concepcion volcano

My wife and I did Concepcion we had hiked to machu picchu over 4 days for 80kms and this was much worse. The hike to viewpoint is not hard you could do it quiet easily its about 1000m up and amazing views. The hard part is climbing loose volcanic rock & strong winds in sulfuric mist and clouds for 600m at a 55 degree angle. If there is clouds around the top of the volcano don't bother you can't see anything near the top of the crater. Unless you just want to climb it for the sake of climbing it. Without clouds i would say hike to the top but its not easy

As the summit of Concepcion volcano was continuously covered in cloud during our 4 day visit, we opted for the shorter (?) 7 hour return hike up to the lookout point. The trip and guide was organised through our B&B Hospedaje Soma, and as there were more than 2 of us, it cost $25 dollars each, and we were collected by our guide Eddie in a jeep from the B&B for an early start. (Many thanks to the staff at Hospedaje Soma for also getting up early to make our breakfast.) Eddie was a great guide, pointing out many different plants and trees, birds and snakes. He set a good pace, and there were a couple of steep pulls, but even the two 'beginners' enjoyed the hike up. Sadly, on reaching the 'lookout point' it was completely covered in mist and rain, so we did not have a view from the top, but luckily it cleared beautifully on our descent, and as Eddie had suggested an alternative path down, this provided superb 180 degree scenery. The path down was longer, but outside of the deeper vegetation, so we were constantly impressed with views of lava flows and the majesty of the volcano. A terrific hike.Be prepared - you will need to take waterproofs/layers, suntan lotion, snacks and water - we drank 4 litres each as it was very warm on the way down.

Myself Niki, Chris and Patrick our German comrade decided to take on this Volcano after meeting at a nice hostel in Ometepe. Not satisfied with just climbing to the summit we decided to stay up the night before and drink heavily until 1.30am, Idiots! we had no idea how stupid that was. We got up at 4.30 after 3 hours sleep and with some sandwiches and 3 litres of water each we headed to the volcano riding on the match bus (the locals call it this because it is packed). We started the climb at 6.30 and headed for the summit! The beginning wasn't too bad and i started to sweat out the rum and beer from the night before. After 1hr 30 mins we thought we were doing well and couldn't be far from the top and we asked our guide Efraim how we were doing. He said the pace was good and we had made it halway! aaaaaaaaaghhhhhh was what we were all thinking, still miles to go. This was going to be way harder than we had thought. We all got our heads down and got stuck in. We saw a Boa Constricter, running snake and a White-headed capuchin which was great. Reaching the summit in 3 and a half hours we found we had struck gold. It was clear! The first clear hike since early october so we were truly blessed. The Crater was amazing with sulpher clouds rising out reguarly and when it chilled out we peered in to see the beautiful red walls and the 200 metre drop to the bottom. It really was spectacular and we all hugged and high fived, AWESOME. The view is unreal with the Maderas volcano in view as well as the lake. It almost makes you giddy as it is quite steep and so high up (1600 metres). After 30 minutes we descended bounding down some of the soft gravelly flows which was great fun whooping feeling high off the climb! It took 2 and a half hours to get down and we drank loads of coke and water and headed off to the natural spring swimming pool which was perfect for soothing those aching muscles. The whole thing took us 6 hrs 15 mins which we found out was pretty quick. We decided to call ourselves the Ometepe four and we have started a man band hoping to release our first cover single soon entitled "Ain't no mountain high enough". We had conquered our massive hangovers and we all felt like we had achieved something pretty great together especially as we had met the day before. Our guide Efraim was great and really genuine. It cost $15 each which was a bargain. You can get him here ometepe.volcanes@yahoo.es We took 3 litres of water each which was enough for us, even with hangovers. One of the best things i have ever done! Amazing. GO AND DO IT!!!!!

We climbed the volcano on my birthday and it was definitely an experience I will never forget. The hike was beautiful and we enjoyed seeing all of the monkeys. It was a long, arduous hike that took us a total of 9 hours. I'm really glad I did it and making it to the top was a great accomplishment and worth the sore muscles! Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks!

I went hiking with a guide - you can't do without guide. it costs 30$ for a group of up to 4, easily arranged thru either hotel or tourist kiosk. Prepare hiking shoes and wathc weather conditions in advance - if it is shown as showers - do not do hiking - at the middle of the path "the showers" are tropical storm and you can't walk up.

Anyone who tells you this climb is easy, lies. I consider myself in decent shape and this was a hard climb. The mountain is 1600m and the climb is 16km (to the top and back). You will need a tour guide to get to the top. You need hiking shoes (sneakers will work but you will need new sneakers by the end). It is suggested that you bring 3 litres of water but bring as much as you think you will need. Long sleeves and gloves are a must as it gets cold up there. Basically to 1000m it is a solid hike. Then it gets real. I basically crawled up the last 600m. Not cause we went particularly slow but because I was physically crawling up the gravel, lava, rock of a surface. The views are spectacular if it is a clear day, otherwise it is just a rush when you hit the top. Coming down from the mountain is no picnic either. In fact that top 600m is brutal. You basically slip and slide on rocks and try not to lose complete control. To give you an idea it took 4hrs 30mins going up and 4hrs 20mins descending. This total time did allow us breaks and time to take some photos. I'm really glad I hike this but I would recommend that you consider what you signed up for. Our guide said the fastest he ever did the whole trip was 4:50. I recommend that you start early, about 5 am from the city. Good luck!

This is a beautiful symmetrical stratovolcano with a perfect shape and one of the most active volcanoes of Nicaragua. A cab driver told us that the last eruption occurred in October or November (2014). But we didn't find any information online about it.During our stay we skies were clear for a few times and we could spot it from many different places across the island. One of my favorite views was from the Caballito's Mar restaurant. It's located in a volcanic scenic beach and the views are beautiful, very peaceful.

We did a trek to the lookout on Concepcion with Elmer Tours. There are many, many tour operators on Ometepe and it was hard to choose. We finally felt comfortable with Elmer and signed up and we were extremely happy with our choice. With Elmer there was lots of clear communication before we left and no dickering about the price. The next morning everything was ready for us to leave on time. We had a group of 5 people and there were two guides. One of the tourists had to turn back and Elmer arranged for another guide to pick her up on his way down the mountain and left one guide with her to wait. There was also one man in our group who wasn't as fit and had to go slower, again the second guide stayed behind with him and we all had our needs met. All in all a very professional tour. We saw lots of interesting plants and trees as well as howler monkeys and even a coral snake! What an awesome day.84239272

It has to be seen to be believed! When the mists clear and you see the perfect volcano cone, it takes your breath away.

My son and I have hiked the highest Rocky Mountains and others in the Appalachians. This volcano was something else. You hike up through dense forest with tons of beautiful butterflies, birds, and monkeys. It's steep and damp/wet all the way to the top. An amazing view at 1000m in an open area on the Moyogalpa side. You can see Mombacho across the lake. We weren't lucky to have a cloudless day but nonetheless had quite the adventure in the clouds. Misty and windy. Steam vents and jagged rocks of all sizes. Slippery and gravely. Huge sense of accomplishment at the top. Hiking down is very difficult. Don't wear Keens!!!!! It was all we had though :-/ 0-5822ft doesn't really affect o2 intake too much so don't let that keep you from this hike. This hike was the toughest on my knees and I don't have knee problems so if you do them you'll probably need Motrin during and after. ENJOY!! 15k hike. 8hrs.

We hiked up Concepcion in November 2014. It was misty but otherwise reasonable weather (no real rain, warm and limited wind).We made it up and down ok in about 8 hours but wanted to give some advice to travellers.We are not seasoned walkers but are healthy and fit. We both use the gym and other sports regularly and walk happily up Snowden in Wales and climbed Kinabalu last year.This walk was hard! We wore light weight shorts, t-shirt and took thermal tops and waterproofs. Walked all the way in a t-shirt but appreciated the options in case weather turned. We also walked in trainers, which was probably not the best idea. We were fine but ankles and toes took a bit of a beating.0-500m is ok but for this and above you do need mosquito spray - it quickly wipes / sweats off - I was eaten a lot!500m-1km was really steep. In was in jungle mainly and involved walking up a clear path that is mainly boulders. If you have climbed Kinabalu where there are once paths it is not the same - there are paths but more limited. We also walked through a land slide field for about 200m ascent which was pretty worrying as it had happened only a month a go. it was spectacular though!1000-1600m got steeper. More steeper than we expected. The path got narrower - probably 50 cm wide and was covered by bush all the way to the top. We appreciated the bushes on the way down - the steepness meant the stick provided by the guide and holding on the greenery was essential.As the top the risk was warm - hot almost. Very surreal and made me wonder how secure the whole thing was. We couldn't see very little but e could smell sulphur and the almost vertical drop into the crater.I found it all a bit stressful and I wondered if it was safe, my partner loves volcanoes and thought it was brill!!I hope this review helps you decide if you want to climb Concepcion...and good luck!

Get a good guide, it will make a huge difference in your hike. Ricardo, on the right, just after the Landing Hotel, was the best! It was a challenging hike, but I took my time, the guide explained alot of things about the area, and chatted which helped keep my mind off my burning lungs and quads. I stopped when I wanted for a drink and photos. The last 600 meters was STRAIGHT up, and I used my hands to help pull me up in places. We criss crossed the lava tracks from an Oct. eruption. They were quite deep, requiring, climbing in and out. The destruction was impressive. The summit afforded views inside the volcano, and stunning views of the island and lake. I am in decent enough shape, and it was difficult for me, I wouldn't recommend this hike to everyone. It made for a very long day, 5 hours up and 4 hours back. I sure slept well that night! It was an experience to remember forever, and I am very grateful to have had the experience. If you have the time, and are a "good" hiker, this hike is for you, you won't regret it!

Found a cheap guide for $10 whilst I was swimming at the springs! We went up with a group of people from our backpackers of all fitness types and it was an amazing adventure. It is very hard. It took is 4 hours to get to the top and that was stopping for pictures and drink breaks regularly! And 3 hours to get down! I was literally scaling a volcano ! Bring lots of water and shoes that aren't slippery! It was an amazing experience and you definitely felt like you achieved something! We had Ana amazing view of maderas on the way down! It was beautiful and clear! There isn't much to see up the top and your eyes are being stung by the surfer anyway! If you're yo for an adventure than do it!!

The hike up to Volcan Conception is incredibly challenging and is not for the faint of heart. We paid a guide $15 and he was incredibly helpful and supportive the entire trek. I am fairly in shape and I had a difficult time getting to the top. Not only is it a lot of uphold, but the last 600 meters is straight up the volcano and on slippery gravel. One of group members had to stop at the 1000 meter mark due to the difficulty level. Unfortunately, there was cloud coverage, so no view for us, but we were so happy just to have made it up there! The hike down is harder then the hike up because the gravel is loose and I rolled down the side of the volcano a few times and have scars to show for it. Although, it was difficult, it really is a brilliant hike. Just make sure to bring at least 2 liters of water and snacks to refuel your energy.

The first thing you see on the Ferry out of San Jorge is this spectacular volcano. It's beauty is amazing. I don't believe you can climb it, it is active you know...but you can be amazed by all of its beauty