Top Things to do in Isla de Ometepe
10 Things to Do in Isla de Ometepe That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua including Isla Ometepe, Volcan Concepcion, Volcan Maderas, Laguna Charco Verde, Museum El Ceibo, Cascada de San Ramon, Chico Largo Adventure, Ojo de Agua, Punta Jesus Maria, Rio Istian.
Restaurants in Isla de Ometepe
1. Isla Ometepe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 752 reviews
Reviewed By Nancy K - New York City, New York
We had very high expectations for Ometepe Island after hearing and Reading so much about it prior to our trip. Even the locals were saying it's a can't miss spot. We were VERY disappointed with our day and a majority had to do with the tour we selected.
Our day started with the ferry ride to the island. We were both extremely nervous on the ferry ride to the island. It was windy that day and the water was VERY rough. We were really thinking about skipping the island once we saw the waves but we didn’t want to regret not going to Ometepe. We heard the day before they cancelled Ferries to the island because of the wind and waves.
As part of our tour, we had a driver meet us once we arrived. Our first stop was Charco Verde. We really enjoyed the butterfly exhibit. Next we walked around to try and spot some animals.
The one thing that was on my list was Ojo de Agua. The lagoon was the best part of our day. The natural pool was relaxing. I would suggest stopping here for an hour or so.
We decided to take an earlier ferry back to St. Jorge. Due to our luck that day, our ferry was cancelled and the next one would be the last one, an hour and half later at 5:30pm.
We suggest if you plan to go to Ometepe Island, stay for a night or two and add hiking the volcano to your itinerary. It's not worth going for a day trip. We spent more time commuting than enjoying our day on the island.
2. Volcan Concepcion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By bishop13 - Wellington, New Zealand
We had an amazing hike up the volcano. A bit of cloud up the top so couldn’t see the crater entirely clearly but some stunning views over the lake and the surrounding Mainland and Mountains. Could feel hot steam from the small vents near the top, so you know it’s active! This is a tough hike - you should be prepared with at least low grade hiking boots. Running shoes might suffice but they should have good grip. We are pretty young and fit and it took us 8.5 hours return - 4 hours up and 4.5 down (might take a bit longer for some people). It’s as hard going down as it is going up because it’s quite loose rock on the upper half of the mountain (you need to be aware of loose rocks coming down from above). Don’t even consider not having a local guide - ours was $28 for two of us and excellent value as he showed us the paths, where to step and also pointed out some wildlife. Take at least 2 liters of water (3 is better) and some food per person. Make sure you start by 6.30am - and even earlier can help as it gets hot and the clouds can grow which obscured the view. Be prepared - we saw people in sneakers, jeans, bikinis etc and one muppet with a handbag. Not only would they not have enjoyed it, it’s just really unsafe. Great challenge and good fun if you’re prepared!
3. Volcan Maderas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
The last eruption from this dormant volcano was 10,000 years ago.
Reviewed By Patrice_VDD - Ghent, Belgium
We started from the Finca el Povernir . It takes about 1:15 to reach the mirador which a very nice overlooking on the volcano Conception. The trail is nice and go through different types of forest. We saw many birds, capuchin monkeys and 2 different types of snakes ( not venomous).
You don’t need to be athletic for this walk but you need some walk experience, good shoes and at least 1 liter of water.
4. Laguna Charco Verde
Overall Ratings
4 based on 210 reviews
5. Museum El Ceibo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Museum El Ceibo on Ometepe Island is a must see in Nicaragua with one of the biggest and best conserved collection in the country.The museum has two exhibition halls, one with pre-Columbian statues and artifacts and one which shows the history of the Nicaraguan coin. When visiting Ometepe, El Ceibo is the place to get to know and experience the Ometepe culture. El Ceibo is not just a museum, it is fun for all ages!
Reviewed By hulstra - Maple Ridge, British Columbia
In a number of A/C rooms (great on the hot day), an extensive collection of locally dug-up or otherwise unearthed pottery, cookware, ceramics and jewelry from all over Ometepe is lovingly displayed - and explained about by a guide. The building - there is also a numismatic museum next door - is part of a working finca, and set in a lush garden with a small café (at the end of the tour a potent shot of liquor is offered) and a gift shop. Well worth the visit.
6. Cascada de San Ramon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By dcb1810 - Portland, Oregon
We walked from our eco-lodge near Merida to the park entrance, then hiked up to the falls, ate PBJ sandwiches, then headed back down. All told, we walked about 5 miles. The last km was difficult - you have to scramble over rock, so wear good shoes! On the way back, there was a thunderstorm, and the dirt road turned to gooey, sticky mud. The walk took us about 6.5 hours, including the time spent having lunch and a short beer break at the park cafe on the way back. Lots of people drive a car, motorcycle or ATV to a parking lot, and walk from there, which makes the hike much shorter. Its not a super long walk, but the heat, humidity, steep incline and rocky path make it a bit challenging for folks like me who aren't so fit. Bring water!
7. Chico Largo Adventure
Overall Ratings
5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By leo b
I went ziplining with a few friends and had a fantastic time. We decided to go late in the day to do the zipline sunset adventure. The experience was breathtaking. We got some incredible views across Lake Nicaragua and the two volcanoes all whilst the sun was setting. The staff were great fun and really enthusiastic which made the experience even better. They are safety conscious and went through everything we needed to know beforehand but they were also really good fun. For example they were happy enough for me to zipline backwards and upside down.
The zipline takes around an hour to an hour and a half to complete. From memory there are around 8 ziplines which work down the side of the hill. The ones toward the end offer the best views.
8. Ojo de Agua
Overall Ratings
4 based on 968 reviews
Ojo de Agua is a Natural Spring swimming hole where you can swim and relax in clear, pure, medicinal and healthy fresh water of volcanic origin. This is a place to enjoy the environment surrounded by Nature with lots of birds, butterflies, squirrels, iguanas, and many trees all around. While you are here you can also have meals, cocktails or just coconut water, and you can have a banana tour or ride a horse. Welcome.
Reviewed By rotjong - Red Deer
Spend a few hours there, it ok, it is nice and refreshing. There is a restaurant there but the prices are a bit steep, there are also some locals selling food like empanadas, or other baked goods for very cheap , as well there is a coconut guy selling coconut w water with rum .
It is a good place to relax.
9. Punta Jesus Maria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By Noémie G - Nice, France
This spot is really incredible and different from what you have ever seen before! I recommend you to visit it during sunset, you have an incredible view of volcan Conception as well as amazing color when the sun goes down, sit, have a beer, relax and enjoy life !
10. Rio Istian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Patrice_VDD - Ghent, Belgium
Kayaking through a kind of river which is actually a swamp after the rain season is nice. Really not difficult. We had a guide who showed us many birds, different type of trees and howling monkeys. It is a 3 hours easily paddling. Very relaxing and enjoyable.
