Things to do in  Ometepe

Formed by two towering volcanoes rising out of the waters of Lake Nicaragua, Concepción and Maderas, Ometepe Island (Isla de Ometepe) is one of Nicaragua’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors are drawn to the island’s colorful villages, abundant wildlife, dramatic scenery, and wide, sandy beaches. The island also has a rich ancient history and many archeological sites to explore.

Lake Nicaragua (also known as Lake Cocibolca) is Central America’s largest lake and an outdoor activity destination for locals and visitors alike. Nature lovers will enjoy bird watching from the shore, boating to the lake’s islands, or hiking the island’s volcanoes. Plus the cities around Lake Nicaragua offer many archeological sites, historic churches, and local markets to explore.

Filled with crystal clear water that comes from volcanic springs, Ojo de Agua (Eye of Water in English) is a warm swimming pool on Ometepe Island in Nicaragua. The area is divided into two watering holes; one of the pools is 131 feet (40 meters) long, almost the length of an Olympic swimming pool.

Volcán Maderas is the smaller of the two volcanoes on Ometepe Island. But the 4,600-foot (1,400-meter) volcano certainly doesn’t feel small when you’re embarking on the challenging climb to its summit, which offers views of Lake Nicaragua, Volcán Concepción, and the jade-green crater lake that sits in the volcano’s center.

Boasting the accolade of Nicaragua’s second-highest volcano, the active Concepción Volcano serves as the symbol of Ometepe Island. At 5,282 feet (1,610 meters) high, it’s much easier to spot than it is to climb, though the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular—and you might even spot a molten glimmer of lava.