OMETEPE

Omtepe

The island of Ometepe is one of the most incredible places in the world that you can meet.

Ometepe is undoubtedly one of the main tourist standards of Nicaragua, especially if we talk about nature and tranquility, it is an Oasis of peace.

Must visit if you are in Nicaragua or even in any country in Central America. The name comes from the Nahuatl Ometepetl and means "Two Mountains".


Located within Lake Cocibolca, this is the largest freshwater island in the world and is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Its extension is of 276 square kilometers and is formed by two enormous volcanos that are united by a narrow isthmus.

Ometepe Tourism

The tourism on the island of Ometepe is very quiet, generally it is about people who seek to connect with nature, so they are accustomed to be very respectful people with the environment and the surroundings.

Boat or Ferry to the island of Ometepe:

To get to the island of Ometepe you have two options, either via water or air.

The most recommended option to reach the island of Omeptepe is by boat or ferry from the port of San Jorge in Rivas.


Several times a day there are trips between both ports, both on the ferry and on some of the ships that make the route and the journey takes about 60 minutes.

The approximate cost of the ticket is about 50 córdobas. If you come with your own vehicle, you can board the ferry if space is available. If so, we recommend that you pre-book the vehicle. Boarding a vehicle has an approximate cost of 420 cordobas.

How to get around the island of Ometepe:

The road was recently restored and is the only way to move from one place to another. You can do it with regular buses, with the micro buses, that make their times of private taxis, or renting a vehicle in the island in any one of the different agencies of rent of vehicles, to travel the island by its account in a motorcycle, Quad or cycling is a very recommendable experience if you are touring in Ometepe.


Tourist services and Tours on the island of Ometepe:

In the island of Ometepe there is enough tourism offer as far as hotels are concerned, you can find them of different categories and tastes. Also, there are restaurants and dining rooms that offer you the best dishes at affordable prices. We recommend that you do not leave the island without trying the delicious fish that the locals cook.


There are many places to visit, the island of Ometepe has to be taken calmly and visit little by little. Knowing the island requires a minimum of 3 days, because between arriving and leaving the island dilates a little and being less time almost does not allow you to taste it. Anyway, to dig deep into it and explore it well, you must be at least 5 days. We propose places to discover for a route of between 6 and 8 days, but also can be done by sections.

Volcanoes of Ometepe

The Concepcion Volcano (1610 m north of the island) and the Maderas volcano (1394 m south of the island). Most of the population is concentrated around the Concepción Volcano, being Moyogalpa the main city of the island.

Around the volcano and in the shape of a circle is the main road, which connects Moyogalpa with Altagracia, the second most important city on the island. The road was recently restored and is the only way to move from one place to another.


You can do it with the regular buses, with the minibuses, that make their times of private taxis, or renting a vehicle in the island in any one of the different agencies of rent of vehicles, to travel the island by its account in a motorcycle, quad Or cycling is a highly recommended experience.

The Capital of The Island of Ometepe:

Although the island of Ometepe Nicaragua belongs to the department of Rivas, Moyogalpa exerts like administrative capital of the island. The name comes from the Nahuatl language and means "village of mosquitoes or mosquitoes". And it is where the port that receives the ships that come from the port of San Jorge in Rivas is located.


Pre-Columbian History in Ometepe

As a curious fact, it is said that in Moyogalpa already lived settlers in the year 10,000 AC. In addition, it was one of the first indigenous settlements in Central America. Also in times of the revolution, it had great importance in the years previous to the final insurrection of 19 of July of 1979.

It is a small town, very quiet and safe, with an economy based on tourism and commerce. It is the perfect place to establish a base and from where to visit the whole island.

In Moyogalpa is the El Ceibo Museum, with exhibits of pre-Columbian archaeological remains found on the island itself. Within the same facilities you can visit the Numismatic Museum.

Just 5 kilometers from the town of Moyogalpa, along the cobbled road that leads to Altagracia, is the Jesus Point, an extension of sand that enters the lake and that in summer (no rain) can go deeper Of a kilometer inside the lake.

Hotels in Ometepe Island

The island has numerous lodgings and hotels, as well as restaurants and bars, cybercafes to connect to the internet, tourist information points, car rental sites, tour operators, local guides, merchandise stores, clothing stores and pharmacies.

Typical Ometepe Food

Ometepe has to take it easy and visit little by little. The city of entry is Moyogalpa and it is normal to reach its port from the port of San Jorge in Rivas. Several times a day there are trips between both ports, both on the ferry and on any of the 3 ships that make the route. If you come with your own vehicle, you can board the ferry if space is available. Although it is possible to arrive by boat from Granada to the city of Altagracia.

When you reach the port of Moyogalpa, you will be at the beginning of the main street of the city, if you walk a little further, you will enter the heart of Moyogalpa. In itself, the city does not have much, it is a quiet place where you can relax, sleep, eat or drink some beer while you meet people who are visiting the island in one of its bars. But it is the perfect place to establish a base and from where to visit the whole island.

Among the activities to do in Ometepe

Excursions to volcanoes are the most sought after and sought after by tourists. Both the Maderas Volcano and the Concepción Volcano. To do this, you will need to find a guide that accompanies you during the tour, since it is prohibited to make the route on your own.

From Moyogalpa you can go to the Concepción volcano, which always maintains a smoky cloud at its summit. While to go to Maderas Volcano, you must do it from some point located to the south of the island. Mérida is a good place from where to begin the expedition to the Maderas.

Recommendations on ometepe

  • To visit the island for several days.
  • Arrive to it from the port of San Jorge, by its ease of connection by ferry or boat.
  • ​Bring mosquito repellent.
  • If you are going to climb one of the two volcanoes on the island of Ometepe, take the tour with a local guide and wear good shoes.
  • On excursions to volcanoes, bring enough water to drink.
* Telephone numbers of interest *

Moyogalpa:

  • TownHall 25694213
  • Hospital 25694247
  • National Police 25694231
  • Port 25694109

Altagracia:

  • TownHall 25528745
  • Hospital 25694247
  • National Police 25634611
  • Port 25634617

Ferry Schedule to Ometepe and San Jorge:

Hora de Salida

Puerto de Salida

Puerto de Llegada

Trans
porte

7:00 am

San Jorge

Moyogalpa

Ferry Ché Guevara

7:45 am

San Jorge

Moyogalpa

Ferry Ometepe

9:00 am

San Jorge

Moyogalpa

Lancha Karen Maria

9:30 am

San Jorge

San José del sur

Ferry Rey Cocibolca

10:30 am

San Jorge

Moyogalpa

Ferry Ometepe

11:00 am

San Jorge

Moyogalpa

Lancha Estrella del sur

12:30 pm

San Jorge

Moyogalpa

Lancha Santa Martha

1:00 pm

San Jorge

Moyogalpa

Lancha Karen Maria

2:30 pm

San Jorge

Moyogalpa

Ferry Ometepe

4:00 pm

San Jorge

Moyogalpa

Lanche estrella del sur

4:00 pm

San Jorge

San José del sur

Ferry Ché Guevara

5:00 pm

San Jorge

San José del sur

Ferry Rey cocibolca

5:00 pm

San Jorge

Moyogalpa

Lancha Santa Martha

5:30 pm

San Jorge

Moyogalpa

Ferry Ometepe

HOW TO GET TO OMETEPE:

The island of Ometepe is reached by boat and can be done by two different routes, from the city of Granada, or from the port of San Jorge, in Rivas.

From Granada there is a boat that will take you to the city of Altagracia, this boat only comes twice a week and it is advisable to request the place in advance, since the capacity is limited and you run the risk of staying ashore. The trip lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes and becomes a bit heavy, since the large lake has its own waves. If you get dizzy, we recommend you to get to Ometepe from the port of San Jorge.

The other option to get to Ometepe, and the most recommended, is from the port of San Jorge, in the city of Rivas, which is attached to the port of Moyogalpa by regular boat route. Several times a day there are trips between both ports, both on the ferry and on any of the 3 ships that make the route and the journey takes about 30 minutes. If you come with your own vehicle, you can board the ferry if space is available. If so, we recommend that you pre-book the vehicle.

External Link: Wikipedia

Ometepe Map: