10 Incredible Things To Do In Ometepe, Nicaragua

Situated in the midst of the incredible Lake Nicaragua, lies the magnificent Ometepe Island.

It’s truly an island unlike any other, with two towering volcanoes (Concepción and Maderas) rising out of Lake Cocibolca. The lush island offers a backdrop so striking it barely looks real. Add in freshwater springs, black-sand beaches, and some seriously laid-back vibes, and it’s no surprise Ometepe is fast becoming a must-stop for travellers in Central America.

After spending 10 days travelling through Nicaragua, Ometepe was hands-down one of my favourite stops—and I don’t say that lightly.

From kayaking with monkeys to soaking in spring-fed pools and hiking volcanoes (if your legs are up for the challenge!), this island truly offers something for every kind of traveller.

For those planning a trip here soon, I’ll walk you through the absolute best things to do in Ometepe, so whether you’re craving adventure or just want to swing in a hammock with a fresh coconut, you’ll know exactly where to go.

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Prepare for your trip to Ometepe

Best Things to Do in Ometepe

If you only have a day or two in Ometepe, my must-dos are renting a scooter, visiting the natural pools of Ojo De Agua, and heading to Playa Mangos for sunset.

However, there are loads of ways to spend your time in Ometepe, so I hope you have time for everything on this list!

1. Explore the Island By Scooter

One of the most popular things to do on Ometepe Island is to rent a scooter for the day (or multiple days). 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, the buses are not on a frequent schedule, and not all routes will take you to where you want to go.

Therefore, renting a scooter is a much more efficient and economical option. 

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! 

2. 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.  

It’s a big upgrade from a lot of the hostels in Nicaragua — even the really nice ones. So, I highly recommend staying here (even just for the night) so that you can experience this true gem of Ometepe.

3. Hike Volcan Concepcion and Maderas.

Hiking either of the volcanoes on Ometepe is undoubtedly not for the faint-hearted. Of all the Ometepe hikes you could choose, these are by far the most challenging!

You also can’t speed down them on an epic volcano board (that happens on Volcan Cerro Negro)

If you are set on hiking, I have listed below the comparison to help you narrow down your choice. 

Volcan Concepcion Hike

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

Volcan Maderas Hike

• 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. 

4. 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 on-site restaurant, kayaks to rent, and a very Instagrammable rope swing dangling above the water.

If you want to experience the best of Playa Mangos, come here in the 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 Ometepe activities.

This was hands down one of my favourite ways to end a day full of Ometepe activities, so do not miss this. 

5. 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 are 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 isn’t one of those hikes you can complete in flip-flops (I learned 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 and October. 

6. Charco Verde 

Charco Verde Lagoon is a picturesque reserve located on the south side of Volcan Concepcion. The lagoon is located in a protected area and is home to a diverse array of beautiful wildlife, including 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. 

7. 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. 

8. Kayak through Rio Itsian 

Did you know that Ometepe is actually a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve?

That means it’s one of the best places in Nicaragua to immerse yourself in nature and wildlife.

In my opinion, Kayaking through Rio Itsian is the best way to do that, and easily one of the coolest things to do in Ometepe.

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 kayaking in Pmetepe, I recommend doing so through a guided tour. You can rent a kayak from Playa Mangos for approximately $20, where you can go at your own pace. 

9. Sunset at Punta Jesus Maria

Only visible during the dry season, the epic sandbar and Punta Jesus Maria are great spots 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. 

10. 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, it’s shallow and the temperature remains warm.

Happy Exploring

I hope you have a wonderful time uncovering all of the best things to do in Ometepe, Nicaragua.

Whether you end up taking on the volcano hikes, swimming in jungle springs, or catching sunsets at the beach, Ometepe has a way of working its magic on every kind of traveller. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, soak it all in, and I still talk about it all the time!

Also, if you’re building out your Nicaragua itinerary and want more recommendations (specifically about different islands around the country, I’d specifically recommend making the effort to travel over to Little Corn Island.

You can check out all my favourite things to do on Little Corn Island here!