What is Ometepe Island?
Ometepe Island, located in the beautiful Lake Nicaragua, was formed as the result of large two volcanoes which emerged from the lake and combined into one land mass. The name ‘ometepe’ is Nahuatl (Aztec) and is comprised of two words, ome (two) and tepetl (mountain), roughly translating to to ‘two mountains’.
The two volcanoes, Volcán Concepción and Volcán Maderas, are joined by a small strip of land and make up the majority of Ometepe Island’s 107 square mile radius. This island is the largest in Lake Nicaragua and has become a favorite for tourists and locals interested in nature activities, such as hiking, and indigenous Nicaraguan history.
Getting to the island
When you choose your hotel in Nicaragua, it is best to decide on one that will give you easy access to all you want to see. There are two main ways to get to Ometepe Island: by local boat or by ferry. The local boats are cheap and safe, however, if you are prone to seasickness or prefer a more structured method, the best way to visit Ometepe Island is by ferry.
The journey from San Juan Del Sur is relatively simple and inexpensive but can take approximately 3-4 hours one way.
- San Juan Del Sur to Rivas Terminal: Bus – 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Rivas Terminal to San Jorge: Bus – 15 minutes
- San Jorge to Myogalpa, Ometepe Island: Ferry/Boat – 1 hour
If you are travelling from San Juan Del Sur, you can take a bus from the center of town to Rivas Terminal, where the bus to San Jorge can be found. From San Jorge, ferries run rather frequently to the island, beginning from 7 am and running every ~30 minutes until 5:45 pm. Check the full ferry schedule for details on exact departure times.
You can expect the one-way trip from your hotel in Nicaragua, if located in San Juan Del Sur, to Ometepe Island to cost you no more than 130 Nicaraguan córdobas (around $4US). The most expensive fare should be the ferry or boat to the island, which ranges from 55C to 70C. Buses do not run on Saturdays, so expect to take a taxi if you are traveling on a Saturday.
Traveling to the island from another area? Most tourists use their hotel in Nicaragua as an easy and secure starting point to make their connections through the Rivas Terminal and onwards to San Jorge. While the beginning of your trip may be slightly different, the ending should remain the same. Make your way (after doing thorough research!) to the Rivas Terminal and proceed on to San Jorge to get either a boat or ferry to visit Ometepe Island.
Note: As with all tourist countries, scams are possible, so be sure to verify any quoted fare with multiple persons before traveling. It is advised to ask hotel staff or local residents for local fees before your trip to ensure that you are not being overcharged during your journey.
Activities on Ometepe Island
Once on the island, buses or taxis can be taken from Moyogalpa (one of two main towns) to other towns, such as Balgue, Alta Garcia, and Charco Verde. Each town boasts its own adventures, from swimming in the Ojo de Agua in Balgue to kayaking to the Rio Istián in Merida.
Even though the island is not densely populated, with just 30,000 inhabitants, there are quite a few activities available – especially for nature lovers and history buffs!
A visit to El Ceibo Museums
This natural mineral spring is made up of two pools of crystal-clear water and is fed by an underground well in the uppermost of the pools. The pools are considered by the locals to have strong healing properties since the water originates from volcano Maderas. The lower of the pools is over 130 ft (40 meters) long and around 6.5 ft (2 meters) at the deepest.
The springs have been relatively untouched other than a few simple modernizations, such as adding a tree swing and modern amenities such as bathrooms, gazebos, and an overlooking restaurant. Ojo De Agua is surrounded by trees and foliage, due to its location in the lush, green tropical forests. These trees provide shade and gorgeous scenery for those lounging in the water, enjoying the sun on the shore, or eating a delicious meal at the waterside restaurant. Hammocks and beach chairs make this location perfect for a lazy day of relaxation after hiking a volcano or exploring the island.
Admission to the Ojo De Agua costs $3 and the crowds are usually thicker on the weekends and holidays. If you are looking for a quiet dip in the cool, spring waters, it would be best to visit the Ojo De Agua on any given weekday.
Ojo De Agua (Eye of Water/Spring)
El Ciebo is a Nicaraguan history and culture museum not far from Moyogalpa (about 10 km). The museum is free to island residents but has an entrance fee of $10US for foreign visitors. The museum, founded and supplied by Moses David Ghitis Rivera, is comprised of two sections, Nicaraguan Numismatics (relating to currency) and local pre-Hispanic archaeology. This museum has a collection of more than 1,500 archaeological pieces, which are on permanent display, and over six exhibitions. If you are interested in the pre-Hispanic history of Ometepe Island, this museum is sure to be worth your while.
The second section of the museum houses the bank notes and coins collected by Rivera. Since its establishment in 2007, further items have been donated to the museum, contributing to its 1000+ array. The museum has a collection of more than 800 pieces of Nicaraguan currency and also displays currency from other countries, donated by foreigners and lovers of the museum.
Ecological Reserve of Charco Verde
Charco Verde is a large ecological reserve, spread out over almost 50 acres (20 hectars) of gorgeous, tropical landscape. In historical times, the island natives would make sacrifices and supplications to their gods here. Today, the land is used to preserve and protect the local Nicaraguan flora and fauna.
Within the reserve is a pond of the same name, Charco Verde, which is often described as mystical due to its emerald green coloring. The vibrant green of the lagoon is attributed to the abundance of algae that grows in and around the waters. Admission to Charco Verde is $5 and gives you access to the breathtaking views, winding hiking trails, and colorful wildlife of the entire reserve. There is a large bird and butterfly apiary on the land, along with a garden sanctuary full of lush, thick greenery.
Bancon Beach, located within the reserve, is a quiet location perfect for lounging among the birds that make their home in the trees above the waters. The beach is located not far from the hotel Charco Verde, in which you can enjoy a meal with your family or have a quick drink after your hike.
Other great activities include climbing the volcanoes that form the island, Concepcion and Maderas, with a local tour guide or climbing group. These trips require a full day’s commitment, with Maderas averaging 8 hours from top to bottom and Concepcion averaging 8-11 hours, also round trip.
Kayaking is also wildly available on the island, with the popular destination being the Rio Istian. From Merida, an average kayaking trip takes three hours and makes for a great half day activity with friends or family.
Want to visit Ometepe Island and experience the beauty of this double volcano isle for yourself? Casa Cha Cha Cha is the perfect hotel in Nicaragua for those interested in visiting Ometepe Island, but desirous of staying within the beautiful city of San Juan Del Sur.