Dominating the skyline of Ometepe Island in Nicaragua is the mammoth active volcano Concepcion. Located in the Northwest section of the island, Concepcion is an attraction for adventurers who visit the island to scale its splendour. Having erupted at least 25 times since 1883, (the last explosion was in 2010), the volcano overlooks the entire island of Ometepe. Abundant trails in the tropical forest at the foot of the volcano lead to the ash covered summit at 1,610m (5,280ft). Hiking concepcion volcano is thus no simple task!
Staggering views from the summit reveal the majestic prettiness of Ometepe Island. Sadly when I clambered towards the peak I could see only mist! I confess I exaggerate slightly as I could also see my muddy trekking boots sliding and slithering in the mud. I would like to convey how the scenery and nature was sublime, and how the view from the apex was inspiring and how emotional the achievement of standing atop this momentous volcano was … but alas I could see very little for hiking concepcion volcano in misty conditions is probably not recommended!
Hiking Concepcion Volcano: Misty mountain top!
A little older and slightly fatter than others in the group I recall clambering up the steep flank at an uncomfortable pace. Having climbed the mighty Kilimanjaro a few months before, I now respected Batchi, my guide, who insisted on a slow speed. This task was a little too fast for my comfort. Thinking to myself, “This £2.00 Primark t-shirt can be discarded when I return to the bottom”, my clothes were covered in sweat, mud and blood. Okay, okay, there was no blood but the sweat and drizzle made the climb incredibly uncomfortable. Drenched clothing and wet feet are not the ingredients one needs to strive to the apex of a big hill!
Tottering in the mud and slipping on the rocks and volcanic scree is a challenge but not necessarily fun. Enveloped in haze with little visibility our guides eventually announced we had arrived at the summit. My goodness the view was spectacular! To my right I could identify what looked like a shrub, and in front of me I believe I could see another team member; which team member I’m unsure, and … well, now I reflect I’m uncertain if it was a team member, it could have been a small tree. In fact there was no identifiable way I could determine if this was the summit.
Why Does the Weather Improve on the Way Back Down?
Inevitably the weather began to improve as we descended back into the tropical climate below. Typical! A little sunshine started to infiltrate through the cloud, the drizzle ceased and the mist dispersed. If only Mother Nature had made this decision a few hours ago! What a cruel mistress Mother Nature is. Inclement weather still obscured Ometepe and greater Nicaragua but alas some shapes started to form in the distance through the less cloudy conditions. Fields, a lake, man-made structures, and clusters of trees … I think that’s what I was looking at but I can’t be certain. You decide from the photographs I’ve posted here.
But I’m not bitter … well actually I am! Damn you Mother Nature you punishing and forbidding mistress. How can one appease you? Luckily I think Mother Nature was listening as a couple of weeks later I was privileged to have climbed Pacaya volcano in Guatemala. On a clear evening the lava was visible as the volcano spat its contents into the evening ether. On reflection I adored both climbs.
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