Location: Moyogalpa
Top Things to do in Moyogalpa
What to do and see in Moyogalpa, Nicaragua: The Best Places and Tips
Moyogalpa (Spanish pronunciation: [moʝoˈɣalpa]) is a municipality in the Rivas department of Nicaragua. Moyogalpa is the largest village and the home of the largest of the three ferry ports on Ometepe Island. There are multiple hotels, hostels, and restaurants on the island, along with small shops called "Pulperias" selling a variety of items from snacks to basic clothing. In 2016, Walmart opened a Pali Supermarket in Moyogalpa to serve the 40,000+ island population, including many expats and the thousands of visiting tourists. Since opening Pali, many of the small pulperias have improved their own meat, produce and items for sale displays, adding many items not offered by Pali.
Restaurants in Moyogalpa
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. 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.
3. 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!
4. Elmer Tours Ometepe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Elmer tours ometepe offers to discover ometepe in an individual and marvelous way. You can rent bikes, scooters or motorbikes of best quality to explore the beautiful island on one's own initiative. But also it's up to you to choose a tour around the island, kayak trips, waterfall hikes or horseback riding. Unforgettable is a volcano trek by licenced guides with a lot of experience.
Reviewed By Ta M - Östringen
We did the conception hike with Elmer - it was only us that day. Elmer went at our pace with us and we finished the hike in under 7 hours. Friendly, knowledge (about flora/fauna), and personable guy. He also interacted and had genuine conversations with us. As poor Spanish speakers it was nice to interact with Elmer as his English was quite good. Fair price at 25 USD per person - this includes the $3 entrance fee and ~$1 transportation fee that a lot of companies don't mention.
Elmer also provides gloves for the way down the volcano. I highly recommend using these as the descent from the summit is quite steep and slippery on sharp lava rock.
Highly recommended using Elmer tours.
-Billy & Tanja
5. Ometepe Trekking Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
We are a small local company dedicated to the provision of tourist services: accommodation, tours, taxis, transfers, motorcycle rental, bicycle rental, tourist information - all with a high commitment to quality. We can show you the best of Ometepe and provide what others can’t or won’t.
Reviewed By Tal K
Hi,
I got to Ometepe on a Sunday afternoon. Monday had been a national holiday so most of the companies took the large weekend off and so I approached an hotel. Asked for a guide to the the Volcano called Concepción. They called a guy named Hervin and from the moment I saw him I was rest assured that everything will be great. We planned to ascend the Volcano the day after at 5 o'clock in the morning. Hervin was so nice and informative and later we became friends and he told me about the company that he just put up. The guy really deserve 5 stars for the professionalism, service and above all the smile he always wears on his face. Please take notice that his English is limited so we spoke Spanish but that will make you practice the local language.
6. Laguna Charco Verde
Overall Ratings
4 based on 210 reviews
7. Cultunatural
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By mostfamous59 - Valley Stream, New York
Cultunatural is constantly evolving to improve its services to visitors of this lovely island .
Danilo and staff are accommodating,receptive and always look out for our safety while engaging their services.
Please note : they have a fleet of new scooters, ATVs , bikes and are well maintained. The rental process is a breeze .
Kudos to Cultunatural - preferred choice for all your recreational needs while in Ometepe.
8. 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.
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 !
