10 Unmissable Things to Do on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua

Isla de Ometepe was on our bucket list from the very start of our Nicaraguan adventure in 2017. We’d heard so many good things about it from other travellers that, after two months exploring the country, we finally went.

The two volcanoes that form the island are impressive from afar, and Ometepe is quieter than Nicaragua’s other big destinations, which makes it a perfect getaway.

We put this list together from our own experiences to help you plan your trip. Prices are what we paid in 2017, so expect them to be a bit higher now. Enjoy!

A quick Toña at the restaurant before catching the ferry. What a view!

How to get to Ometepe Island

There are a few ways to get there, but the fastest and most practical is the hour-long ferry from San Jorge (near Rivas) to Moyogalpa. We paid about 50 córdobas each. Foreigners now also pay a small port tax in San Jorge.

We stayed at Hotel Villa Paraíso in Santo Domingo for four nights, but there are plenty of other options for every budget. When we stayed, there was an ATM right next to the hotel and another one a five-minute walk away.

A friend recommended the hotel and it didn’t disappoint. It’s not the cheapest, but it has everything you could want, and great food!

We took a taxi from the ferry port to our hotel, which cost about US$35.

On a tight budget, chicken buses can take you most places cheaply, but they aren’t very frequent.

Our 10 unmissable things to do on Ometepe

Jump to:

• 1. Kayak the Istián River
• 2. Explore Charco Verde
• 3. Admire the butterflies at the butterfly sanctuary
• 4. Take a dip in Ojo de Agua
• 5. Swim under the San Ramón waterfall
• 6. Hike Maderas volcano
• 7. Go horse riding on the beach
• 8. Rent a motorbike and explore the island
• 9. Discover the petroglyphs
• 10. Watch the sunset on Santo Domingo beach

1. Kayak the Istián River

The views of the volcanoes were incredible! Don’t miss this.

The Istián River, between the two volcanoes, is a perfect place to spot birds, turtles and even caimans.

The shallow river comes alive in the wet season (roughly May to October) and can dry out almost completely in the dry season.

It’s very calm and makes an incredible morning adventure in nature.

Our guided 3 to 4-hour kayak trip cost $25 per person, and it was worth every penny. Go early in the morning, as it gets busier later in the day.

2. Explore Charco Verde

We saw so many howler monkeys here.

Easy to reach on a walking trail, the Charco Verde lagoon is a perfect spot for a hot, sunny afternoon.

You’ll find a beautiful quiet beach, lots of spots to stop and relax, and plenty of howler monkeys.

There are several walks to choose from. The easiest goes around the lagoon, a perfect relaxing stroll after a big day of hiking.

3. Admire the butterflies at the butterfly sanctuary

So many beautiful butterflies!

Just past the entrance to Charco Verde, the butterfly reserve is home to many of Nicaragua’s butterflies.

Enjoy some quiet time watching them. The staff are happy to tell you about the different species.

There’s a small entrance fee for the sanctuary and the Charco Verde trails. You don’t need a guided tour, and it’s easy to reach by scooter or motorbike.

4. Take a dip in Ojo de Agua

Crystal-clear water.

About 2 km from Santo Domingo are the Ojo de Agua natural springs. With a restaurant on site and a shady chill-out area in the forest, it’s a perfect place to spend a day.

We went after a long day of hiking, and it was so refreshing to cool off in the water.

We paid USD 5 each to get in.

There’s also a lovely walking trail if you want to explore the surroundings.

To avoid the crowds, arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

5. Swim under the San Ramón waterfall

It’s sooo tall.

On the southern slopes of Maderas volcano, this tall waterfall is at its most impressive in the wet season.

The walk to the waterfall and back took us about 3 hours. The first 2 km are mostly paved; the last kilometre is a proper hike over mud and rocks.

Getting there from Santo Domingo means about an hour’s drive on an unpaved, rocky road.

We made it on our scooter, so you don’t need a 4×4 as some people suggest.

What many blogs won’t tell you: wear decent trainers or hiking boots.

We didn’t get the memo and hiked up in flip-flops. It’s doable, but it takes twice as long!

You don’t need a guide. The entry fee, paid at the biological station at the start of the trail, was USD 5 each when we went.

6. Hike Maderas volcano

Covered in mud. More like a MUDeras volcano 🙂

Ometepe has two volcanoes: the active Concepción and the dormant Maderas.

You need a guide to hike either of them. Don’t try it on your own; people have died doing so.

The hike was at the top of our to-do list on Ometepe.

We chose Maderas because it’s smaller and looked easier. Well, let us tell you, we were wrong. It’s worth it, but be prepared to get covered in mud.

Our guide had hiked the volcano more than 2,000 times and said it’s a harder trail than Concepción.

In fact, according to our guide, in the wet season it becomes one of the hardest trails in Central America.

At the top, though, you’re rewarded with a swim in the beautiful and very refreshing crater lake.

Tip: bring good hiking shoes, long trousers, a waterproof jacket and at least 2 litres of water per person.

It takes about 6 to 9 hours there and back, depending on your fitness.

In the dry season Maderas is easier. In the wet season Concepción has a drier path, so ironically, although it’s higher, it’s easier to reach the top.

Our guided hike, including lunch and transport to the start, cost USD 45 per person.

7. Go horse riding on the beach

Horse riding comes up near the top of every list of things to do on Ometepe.

Playa Santo Domingo is perfect for it, and when we were there you could watch the sunset from a horse for about USD 10.

There are plenty of horse rental places around the island. It’s a fun change from sipping a Toña on the beach.

8. Rent a motorbike and explore the island

The best way to explore the island.

Renting a motorbike is one of the best things to do on Ometepe.

We paid about $30 a day and rented a bike for two days so we could see as much as possible on our own. It gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.

You’ll usually be asked to leave some ID in exchange for the scooter. Make sure your travel insurance covers you to ride one.

9. Discover the petroglyphs

A petroglyph on Maderas volcano.

On the slopes of Maderas and scattered across the island, you’ll find many petroglyphs.

These stone carvings were left by the island’s pre-Columbian inhabitants and are fascinating to look at.

10. Watch the sunset on Santo Domingo beach

Enjoying the sunset on the beach.

You can’t miss a sunset on Ometepe.

Every evening the sky turns a beautiful pink.

Grab a beer and head down to the beach to watch the clouds over the volcano change colour.

Wet or dry season, you’ll see a stunning sunset here.

Enjoy Ometepe!

We hope you love the island as much as we did.

In the wet season the island is much quieter and less touristy. July is a perfect month to visit.

If you have any questions or tips, please leave a comment.

Safe travels,

Steve and Sabina

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