Laguna de Olomega

Olomega is a shallow freshwater lake of around twenty-four square kilometres in the east of the country, fed by rivers from the surrounding hills and draining toward the Gulf of Fonseca, with villages around the shore that live from fishing: tilapia, guapote and shrimp are worked from canoes and small boats. It is a Ramsar site, with reed and hyacinth fringes, herons, cormorants, jacanas and wintering waterfowl. Isla Olomega in the lake can be reached by boat. The level varies considerably with the season and the lake has suffered from sedimentation and from the spread of water hyacinth. The village of Olomega on the northern shore is the access point.

What you actually see

• The open lake - the shallow water and its reed fringes.
• Fishing canoes - the boats worked from the shore villages.
• Waterbirds - herons, cormorants and wintering waterfowl.
• The island - Isla Olomega, reached by boat from the shore.

When to go

November to March for the birds and the driest access; the lake is at its fullest at the end of the rains. Early morning is best for birds and for seeing the fishing. Boats are hired at the village.

Honest expectations

Water hyacinth covers large areas and has choked parts of the lake. There is no visitor infrastructure and boats are arranged informally. Facilities in the villages are minimal. Mosquitoes are severe.

Nearby

San Miguel lies northwest; the Gulf of Fonseca is southeast.