Ometepe

This incredible island located in Lake Nicaragua is formed by two volcanoes, Concepción which rises 4,430 feet above sea level and Maderas at 3,833 feet. The presence of the Volcanoes is constant as life circles around these two colossus of nature. Myths, legends and murky historical past surround this fertile island which once served as an Indian burial ground. Many petrogliphs and stone idols are found in different archaeological sites and in the town of Altagracia as well.
The Concepcion Volcano reminds one of an old Japanese painting as it rises into the clouds. This active volcano is thought to be the most perfectly formed volcano cone in Central America. On the other end of the island is the extinct Maderas Volcano surrounded by rain forests and coffee plantations. This volcano, with a beautiful lagoon in its crater, is a perfect site for the eco-tourist.
Ometepe's first inhabitants were the Nahuas Indians who migrated from Mexico to populate the hot, volcanic Central American region we now know as Nicaragua. Following the ancient Nahuas tribe the Niquirano Indians built an important settlement on the island and their culture flourished there. Niquirano ceramics and monuments found on Ometepe still amaze visitors from throughout the world.
Today, in addition to its fame as an archaeological and nature sanctuary, Ometepe is known for its warm and friendly hospitality. Ometepe is developing tourism realizing its importance to the economy of the island. Already, several small hotels accommodate visitors wishing to enjoy the island's beautiful beaches or fish in the warm offshore waters.
Numerous religious and folkloric festivals are also celebrated in the towns and villages of the island. The two main towns are the island's port Moyogalpa and Altagracia, on the eastern side of the island which is treasured for the idols which decorate the atrium of the temple.
The island's villages are linked by roads which wind through fertile coffee and tobacco plantations. The visitor may experience this wealth of natural bounty on a two hour automobile ride around the island.
Visitors strolling around the base of the Concepcion Volcano are treated to a splendid view of the lake and are usually accompanied on their walk by a very noisy group of howler monkeys. To climb the volcano takes about five hours, but the view of the active crater, the lake and both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans is well worth the effort.
The island is a storehouse of myth and legend. The small bay known as Charco Verde (Green Pond) is the entrance to just that sort of enchanted place. On Good Friday, the story goes, a blonde woman appears at noon combing her hair with a golden comb. On Ometepe, amidst the exotic vegetation, animal and bird life and colorful blooms, it almost seems that anything is possible.
The tour follows the road around both volcanoes and along the narrow strip that connects them. Ometepe is a soft adventure tour. The elements in the itinerary are in full interaction with nature from the moment you leave Granada across the Lake and throughout the entire expedition.
Hydrofoil service departs from the Granada pier, which is the best way to go, only on Saturdays and Sundays. By Hydrofoil the trip takes only 50 minutes. You can also reach Ometepe via the port of San Jorge in Rivas, near the border with Costa Rica, where you can take a scheduled ship for a 1 hour ride to the island.

Boat Schedule:

From Granada Departs Sat. & Sun 9:00am

Returns same days 4:30pm

From San Jorge Departs Daily 10:00, 11:00, Noon, 2:00, 3:30, 5:00, 6:00

Returns Daily 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 1:30, 4:00

Highlights:

Sightseeing tour around the volcanos.
"Punta La Paloma", (Pigeons point) is a beautiful peninsula covered with trees, giving the visitor cool shade all day. The view is incredible. It is a few minutes from Moyogalpa.
"Santo Domingo Beach", a narrow strip of white sand beach between two volcanoes. There are local restaurants. Nearby there is a cool and crystal clear natural spring water creek.
"Altagracia", an old Indian settlement that evolved into a small sleepy town. The old Spanish church with its collection of Indian stone idols is a good photographic spot
"The local museum": with a collection of old Indian pottery and other findings.
"Maderas Volcano Climbing", only for those in good physical conditions. The ascent takes 5 to 6 hours, but reaching the top with the small lagoon is worth the effort. The best time of the year for this climb is December to April. During the rainy season it is much more difficult.
"Nature Observations": along the tour you will be able to see monkeys and birds.
"Valle Verde": beautiful coves surrounded by nature.

Hotels:
Moyogalpa: El Pirata: small town 10 room hotel. Some with air-conditioning. Private bathrooms. Good food. Car rental available in the hotel.
Ometepel: small town hotel. 10 air-conditioned rooms. Good food. Car rental also available.
Cari: small town hotel. 17 air-conditioned rooms, smaller rooms than the other two hotels.

Other Areas: [Bluefields] [Corn Island] [Granada & The Isletas] [Leon] [Managua] [Masaya]
[Los Pueblos] [Ometepe] [Rio San Juan] [Selva Negra] [Solentiname]

Boat Schedule:
From Granada	Departs Sat. & Sun	9:00am
	Returns same days	4:30pm
From San Jorge	Departs Daily	10:00, 11:00, Noon, 2:00, 3:30, 5:00, 6:00
	Returns Daily	6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 1:30, 4:00