Ometepe is a beautiful island that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2010. It's composed by a unique elfin forest, a type of cloud forest, which means that it's home to several animal and plant species, many of them not even known to science yet.
But this paradise is getting threatened by the construction of the Nicaraguan canal, that is expected to be bigger than Panama canal. In order for the canal to be deep enough for the giant cargo ships that will navigate around Ometepe, the authorities have to prepare the bedrock of Lake Cocibolca by dynamiting the entire length of the canal through the lake. This will kill the aquatic life in the lake and it will have an huge impact in the fauna and flora in the island as well.
If you have plans to go there anytime soon, it's better to go now.
We tried to book a cabin in one finca but they were all fully booked, except La Omaja which I do not recommend.
We ended up having a wonderful stay in Xalli at Playa Santo Domingo. The restaurant doesn't serve Nica food but it was really good. Check my other post about foodie experiences in Nicaragua if you are looking for food suggestions in Ometepe.
2 days and 5 Top activities to do while in Ometepe:
1. Cascada San Ramon
Lonely Planet says "the uphill slog to Cascada San Ramon, more a walk than a hike". What you should expect, a rocky and very tough uphill trail. We walked from the entrance gate till the waterfalls. You can skip some of the uphill hike if you leave your car next to the beginning of the trail but the road is unpaved and it's in really bad shape.
The waterfalls are beautiful but the lagoon area is smaller and less deep than I pictured.
But this paradise is getting threatened by the construction of the Nicaraguan canal, that is expected to be bigger than Panama canal. In order for the canal to be deep enough for the giant cargo ships that will navigate around Ometepe, the authorities have to prepare the bedrock of Lake Cocibolca by dynamiting the entire length of the canal through the lake. This will kill the aquatic life in the lake and it will have an huge impact in the fauna and flora in the island as well.
If you have plans to go there anytime soon, it's better to go now.
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| View over Cocepcion volcano |
We ended up having a wonderful stay in Xalli at Playa Santo Domingo. The restaurant doesn't serve Nica food but it was really good. Check my other post about foodie experiences in Nicaragua if you are looking for food suggestions in Ometepe.
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| Xalli Hotel and Restaurant in Playa Santo Domingo |
1. Cascada San Ramon
Lonely Planet says "the uphill slog to Cascada San Ramon, more a walk than a hike". What you should expect, a rocky and very tough uphill trail. We walked from the entrance gate till the waterfalls. You can skip some of the uphill hike if you leave your car next to the beginning of the trail but the road is unpaved and it's in really bad shape.
The waterfalls are beautiful but the lagoon area is smaller and less deep than I pictured.
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| Cascada San Ramon |
2. Sendero Pena Inculta
It starts next to Playa Santo Domingo. The entrance is hard to find, it's behind a bus stop. I felt like Alice in Wonderland, when she fell through the rabbit-hole (no, I'm not on drugs). When you step in the scenario changes dramatically. A rocky path led you around a dense tropical forest full of huge and old trees with birds singing and monkeys shrieking.
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| Pena Inculta trail ("don't disturb the bats) |
3. Charco Verde
This is one of the most popular attractions in Ometepe.
We got a cab from our hotel there (Playa Santo Domingo - Charco Verde round trip $30).
The views from the uphills and the volcanic beaches are spectacular.
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| View from a lookout point |
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| There are many colorful butterflies |
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| Great egret |
4. Playa Santo Domingo
Reserve the early evening to walk along the beach and enjoy the beautiful views.
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| Playa Santo Domingo with a view over Concepcion volcano |
5. Scenic volcanic beaches
The beaches are gorgeous due to the views and nature colors. My fave was one in Merida, next to Caballitos del Mar. I found it very photogenic.
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| Beach in Merida |
Although Ojos de Agua is very famous, we skipped it because it sounded too touristic and overcrowded. Later on, while in Ometepe, we discussed it with some other tourists that went there. None of them recommended it.
We heard great things about kayaking and we would love to do it but we didn't have enough time.
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