The situation:

I am not sure how many of you were aware but Nicaragua was in a period of extreme crisis from April 2018 onwards and was a no go zone. The president had announced a slash to social security benefits which saw thousands take to the streets in protest and left hundreds dead and many more injured. Most of the borders completely closed and the NZ safe travel website had advised to not go and therefore I would have no insurance. I was really disappointed that I would have to miss this incredible country but still hadn’t thought of a plan about how I was going to get past it to Costa Rica. Fast forward from April to October and while in Honduras there was news coming through that the borders had reopened, political unrest had greatly decreased and tourists who were sticking to the tourist spots felt safe and welcome. Sooooo I decided I would get a shuttle to Leon, Nicaragua, stay a night and then if not feeling comfortable could get another shuttle the next day onwards to Costa Rica. 

So an incredible 18 hour journey from leaving Utila to arrive at 1am at Poco Poco Hostel in Leon, Nicaragua. I quietly clambered up on to a top bunk shown to me by the security guard and I fell asleep before my head hit the pillow.

The next day I had a warm welcome from the hostel owners and they advised things were getting back to normal here and that there was nothing to worry about exploring the city. It was quiet on the streets but just felt like it was low season and everyone had headed to the beach. The town of Leon is so cool.

I booked a few more nights at the hostel, feeling good about exploring this city and also needing some quiet days after the busy times in Utila. We explored away from the main square which always shows you a space more authentic.

The real draw card that brings people to Leon is the opportunity to board down an active volcano. I’d seen photos from mates at home who’d done this and although my travel insurance didn’t currently cover me in Nicaragua, this was something I just couldn’t pass up. There were only 4 of us keen so we would have the whole mountain to ourselves!  

It’s a steaming hot day at 32 degrees and we are given the iconic singlets before we are loaded into the back of the truck. It was a bumpy hour or so drive from Leon to Cerro Negro, passing lots of farmland and workers along the way.

We had to carry our own board up the side of the volcano and it took about an hour in the heat with some great views. Once at the top there were many edges to peer over, trying to guess which edge we would get to slide down at rapid speeds.

We did an anxious jump for the camera and then donned our jumpsuits that were supposed to protect our skin in case you tumbled off. You can see none of us have much extra on for protection. We were also given protective glasses and a buff to keep out the dust and rocks.

Suited up and pumped, ready to go, instructions given, the only thing left to do is lean back, lift up my feet and give the peace sign…or was it fingers crossed I don’t tumble off because I don’t have insurance to get airlifted out of here…