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Rising proudly from the waters of Lake Nicaragua (the world's largest freshwater lake), Ometepe Island is made up of two magnificent volcanic cones and is a more than impressive sight as you gaze across to its shores.
Consisting of 276 square kilometers of unspoiled forest frequented by monkeys, armadillo, opossum and deer — on a clear day the views are simply spectacular. The lake crossing can be choppy but is a well worthwhile and wonderful trip.
The word Ometepe developed from the original Aztecs' name for the island, Ome Tepelth, which means two hills. These days it has a population of 35,000, but the remnants of this ancient civilization can be seen in petroglyphs around the island.
The people of Ometepe are said to be the kindest in Nicaragua, mainly because the civil wars never reached the island and it is a charming insight into times gone past, with tiny villages, unpaved roads and locals riding ox-carts.
There are two main villages of note. The busy port of Moyogalpa where you will arrive on the island and Altagracia to the northern side of Concepcion which is more charming.
You have a tour of the highlights of the island before ending with lunch at a local hotel. In the afternoon you will retrace your steps back across the lake and transfer onward from San Jorge.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Nicaragua specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Granada City Tour
This tour takes in the "La Merced" church, the house of the Zamora family, the impressive brightly painted cathedral, the famous "Casa de Los Tres Mundos" and the San Francisco convent with its iconic blue fa莽ade.
Masaya Volcano Tour by Night
The main area of interest here is the massive Santiago crater that was created between the Nindiri and Masaya volcanoes. Eruptions took place frequently during the 1900s until the crater eventually collapsed in 1985.
