Top 5 Places to See on Lake Nicaragua’s Ometepe Island
In the waters of Lake Nicaragua lie over 400 islands. The largest of these, Ometepe, is also its most frequently visited. Spanning 16 miles long by 8 miles wide, it was formed by the lava from years of eruptions by the two volcanoes, Madera and Concepcion, which earned it its name (Ometepe comes from Nahuatl words meaning “two mountains”).
Not only is the island itself quite the sight to behold (picture two volcanoes rising up out of a lake), it also offers opportunities for exploration, relaxation, or a quick history lesson. Home to just a few small settlements and coffee plantations, it also contains some of the only cloud forests in the Pacific region of the country.
Here are a few things you should be sure not to miss on your next trip to Lake Nicaragua:

Kristian Golding
1. Moyogalpa
Your boat or ferry from the mainland will likely bring you to the island’s main port of Moyogalpa, which means “Place of Mosquitoes.” The city itself offers a few hotels and restaurants, as well as places where you can rent a vehicle or book a tour. It’s also the place to access the Concepcion volcano.
As you hike to its 5,280 foot peak, you’ll pass through forests full of exotic birds, insects, and several species of monkeys. At the top, you’ll enjoy great views of the lake and surrounding islands, provided that the clouds don’t block your view. Although the volcano is an active one, it hasn’t erupted since 1957. Don’t be alarmed by the tremors or occasional expulsions of gases. The locals will reassure you that they’re quite common.

B. Faucet
2. Charco Verde
In the shadow of Concepcion sits the Charco Verde area with its shady beaches and tranquil lagoon. The sand is dark with volcanic matter, and the lagoon is emerald green due to an abundance of algae. The waters are great for swimming, and the ecological reserve is home to many rare species.
The area is rich in history, including myths about the lagoon itself. Locals tell of the demonic Chico Largo who lives beneath its waters and materializes on the local paths, where he lures visitors into making an evil pact. Charco Verde is also home to the La Ceiba Museum, which contains many pre-Columbian artifacts that are native to the island.

Céline Colin
3. Altagracia
Second in size to Moyogalpa is the town of Altagracia, which lies on the northeastern slope of the volcano Concepcion. More authentic than its larger counterpart, Altagracia has a central park with a historic church and a wooden bell tower. The church’s grounds contain stone idols that have been found throughout the island.
Altagracia also gives access to Playa Santo Domingo, one of the island’s top vacation destinations. Located on the northeastern side of the island, the beach enjoys a constant breeze. The water, while generally choppy, is warm and shallow. There are established hotels and restaurants, and the beaches are home to over 40 species of birds.

MalmBerrys
4. Maderas
Unlike nearby Concepcion, the volcano Maderas is not active. Its base has coffee plantations, which give way to a thick cloud forest at its higher elevations. At its 4,573 foot peak, you’ll have a view of the lagoon that has formed inside the volcano’s crater. Its still waters and the mysterious mist that hangs over them make for a swimming experience like no other.
Due to the plant and animal life, as well as some ancient petroglyphs carved into its rock formations, much of the area around Maderas is designated as a nature reserve. Howler and capuchin monkeys, butterflies, orchids, and ferns grace its slopes. The volcano and its surrounding areas also sparked the formation of the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy, which works to preserve Mesoamerican forests.

Lee Hamilton
5. Merida and San Ramon
The cities of Merida and San Ramon lie just to the south of volcano Maderas. Merida is a small fishing and farming community that also offers a few rustic lodging facilities and kayak tours to the Rio Istian, an aquatic habitat on the island’s isthmus, and the Monkey Islands, which are home to troops of capuchin and spider monkeys. Beware the capuchins, which can bite.
Nearby San Ramon is home to a large waterfall that cascades down from the southern slope of the volcano. A 1.5 to 2 hour hike leads to the 164-foot waterfall, which fuels a hydro-electric plant before ultimately being collected and bottled as pure “Maderas Volcano Water.” Both Merida and San Ramon also have a number of petroglyphs.
Make sure your next trip to Lake Nicaragua includes a visit to Ometepe Island, where you can enjoy these and other sites full of nature, history, and mystery.
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