Ometepe Island, often promoted as one of the world wonders, is really unique. Ometepe means ‘two hills’ in the Náhuatl language, referring to the two impressive volcanoes that have formed the island. The fact that one is dormant and the other still active creates a surprisingly varied flora & fauna on just a few square kilometers.
On the one hand, there is the still active Concepción volcano, with its 1610 meters the highest of the two which has a dry tropical climate and the soil therefore does not support a lot of vegetation, which makes climbing it an especially dry and warm adventure.
On the other hand, there is the Maderas volcano (1394 meters), covered with humid tropical rainforest and therefore tough as well. During this climb you will certainly hear and probably see howler monkeys. Also, the white-throated magpie jay is a very common bird to spot.
Besides the volcanoes Ometepe also offers some great beaches, which are not crowded at all. Here you can enjoy the fresh water of Lake Nicaragua.
But Ometepe is not all about nature: it also is one of the main finding places of pre-Columbian remnants, most significantly the so-called petroglyphs, which are old indian rock carvings of mostly animals. You can find them scattered all over the island.
The island is quite easy to reach from Granada as well as from Costa Rica and you will take a scenic boat trip of about 45 minutes before reaching Moyogalpa, the main town on the island.
Enjoy Ometepe!
Full Island tour
Natural marvels and Pre-columbian relics
You will get to know the island, guided by a local expert guide. The island highlights will be visited,
such as:
Finca Magdalena
This community farm is the starting point for climbing the Madras volcano and is situated right at the foot of this volcano. In the area around the finca several rock carvings (petroglyphs) can be found. Your guide will show you around and tell about the island’s history.
Charco verde Lagoon
Charco Verde lagoon is a mistic place with abundant flora y fauna, your will show you the natural wonders of this nature reserve, and tell you the legend of "Chico Largo" who used to live there.
Ojo de Agua + beach
This water source is situated not too far from the lakeside, with the terrific beach of Santo Domingo with views towards both volcanoes. If you take your swim wear, you can take a quick dive!
Altagracia
This little town has an interesting Pre-Columbian museum with some well-conserved indigenous statues and ceramics.
Duration: 9 hours
Start: 08:00 AM
End: 17:00 PM
Included:
Pick-up at hotel
Transportation
Entrance fees
Bilingual guide
San Ramón - hike to the waterfall
Halfway up the Maderas volcano for a fresh shower!
Ometepe is all about hiking in the impressive nature. People who find the challenge of one of the two volcanoes a little bit too much, but are still in good condition, should really do the hike to the San Ramón waterfall (height waterfall: 50 meters).
You will start at the forested foot of the southern slope of the Maderas volcano and hike for about 2 hours to reach the waterfall, where you can cool off a little from the effort in a small bathing area and feel the force of the water falling down on you.
The hike is not very tough, but temperatures and humidity can be high and toughen the climb. Even in dry season the waterfall offers an impressive sight.
Be sure to bring water, swimming gear (underneath your regular clothes) and at least one big bottle of water. And good shoes of course, preferably hiking shoes.
Duration: 5 hours
Start: 07:00 AM
End: 12:00 N
Included:
Pick-up at hotel
Transportation
Bilingual guide
Hike up the dormant Maderas
Fysical challenge in wet tropical cloud forest
After breakfast you will head for the Finca Magdalena, the starting point of this hiking day. This traditional community farm is situated at the eastern slope of the Maderas volcano. During an agricultural tour you will also encounter several pre-Columbian remnants, the authentic indian rock-carvings
Then you will start the climb of the Maderas, with its exorbitant flora & fauna. The climb starts off quite steep, but the trail is in good condition. The climb is hard and a good condition is required, but the reward is also there: white-faced and howler monkeys are clearly present in the dense forest and abundant flora & fauna will keep you motivated. If weather conditions are rainy, the climb will be even more challenging.
After a tough climb you will reach the top and the mystic crater lake, where you can descend into as well, using some ropes. We recommend to bring about 3 liters of water and good hiking shoes.
Duration: 11 hours
Start: 06.00 AM
End: 17.00 PM
Included:
Bilingual guide
Entrance fees
Transportation
Boxed lunch
Hike up the active Concepción
Fysical challenge in dry tropical cloud forest
Early in the morning you will head for the foot of this impressive active volcano. From Urbaite, you will start climbing, passing coffee and banana plantations. Stunning nature and great views can be expected on the way up, but be prepared for a tough day of climbing.
After passing the treeline, the sun can be overwhelming, but the views get even better. It will be necessary to climb over rocks for the last bit, because the trail is rather rough there.
And, if you are lucky, the sky is clear at the top and views are superb. Seeing sulfur smoke getting up from the crater is a simply magnificent and satisfactory thrill.
Bring along at least 3 liters of water and some good hiking shoes. If the challenge is a bit too much, it is also possible to do the climb half-way, still an unforgettable experience.
Duration: 11 hours
Start: 06.00 AM
End: 17.00 PM
Included:
Transportation
Bilingual guide
Entrance fees
Boxed lunch
Coming Soon