Volcano boarding, Nicaragua

“Volcano boarding” is riding a sled down the ash slope of Cerro Negro near León, Nicaragua. Thrill seekers are driven to the volcano and climb with their boards for about 45 minutes up the ash-and-gravel slope to the top. Wearing coveralls, gloves and goggles, they sit or stand on plywood sleds and descend about 1,500 feet at speeds up to 50 mph. 

The original tour is offered by Bigfoot Hostel (León; phone +505 8505 1284). $30 per person includes truck transport; bilingual guide; a tutorial; board, jumpsuit and goggles; your speed clocked by radar gun; a beer at the bottom and two mojitos at the hostel. 

Or you can go with Tierra Tours (505 2315 4278), at $30-$35 per person, or Va Pues Tours (505 2315 4099), at $35-$40 each.