Isla de Ometepe is an island in Lake Nicaragua. It is a must-see if you come to Nicaragua. These twin volcanic islands are a remote escape. The volcanoes are visible from everywhere on the island, and life on Ometepe revolves closely around them. They also play an important part in the myths and legends of the island, which once served as an Indian burial ground. There are only a few small settlements on the island, along with a number of small coffee plantations. The most important villages on the island are Moyogalpa, with its harbour, and Altagracia on the eastern side of the island. Many traditions are kept alive here. They celebrate more religious and folk festivals than anywhere else in Nicaragua. Today, Ometepe is developing tourism and eco-tourism, with its archaeological past, the bounty of its nature sanctuary, the exotic vegetation and its animal and bird life as trump cards.

Sightseeing
Reserva Charco Verde is a nature reserve with abundant wildlife on the southern part of the island, where you can swim, hike, ride horseback and go kayaking. A hike into the jungle nearby will allow you to view howler monkeys and numerous wild birds. The cone of Volcán Maderas is an arduous day-trip that will bring you to a small lake in the heart of the volcano's cone.

Getting there
You can get to the island by boat or ferry from San Jorge near Rivas. In the winter it's best to take the ferry as the water can be quite rough.