Ometepe Island

An island of two volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua: volcano climbs, motorbike loops, natural spring pools and ancient petroglyphs.

Ometepe Island lies in the southwest of Lake Nicaragua (Lake Cocibolca) in Rivas Department and is one of the largest volcanic islands in a freshwater lake anywhere in the world. It is formed by two volcanoes — the active Concepción (1,610 m) to the north and the dormant Maderas (1,394 m) to the south — joined by a narrow isthmus that gives the island its figure-of-eight shape. It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2010. The island divides into a few main areas: Moyogalpa in the north is the ferry port and the starting point for climbing Concepción; Playa Santo Domingo and Ojo de Agua on the central isthmus are the hub for accommodation and relaxing; and Balgüe and Mérida on the slopes of Maderas in the south have coffee farms, petroglyphs and waterfall trails. Getting there: travel by road from Granada or the capital, Managua, to the San Jorge dock near Rivas, then take the ferry (about 1 hour) to Moyogalpa. Buses on the island are infrequent, so most visitors rent a motorbike or bicycle to get around; the main loop road is paved, though parts of the Maderas side are gravel. The dry season (Dec–Apr) is best for climbing, while the rainy season (May–Nov) brings muddy trails but the lushest greenery. Allow 3–4 days: one day to climb a volcano, one to loop the island visiting spring pools and beaches, and one for waterfalls or kayaking. A guide is mandatory for volcano climbs, and ATMs are scarce on the island, so bring enough cash.

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Itineraries