The complete list of all the best things to do in Ometepe!
Ometepe is a magical island that rises dramatically from Lake Nicaragua. Formed by the peaks of two volcanoes, one of which is still active!
Ometepe is well and truly on the gringo trail and is included on most Central America travel itineraries, yet somehow it still feels remote, untouched and wild. Whether you’re a backpacker, an adventurer, or simply looking for a serene escape, Ometepe offers a unique mix of activities and stunning natural beauty.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting, and all of the best things to do on Isla de Ometepe!
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Why you should visit Ometepe
Firstly, it is just stunning! Getting the ferry over to an island in the middle of the lake, and watching the two volcanoes grow as you near the sandy shores is one of the ultimate Central American experiences.
Imagine a place where lush forests meet volcanic landscapes, where local culture blends seamlessly with outdoor adventure. From hiking volcanoes to relaxing in natural pools, Ometepe has something for everyone. It’s not just a destination, it’s a vibe.
Ometepe is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is a haven for eco-tourism. The island’s laid-back vibe is perfect for travelers who want to unplug and connect with nature. You can spend your days exploring waterfalls, sipping cocktails at sunset, or simply soaking in the views of the twin volcanoes. If you’re travelling through Nicaragua, Ometepe is a must-visit!
Best things to do in Ometepe
Hire a scooter to explore the island
One of the best ways to experience Ometepe is by scooter and it is absolutely something you need to do in Ometepe.
The roads wind through picturesque villages, banana plantations, and stunning lake views. Renting a scooter gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and discover hidden gems along the way. There is a road that circles most of the island as well as connecting roads. The ring road can be hard to complete as it is in a pretty bad condition in parts, but all of the best destinations on the island are easily accessible by scooter.
You can hire a scooter for $15USD/day and usually need to leave a passport or a deposit. We hired ours through our accommodation which meant we didn’t need to leave a passsport which we were more comfortable with.
Visit Ojo de Agua
Ojo de Agua is a natural spring-fed pool surrounded by lush greenery, making it the perfect spot to cool off and relax.
The crystal-clear water is rich in minerals and feels incredibly refreshing, especially after a day of exploring. There are also hammocks, lounge chairs, and a small café where you can grab a bite to eat. Ojo de Agua is one of the more popular things to do on Ometepe, so it can get pretty busy. I recommend coming in the early afternoon and hanging out for a few hours before it closes.
Keep an eye out for wildlife in the surrounding jungle. I saw a cute, green iguana climbing a tree and some really beautiful birds from the pool.
Punta Jesus Maria
Punta Jesús María is a narrow sandbar that stretches out into Lake Nicaragua, offering panoramic views of the water and both volcanoes.
This black sand beach is a popular spot for sunsets, and the calm atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind. There is a small cafe there that sells beers. If you plan on staying beyond sunset, make sure you bring insect repellent as the mosquitoes here are fierce!
Go to Playa Mangos for sunset
Playa Mango is the ultimate chill-out spot on Ometepe. With its hippy vibes, affordable cocktails, and a lively backpacker scene, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Grab a cold drink, settle into a hammock, and soak in the view as the sky turns shades of orange and pink. The bar at Playa Mangos has games like UNO and Jenga that you can borrow for a lazy afternoon. There are also some friendly pigs wandering around which are quite entertaining!
Climb one of the volcanoes
Most of the things to do on Ometepe are some variation on relaxing, but not this! There are two volcanoes on the island, Concepción and Maderas. You can climb both.
Concepción Volcano is the highest peak on Ometepe, at 1610m. It is a challenging 16km hike that takes 8-10 hours return. You need to have a guide for this hike which is a safety requirement. I didn’t do this hike but everyone that I met said they were very grateful to have a guide with them.
The more accessible hike is to the summit of Maderas Volcano. It takes about 7 hours return and is still a challenging hike for most people.
Visit San Ramon waterfall
Hidden in the lush forest on the southern side of the island, San Ramón Waterfall is a stunning 50-meter cascade.
The hike to the waterfall takes about an hour and is moderately challenging, but the refreshing mist and serenity at the end make it well worth the effort. Don’t forget your swimsuit for a quick dip in the natural pool at the base.
Mirador los Volcanoes restaurant
This restaurant offers one of the best views on the island, with a panoramic look at both volcanoes. While the food is average (the burger is a decent choice for the price), the scenery more than makes up for it. It’s an excellent spot for a leisurely meal or a sunset drink. It’s a nice stop when you’re out exploring Ometepe by scooter.
Visit El Pital
El Pital is a unique yoga community and eco-lodge that also doubles as a chocolate paradise.
You can join the daily yoga class or a cacao ceremony, enjoy a vegan meal, or indulge in their locally made chocolate treats. The peaceful atmosphere and sustainable ethos make this a standout spot on the island.
Enjoy a few Toñas with a view
Toña, Nicaragua’s local beer, is a staple for travelers in Central America. Anyone travelling in the region for a while will tell you that Toña is one of the best local cervezas!
Ometepe is the perfect place to enjoy a cold Toña while soaking in the view of Lake Nicaragua or the volcanoes. It’s so beloved I met some travelers that had even carried six-packs of Toña all the way to Panama!
When is the best time to visit Ometepe?
The best time to visit Ometepe is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is sunny and perfect for outdoor activities.
The rainy season from May to October can make some roads and trails muddy and challenging, but the island’s lush greenery is especially vibrant during these months. Although I visited during this months and found it completely fine to travel. Some of the roads on Ometepe were a little bit muddy, but we were lucky with the weather and didn’t get much rain. If you can only come to Ometepe during the rainy period, don’t be put off.
How to get to Ometepe
The most common way to reach Ometepe is by ferry from the mainland. Ferries depart from the port of San Jorge and arrive at Moyogalpa on the island. The journey takes about an hour and offers beautiful views of Lake Nicaragua and the approaching volcanoes.
If you are travelling from Granada, my guide to travelling from Granada to Ometepe will answer all your transport questions.
Where to stay on Ometepe
There are a few small towns around the island of Ometepe that offer slightly different vibes and facilities. Most people will stay in either Moyogalpa or Balgue.
The advantages of staying in Moyogalpa are that it is where the boat drops you off so you can likely walk to your hotel. It is also the largest town and therefore has the most facilities and conveniences and some great accommodation options nearby.
Balgue is the second backpacker hub of the island and has more of a laidback, hippy vibe. The area is geared towards eco-friendly accommodation and is more isolated than Moyogalpa.
Best accommodation options in Moyogalpa
Budget – Rancho Tranquillo is a great budget option. It is a 10 minute walk to town and has direct access to the lake. They only offer dormitory style rooms but if you’re looking to have a relaxing time, make some friends and soak up the Ometepe sunsets, this is the place.
Mid-range – Hospedaje Soma Ometepe Hotel is great if you want a few more comforts during your stay. The hotel has a restaurant, pool and airconditioned rooms all surrounded by lush, green gardens. While still a rather basic accommodation, it is great value for the price and a good option for the area.
Best accommodation options in Balgue
Budget – La Urraca Loca Hostel is one of the best budget options on the island. The hostel is beautifully decorated, staying true to the jungle vibe of Ometepe. It has both a shared kitchen for guests to use and a restaurant. We stayed here for a few nights and I would definitely recommend it.
Mid-range – La Bambouseraie offers quaint cabins set on a permaculture farm with views of the volcano. If you’re looking for a more secluded place to chill, enjoy some nice views and recharge, La Bambouseraie is a great option.
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Melanie
December 15, 2024Concepción and Maderas both sound like awesome hikes. Ojo de Agua looks stunning. And that’s quite the recommendation of Toña beer! Sounds like a wonderful place 🙂
Josy A
December 16, 2024Well, you had me convinced with the very first photo camping with that view of the volcano – wowza! I would looove to hike Concepción and Maderas, and I am also in love with the views from Ojo de Agua. <3