Isla Ometepe is a beautiful volcanic island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua. Time slows down on the island and worries vanish as you swim in the freshwater lake that feels like an ocean. It was created by two volcanoes with a little strip of land connecting them.
We stayed in two different places on the island. Since we arrived at sunset we stayed close to Myogalpa at a place called Chico Largo. It was right on the water and had its own black sand beach. In the morning there were women with their children washing clothes while cattle were herded into the water for a drink.
After eating lunch with some Germans we met at the hostel, we all headed to a preserve called Chico Verde just down the road. We walked on a trail/road/off trail and back on to the trail to the view point overlooking a lagoon and the lake. Far off in the distance we could see the mainland and all of its wind turbines. There was a great black sand beach perfect for swimming and lounging next to the lagoon that we took advantage of before continuing our walk around the lagoon.
We caught a bus to the Maderas side of the island and stayed in Hostel Espirales in Santa Cruz. It was a laid back place with hammocks, beer, good food and a beach just across the road. Ben and I ended up staying a few extra days. There was more to do and see when we left, but we had to keep moving. I easily could have spent the whole trip there!
One of the days we biked up to Altagracia to get sunscreen and rum. On the way back we stopped at Ojo de Agua. It's a natural spring someone turned into a great swimming hole surrounded by lush vegetation. Sulfur filled bubbles would rise to the surface when we moved the sandy bottom. You could buy beer and the next day they were planning on opening a really big restaurant there. It also had a nice viewpoint of the island when we walked up the hill.
The next day we tried to go to the waterfall, but after a late night out no one was up early. We went biking in that direction anyway and made it to Merida. The bike ride was fun but terribly bumpy. It was one of the most uncomfortable bike rides of my life....sooo many rocks, but the scenery was outstanding and we all got to suffer through it together. Even though it wasn't easy none of us opted to take the bus back.
After we passed through the town we went swimming and then decided to kayak out to monkey island. We heard stories that the monkeys were unhealthy, starving and mean (so we didn't want to support it, but did in the end). If you do go, please bring some bananas or something for the poor little guys. While the spider monkeys looked healthy, the howler monkeys were def on the skinny side. It was Ben's first sight of monkeys in the wild and the kayaking was fun. There were great views of both volcanoes too.
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| Wind turbine and free range pigs |
The island is changing fast. Roads are getting paved, wind turbines are about to start producing electricity and more tourists keep finding out what a special place it is.
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| Biking around the island |
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| Volcan Concepcion |
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| Volcan Concepcion |
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| The island was full of birds |
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| Ben's got a flat tire a few miles away from the rental shop |
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| There is great homemade pizza up the hill at the 'hippie hostel' |
The next day we took off for Granada.
