Ometepe Island

Ometepe is an island of about 276 square kilometres formed by two volcanoes rising side by side from Lake Nicaragua, their cones joined by a low isthmus into a figure-eight. The higher, Concepción, is an active, symmetrical cone of 1,610 metres; the lower, Maderas, at 1,394 metres, is forested and holds a crater lagoon near its summit. The island has farms and banana plantations, forest, petroglyphs and the spring-fed pool of Ojo de Agua, and it draws hikers and cyclists.

What's there

• The two volcanoes - the cones of Concepción and Maderas.
• Ojo de Agua - the crystal-clear natural spring-fed pool.
• The petroglyphs - the ancient carved rock art of the island.
• The forest and wildlife - the trails, howler monkeys and birds.

When to go

November to April, the dry season, for the best weather and clearest volcano views and easier hiking, as the trails, especially up Maderas, become very muddy in the rains; the island is peaceful year-round. Allow a few unhurried days to enjoy its slow pace.

Good to know

Getting there involves a bus and a sometimes choppy ferry across the lake, and the island's roads and infrastructure are rough and rustic, so it rewards a relaxed, adventurous traveller rather than those seeking comfort or fast sightseeing. Volcano hikes, especially Maderas, are tough and muddy and need a guide.

Nearby

Granada, San Juan del Sur and the Pacific beaches are on the mainland.

Key facts