One of the coolest travel destinations in Nicaragua is Isla de Ometepe. This beautiful island is not located at sea but in a huge lake. The island itself is beautiful because of the two volcanoes it consists of. There are all kinds of fun things to do, but driving around the island while constantly admiring the two volcanoes makes Ometepe one of the coolest destinations in Nicaragua..
Isla de Ometepe
Isla de Ometepe is located in Lake Nicaragua. The name originated from Ome meaning two, and Tepetl meaning mountain. The original indigenous name for the island is Cocibolca which means oasis of peace. You can certainly call it an oasis of peace. The island is very quiet and sparsely populated. The people are super laid-back and live here really primitive in huts. Part of the island has no running water. You will also see stray horses, chickens and pigs everywhere. And a large part of the roads on the island are only dirt roads.
Lake Nicaragua has an area of 8264 km², making it the second largest lake in Latin America. The island of Ometepe consists of two volcanoes: Concepción and Maderas. These two volcanoes are connected by a narrow piece of land that together forms the island. Concepción is an active jagged volcano 1600 m high. The Maderas volcano is no longer active and there is a lake in the crater. This volcano is 1371 m high. The volcanoes make the island's soil very fertile, and the inhabitants therefore grow a lot of fruit and vegetables on the island. Since 2010, the island has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
What to do on Isla de Ometepe?
Visit Ojo de Agua
Ojo de agua is a natural pool 30 meters long and 2 meters deep. The water is very clear and you can have a lovely swim. The water is super cooling. The surroundings are beautiful, because the pool is located in the jungle. You can jump into the water with a swing and there is a restaurant. You can also bring your own food and drinks. Ojo de Agua is one of the most touristy places on Isla de Ometepe, and because of this it can be quite busy. The entrance costs €3 per person.
Kayaking on Lake Nicaragua
Another fun activity is kayaking on Lake Nicaragua. You can rent a kayak yourself or join a tour. This way you can admire the beautiful island from the water and feast your eyes on all the flora and fauna. This way you can spot many birds and you also have a chance to see caimans.
Rent a motorbike on Ometepe
The best way to explore the beautiful island is by renting a motorbike or scooter. At the port where you enter the island you can rent these in many places. You can drive around the whole island in a day. Please note that especially around the Maderas volcano there are almost only dirt roads. Because of this, we advise you to rent a dirt bike, if you have a motorcycle license of course. Renting a motorbike costs €20 per day.
Visit Punta Jesus Maria
Punta Jesus Maria is a huge sand bar in Lake Nicaragua. This is located exactly in the middle of the two volcanoes. This allows you to admire both volcanoes from this point. You can also lie on the beach here and there are some restaurants where you can get something to eat and drink. You will see local people swimming along the sandbar here. You can also admire a beautiful sunset from here at the end of the day.
Visit San Ramon waterfall
On the south side of the Maderas volcano you will find the San Ramon waterfall. This beautiful waterfall in a beautiful environment of moss and jungle is definitely worth a visit. The hike itself also seems to be beautiful and not too difficult. From the entrance it is about a 2 km hike on a concrete driveway without shade. After this, the 3 km hike through the jungle to the waterfall begins. When you visit the waterfall with a quad or dirt bike, you can drive the first 2 km instead of hiking. Keep in mind that this waterfall is especially beautiful in or just after the rainy season. In the dry season hardly any water will come off, especially in the months of March and April. This is also the reason that we have not visited it ourselves. The entrance costs €3.
Visit Playa Mangos
Visit Playa Mangos on Ometepe. This is a nice beach where you can sit in the sun. Here you have a beautiful view of the Concepción volcano. You also have a nice restaurant here where you can eat something. Try the patacones con queso, a typical Nicaraguan dish.
Climb one of Ometepe's volcanoes
Are you up for a real adventure? Then climb one of the two volcanoes on the island. It is possible to climb both volcanoes. The ascent takes about 9 hours per volcano. Both volcanoes must be climbed with a guide. The Maderas volcano has 3 hiking trails that you can walk. If you decide to climb it, you will be rewarded at the top with a huge lake where you can cool off. The Concepción volcano is more challenging for most. Only about 25% really reach the top, because the last part is very heavy. To climb one of the volcanoes with a guide costs about €50 per person.
How to get to Ometepe?
From San Juan del Sur
From San Juan del Sur you first take the local bus to Rivas for €1. Here you can take a bicycle taxi or normal taxi to the harbor for about €1. Then you buy a ticket for the ferry at the port, which will also cost you one euro. A cheap trip!
From Granada
From Granada you also take the local bus to Rivas. This costs about €3. Then you take a taxi to the port again, after which you buy your ticket for the ferry. Together this will cost you about €5.
Tips for Ometepe
Are you looking for a nice stay in Ometepe with a delicious breakfast? Then sleep at Hospedaje Soma.
- For a tasty pizza we recommend Chidos pizza. The prices here are also very affordable.
- For a delicious lunch or a nice cup of coffee you can go to the Cornerhouse on Ometepe.
- For a delicious meal with a view of the volcanoes, go to Mirador los Volcanes.
- Are you looking for a vegetarian restaurant? Then go to Pizzaria La Toscana.
- At Santo Domingo you can also find many nice bars and restaurants.
Curious about other destinations? Or do you want to prepare well for your trip to Nicaragua? Read here everything you want to know!
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