions in the last 100 years. It was really beautiful to see an active volcano. We walked in the crater through clouds of volcanic gasses reeking of sulfur. after the climb up we skied down the gravel slopes of the volcano.
          Once at the bottom we started our hike to Volcan Hojo passing numerous volcanoes on our way. The hike was about 8 km and took us 2 hours. once at camp we set up our tents and hiked up to the crater and to "El Hojo", the huge sink hole for which the volcano is named.

       The hole was much bigger than i expected and about 120 ft deep. after exploring we hiked back to camp and made some food. Unfortunately the local guide we had hired was not prepared and had forgotten all but one sleeping pad and sleeping bag for the four of us. we made the situation work and had a dinner of bread cheese and beans before falling asleep to thunderstorms and curious cows prodding our tent.


    We awoke early this morning and began our decent down. the hike down took about 3 hours. at the bottom we came across a huge lake at the base of another volcano. it was very beautiful and refreshing. We swam to cleanse the sweat and dirt off of ourselves before finishing the last 15 min of our hike. Overall the hike was amazing!