Sustainable Hotels In Nicaragua: Totoco Eco Lodge

Hidden in the hills of Nicaragua’s stunning Ometepe Island, lies the magnificent Totoco Eco Lodge. Situated close to Ometepe’s virgin cloud forest, and with breathtaking 180° panoramic views, Totoco Eco Lodge provides a serene and picturesque escape from the world (and from the notorious buzzing sound of scooters on Ometepe Island) 

Totoco Eco Lodge offers jaw-dropping views of the magnificent Volcan Concepcion and the surrounding lakes of Ometepe. It is also home to a lush vibrant garden filled with rainbow-coloured flora and fauna, with an abundance of butterflies to match. 

Staying here is a truly calming experience. And as someone who spends their days looking for unique hotels and Air Bnb’s to stay in, I can say that Totoco Eco Lodge ticks every box. 

If you want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in some of Nicaragua’s finest nature, staying at Totoco Eco Lodge is for you!

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Where is Totoco Eco Lodge Located?

Totoco Eco Lodge is located in the Balgue region of Ometepe. Balgue can be found in the southern part of Ometepe, where you will find Volcan Maderas. It is approximately a 50-minute drive from the ferry port in Moyogalpa and a 35-minute drive from the ferry port in San Jose Del Sur. 

It’s important to know that Totoco Eco Lodge is situated high up in the hills. The last 1.5 km of the journey here is an unpaved and extremely bumpy road so it’s best to find/rent 4×4 transport. 

You will easily be able to catch a 4×4 taxi from both the Moyogalpa and San Jose ferry ports. The taxi from Moyogalpa should cost you no more than $30 (USD) and from San Jose Del Sur, approximately $20-25 (USD). 

You will also be able to rent quadbikes at both ferry ports, however, I wouldn’t recommend this unless you are experienced in the sport. 

What is the Accommodation like at Totoco Eco Lodge?

Totoco Eco Lodge has a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and group sizes. They do, however, only have a small number of rooms available. This is to ensure that they can continue to be as eco-friendly as possible and maintain a peaceful and calm atmosphere.

Double Lodge with Compost Toilet

The Double Lodge with Compost Toilet is the cheapest option at Totoco Eco Lodge at $65 per night and sleeps 2 people. The room comes equipped with a 4-poster bed, compost toilet (that is emptied daily), a shower and porch offering views of Volcan Concepcion. 

This room also comes with a flushing toilet option and comes in at $80 per night. 

Standard Lodge with Compost Toilet

The Standard Lodge with Compost Toilet comes in at $95 per night and sleeps 3-4 people. The room comes equipped with a 4-poster bed, a sofa bed, compost toilet (that is emptied daily), a shower and porch offering views of Volcan Concepcion and Lake Nicaragua. 

This room also comes with a flushing toilet option and comes in at $85 per night. 

Family Lodge with Compost Toilet

The Family Lodge with Compost Toilet comes in at $90 per night and sleeps up to 5 people. The room comes equipped with a double-sofa and single bunk-bed plus a 4-poster king sized bed in the main bedroom. There is also a compost toilet (that is emptied daily), a shower and porch offering garden views. 

Family House with Compost Toilet

The Family House with Compost Toilet comes in at $130 per night and sleeps up to 8 people. There are two bedrooms both with a king size bed and a bunk bed. The best part about the house is it comes with its own kitchen, plunge pool and terrace with views of Volcan Concepcion and Lake Nicaragua. 

Are there onsite restaurants at Totoco Eco Lodge?

Yes, and the food here is INCREDIBLE. 

Breakfast is included as part of your booking with choices such as a traditional Nicaraguan breakfast and pancakes,  For lunch and dinner, they have a small but mighty selection of options, including vegetarian options. I would highly recommend the Vegetable Curry, the portion was huge and one of the nicest curries I have eaten in a very long time!

More about Totoco Eco Lodge 

So, what puts the “Eco” in Totoco Eco Lodge?As quoted by Totoco themselves they try to personify and “People,Profit,Planet” stance to their business. In addition to the lodge, they also have an organic farm on the property where they breed animals and grow vegetables. 

They are passionate about having a sustainable approach to both the lodge and the farm, ensuring that they give back to the local community at the same time. Across the lodge and the farm, they have employed over 21 people and also offer volunteering opportunities for those interested in understanding more about an eco-friendly approach to business.

Pros and Cons of Staying at Totoco Eco Lodge?

Pros 

• Comfortable and spacious accommodation 
• Incredible Views 
• Restaurant with amazing food 
• Great pool 
• Peaceful 
• Surrounded by nature 
• Eco-friendly 
• Free Wifi (only available in the lobby) 

Cons 

• Far out of town 
• Creepy Crawlies (scorpians and taratulas)

BUT if there is one thing I learnt from my stay at Hotel Arenal Lodge in Costa Rica, is that any stay worthwhile with a stunning volcano view will be uphill and far away from town. And, as for the creepy crawlies; it is in the jungle afterall.

Would I stay at Totoco Eco Lodge again?

Yes, 100% In fact, I left wishing that I could stay for a few more nights (as two was just not enough!)  The lodge is super peaceful and the volcano/lake views are insane. The gardens are also stunning and I just couldn’t believe how many colourful butterflies where whizzing around the place. My favourite thing to do at Totoco Eco Lodge was to wake up before sunrise and watch as the Volcano view would reveal itself across the landscape as the night turned into day.

Looking for more hotel inspiration? Why don’t you check out my hotel reviews here.