Ometepe: Best Tourist Destination in Nicaragua
General Description
From Lake Nicaragua, the same lake that the Spanish conquerors called the “fresh water sea” because of its opulent size rises the magnificent island of Ometepe, unquestionably the best tourist destination in Nicaragua.
Ometepe offers the best combination of attractions. Ometepe is outstanding for its nature, hospitality, beautiful landscapes, the two volcanoes, a rich archaeological background, relaxing beaches and its numerous natural reserves and forests that host a high biodiversity. Ometepe is currently one of the tourist destinations in Nicaragua admired by both local and international visitors. History
The name Ometepe means ‘two hills’ in the native “náhuatl” language. For ages, the island has excelled as the best and most paradisiacal destination in Nicaragua, and not only for tourists, but also for our ancestors. According to our historians, indigenous tribes traveled from up north in Mexico to find a paradise as foreseen in a vision by their prophets; a place formed by two hills in the middle of the water. Exhausted but faithful to find the dreamed land they kept traveling down south to what is now territory of Nicaragua. There, they finally found Ometepe. It was a miracle, the destination described in the prophecy was right there in front of their eyes.
The island consequently transformed into a sanctuary inhabited by one of the best mix of different tribes and cultures – something that is revealed by the immense amount of petroglyphs, ceramics, and statues that can be found all throughout the destination. As an experienced and knowledgeable tourist you won’t find best in Nicaragua! |
Getting There
You can get to the best tourist destination in Nicaragua by boat or ferry from San Jorge (close to the city of Rivas) or Granada.
1) Taking a boat from San Jorge is the fastest way, which takes about one hour to get to the main port in Moyogalpa. Ferries are bigger than the regular boats and can also take cars. The fare is less than US$3.. Moyogalpa is the best tourist port to access all attractions in the destination of Ometepe, Nicaragua. The boat from Granada leaves only twice a week and is not as reliable as the boats from San Jorge. This boat will take you to the north side of the island, to the city of Altagracia. |
Our most experienced tourists rank the 5 best destinations in Ometepe, Nicaragua
1. Ojo de Agua
_Ojo de Agua is a natural spring and swimming hole where you can dip and relax in the best clear, pure, medicinal and healthy fresh water of volcanic origin.
This is a destination 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 try one of the most traditional meals in Nicaragua, and drink cocktails or just coconut water 2. Playa Santo domingo_
Playa Santo Domingo is the narrow wedge of land that connects the volcanoes of Concepción and Maderas, the product of rich volcanic soil that washed down from the slopes of both volcanoes over millennia, gradually connecting the two islands. The several-kilometre-long stretch of black sand on the northern part of the Istián Isthmus is where tourist can find some of Ometepe’s most upscale accommodations, being the best beach destination in the Island.
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3. Charco Verde
_ Charco Verde is a small green water lake. There, you can walk accompanied only by the call of the monkeys in the treetops and the whir of colourful birds. This is still a relatively wild destination in Nicaragua, with enough tall trees remaining to house some very exciting wildlife. From the lake tourists can reach a secluded beach and find the best of peace and privacy.
4. Concepción and Maderas Volcano
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The island of Ometepe is a very unique destination in Nicaragua because it is formed by two splendid volcanoes Conception and Maderas.
"Concepción", the one at the north is active and also the highest one, with 1610 m, it also has the best and most perfect cone of all volcanoes in Nicaragua. The second one is “Maderas”, a dormant volcano that has a stunning crater lake on its top and supports a diverse rainforest environment where tourists can find monkeys, orchids and petroglyphs in their way up. 5. San Ramón Waterfall
_ The San Ramón waterfall is located at the southern slope of the Maderas Volcano. The high, natural waterfall can be reached by two trails. It is best to ascend on the forested foot of the impressive volcano. Nature is in abundance along this trail; howler monkeys live in this destination and are not unlikely to be seen. If a tourist is alert and lucky, different types of snakes can also be seen, including boas. Other animals that can be seen include a wide variety of bird species, as well as insects and even bats.
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