Ometepe Island (Spanish: Isla Ometepe) spans a place of 276 rectangular kilometers and consists of two volcanic islands related through a slender isthmus approximately three kilometers long. The northern island is more significant, measuring 19 kilometers in period from east to west and sixteen kilometers in width from north to south. It capabilities the Concepción volcano, growing 1,610 meters above sea degree, which skilled violent eruptions in 1958 and 1977. The southern island is smaller and nearly circular, with a diameter of about 11 kilometers. It is home to the Maderas volcano, standing at 1,224 meters above sea stage.
The name "Ometepe" comes from the Nahuatl language, which means "two hills" ('ome' for two and 'tepetl' for hill). Ometepe Island is famous as one of the New Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Its fertile land and considerable forests guide the cultivation of espresso, cocoa, corn, cotton, tobacco, bananas, and diverse tropical culmination.
Ometepe Island Map
| Name | Ometepe |
| Country | Nicaragua |
| Department | Rivas |
| Coordinates | 11°30′N 85°35′W |
| Area | 276 km2 (107 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 |
| Population | 42,079 |
| Airport | Ometepe Airport |
Accommodation in Ometepe
Here are five encouraged hotels in Ometepe, every readily located across the island:
- Xalli Beach Hotel
It is located in a prime spot on Santo Domingo Beach, simply 600 meters from Santa Cruz. It's superbly designed and notably rated. If you're seeking out a hint of luxury, this is probably considered one of your excellent alternatives. - Camping Lodge
If you experience luxurious camping, then staying in those deluxe tents is just what you want. Located in Santa Cruz, it is secluded and real. An exceptional sort of enjoyment! - Selvista Guesthouses
Perched at the slopes of the Maderas Volcano on Ometepe Island, Selvista Guesthouses provide breathtaking views. The room designs are lovely, making it perfect for couples. - Hospedaje Siero
If you're searching for an inexpensive backpacker spot with delicious breakfast protected, then this is a first-rate alternative within the main port metropolis. You can stroll from the ferry, so there is no need for a taxi. - Totoco Eco-Project
Featuring lovely sunset views, lovely swimming pools, and fabulous rooms, Totoco Eco-Project offers everything and is likewise an outstanding price for money.
Things to Do in Ometepe Island
Concepción Volcano
When you go to Ometepe in Nicaragua, hiking to the summit of Concepción Volcano is one of the most critical things to do!
The highest point on the island, Concepción Volcano, stands at an elevation of 610 meters (5,282 feet) and is positioned at the northernmost tip of Ometepe.
While it is interesting, it's not appropriate for the faint-hearted or undeserving individuals. You begin from the coffee fields, after which you hike all the way up…
It's a challenging trek; however, the perspectives you will witness will be well worth it. The spherical trip takes about 10 hours and costs around 30 dollars, which is consistent with the person.
If you're unsure, try a guided hike to Concepción Volcano, which incorporates a hotel pickup provider and a pro guide!
Playa Santo Domingo
San Domingo Beach is the most popular seashore on Ometepe Island. With the waves crashing against the shore, the seashore may trick you into thinking you are through the open sea.
Egrets and ibises are often seen at the seashore. These birds nest within the marshes of the Rio Istián, in which the complicated waterways expand from the marshes into the dry forests parallel to the seashore. During the dry season, you could stroll along paths via the marshes for hundreds of meters, watching birds—there are around forty distinctive species on the Ometepe isthmus. From Mérida, you could also take kayaking journeys at the Rio Istián.
For birdwatching and monkey spotting, you may additionally hike the 1.5-kilometer Roca Inculta path, which winds through the dry woodland, part of which traverses pristine forest with giant ancient timber. Morning is the encouraged time for wildlife viewing.
Ojo de Agua
The Ojo de Agua is a super region in which to relax and cool off after a challenging adventure or a hike to Ometepe Volcano. At the poolside, you may nap on wooden solar loungers, study books, and refresh yourself inside the tender waters as needed.
You can deliver your food and drink or order them from the eating place. The front fee is 150 Nicaraguan córdobas or 10 dollars, with 5 bucks usable toward food and drink inside.
Butterfly Garden
The Butterfly Garden is definitely part of the Charco Verde complex, and it's undoubtedly serene with fountains, turtles, and plenty of beautiful butterflies fluttering around you! While you can not contact them, you can capture lots of cool pictures!
The high-quality time to go to the Butterfly Garden is at some stage in the wet season when you'll see the most butterflies! However, it is lovely at any time of the 12 months, and if you're fortunate, you would possibly additionally spot lots of remarkable banana trees and monkeys.
Charco Verde Butterfly Garden is just a 5-minute force from South San José (North Island) and is open all day, each day, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
El Pital Ometepe, Chocolate Factory
If you are looking to revel in, scent, taste, and make raw chocolate, then El Pital Chocolate Paradise has to be for your listing.
Considered one of the most magical places on Ometepe Island, although certainly one of Nicaragua's pricier attractions, tasting chocolate here is priceless—also, you cannot deny the delicious chocolate brownies they provide!
But it truly is no longer all; El Pital Chocolate Paradise additionally serves lots of cakes, chocolate liquids, and ice cream bowls.
It's genuinely really worth spending a few hours exploring; it is undoubtedly one of the have-to-do sports in Ometepe, Nicaragua!
El Pital Chocolate Paradise is located on the southern island of Ometepe and is open all day, each day, from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
Punta Jesús María
The sunset at Punta Jesús Maria is gorgeous. When you are sightseeing all day, make this your ultimate forestall. If you revel in sunsets, don't miss this spot, and arrive approximately an hour earlier than sunset.
Punta Jesús Maria is a slim spit of black sand shaped by the flow of the lake and sedimentation, making it a famous nesting ground for seabirds and waterfowl.
There's a pleasing bar serving reasonably-priced liquids where you can stroll alongside the spit and take photos. It's an incredible region for an informal drink with pals, and it is terrific romantic! Come on—it is a sunset! They are always romantic.
Punta Jesús Maria is just a 10-minute pressure south of Moyogalpa.
If you are staying right here and have had a drink or do not have a lightweight bike, you may take a tuk-tuk to the sundown.
Additionally, if you're using yourself, you'll cross the airport runway, which is pretty cool!
Rio Istián
The Rio Istián is a river and marsh place teeming with the natural world, making it an excellent kayaking spot.
If you want to study wildlife, then kayaking downstream with a guide is the way to go! You could hear howler monkeys, but don't worry; they may be pretty cute, too.
The fee for the kayaking excursion depends on your bargaining skills, the time of year, and the scale of your institution.
A 3-hour tour degree is from $15 to $20, and that's pretty affordable! We quite propose reserving this guided day tour, which incorporates all transportation, equipment, and your English-speaking manual.
How to Get to Ometepe Island
Getting to Ometepe is pretty straightforward. The most common path is through San Jorge inside the Rivas Province, which gives regular ferry offerings between the island and the mainland. Please notice that there are three one-of-a-kind varieties of ferries.
1. The ordinary passenger ferries are antique timber boats, which are now not very rapid and not very stable either. Lake Cocibolca is a vast lake, and at some point in windy conditions, it could get pretty choppy, which could significantly affect your journey on these vintage wood boats.
2. The 2d option for ferries is the passenger and automobile ferries, which operate between San Jorge and Moyogalpa. These are larger and much more suitable for sailing and luxury. The value for these ferries is the handiest 40 córdobas, much less than 2 dollars in step with man or woman one manner. You can check Ferry Schedules at ometepenicaragua.com
3. Finally, there is a larger, extra-current ferry that has been constructed in Europe and donated to the island. This ferry, named "El Rey del Cocibolca," departs twice each day from San Jorge to San Jose port in Ometepe.
This ferry gives a more comfortable trip at simply 50 córdobas in step with an individual, less than 2.5 dollars. The ferry agenda is at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM from San Jorge and 7:30 AM and three:20 PM from San Jose port in Ometepe.
Traffic on Ometepe Island
Ometepe Island features a significant street that circles its outside, connecting vacationers and locals with the main towns and sights along the manner.
To explore the several points of interest of Ometepe extra efficaciously, you can hire a driver for a tour round. In a day, you could explore lovely seashores, recognize the perspectives of towering volcanoes, and visit lots of exciting spots.
The cost of renting a vehicle and driver for an entire day is eighty dollars, imparting the benefit of exploring the island at your very own tempo.
If you've got extra time to explore the island, you can additionally recall taking a bus tour. Local buses circumnavigate the island weekly, providing regular connections to many essential cities.
Additionally, renting a motorbike, scooter, or four-wheel-power vehicle is likewise an alternative.
When to Visit Ometepe Island
The acceptable time to visit Ometepe, Nicaragua is from November to April at some stage during the dry season.
However, if you visit during the rainy season, you may be more at risk of witnessing the island's lovely waterfalls, so it depends upon your desire.
