Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to sto Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to stop the comparison. 
🧡 It can be so easy to do, especially on this app to compare our lives with other successes… but often we’re only seeing the end product, or highlight roll and not the years and months of work behind the scenes it took to get there. 
🧡So keep doing what your doing, keep chipping away and you’ll get there in the end.
💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s e 💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s early 30’s ladies having their early mid-life crisis facing all the decisions we have to make ⬇️
🔵 To quit or not to quit our jobs 
🔵 Wanting to change careers
🔵 Climbing the corporate ladder or going freelance 
🔵 Buying or not buying a house 
🔵 Having or not having kids 
🔵 And of course bucket list that’s wayyyyyyy to long 
Reel Idea  @the_unqualified_mum
🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the n 🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the new year that’s totally out of my Comfort zone, In a country I’ve never been to and a continent I’ve barely explored. 
🧡Whilst I’m filled with the fear, doubt and all the what ifs I’m also filled with excitement and doing something different and the opportunities that will come with that. 
🧡There’s also so much I need to do in between to make this possible so I’m also taking a huge bet on myself to which again is scary and exciting all at the same time. 
So this is your sign to do the thing ✨
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰
🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃
Some of these include
🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park
🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘
🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.
🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘
🐾It felt more natural 🍃
🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 
🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫
🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 
TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️
🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 
🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 
🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 
☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂🍃
🇱🇰🚂Tips for the Ella-Kandy/Kandy-Ella train ride in Sri Lanka 
🎟️First Class Ticket = 3000lkr (£7.90)
🎟️2nd Class Ticket = 900lkr (£2.40)
🚂You can buy your tickets from the station the night before but the pre book shuts at a certain time, however you don’t need to worry you can easily buy or tickets on the day just make sure to come at least 30 mins before departure 
🚂I would highly recommend booking 2nd class over 1st 
🚂In 1st the doors should open but all the windows will be shut 
🚂In 2nd the windows will be open and the doors will be shut HOWEVER all you need to do is politely ask the ticket collector and they should open these up for you. (We had such a nice guy on our train who was opening up all the doors for us). 
🚂2nd is WAYYY more fun you can hang your head out the window, everyone is super friendly and you end up getting chatting with all the other passengers on the train. I don’t think we sat down once on this train because of all the socialising
10-Day Nicaragua Itinerary 🌴🌊🇳🇮 1 nig 10-Day Nicaragua Itinerary 🌴🌊🇳🇮
1 night - Leon 🌋
2 nights -San Juan Del Sur or Popoyo 🏄🏽‍♀️
2 nights - Ometepe 🌋
2 nights - Laguna de Apoyo/ Granada 🛶
3 nights - Little Corn Island 🌴🌽
📆For those of us who are limited to 25 days of holiday a year - 10 days in Nicaragua is TOTALLY doable. You’ll be on a tight schedule and will need to spend more on transport/taxis to get to places on time …. but it’s all worth it. ✈️
⏰If you have more time, I would say stretch to 14 days and up some of the stays to 3 nights. This will give you a chance to relax in each location. 💤
Would you visit Nicaragua for 10 days?
Seychelles from the sky 🇸🇨📸🚁🌴 📍 Seychelles from the sky 🇸🇨📸🚁🌴
📍Locations
Anse Source D’Argent 
Anse Cocos
Anse Major
Deffo still need to practise being a drone pilot but one step at a time right? 😂
🐢Curieuse Island is a small island located in t 🐢Curieuse Island is a small island located in the Seychelles it’s one of the only places in the country where you will see wild tortoises roam freely. 
🐢The whole island of Curieuse is a protected marine park where more than 200 🐢🐢🐢 live out their lives in a protected paradise. 
🐢There age of tortoises on the island range from 0-90years old 
🐢You can visit Curieuse Island  on an all boat trip from the nearby Praslin Island (we booked ours through @getyourguide) 
Would you like to see these gentle giants?
Anyone else excited for Autumn/Winter but also tot Anyone else excited for Autumn/Winter but also totally lying to themselves 😂🍁🍂❄️☃️🧣
Friendly reminder that you don’t have to do what Friendly reminder that you don’t have to do what society expects of you. Live your life by your own rules 🧡
From where I’d rather be with my @dockandbay be From where I’d rather be with my  @dockandbay beach towel🌴🇸🇨🐚
If you’re going if you love swimming or are going backpacking/on holiday soon then you NEED this @dockandbay towel! 
🍃It’s extremely compact
🍃it’s quick drying
🍃it’s sand resistant 
🍃it’s sustainable 
@dockandbay have also just dropped a brand new product so go and check it out 😉
🔖For 15% discount use code CCEV51UN at checkout to get
#dbcabanaclub#gifted
Seychelles 7-day Itinerary ⬇️🐢🌴🥥🌺 Seychelles 7-day Itinerary ⬇️🐢🌴🥥🌺
Days 1-2 - Mahe Island 
🌴Beau Vallon Beach 
🌴Anse Major Hike 
Days 2-4 - Praslin Island 
🌴Anse Lazio beach day 
🌴Valle de Mai trail
🌴Curieuse Island day trip to see Aldabra Tortoises 
Days 4-7 - La Digue Island
🌴Anse Source D’Argent 
🌴Anse Cocos Hike
🌴Anse Severe
When you start throwing peace signs ironically and When you start throwing peace signs ironically and it accidentally becomes part of your aesthetics✌🏽
I blame my friends 😅
Anyone else like this? 😅
🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are call 🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are calling… are you going to answer? 🏄🏽‍♀️
🌊Whilst I didn’t get to surf in Sri Lanka due to a broken toe, I absolutely love watching surfers as a pastime. I think it’s such a cool and impressive sport.🌊
🏄🏼Here are the best places to surf (or surf watch👀)
South Coast (November to April) 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hiriketiya 
🏄🏽‍♀️Matara
🏄🏽‍♀️Ahangama 
🏄🏽‍♀️Midigama
🏄🏽‍♀️Thalpe
🏄🏽‍♀️Mirissa 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hikkadawa
🏄🏽‍♀️Unwatuna 
There are also some smaller beach towns in between the above 
East Coast (May-October) 
🏄🏽‍♀️Arugam Bay 
🏄🏽‍♀️Pottuvil Point 
🏄🏽‍♀️Panama 
Do you fancy trying the surf in Sri Lanka?
What’s your toxic travel trait? ⬇️ What’s your toxic travel trait? ⬇️
Not sure this applies to everyone because I someho Not sure this applies to everyone because I somehow don’t think I’m anyone’s airport crush when this is the airport aesthetic 😂😂
Some more random facts about me ⬆️☺️ Tell Some more random facts about me ⬆️☺️
Tell me a random fact about yourself 💬💕⬇️
(PS I honestly don’t know why I turn around and look shocked at the rainbow in this video. 🌈The rainbow is literally the reason I asked for a picture 😂😂. One too many seltzers I think)
🌴 Welcome to @laplaya.hiriketiya If you’re l 🌴 Welcome to @laplaya.hiriketiya
If you’re looking to spend a boujee day in Sri Lanka make sure you head to @laplaya.hiriketiya. For a cold glass of wine 🍷and some delish pizza 🍕
This was my favourite place in Hiriketiya and the music is just 👌🏽😍
🌴🍃Welcome to Anse Cocos Beach on La Digue in 🌴🍃Welcome to Anse Cocos Beach on La Digue in the Seychelles🍃🌴
😍Pretty much Every Beach on La Digue is incredible but because this one takes a little more work to get to 🥾🌋 you’ll only find handful of other tourists here (in my experience at least) 
🚴🏽‍♀️ How to get there 🚴🏽‍♀️
🍃Head to the entrance of Grand Anse Beach. Most people cycle here and you will see straight in front of you a place to park your bikes 
🍃Head down the small path and follow the trail
🍃You will hike up and over one hill and come to another beach. Don’t get too excited this is Petit Anse beach not cocos so still a bit more to go.
🍃Continue up and over the second hill (this is a little bit longer than the first) 
🍃You have arrived at Anse Cocos
🍃This will take you about 30 minutes in total 
🍹Head straight to the beach shack and grab a mango daiquiri
🌴Welcome to Anse Lazio 🌴 Anse Lazio is on t 🌴Welcome to Anse Lazio 🌴
Anse Lazio is on the island of Praslin in the Seychelles! It’s one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen 😍
Are you adding this one to your bucket list 💕
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Christina in the Clouds

Adventure around a 9-5

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Central America, Nicaragua · April 18, 2023

10 Incredible Things To Do In Ometepe, Nicaragua

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Want to uncover all of the best things to do in Ometepe? Well, look no further.

Situated in the midst of the incredible Lake Nicaragua, lies the magnificent Ometepe Island. Ometepe Island is truly some of mother nature’s finest work, with two towering volcanoes – Concepción and Maderas – rising majestically out of the lake. 

Aside from its breathtaking landscape Ometepe is also popular for it’s abundance of wildlife and nature, its vibrant culture and totally chilled-out vibes. 

After an incredible 10 days in Nicaragua, Ometepe quickly became one of my favourite destinations for the whole trip! Whether you want to hike up volcanoes, kayak along the river, or chill-out out and watch the sunset, there are so many great things to do in Ometepe, that will cater to everyone’s needs. 

So, What are the best things to do in Ometepe? Read on below to find out!

Ometepe, Nicaragua

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a verified purchase through the links in this post I will earn a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you. Thank you 

Contents show
1 Rent a Scooter
2 Book a stay at Totoco Eco Lodge
3 Hike Volcan Concepcion and Maderas.
3.1 Volcan Concepcion
3.2 Volcan Maderas
4 Sunset at Playa Mangos
5 Hike the San Ramon Waterfalls
6 Charco Verde
7 Visit Ojo De Agua
8 Kayak through Rio Itsian
9 Sunset at Punta Jesus Maria
10 Chill at Playa Santo Domingo and Santa Cruz
11 Happy Exploring

Rent a Scooter 

One of the most popular things to do in Ometepe is to rent a scooter. Whilst Ometepe might look quite small on the map, it can actually take over an hour to get from point to point. There are local buses on Ometepe however buses are not on a frequent schedule, and not all routes will take you to where to want to go. Therefore renting a scooter is much more efficient and economical. 

You can rent a scooter for around $20 a day. 

As a warning, renting a scooter on Ometepe doesn’t come without its challenges. A lot of the roads on the island are still unpaved and quite difficult to drive down, plus there are also a lot of potholes along the main roads. If you do decide to rent a scooter, make sure you keep your wits about you and only drive down safe roads! 

Ometepe, Nicaragua

Book a stay at Totoco Eco Lodge 

One of the best places to stay in Ometepe is the stunning Totoco Eco Lodge. Totoco Eco Lodge is a sustainable hotel with unrivalled views of Volcan Concepcion. Not only that, they have a vibrant garden with an abundance of butterflies and an Incredible onsite restaurant with delicious food.  

I highly recommend staying here (even just for the night) so that you can experience this true gem of Ometepe.

Hike Volcan Concepcion and Maderas.

Hiking the Volcanos around Ometepe is certainly not for the faint-hearted, and is one of the most challenging things to do in Ometepe. If you are set on hiking, I have listed below the comparison to help you narrow down your choice. 

Volcan Concepcion 
  • Active or Dormant? Active 
  • Height – 1600m above sea level 
  • Time – 8-10 Hours 
  • Experience Level – Advanced 
Volcan Maderas  
  • Active or Dormant? Dormant 
  • Height – 1600m above sea level 
  • Time – 8-10 Hours 
  • Experience Level – Intermediate 

As an FYI the weather towards the summits here can become more volatile, meaning potentially high winds and poor visibility , so try not to be too disheartened if you don’t get the views you were looking for. 

Please note that whatever volcano you decide to hike you’ll need to hire a guide. 

Ometepe, Nicaragua

Sunset at Playa Mangos 

A short journey down a bumpy, muddy track will lead you to the beautiful Playa Mangos, a dainty beach with jaw-dropping views of Volcan Conception. 

At Playa Mangos you will find, some sun loungers,  an onsite restaurant, kayaks to rent and a very Instagram-able rope swing dangling above the water.

If you want to experience the best of Playa Mangos, come here early evening just before sunset. The music is great, the cocktails are flowing and the atmosphere is vibrant. To top this all off, you’ll be able to see an absolutely perfect sunset.

Sunset at Playa Mangos is the perfect way to end a day of activities on the island and this was hands down one of my favourite things to do in Ometepe, so do not miss this. 

Ometepe, Nicaragua
Ometepe, Nicaragua

Hike the San Ramon Waterfalls

Located on the slopes of Volcan Maderas lies the beautiful San Ramon Waterfalls. Sitting at approximately 70m high you can set your eyes upon a pretty impressive cascade of water amidst the thick, dense jungle.

The entrance to the waterfall can be found at the Ometepe Biological Field Station. The entrance Fee is 100 Cordobas which is around $3. Once you have paid your entrance fee there is another 2km to go until you reach the official start of the hike. 

If you have a 4×4 or quad bike, you’ll be able to drive here but if not, you’ll have to leave your cars/mopeds at the car park located close to the entrance and start your walk from this point.

The walk isn’t too tough, but I would recommend doing this at the start of the day before it gets too hot. Oh, and also remember to pack your hiking shoes as this really isnt one of those hikes you can complete in flip flops (I learnt that the hard way😅).

To see San Ramon in its full glory, it’s best to visit in the wet season between the months of May-October. 

Ometepe, Nicaragua

Charco Verde 

Charco Verde Lagoon is a picturesque reserve located on the south side of Volcan Concepcion. The lagoon is in a protected area and is home to beautiful wildlife such as monkeys, iguanas and birds. 

Entrance to the lagoon is approximately $5 and you can enjoy strolling through the trails to hopefully catch a glimpse of some of the animals that call this place home. You will also be able to visit the amazing butterfly garden, a serene spot where you can admire the mini-flying rainbows as they flutter through the air. 

Ometepe, Nicaragua
Ometepe, Nicaragua

Visit Ojo De Agua 

Literally translated to “Eye of Water” Ojo De Agua is a stunning emerald-green oasis in the middle of Ometepe. This natural pool is filled with crystal clear water flowing from a river that originates from Volcan Maderas. It is the perfect place to cool off from the strong Nicaraguan heat. There is even a rope swing, for those who really want to plunge into the spring.

Entrance to Ojo De Agua is approximately $10 and there is a restaurant on site that serves up absolutely huge portions of delicious Latin American Food. To top that off there is also a very friendly local who sells fresh Coco Locos for about $2. 

Ometepe, Nicaragua
Ometepe, Nicaragua

Kayak through Rio Itsian 

Kayaking through Rio Itsian is one of the coolest things to do in Ometepe. Did you know that Ometepe is actually a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve? Making it one of the best places in Nicaragua to immerse yourself in nature and wildlife.

You can cruise through the waterways, with the opportunity to see monkeys, crocs, turtles, and if you’re really lucky (or unlucky), even Boa Constrictors.

If you are not interested in doing a guided tour, you can rent a Kayaks from Playa Mangos for approximately $20 where you can go at your own pace. 

Sunset at Punta Jesus Maria

Only visible during the dry season, the epic sandbar and Punta Jesus Maria is a great spot to enjoy the sunset in Ometepe. 

You will be required to pay an entrance fee of $1 and will be able to take your own little picnic of drinks and snacks to enjoy the sunset with. 

The sandbar is almost an optical illusion, as it looks like a trail leading you up to the volcano. This is also a great spot to take some cool pictures. 

Chill at Playa Santo Domingo and Santa Cruz

The 4 km black sand beach of Playa Santo Domingo is one of Ometepe’s most popular spots (probably partly because it’s the largest beach on the island). There are lots of hotels and restaurants in this area, as well as a vibrant Saturday morning/afternoon market in Santa Cruz.

Make sure to come here to chill out at the beach, or for a spot of lunch on a Saturday to soak up the atmosphere. 

Playa Santo Domingo can get quite windy, in turn, the water can get quite choppy. But not to worry, its shallow and the temperature remains warm.

Ometepe, Nicaragua

Happy Exploring

I hope you have a wonderful time uncovering all of the best things to do in Ometepe. If you have any more questions about anything discussed in this blog post, please feel free to reach out!

Looking for more Nicaragua inspiration? Check out my other Nicaragua Guides. 

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I'm Christina a part-time traveller who is exploring the world around my 9-5. From canyons to coasts, I love all kinds of adventures. I've created this space to provide you with all the travel inspiration and my top tips for seeing more of this beautiful world.

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christina.inthe.clouds

Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to sto Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to stop the comparison. 
🧡 It can be so easy to do, especially on this app to compare our lives with other successes… but often we’re only seeing the end product, or highlight roll and not the years and months of work behind the scenes it took to get there. 
🧡So keep doing what your doing, keep chipping away and you’ll get there in the end.
💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s e 💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s early 30’s ladies having their early mid-life crisis facing all the decisions we have to make ⬇️
🔵 To quit or not to quit our jobs 
🔵 Wanting to change careers
🔵 Climbing the corporate ladder or going freelance 
🔵 Buying or not buying a house 
🔵 Having or not having kids 
🔵 And of course bucket list that’s wayyyyyyy to long 
Reel Idea  @the_unqualified_mum
🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the n 🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the new year that’s totally out of my Comfort zone, In a country I’ve never been to and a continent I’ve barely explored. 
🧡Whilst I’m filled with the fear, doubt and all the what ifs I’m also filled with excitement and doing something different and the opportunities that will come with that. 
🧡There’s also so much I need to do in between to make this possible so I’m also taking a huge bet on myself to which again is scary and exciting all at the same time. 
So this is your sign to do the thing ✨
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰
🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃
Some of these include
🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park
🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘
🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.
🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘
🐾It felt more natural 🍃
🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 
🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫
🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 
TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️
🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 
🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 
🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 
☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
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