Things to see and do on Ometepe Island

Ometepe Island, a natural treasure of Nicaragua, is located in Lake Cocibolca, the largest lake in Central America. Its main feature is its two majestic volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas, which dominate the landscape and give the island an incomparable beauty. With a rich cultural history dating back to pre-Columbian times, Ometepe is a fascinating destination for nature and adventure lovers, as well as those interested in immersing themselves in the authenticity of rural Nicaraguan life.

If you choose to visit Ometepe Island, you can enjoy a variety of activities, from climbing the towering volcanoes to exploring the lush nature reserves that are home to a unique biodiversity. In addition, the island offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, visiting small villages where you can experience Nicaraguan hospitality, sample the delicious cuisine and learn about the island’s enduring indigenous traditions. Read on to discover all there is to see and do on a trip to Ometepe Island!

What to do on Ometepe Island?

1. Hiking among volcanoes

The island of Ometepe in Nicaragua is home to two majestic volcanoes that are the stars of the show: Concepcion Volcano and Maderas Volcano. Concepcion Volcano, the more imposing of the two, rises to a height of approximately 1,610 metres above sea level, its summit crowned by a cloud of steam emanating from its active crater. On the other hand, the 1,400-metre Maderas Volcano, quieter and covered in lush vegetation, offers a unique hiking experience with its dense forests, famous San Ramon waterfall, and crater lake.

Exploring these volcanoes is an unforgettable adventure. Well-marked trails offer the opportunity to ascend their peaks and explore their varied landscapes. However, because these are demanding routes, it is important to take precautions and be physically prepared. Local guides can provide valuable information and ensure a safe and enriching experience when exploring these impressive volcanoes on Ometepe Island. In fact, it is advisable to do the hikes accompanied by a guide.

2. Visit the San Ramon Waterfall

As we said, the San Ramon Waterfall is another of the natural treasures on Ometepe Island that captivates with its spectacular beauty and lush surroundings. If you want to add it to your travel itinerary, you can take a path from the village of San Ramón, located in the southern part of the island, where the hike to the waterfall begins. The trek is about 4km and if you continue, you can reach the top of the Maderas Volcano while enjoying the stunning surroundings of the Maderas Volcano National Park Protected Area.

On arrival at the waterfall, you will be greeted by the magnificent view of the crystal clear waters cascading down from a height of no less than 50 metres. Set in an incomparable setting, the waterfall is an ideal place to cool off and enjoy the nature of Omepete Island.

3. Bathing in the Ojo de Agua spa

As you would expect, in a paradisiacal destination like Ometepe Island, there is no shortage of beaches with crystal-clear waters in which to cool off. This is the case of Ojo del Agua. This unique beach resort delights visitors with its natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere.

Situated amidst lush tropical vegetation, the Ojo del Agua is a veritable oasis fed by a freshwater spring. Its natural pools offer a unique experience, where its crystal clear and pure waters invite you to dive in and enjoy the surroundings. In addition to swimming, you can relax in the rest areas with hammocks and enjoy a day of beach, sun and tranquillity on the island of Ometepe. Don’t miss this gem!

4. Sunbathing at Santo Domingo beach

El Ojo del Agua beach is not the only place you can go for a dip in Ometepe, Santo Domingo beach is another good option. Located in the northeastern part of the island, this beach offers a more than pleasant environment to enjoy Lake Cocibolca. With its golden sand and serene waters, it’s the perfect place to swim, sunbathe and enjoy the stunning views of the Concepción and Maderas volcanoes.

Besides being a popular spot for tourists, Santo Domingo beach is also a meeting point for the local community, where you can find small restaurants and shops offering food and souvenirs.

5. Kayaking on the Istian River

Kayaking on the Istian River is a wonderful experience on Ometepe Island that is not to be missed if you enjoy adventure sports. This river meanders through lush natural landscapes, offering the opportunity to explore the island’s biodiversity from a unique perspective. As you navigate its tranquil waters, you can enjoy the serene surroundings and marvel at the diversity of birds, plants and wildlife that inhabit its banks. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced kayaker, the Istian River is the perfect setting for an unforgettable adventure amidst the natural beauty of Ometepe.

6. Route through the Charco Verde Nature Reserve

One of the must-do activities on your trip to Ometepe Island is an excursion to the Charco Verde Nature Reserve. A route that will immerse you in an oasis of nature, where trails wind through lush tropical forests and culminate in a beautiful turquoise-green lagoon.

During the hike, it is common to spot howler monkeys, whose calls will shock you with their impressive power echoing through the jungle. At the end of the trail, you will arrive at the Mirador del Diablo, a panoramic viewpoint from where you can take in the breathtaking views of the island, the lake and the surrounding volcanoes.

7. Visit the El Ceibo Museum

If you’re interested in cultural visits, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit the El Ceibo Museum. Located on the island of Ometepe, it occupies the old tobacco ovens of the El Refugio farm, in the community of Sacramento.

The entrance fee is around €6 for foreign tourists and in its two buildings you can learn about the island’s culture and history. The museum houses a vast collection of over 1500 pre-Columbian artefacts, displayed in six air-conditioned archaeology rooms to preserve the heritage. Visitors can explore a variety of artefacts, from pottery to tools, and discover depictions of pre-Hispanic life on Ometepe, including reconstructions of tombs and petroglyph displays.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

How to get to Ometepe Island?

There are three main ways to get to Ometepe Island, depending on where you are starting from. If you are in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, you can opt for a car journey that takes about 2 hours to reach Rivas, from where you access the port of San Jorge to take a ferry or boat to Moyogalpa or San Jose del Sur on the island. Once there, you can continue by bus or taxi to your final destination.

If you are in Granada, another major city in Nicaragua, you have the option of taking a boat from the port of Gracia to Ometepe Island on Mondays and Thursdays at 2pm. The boat trip takes approximately 4 hours, and when you arrive on the island, you can take a taxi to your hotel.

Lastly, if you are in San Carlos, you can take a boat to Grenada on Tuesdays or Fridays and get off at the port of Gracia on Ometepe. This is a longer boat trip, lasting approximately 8 hours, and it is recommended that you book a taxi in advance to ensure safe transport to your hotel.

Where to eat on Ometepe Island?

On Ometepe Island, you’ll find a variety of culinary options that reflect the rich Nicaraguan culture and local flavours. Popular dishes include fresh fish from Lake Cocibolca, gallo pinto (rice and beans), carne asada, enchiladas, vigorón (a typical salad with yucca, pork rinds and cabbage slaw), and the famous nacatamal (a kind of large, juicy tamale filled with meat, rice, potatoes and other ingredients).

As for restaurants, Ometepe has a good number of options, especially in the tourist areas such as Moyogalpa and Santo Domingo. The average budget is around 2-15€ per meal per person in an average restaurant, but you can find cheaper options. Some recommendations are:

• Cafe Campestre: An informal but cosy restaurant where you can try the best Nicaraguan dishes, as well as local and artisanal products from their garden. Ideal for any time of the day, from breakfast to a cocktail on the terrace.
• Mirador del Cocibolca Dining Room: A very simple but high quality restaurant with a terrace overlooking the lake. You can try fresh grilled fish in a relaxed atmosphere and excellent service.
• Playa Mangos Bar & Restaurant: A lively beach bar with spectacular views of the lake and the Concepción volcano, especially at sunset. The menu is varied, from fried chicken wings and burgers to Asian and Nicaraguan delicacies. Reservations are advisable, though, as it tends to get very busy.

Where to sleep on Ometepe Island?

On Ometepe Island, the best areas to stay are Moyogalpa, Altagracia, Playa Santo Domingo, Balgüe and Santa Cruz. Moyogalpa and Altagracia offer convenience and access to services, while Playa Santo Domingo, Balgüe and Santa Cruz are ideal for enjoying nature and tranquillity.

• Finca La Magia: Finca La Magia is an eco-lodge located in the jungle on a small farm just outside San Ramon, 40 km from Moyogalpa. It offers a restaurant that serves an exceptional breakfast, as well as snacks, meals and smoothies made with organic ingredients. It faces the beach and some cabins have stunning views of the mountains or the lake. Double room rate: €28
• Xalli Beach Hotel: The 3-star Xalli Hotel is located in Altragracia in front of San Fernando beach. It offers an ideal setting with a sun terrace and lake views, as well as comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms. Guests can enjoy its gardens with hammocks and a variety of activities such as cycling, horse riding, zip-lining and hiking. There is a bar, restaurant and a delicious breakfast for a supplement of €6.

What do I need to know before organising my trip?

• The official currency of Nicaragua is the córdoba.
• Be sure to carry cash, as ATMs can be hard to find on the island. Some places accept US dollars.
• Be prepared for a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity.
• Pack light clothing and sunglasses and something to cover your head. During the rainy season, consider bringing a mackintosh or waterproof layer.
• Don’t forget to include insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Keep your belongings safe at all times, especially in crowded places. Avoid displaying expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash.
• Avoid drinking tap water on Ometepe Island. Opt for bottled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal illnesses.
• Consider carrying a first aid kit with basic medicines.
• If you need medical attention, there are health centres on the island, but it is advisable to have travel insurance to cover possible medical emergencies.
• The recommended vaccinations for travel to Nicaragua are: Hepatitis A, Tetanus-diphtheria, Triple Viral.
• Mandatory vaccination: Yellow fever. If travelling from an endemic country.

How do I plan my travel itinerary?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip.
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents…
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app. Inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your own tips about your trip to Ometepe Island.
• Enjoy your trip to Ometepe Island!

If you have any doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Isla de Ometepe