Isla de Ometepe is one of the most striking scenes in Nicaragua – an island emerging from Lake Nicaragua made of two volcanoes. Ometepe is worth the time it takes to get there for its pastoral island charm and the many activities. Adventurers can climb Volcán Maderas topped with cloud forest, lagoon and abundant birds and animals or climb Volcán Concepción, an active volcano. A visit to a banana or coffee plantation can make for an interesting and informative excursion. You can swim in a waterfall or simply lay back and enjoy being surrounded by an enormous freshwater lake. Ometepe managed to escape action from the revolutions but rumors of pirate occupation in the colonial period and ancient indigenous carvings found here add mystery to its history.

Activities
Ometepe has options of tough physical activity, relaxation or in between. Following is a list of the most popular activities.

Moyogalpa: Ferries leave regularly from San Jorge, just outside of Rivas, and land at Moyogalpa. It is the largest village on the island and located on the west side of Concepción. Helpful locals greet you as you disembark, offering useful tourist information and direction to hotels, hospedajes, restaurants, and the museum. Buses depart nearly every hour, going north or south around the island.
Altagracia: Boats from Granada or San Carlos arrive at Altagracia, a small village on the northeast slope of Volcán Concepción. With a few restaurants and hospedajes, some travelers use it as a base for exploration of activities nearby. The town has an archeological museum open 9AM-5PM daily and pre-Columbian petroglyphs can be found near the church. Altagracia is near Playa Santo Domingo and a trailhead for climbing Volcán Concepción is only a few kilometers away. To climb Volcán Maderas, go to Balgüe.
Playa Santo Domingo: The most popular beach, Santo Domingo offers white sand beaches, an expansive outlook across the lake, and lives up to Ometepe’s reputation as the windiest place in Nicaragua. Located at the isthmus that connects the two volcanoes, this area is great for hammock reading, exploring the forest, or horse rides. Ojo Verde is the name of fresh water springs only a 15-minute walk away and located in a banana plantation. Ask for directions at your accommodation. Balgüe and Finca Magdalena are nearby; both take off points for the ascent of Volcán Maderas.
Balgüe and Finca Magdalena: Reachable by bus ride or private vehicle via a dirt and sand road, this area is the closest spot for climbing Volcán Maderas. At the foot of the volcano is Finca Magdalena offering simple rooms in an old farmhouse and a view to remember. The finca is a farming cooperative formed during the Sandinista days and today grows shade coffee. Many visitors come here and enjoy the trails along the base of the volcano, petrogyphs, and panoramic vistas of the lake, island and crops.
San Ramón: On the south side of Maderas, San Ramón is a small, friendly village and is the best location for exploring the Cascada San Ramón. This waterfall is refreshing, set in a spectacular setting, and is approximately 50 meters high. A tourist can visit or stay at Estación Biológica de Ometepe where you can also set off for the waterfall or learn about the station’s research (277-1130). Another option is to stay in Mérida, near Punta El Congo, where visitors can rent horses, kayaks and bikes.
Laguna Charco Verde: At the southern coast of Concepción, Charco Verde is a lovely green lagoon, steeped in myth. There is a beach next to the lagoon and it is a cool place for swimming and seeing wildlife such as monkeys and colorful birds.

Services
There are no banks on the island, but there are in Rivas; same for Internet; vehicle rental in Moyogalpa including 4-wheel drive; and rental of bicycles; boats; kayaks; horses; and guides.