Ometepe, Nicaragua: 10 Ways it’s the BEST hidden gem in Central America

Our 2-month trek across the incredible, diverse landscapes of Central America has brought us to so many incredible places. From ancient Maya cities to live, erupting volcanos, to quaint, colorful colonial towns drowning with incredible coffee, Central America has so much to offer. But when we finally made it to Ometepe, Nicaragua, we were in for a massive surprise.

Ometepe had to be our favorite hidden gem across Central America. It’s unique, it’s fun, it’s just epic.

Here are 10 reasons you should visit Ometepe Island, Nicaragua on your next trip to Central America:
1. The whole island is literally not one, but two volcanos inside a massive lake
2. Ometepe is the Bali of Central America
3. The biggest volcano is 1600m (5200ft) tall!
4. People here are some of the friendliest we have ever met
5. Ometepe has its own unique micro-culture
6. Some of Central America’s coolest eco-lodges are featured in Ometepe
7. Hiking Concepcion Volcano is one of the most fun, grueling activities to do in Nicaragua
8. You’ll see the best sunset views in Nicaragua
9. Horseback riding on volcanic beaches is a thing here
10. You can fly to Ometepe for less than $60 with epic scenic views!

1. The island is made up of one two volcanos

The first time I actually saw Ometepe island was on a flight to Central America years ago. I had no idea what the hell I was looking at out of the window except for two volcanos in the middle of a lake. But I knew I had to go there someday.

The island of Ometepe literally is two volcanoes sitting in the middle of a huge lake. You have the active Volcan de Concepción and Volcan de Maderas. You can hike up to a lagoon on top of the Volcan de Concepción, where you can be in a lagoon, on a volcano, on an island, in a lake, in Nicaragua, land mostly created by volcanos. Volcanoception. That’s like the coolest thing, ever.

2. It’s the Bali of Central America

In our travels, we were hoping to find something similar to Bali somewhere. First, we tried Tulum. That was wayyyyy too Americanized. (Even if beautiful). Then we hoped Antigua Guatemala would bring us some hippie vibes. It was awesome, but nothing like Bali. But when we set out on the 70-minute ferry across to Ometepe, we didn’t expect we would find anything here.

So far, the hippies:population ratio here has been the highest we’ve seen. It’s actually been rare to see tourists at all on our trip, so it’s a welcome site. Here, you can find more yoga and meditation retreats than Pollolandia restaurants – a welcome change from what we’d seen before. And for once, vegetarian and vegan food that’s not just side dishes!

That being said, it doesn’t have quite the raw beauty and wow-factor of Indonesia. But it’s probably as close as you’re gonna get on this side of the world.

3. The volcano stands over 5000ft tall in the middle of a giant lake

When you first drive off the ferry, you’re facing the Volcan de Concepción head-on. The first half kilometer of your voyage forces your face to lock itself straight ahead and your eyes to open up big as you slowly approach this behemoth of a volcano.

When you realize that the ground beneath you used to be lava, you start to admire the work of time. Rainfall creating gorgeous ravines, trees growing against all odds, and all the creation and destruction over millions of years. It’s hard to imagine just how powerful these volcanos are. But I’m certainly glad that the floor isn’t lava anymore.

4. People here are super friendly, hospitable, and welcoming

Unfortunately, our experience driving a car on the island involved two flat tires (because Sixt gave us a faulty spare tire) and a lot of running around. Fortunately, the people were more than willing to give us a hand. And though we spent a lot of time walking around all sorts of neighborhoods, we never once felt uncomfortable.

Story time.

Here we were driving in the middle of nowhere when one of our tires literally exploded. I pulled out the jack, spent the next 15 minutes laboriously rotating the ridiculously inefficient handle, learned how to take the spare off the bottom of a Chinese-built car, and chucked it on there. Since my hands were as dirty as they’ve probably ever been in my life, we knocked on someone’s door to ask if I could wash my hands.

What I experienced next was true kindness. This older couple was living the true rural life; no running water, no electricity. Yet, they volunteered to grab some water from probably their only container and some soap to help me out. It was: 1) a realization of just how spoiled we are back home, 2) a genuine display of hospitality. (Side note: NEVER rent a DFSK or any other Chinese-built car.)

5. Ometepe feels like a world of its own

Have you seen those movies where people decide to create their own country for fun? That’s kind of what Ometepe is like. There’s no hustle and bustle of bus city streets.

Instead, the island harbors this rare sort of rural feel – without actually being rural. When you take the ferry across to Omepete, it feels more like you’re traveling through time instead of space. Off the boat is a land that feels like the good ol’ days, plus a couple creature comforts of today’s world.

With this rural feel comes a natural trust. It seems that everyone here knows each other, and there’s a great sense of community. We haven’t met locals who’ve lived their whole lives here with no intention of leaving, and expats who couldn’t leave once they stepped foot.

6. Ometepe has some of the coolest ecolodges in Central America

When staying in Ometepe, you basically have two choices: the beach, or the jungle. We chose both.

Jungle: Totoco Eco-Lodge (Balgüe, Ometepe)

We have an absolutely fantastic stay at the Totoco Eco-Lodge. It’s about a 45-minute drive from the ferry dock in Moyogalpa, and it’s truly in the jungle. The noise of the parrots, white-tailed magpies, cicadas, crickets, and nighttime rainfall provide a soothing melody to fall asleep to. The food is just absolutely sublime, and the service is some of the beach we had in all of Nicaragua. Truly top-notch.

Beach: Xalli, Ometepe Beach Hotel (San Fernando, Ometepe)

We stayed at Xalli our last night and wish we had stayed longer. The constant, calming wind blowing off the beach of Playa Santo Domingo just feels rejuvenating. Hearing the waves and being surrounded by tropical vegetation combined with the great hospitality, delicious food, and comfortable rooms make for a wonderful stay.

7. Volcan de Concepcion is an epic, grueling hike you don’t want to miss

Volcan Concepcion is Ometepe’s massive freestanding volcano, and it’s an epic 16km up to the top. At 1600m tall, it’s no joke, and you’ll definitely want a guide to get there (it’s mandatory anyway!).

Most people take about 10 hours to complete this challenging hike, and not everyone makes it to the top. Still, the adventure is worth it – and so are the views!

Alternative activity: Check out a waterfall on the other volcano

With volcanos typically come waterfalls and Ometepe is no exception here. Make sure to check out the cascada (waterfall) de San Ramón, located on the southern volcano, Maderas. You can hike there in a couple hours or go horseback riding as part of a tour.

8. You’ll have the best sunset views in all of Nicaragua

Head to Playa Mangos for the best sunsets view of Ometepe

I didn’t actually find this one. My girlfriend, Andi, had seen a spectacular picture on instagram and gave me no choice but to come here. As soon as I walked into the beach, I was in love. Not just with her, but also with the scenery.

We sat under massive ceiba trees enjoying a spectacular sunset with wild horses running around and a volcano in the background. And to our surprise, the food was actually good! They really didn’t have to make their product that great, but they did. And that’s what makes eating at Playa Mangos a must-do on the island.

Go on a kayak tour for even better views

Kayaks and canoes are available all over the island, but if you’re already at Playa Mangos, they offer rentals starting at just $15. You can enjoy the raw nature of the island, lined with volcanic sand, palm trees, ceiba trees, mangroves, wild horses, cows, and more. The water in Ometepe is relatively calm and makes for great kayaking for anyone.

9. Guided horseback tours of the island are a thing here!

Wind in your hair, sun on your back, stunning volcanos in your eyes, and a saddle between your legs, there’s nothing like it.

Guided horseback tours are available on the island of Ometepe from the beautiful Finca Montana Sagrada, an organic farm in the south of the island. It’s one of the coolest activities to partake in on Ometepe.

10. You can fly to Ometepe Island for less than $60 per person!

La Costena Airlines has started flights to Ometepe for as low as $57.50 per person, which is absolutely amazing.

You may have to contact the airline directly to find out more about the schedule and booking a ticket, but flying in a 12-seater with those incredible views of the island would be an experience on its own.

How to get to Ometepe from Mainland Nicaragua by land

Flights are somewhat limited into Nicaragua. Avianca is one of the main airlines operating into the international airport in Managua. This means you could have to connect in San Salvador if flying from the US.

Another (probably easier) option is to take a direct flight to Liberia, Costa Rica and then take ground transport to Nicaragua. Tica Bus is a great, reliable bus company we took many times in Central America. Our pick this time was to rent a car to the border, walk across, then rent a car from the border on the other side. This was basically seamless and we highly recommend Alamo.

Once in the country, you’ll have to drive or take a bus or shuttle to the ferry terminal in San Jorge, Rivas. There, you have almost hourly ferry service to Moyagalpa, Ometepe island. If you have a car, make sure to take a ferry – not a lancha. And we highly recommend reserving ahead if you have a car (by phone) because the ferries fill up fast. Show up at least 45 minutes ahead of departure.

_{Note: as an affiliate, I can receive commissions, at no charge to you, if you clink an above link and purchase any product listed. My reviews are 100% honest; I own/have owned every single type of suitcase listed above and do not compromise.}

RELATED:

Travel to the Dominican Republic: how it’s changed.

10 Reasons I Loved Traveling to Guatemala