Nicaragua’s Island of Volcanoes

Lake Nicaragua is the second largest lake in Latin America after Peru and Bolivia’s Lake Titicaca, and is home to a little known ‘island of volcanoes’.  A few miles off the western shore of the lake lies the volcanic island of Ometepe.  This magnificent twin-peaked island rises majestically from the lake.  Ometepe is an intensely volcanic island that is steeped in tradition and mystery.  Originally home to the indigenous Nahuatl people, today it is  an alluring destination for travelers offering sandy beaches, freshwater swimming holes, mountain bike and horseback riding, hiking trails, beautiful scenery and of course the two breathtaking volcanoes (one active, one dormant).

Isla Ometepe should not be missed on any visit to Nicaragua.  Offering in a nutshell a little bit of everything Nicaragua has to offer in a delightfully relaxed and safe environment, it’s easily accessed by ferry form the lakeside town of San Jorge, an hour south of the colonial city of Granada.  There are two main towns and a number of smaller villages on the island, home to 38,000 people.  Most of them live an agrarian lifestyle, harvesting plantains, corn, coffee, rice and sugarcane.

The main draw of the island are the two perfectly conical volcanoes – the still active Concepción, at 5282 ft (1610m) and dormant Maderas, at 4573 ft (1394m) high, that dominate the skyline.  Volcán Concepción’s slopes are covered in tropical dry forest and has had several major eruptions, as well as a number of smaller rumblings, most recently in 2009.  Volcán Maderas is an extinct volcano whose crater contains a lagoon and slopes carpeted in more tropical forest, including a section of cloud forest at the top.  Both can be climbed on day trips.

Other than climbing volcanoes, there are some beautiful natural areas to visit on the island, including the Reserva Charco Verde, where visitors can swim in the lake, accompanied by the sounds of howler monkeys in the treetops, and flashes of color as tropical birds fly by.  This area is a real oasis of peace, and it’s easy to rent boats, kayaks or horses for the day to explore deeper.

Another highlight is the Ojo de Agua – a freshwater swimming hole consisting of two crystal clear spring fed natural stone pools set in the middle of a beautiful and tranquil botanical garden.  It’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot afternoon.  The Río Istián is a beautiful river, best visited in the early morning, raucous with the sound of tropical birds, and is easily visited in a few hours.

The island is surrounded with sandy beaches.  Some are prettier than others, and the sand color ranges from yellow, to grey to volcanic black.  Each is unique and all are practically deserted and a great place to get away from it all.  Playa Santo Domingo is a narrow wedge of land that connects the two volcanoes and is also home to a few of the island’s hotels.  Most of the island’s accommodation is simple and comfortable although not luxurious.  Many of the hotels fall into the 2-3 star range, although there are plans to construct a luxury ecolodge on the island.  Most visitors, even those staying in luxury accommodations on the ‘mainland’ are happy to spend a night or two in more rustic accommodations in order to experience this beautiful island.

Isla Ometepe is still relatively unknown, but with the ever-increasing popularity of Nicaragua as a tourist destination, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes more popular.  Now is definitely the time to visit before the crowds discover Nicaragua’s island of volcanoes.

Learn more about our unique, experiential journeys of a lifetime to Nicaragua including Isla Ometepe on our website – www.blueworldjourneys.com/nicaragua.html