Ometepe

Ometepe is an island in Lake Nicaragua made up of two volcanoes. This island is large and there isn’t one particular area that people stay at. The activities are spread out and the best way to get around is to rent a motorbike. When I stepped off of the ferry I was offered a motorbike for $10 a day. My travel companion had arrived a few hours earlier and already rented a bike for $14 a day, the best offer he received. Once across the island at our hostel, my sister could only find bike rentals for $20 a day. Moral to the story: rent from the ferry and good luck getting to your hostel while wearing your backpack!

Getting There

You can book a direct shuttle to San Jorge (from Grandada or San Juan Del Sur) for $15. From there you will have to take the $2 ferry to Ometepe. Once on the island you’ll either take a very long bus ride to your hostel, take a taxi or rent a motorbike. Another option is to take chicken buses. From Granada we took the chicken bus to Rivas. If you type “Chicken buses to Rivas” into MapsMe, it will show you where to catch the bus. The bus costs 50 Córdoba ($1.50) per person and 50 Córdoba for a big bag. Once in Rivas you have to take a 7 minute colectivo to San Jorge. The price will vary based on how many people are in the vehicle but can be as low as 60 Córdoba.

Where to Stay

Zopilote
This permaculture hippie jungle lodge was recommended to me and I’m glad I followed my friends advice. It is hippie but not in the obnoxious way that San Marcos on Lake Atitlan is. There are free events offered here like self- empowerment workshops, fire shows, yoga classes and Cacao ceremonies. The restaurant made delicious food and a lot of unique and interesting people stayed there.

 

El Pital Chocolate Paradise
El Pital is another popular place to stay with a hippie vibe. This place is right on the lake with swings and hammocks overlooking it. They make delicious chocolate desserts that you should try even if you don’t stay there.

The Attractions

Hiking the Volcanoes
Conceptión Volcano and Maderas Volcano are popular hikes. Conceptión is much steeper and takes around 8 hours to hike. Unfortunately, we only had 3 days in Ometepe and were not able to do either of these.

San Ramon Waterfall
This waterfall hike takes around 3 hours. We had planned to bike half way and cut our hike time in half but upon arrival we found out that scooters were unable to do the trail and we needed a dirtbike. Regardless, the hike is a 30 minute scooter ride from Zopilote Hostel and we were happy not to call a cab. I loved the views of this hike and would definitely recommend it. The waterfall has a long drop and a refreshing pool to cool off in.

 

Ojo de Agua
This is a swimming pool with volcanic water, set in the middle of the jungle. There are many fun activities here such as a rope swing, a swingset in the water and a slackline. It is a chill way to spend the day and avoid the heat.

 

 

Charco Verde
This is a peaceful lagoon with volcanic views and howler monkeys. There is a trail leading around the lagoon with swimming spots on Lake Nicaragua. There is also a butterfly sanctuary with serene music and a garden.

 

Kayaking
Many people kayak in the Istian River and explore the wildlife in the surrounding estuary.

Recommendations

 

Have a sunset dinner at Restaurante Caballito on the west side of the Maderas part of the island.

 

 

Have a drink at The Jungle Laboratory next to El Pital.

 

After experiencing the magic of Ometepe we headed to San Juan Del Sur.