Ometepe Island Travel Guide: Top Things to Do, Hidden Gems & Where to Stay

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There are few places in the world quite like Ometepe. Rising from the middle of Lake Nicaragua, this island is formed by two majestic volcanoes—Concepción and Maderas. Life here moves slowly, horses still wander along the roadside, locals wave as you cycle past, and everywhere you look, there’s a backdrop of shimmering lake water and towering volcanoes.

I spent a week exploring Ometepe, and I could easily have spent more time here. It’s one of those destinations that feels both adventurous and deeply peaceful at the same time. Whether you want to hike up a volcano, explore waterfalls, swim in beautiful natural pools or just swing in a hammock with a fresh fruit smoothie, Ometepe has a way of drawing you in.

Below you’ll find all my favorite things to do on Ometepe Island, as well as all the practical details you might need when planning your stay, like where to base yourself, how to get around and where the best food spots are!

Top Things to Do on Ometepe Island

Unfortunately we ended up having pretty shitty weather on our trip to Ometepe since we came in the beginning of the rainy season. This meant that I didn’t get to do all the things I wanted to while on Ometepe. However, I did all the research beforehand so even if I didn’t get to do it all, hopefully you can!

Swim at Ojo de Agua

This natural spring-fed pool is one of the island’s most popular spots, and for good reason. Surrounded by jungle, with crystal-clear water that stays cool even on the hottest days, Ojo de Agua is the perfect place to relax after a hike.

We came here after hiking to the San Rámon waterfall and it was the perfect spot to relax. It also meant that we came after peak hours and got the place almost to ourselves as most people were starting to leave.

It has become quite the popular spot and definitely feels a bit more touristy than the rest of Ometepe, but I honestly didn’t mind it.

They have rope swings and jumping platforms and there are different levels of the pool so kids can swim here too. There are also some trails you can explore here, but we had already hiked enough that day so we skipped it.

You can use part of the entrance fee as payback in the restaurant so make sure to grab a drink or some food to get your moneys worth.

Swimming at Ojo de Agua

Hike a Volcano

Ometepe is made up of two volcanoes, so it’s no surprise that hiking is one of the island’s main draws. This is unfortunately one of the things I didn’t get to to because of the weather so I can’t give you any personal experiences.

Volcán Concepción is the taller, steeper, and a more challenging climb. It’s a tough all-day hike, but the views from the top (when the clouds clear) are supposed to be incredible.

Volcán Maderas, on the other hand, is more forested and often misty, with a crater lake at the summit. It’s still a full-day trek, but with a gentler, greener vibe. Both hikes require a guide, and it’s best to book through your hostel or a local tour operator.

Book the best guided volcano hikes here
Hike to Volcano Concepcion with Happy Tours
Hike to Volcano Maderas with Happy Tours
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Visit Punta Jesús María

This narrow sandbar stretches out into Lake Nicaragua and is one of the best places on the island for sunset. It started raining around sunset so we didn’t stay, but the views of the volcanoes from the beach were still something else! Even if you dont go for sunset it’s worth a visit!

I think this was the best beach on Ometepe, and since they have a couple of small restaurants and bars it’s pretty easy to spend a day just relaxing here if the weather is great. If it’s not, it’s still a nice place for a walk on the beach to see the views of the volcanoe.

Punta Jesús María

Kayak the Río Istian

This is another one I sadly missed because it was pouring down. You can rent a kayak and explore the calm, winding river which is supposed to be full of wildlife. You can rent a kayak on your own or join a guided trip for better chances of spotting wildlife. I’ve heard that sunset tours are especially magical.

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Explore Moyogalpa

If you’re not basing yourself in Moyogalpa it’s worth spending half a day just roaming around the city, having some lunch, thrift shopping and seeing the colorful streets. It’s by no means a big place so if you’re not basing yourself here you can probably easily do it as a stop on your way to the ferry when you leave Ometepe.

Moyogalpa, Ometepe Island

Explore Charco Verde

Charco Verde is a nature reserve on the western side of the island, with a small lagoon, hiking trails, and a butterfly garden. I’d read so many mixed reviews of this places so I actually decided to skip it, but if you have some extra time it might be worth going. I’ve heard of people being lucky and seeing howler monkeys there, which I would have loved to see. While others mentioned that it’s not very well maintained and quite expensive. So if you're short on time, I maybe wouldn’t prioritize this one.

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Go Beach Hopping

Ometepe isn’t famous for white sand beaches, but it does have some lovely swimming spots along Lake Nicaragua. Playa Santo Domingo on the isthmus is the most popular, with long stretches of sand, lakeside restaurants, and views of both volcanoes. It’s windy, which makes it fun for a refreshing swim or kite surfing. For something quieter, check out Playa San Fernando or Playa Venecia.

I honestly didn’t think the beaches on Ometepe were all that great, but I had just come from Corn Island so my expectations were pretty high.

Black sand beaches o

Hike to San Ramón Waterfall

One of the most rewarding hikes on Ometepe is the trail to San Ramón Waterfall. The hike takes about 1.5–3 hours depending on where you start.

The trail itself can be muddy and steep in parts, especially during rainy season, but the payoff is more than worth it. At the end you find a dramatic 35–40 meter waterfall plunging down mossy cliffs into a cool pool below.

You’ll find the entrance at the Biological Station near San Ramón, where there’s a small fee of around $3–$5 USD. From there, you can start your hike or choose to drive a bit further up. We had rented a tuk tuk so we weren’t able to drive further because the road is very steep, but I saw many drive up and down with scooters as we were descending. This will save you a lot of walking, making the hike only 3km total. We had to walk the whole way and the first part is honestly not that interesting so if you can skip it I would. We did see some monkeys though, which was cool.

The waterfall is supposed to be better during rainy season and since I was there in the beginning of the rainy season it was truly wonderful! If you visit during the dry season I would check with some locals to see if it’s worth it.

You can jump in the water for a refreshing dip, but when we got there we saw two dead deer by the water bank who had probably fallen off the top of the falls so we skipped it.

Hike to San Ramon Waterfall

El Pital Chocolate Paradise

If you love chocolate, a visit to the El Pital Chocolate Factory is a must on Ometepe. Tucked away in the jungle on the eastern side of the island, this eco-friendly spot is a community project focused on sustainability and permaculture. You can tour the small cacao farm, learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar, and of course, taste their delicious creations. The whole place has a relaxed, bohemian vibe with hammocks overlooking Lake Nicaragua, making it a great spot to linger for an afternoon. We came here for some lunch and relaxation one day and absolutely loved it and I wish I had stayed here for a couple of days!

There’s no set entrance fee, but workshops or tastings usually have a small cost of around $3–$5 USD. The café is open most days, though hours can be a bit flexible, so it’s best to check ahead if you’re on a tight schedule. They also offer yoga classes if that’s your thing.

El Pital Chocolate Paradise

Petroglyphs of Ometepe

I didn’t make it here, but I really regret it, because it sounds like such a cool place to visit. The island has over 1,700 ancient petroglyphs carved into basalt rock. You can see many of them on hikes around Maderas or take a visit to Finca El Porvenir for an even closer look.

Bike or Scooter Around the Island

The best way to get a feel for local life is to rent a scooter, ATV or bicycle and circle the island at your own pace. Roads are bumpy in places, but the freedom is worth it. It’s easy to rent a scooter or bike almost anywhere so no need to stress about booking it in advance. If you dont want to drive yourself you can choose to rent a tuk tuk with a driver for the day to take you around the different parts of the island. Most Hotels and Hostels will help you with this when you arrive.

Exploring Ometepe Island

Best places to Stay on Ometepe Island

Ometepe has accommodation for every budget, from lakeside hostels to boutique eco-lodges. Since the island is spread out, it’s worth choosing your base depending on what you want to do—Santo Domingo for the beach, Balgüe for hiking and eco-lodges, or Moyogalpa for convenience near the ferry. We stayed in Moyogalpa which I thought was fine, but if I go again I think I would split my time between Moyogalpa and Balgüe, unless you only have a couple of nights.

Budget Stays on Ometepe Island
El Zopilote (25$ per night)

A legendary backpacker spot set on a permaculture farm, complete with treehouses, yoga classes, and wood-fired pizza nights.

Hospedaje Soma ($35 per night)

Simple, clean rooms close to the ferry, ideal if you’re just arriving or leaving.

Hostel Life is Good ($25 per night)

Popular among backpackers for its social vibe and affordable dorms.

Mid-Range Stays on Ometepe Island
Finca Mystica ($40 per night)

Cozy cabins with stunning views, surrounded by nature, and excellent homemade meals.

Totoco Eco Resort ($70 per night)

Eco-friendly bungalows with sweeping views of Concepción. Rustic yet comfortable, and great for those who want to be close to nature.

Xalli Beach Hotel ($70 per night)

Right on the lake, with stylish rooms, good food, and a relaxing atmosphere.

El Pital, Chocolate Paradise ($80 per night)

If you’re looking for a unique stay on Ometepe, El Pital’s cacao farm and lakeside hammocks make it unforgettable.

Boutique & Luxury Stays on Ometepe Island
Hotel Villa Paraiso ($110 per night)

Beachfront rooms with a pool, offering one of the more resort-style stays on the island.

Hotel San Juan ($130 per night)

A boutique hotel in a restored hacienda, blending history with comfort.

Totoco Eco Resort Premium Cabins ($150 per night)

If you want something upscale and eco-conscious, this is as good as it gets on Ometepe.

Totoco Eco Resort on Ometepe. Source: Booking.com

Best Places to Eat on Ometepe Island

Eating on Ometepe is an adventure in itself, with a mix of local comedores, lakeside grills, and a few expat-run restaurants. Here are some favorites spread across the island:

El Picante Mexican Restaurant
Cozy restaurants on Ometepe

Best Time to Visit Ometepe Island

The best time to visit Ometepe is during the dry season (December to April), when the skies are clear and hiking trails are more accessible. The wet season (May to November) brings lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, and cheaper prices, but also muddy trails and daily afternoon showers. I visited during the beginning of rainy season and even though it was cheaper and greener, I honestly don’t think I got to see the best side of Ometepe, so I wouldn’t recommend going in the rainy season.

Hiking on Ometepe

How Long to Stay on Ometepe Island

I’d recommend at least four days to a week on Ometepe if you want to experience both volcanoes, visit Ojo de Agua, kayak the Río Istian, and still have time to relax. If you’re only doing one hike and a few smaller activities and youre on a tight schedule, then a couple of days can work. But honestly, I could’ve stayed weeks without running out of things to do. Because getting here involves a ferry and some planning, it’s worth giving yourself enough time so you don’t feel rushed.

I hope thins guide helps you plan your trip to Ometepe Island. If you have any questions about traveling to Ometepe, Nicaragua or Central America in general don’t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid

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