The area around Cerro Negro is predominantly made up of black volcanic rock and is apparently dry as hell year-round. That is, except for during a couple of months a year during rainy season when the strong downpours cause the surrounding area to turn lush and green. The result is what you see.
Oh and I almost forgot to mention…one of the prerequisites of climbing up Volcán Cerro Negro is to carry a board all the way to the top with you, stick on a yellow jump suit and goggles like you’re about to cook meth in a mobile laboratory Breaking Bad style and then slide down the volcano on the flimsy plank of wood at around 50km/hour.
A novel way down without doubt. Especially if you make it in one piece. A guy the day before us apparently broke both arms. Yeap…both of them!