Island Life On Ometepe, Nicaragua
My last overseas trip in 2019, almost coming up to two years ago (what?!) was to Central America where I joined a group tour through eight countries.
Each country was incredible however one of the highlights of the trip was two days spent on the island of Ometepe in Nicaragua. One country name I could honestly never pronounce until I went there.
Ometepe is an island formed by two volcanoes rising out of Lake Nicaragua. It is an incredible sight to see as you cross from the mainland in San Jorge by ferry over to the island. It takes approximately an hour to get over there so find a spot up the top to sit (remember your sunscreen) and enjoy the views.
Like most islands, it is laid back, relaxing and offers incredible views, sunsets and beautiful nature.
You can choose to do as much or as little as you like on the island. What made it fun for us was;
riding from the ferry to our accommodation standing in the back of a truck
hiring quad bikes - this is the way to go to get around the island. You can hire them for half a day or whole day and they take two people. You just have to return it with a full tank of petrol.
getting your photo taken on the swing over the water- ask the locals for directions
visiting the fresh water springs swimming hole - Ojo de Agua - requires a entry fee so stay awhile and enjoy the clear fresh water, and a coconut
watching the fireflies on the beach at night
catching the local bus with the locals, chickens and all - its cheap and a guy comes down the bus to collect payment. You may be lucky enough to get a seat but expect to stand for the majority of your trip stop by the airstrip in Altagracia for some photos with the volcano in the background
watching the amazing sunsets on the west side of the island
you can climb the volcanoes - the popular one is Volcan Concepcion. We didn’t, yet others on our tour did. It was hard going but worth it
Are you considering visiting Ometepe Island? If you are in the area, I would definitely recommend you add it to your itinerary. It is an adventure for sure. Or have you been before and have something to share? We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.
