Welcome to the ultimate guide on the best things to do in Ometepe, Nicaragua! This stunning island, located in Lake Nicaragua, is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking a unique travel experience. Isla de Ometepe, formed by two majestic volcanoes rising from the lake, offers a magical landscape and a wide array of activities to explore. A small island with plenty of activities for any type of traveler. Ometepe should definitely be a spot on you Nicaragua itinerary!
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Things to do in Ometepe
Rent a motorbike or scooter to explore the island
The island is only 31 kilometers long making it very easy to explore by motorbike. In fact, the best way to get around Ometepe IS by motorbike! Not to mention, it is also more cost effective than taking a bus or taxi everywhere. At only $15USD per day (you may need to bargain a bit for that price) renting a motorbike the best option, and also the most fun.
There are several places to rent from in Moyogalpa as soon as you get off the ferry. I rented from Adolfo’s Rentals, but there are several others nearby that you can find on Google Maps. Most offer similar prices of $15-$20USD per day.
Ask to see if they can give you a deal if you plan to rent the motorbike for 3 days or longer. And be sure to read the contract thoroughly and make note of the days and dates they have listed as your rental agreement (can say from personal experience how important it is to review the contract!). You will have to leave a deposit, if you don’t have enough cash they will ask to leave your ID with them (passport, etc.).
It is also possible to book a motorbike in advance via WhatsApp or Instagram (find their phone numbers on Google Maps). However, I personally think it is easier to rent once you are there in person so you are able to see the condition of the motorbikes and negotiate a price.
If you’re an anxious driver like me, don’t worry! It’s very easy driving on Ometepe as there is only one main road that goes around the island and there is hardly any traffic. If you’ve never driven a motorbike before, it’s easy! It’s just like riding a bike – errr – more like an electric bike. You’ll get the hang of it fairly quickly. The only thing on the island you’ll have to watch out for are the cows and dogs!
Hike Concepcion Volcano
One of the best things to do in Ometepe is hiking Concepcion Volcano. As one of the two volcanoes on the island, hiking up Concepcion or Maderas is a must-do activity for travelers looking to challenge themselves and witness the raw beauty of the island from above. The rugged terrain, lush vegetation, and panoramic views make the hike a memorable experience.
A guide is required to hike Concepcion Volcano. I was put in contact with a local guide through my hostel, and let me tell you – he was the best guide I’ve ever had. A young 20 year old man working as a guide to practice his English with the tourists, ambitious, and very good at conversing. I highly recommend having Royni as your tour guide as he will make the experience that much more fun. The hike cost $20USD plus a 100 cordoba entry fee to the park.
the hike
The hike started at 6am in order to get through the toughest part before it got too hot. Be sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks, as you will get very sweaty and dehydrated on the way up. If you have a motorbike, you’re able to drive down to the trailhead where there is a small parking area that is looked after by a local to ensure there is no theft. Royni, my tour guide, paid them about 50 cordoba to watch my motorbike. I believe this was included in the $20USD.
The first 15 minutes of the hike were easy. It was a nice walk through the jungle, passing by some cows. Then we reached the park office where I would sign a book and pay the 100 cordoba entry fee. This is where the real hike begins.
I continued through the jungle for what felt like forever. The trail kept getting steeper and steeper. Going through all the trees and narrow paths, nearly falling and sliding down because it was wet and muddy. We took a short break at some point and Royni gave me some snacks he had brought along. Then continued our never-ending journey up the side of the volcano. And then right in front of me emerged the most beautiful view of Ometepe, the entire island. To my left was Maderas volcano and to the right was Moyogalpa. The view was stunning but I wasn’t even at the top yet!
The climb to the top was brutal. I was on my hands and knees against the side of a volcano trying to make my way to the top, which is really the edge of the crater looking down the middle of the volcano. In hindsight, it sounds pretty incredible but at the time it was nothing but torture. Like one of those times that makes you think, “why did I put myself through that?”
I’ll save you the suspense, the top of Volcan Concepcion was anything but amazing and this was only because it was so cloudy I could hardly see anything. And then we got a little lost coming back down in the clouds and that was another adventure of its own. The top of the volcano is often cloudy but as the day progresses it may clear up, but this is also when it gets incredibly hot. So pick what you’d prefer. The view from the treeline was pretty good and I was happy with what I got to see. The way down was easy and there’s also a sandy portion you can literally run down.
Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this hike and am so grateful I made it to the top. I started the hike around 6:30am and finished around 2pm. If I hadn’t gotten lost at the top I probably would have made it down much faster, but alas, it’s all part of the adventure.
Hike Maderas volcano
If Concepcion volcano wasn’t enough for you, consider hiking Maderas volcano! Maderas mas not have the same stunning views Concepcion has, but it does have a refreshing crater lake at it’s top that you can swim in. Some will say the hike on Maderas Volcano is more challenging compared to that of Concepcion volcano (although I thought Concepcion was already very challenging!). If you’re willing to forgo the views for an adventure-filled hike through the jungle and a swim in a crater lake then this hike is for you.
You can take a tour guide, however, I met several people who managed to get to the top without one while following the map. This is another long hike in the heat and mud so bring plenty of water and be prepared to get messy.
I did not do this hike so I won’t have a long write up like I did for the hike to Concepcion volcano butttt I have heard good things and would recommend this after Concepcion volcano.
Head to San Ramon Waterfall (during the wet season!)
You want to go for a hike but not something too intense? Hike to San Ramon waterfall which is also on Maderas volcano. It is best to do this hike during the wet season so you can see the waterfall actually running.
The hike can start here if you are not too comfortable taking your motorbike up a steep road with potholes. Or it can start here if you do manage to drive your motorbike up to the actual trailhead. You’ll have to pay 100 cordoba entry fee at the bottom of the volcano before you make it to the trailhead.
Once you start the hike, the trail is straightforward but then quickly dissappears. By the time you reach the rocky path where the water is supposed to be flowing, you’ll have to follow the map and make the trail yourself. For the most part you should be following the waterfall upstream until you get to a very steep portion that will take you slightly into the jungle. If you’ve made it this far you’re very close to the waterfall. By now the trail should be visible and you’ll be able to make it to the waterfall. Beware of monkeys and other creatures in the trees!
I did this hike during the rainy season so I was able to see an almost proper waterfall. The water below was full of algae and not worth swimming in but the accomplishment of finding the waterfall was good enough for me. Be careful coming back down as the trail is very steep. Overall, this took less than 2 hours roundtrip.
Go for a swim in el Ojo de Agua
Visit Ojo de Agua if you are interested to see a natural pool. It’s warm waters come from the nearby volcanoes of Concepcion and Maderas. This natural pool, made up of volcanic water, is rich in minerals that can see a number of health benefits, including aiding muscle fatigue.
Ojo de Agua is a natural pool, however, it has undergone serious renovations the past few years and has become a sort of touristy location with showers, changing rooms, and restaurants. Because of its facilities, Ojo de Agua can get very busy and crowded.
The entry fee to the Ojo de Agua is $10 USD and you get a $5 voucher for food and drinks at the restaurant.
Enjoy Sunset at Punta Jesus Maria
The best place to enjoy a sunset in Ometepe is at Punta Jesus Maria. This iconic spot on the western side of the island offers panoramic views of the shimmering waters and the fiery hues of the setting sun. Right on the edge of the beach is a stretch of sand going over the ocean. This is where you can sit and enjoy the views. This is a popular spot for sunset so be prepared for the beach to get busy and crowded.
Relax at Playa Mangos
Ok, I lied, Playa Mangos may be the best place to enjoy sunset. But really, they are both great spots. Playa Mangos is also a great spot during the day for a relaxing swim in the water. Playa Mangos has a swing over the beach, making it a great photo opp spot. There is also a floating platform you can swim out to and relax on. The restaurant right by the beach has some great drinks. If you’re up for some water activities, rent a kayak for a two hour kayak tour with a local guide for $15 USD. The scenery is so serene and it won’t dissappoint.
El Zopilote Permaculture Farm
I only wish I has stayed here during my visit to Ometepe as I heard great things about this hostel and farm. There is a variety of accomodations to stay in, from private rooms and dorms to camping areas and hammocks. The place really immerses you in nature. And not only that, the hostel also organizes some really cool events like free yoga and cacao ceremonies, which I highly recommend you experience! There is also a restaurant on site with farmy delicious and healthy food. Some nights the hostel also holds fire shows and dancing. And no, you don’t have to stay here to experience any of this!
FAQ’s
Is Ometepe, Nicaragua worth it?
YES! This is one place you should not skip when you’re in Nicaragua. It’s a tropical island experience, but in the middle of a lake! As its own little bubble with so much nature to explore, there is never a shortage of things to do in Ometepe.
When is the best time to visit Ometepe?
The best time to visit Ometepe, and Central America in general, would be during the dry season. The dry season is winter time from November til March. The wet season is from May til Septemeber. Although it is the wet season, it does not necessarily rain every day or for even that long. Wet season is still a pleasant time to go with far less crowds. The shoulder months of April and October are also an ideal time to go as crowds are still low and the chance of rain is less.
How many days do you need in Ometepe?
Ometepe is much larger than you think. At 31 kms long, it takes almost an hour to get from one side of the island to the other. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive around the whole island. And there’s a ton of things to do in Ometepe along the way! If you’re pressed for time, try to spend atleast 2-3 days here. If you have more flexibility, I highly recommend spending 4-6 days where you can spend a few days exploring while also spending a few days relaxing. Nonetheless, your stay in Ometepe will be a tranquil escape.
How to get to Ometepe?
Getting to Ometepe is much easier than you think. There’s always private transportation you can book online or through your hotel. But if you’re backpacking on a budget through Central America like I was, you will most likely take public transportation. Ometepe is easily accessible from Granada, Managua, and San Juan del Sur. There are buses that go directly from each of these cities to Rivas. Once in Rivas you’ll have to take another bus to San Jorge ferry terminal. From there all you need to do is take the ferry over to Ometepe and you’ve made it!
Check out bus times here: https://centrocoasting.com/nicaragua/
Managua to Rivas
There are several bus stations in Managua which can get a bit confusing. To make it easy, if you are wanting to go South of Managua you’ll need to go to the Mercado Roberto Huembes bus stations. If you want to go to Leon, go to the UCA bus station where you will find microbuses that are a bit more expensive but still cheap. The microbuses at the UCA bus station also go to Granada, Masaya and Jinotepe.
In this case, you want to take a taxi to Mercado Roberto Huembes bus station. It will be chaotic in the bus station so you’ll have to ask around for the bus to Rivas. Be sure to ask multiple people so keep confirming the answer (it’s very easy to get swindled here!). Once the bus is moving, the ticket collector will come around to collect the money. In June 2023 it cost me 78 Cordoba to go from Managua to Rivas.
If you manage to catch the Expreso bus that goes all the way to San Jorge, then you’re in luck! Head straight there to catch the ferry. But triple check with the driver and the ticket collector that the bus goes all the way to San Jorge. Otherwise you may have to switch buses.
Granada to Rivas
In Granada, the bus to Rivas leaves from a location south of the city. Not techincally a bus station but more of an area where buses are pulled over on the side of the road. Check the signs on the bus and ask the driver before getting on if the bus is going to Rivas. The bus to Rivas should cost 100 Cordoba.
San Juan del Sur to Rivas
The bus stop in San Juan del Sur is right by the market. The bus will be parked alongside the road. Make sure you confirm that the bus is going to Rivas. This journey should only cost you 30 Cordoba.
Rivas to San Jorge
There is another bus that you can catch from the road right infront of the Rivas bus station, (NOT the actual bus station) to San Jorge. It should cost you 7 Cordoba although I’ve heard many people get charged much more as tourists.
Ferry from San Jorge to Ometepe
Now for the final leg of your journey, the Ometepe ferry. The ferry goes from San Jorge to Moyogalpa on Ometepe. When you arrive at the ferry terminal they will ask you to pay a $1 USD foreigner tax at a small booth. Although there is no one really enforcing this and no one asks to check the receipt, I paid this just in case. Once you’re on the ferry, the ticket guy comes around and it should cost 50 Cordoba for the ride. The ferry schedule can be found here however the timings are more suggestions than actual times.
Best Places to Stay on Isla de Ometepe?
Stay in the middle of the island
The island of Ometepe is one of the best places for a getaway into nature. Thought the island may seem small, it is actually much larger than you think. Thus, making it easier to find accomodation. If you are renting a motorbike, the middle of the island may be the best area to stay on Ometepe. With a ton of things to do in Ometepe, this will allow you to get to any part of the island without spending too much time driving.
A few places to stay in this area are El Pital, El Zopilote, and Hostel Finca Magdalena for low budget options and Xalli Beach Hotel for a higher budget option. This area is perfect to stay in if you are planning to drive the road around Volcan Maderas or visit Playa Mangos.
Stay in Moyogalpa
Moyogalpa is the easiest place to stay because it is right near the ferry terminal. Not too mention, it is also most convienent for backpackers as there are several restaurants and hostels.
A few to recommend are Hostel Life is Great which is slightly north of Moyogalpa only a 15 minute walk from town.
Hospedaje Siero is a quaint guesthouse that is budget friendly and offers breakfast included.
Another budget friendly option is Hospedaje Central which is located exactly where the name describes it, right in the center of Moyogalpa. Hospedaje Central has a bar, well equipped kitchen and a great area to socialize.
Hospedaje Soma is a slightly more luxurious hostel and with that comes a higher price tag. But the beautiful gardens and large pool make up for it and might be exactly what you need.
How to Get Around Ometepe Island?
The best way to get around Ometepe is to rent a scooter! Some places call it a scooter, others call it a motorbike but essentially they are the same. Motorbike allows you the flexibility to go wherever and whenever you want. If you are traveling with limited time this is by far the best option for getting around.
Motorbike rentals can be made right by the ferry terminal in Moyogalpa. In fact, you don’t even need to book in advance! I was able to walk right off and rent a motorbike with no hassle. Most places will charge about $20 per day, however, you may be able to get a deal for $15 per day if you keep the motorbike for a longer period of time. There are also ATVs for rent for a higher price. And if you’re not a confident driver like me, don’t worry! The smaller motorbikes/scooter are automatic and very easy to drive, you’ll get used to driving it in just a few minutes.
If you are not too keen on driving, there are also buses, taxis, and tour vans that you can hire. Although they may not be convenient options, it does still allow you to explore the island. But beware, the rides may be priced much higher than the mainland due to the increased cost of gas.
Is it safe to swim at Ometepe Island?
Yes! You can definitely swim around Ometepe. There are several beaches around the island and you will see many people swimming at the beaches. My favorite beach was Playa Mangos and Punta Jesus Maria for the spectacular sunsets. Playa Santa Cruz and Playa Santo Domingo are quiet beaches to relax on. I will warn you, though, to not expect clean or clear waters. The beaches are made of volcanic sand as the whole island is made up of two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua.
Where else should I go in Nicaragua?
While you are already here, might as well see the rest of this beautiful country! Nicaragua is an underrated gem with several awesome places to visit. Granada is the perfect city to stay in if you’re looking for a small city vibe with tons of travelers, expats, and locals alike to socialize with. Granada has some of the most fun bars and clubs for those of you that like to party. And if you’re up for some techno, be sure to checkout the Treehouse party just outside of Granada. This party will likely be the highlight of your time in Granada.
If you’re looking for some beachside relaxation and surfing, visit San Juan del Sur or Popoyo. These are the two most popular surfing destinations in Nicaragua but they are best visited by renting a motorbike. The best surf beaches are a few minutes driving apart so having your own motorbike with a boardrack makes it much more convienent to get around. Alternatively, consider visiting the quaint town of Las Penitas in the North Pacific coast. This little town is truly a hidden gem best for surfing and relaxing. Not yet a major hotspot for tourists like Granada, Las Penitas is the perfect place to catch some waves without the crowds.
Leon is a major city in Nicaragua that may not be as popular for the tourists but it’s close proximity to Cerro Negro where most people go volcano boarding makes it a great spot to spend a couple nights. If you are coming from El Salvador or Honduras, your shuttle or bus will most likely take you to Leon.
For the adventurous traveler, I highly recommend visiting the Corn Islands in the Caribbean. The Caribbean coast of Nicaragua hardly sees any tourists but the Corn Islands are truly worth the visit. The Corn Islands are made up of Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island, both of which are exactly what you’d imagine an island paradise looking like. The scuba diving and snorkeling here is spectacular. And the rustic living makes it all an experience where you will appreciate the simple and slower pace of life.
If you’re looking to travel off the beaten path, consider traveling up north to Esteli and visiting Somoto Canyon and the nearby nature reserves. This area is much cooler and greener and the typical cities travelers visit in Nicaragua. There are far less tourists here and maybe a bit harder to navigate but the nature is stunning and its definitely worth a visit.
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Hi there, I’ve been to Ometepe before but definitely missed some of these great places! I’ll have to make my way back again sometime. Did you take the big ferry over, or the little wooden ferry?
Thanks for the great tips – definitely hiring a motorbike to ride around the island.
This all looks incredible, but especially the hike up Concepcion Volcano (or well both volcanoes!) That sounds like “type 2 fun” when it is really hard at the time, but you look back with fondness afterward!? It is a bit of a shame it was cloudy at the top for you – but wowza – what a hike!!
The waterfall, swimming, food and everything sounds great too.
Nicaragua sounds beautiful and a little rugged. I’m interested in the volcano hikes though they sound grueling. You take reminded me of hiking in Sumatra and wondering why nobody told me accurately about how hard it would be or what my fitness level should be. Very rewarding in the end though and I bet the Nicaragua volcano hikes would be the same.
This trips sounds like so much. The view from your hike look amazing. i would want to try the Maderas volcano to swim in the crater lake!