Things to do in  Isla de Ometepe

The Charco Verde biological reserve gives you a taste of Ometepe’s rich biodiversity in one place. Look out for wildlife like capuchin and howler monkeys as you stroll beneath a dense canopy of ceiba trees, then hike down to a black sand beach and cool off with a dip in Lake Cocibolca. And don’t miss the butterfly garden, a small sanctuary that’s home to morpho and other tropical butterfly species.

Deep in the jungle on the southern slopes of Volcán Maderas, San Ramón Waterfall tumbles over sheer, mossy rocks into a shallow pool. Treat yourself to a dip after the challenging hike to the top, stopping along the way to admire views over Lake Cocibolca. As it’s less popular than the hike to the Maderas summit, trekking to San Ramón Waterfall lets you see a different and less visited side of Ometepe.

Step out onto the narrow strip of black sand at Punta Jesus Maria and you might feel like you’re walking on water. The beach’s distinct vantage point offers views of three volcanoes: Concepción, Maderas, and Mombacho. It’s popular for swimming, photography, and watching the sunset.

Learn more about Ometepe’s rich cultural legacy at Museo El Ceibo, which boasts one of Nicaragua’s largest archaeological collections. View over 1,500 pre-Columbian artifacts, including pottery shards, tools, gold, and funeral urns—all unearthed from right underneath your feet on Ometepe. A second display spotlights Nicaragua’s economy, where you can learn how local currency evolved from cacao beans to the córdoba.