Are you looking for things to do on Ometepe Island?
If you intend to come to Nicaragua, then one of the first places you should set your sights on would be Ometepe Island.
The richness of this Nicaraguan landscape is something that you should find very easy to enjoy.
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Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
Ometepe Island is the kind of experience that could be one of the most satisfying experiences that you get to enjoy.
This is probably one of the safest places in Nicaragua and the key is to challenge yourself and take part in ecological activities.
Especially if you like the idea of hiking in Nicaragua or doing one of the famous island tours on offer.
Things to do on Ometepe Island
So, you have already made the decision to come here and have everything in place. Where, then, should you start?
Take a look below at some of the best things to do in Ometepe Island, Nicaragua to see for yourself!
Ojo de Agua
One of the best sights that you will see on Ometepe Island is the amazing La Ojo de Agua.
This is a special location that is going to give you some of the most stunning natural springs in the world.
You’ll likely meet others here, including locals, so please be respectful of the landscape as you move around.
This is quite a sacred place, so please be mindful of this. Entrance is just $5, making it easy for you to reach.
San Ramon Waterfall
Make sure you take the time to come and visit the San Ramon Waterfall, too. This is one of the best spots for a trip, and you can take on many awesome picnic tours.
This gets you right up next to the waterfall, making it easy for you to take in the exceptional scenes that you get to enjoy up-close and personal.
A fine choice for those who love waterfalls and nature in general.
Visit Punta Jesus Maria
Want to see the sunset in arguably the most stunning way possible? Then take the time to visit the Punta Jesus Maria.
This frankly unbelievable beach is going to be a great place to sit down and watch the sunset.
While the beach itself isn’t the most remarkable, the natural portrait that it sets for the sun coming up/down is a truly remarkable scene.
For me, this one of the best things to do in Ometepe, Island Nicaragua!
Take a bike ride
One of the best ways to get around this place is a bike ride. You can hire push bikes on the island and take a free-form tour of the whole aisle.
Bike rentals usually cost as little as $5 for a whole day, so you can rent and then ride as long as you wish.
If you would prefer, you could pay around $15-20 per day and get a motorbike or scooter to move around on instead.
- Things to do in Managua
- Granada, Nicaragua – Travel Guide
- Leon, Nicaragua – What to see
- San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua
Hiking Ometepe Island
A truly special place, whether hiking Volcano Maderas or staying on the ground below, and you should certainly make the time explore.
My main suggestion would be to head over to the Ojo de Agua.
This special experience is one that will live with you forever. You get to enjoy a rich natural spring that’ll make it much easier for you to cool off.
If you prefer to hike, visit Concepcion volcano while you’re here.
This way, you can forget about the sizzling heat and the spiky nature of the terrain.
Also, if you want to have other relaxing experiences, try yoga in Nicaragua while you’re on Ometepe island.
Vigilance is always key in these areas due to the terrain, which can be quite off-putting.
Having said that make sure you wear good hiking shoes – otherwise, you could find yourself vertically challenged!
Where to Stay on Ometepe Island
With a good handful of options for both hotels and hostels, you also find other communities that accept guests and helpers.
In some cases, you can exchange accommodation for skills.
Take a look at Workaway for more ideas on those types of cultural exchanges.
I like Zopilote, which is a permaculture hostel, nestled right in the middle of the jungle.
You’ll find various types of lodgings from hammocks, dorm beds, bungalows, and even open camping spots.
Also, you can expect to eat homegrown natural food from their divine restaurant menu.
There are Airbnb’s, too, check them out if your budget allows. You can:
- Get to know local people
- Try authentic living
- Have a space to think
If you use hostels on Ometepe island, here are three to check out before booking anything.
In general hostels can often be the best choice if you’re backpacking Central America, especially if you’re traveling alone:
- Connect with other travellers
- Find special activities
- To practice living on a budget
I highly recommend this as a way of connecting with other travelers on your trip.
As I usually say, I do my very best to use all three of the above methods of accommodation. I like to travel less when backpacking in Nicaragua.
Where to Eat on Ometepe Island
I hope you like Pizza because when looking for food on the island, you’ll find Pizza very easily. But don’t let that put you off as there is an abundance of other organic foods that will keep you healthy fuelled for longer than expected.
- The Cornerhouse
- Cafe Campestre
- Pizzeria Mediterranea Bar Ristorante
Don’t think that you’ll be lacking good food because you’re on an island. At least not on Ometepe anyway.
You’ll find breakfast, lunch, and dinner a breeze. Having said that, though, you may want to carry a portable coffee maker with you.
You’ll more than likely be spoiled for choice and find more variety than you may find in other parts of Nicaragua.
A trip to this stunning location is both something to savor and something to think about for years to come.
If you would like to see a different part of Nicaragua, far removed from what you would expect, then this is the place to be.
Ometepe Travel Tips
See these travel tips for Ometepe to ensure you have the best stay whether you’re on vacation, backpacking, or traveling with friends.
⤵️ Dan’s Travel Tips For Ometepe Island:
- Ometepe is located on the biggest lake in Nicaragua. But feels like a beach so pack your swimsuit, that way you can take a dip in the water.
- The best way to get to Ometepe Island is from Managua in most cases. You take a bus to Rivas and head to Puerto San Jorge (San Jorge Port). From there, you will be on a boat ferry for 1-2 hours.
- Be sure to take a motion sickness pill before you set off. It’s common to feel seasickness.
- Pack the essentials: sunscreen, water filter bottle, some travel bug spray or repellant, hiking boots, a sunhat, and a quick dry towel.
- Chicken buses are the most common option for backpackers on the island. Many people rent a moped for a day too. If you choose to rent a moped or a bike, be careful you don’t want to have an accident.
- Remember to have enough cash! In Nicaragua cash is king. USD is widely accepted, but it’s better to exchange money if where you can. That way, you’ll travel more like a local.
- In general if you stick to the Gringo trail Nicaragua is safe, just take usual precautions and you’ll be safe! The local people are really warm.
- Try delicious dishes in Moyogalpa, the main location of Ometepe. This is actually the place where the ferry arrives.
- As always learn basic Spanish phrases and expressions before traveling to Central America. Or even, take some Spanish classes in San Juan del Sur is perfect for you!
Travel Insurance for Ometepe
I always recommend backpackers and travelers (no matter who you are) use World Nomads Insurance for fully comprehensive cover.
If you are due to travel soon, you can get a Get A Free Quote by clicking the link or the image above and filling out your details – that way you’ll get instant cover from the exact date that you choose.
On many occasions World Nomads has provided me with reliable insurance cover for travel in Latin America and the rest of the world.
Omepete Island: Where will you go?
You have so many options, when backpacking Nicaragua so let this guide help you get a good start and pick a place you will truly enjoy visiting.
Looking at the above, then, what do you think you’ll get up to?
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