Granada , Nicaragua

Classic Ometepe Island

Active

(8 reviews)

9h - 13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The name Ometepe means ‘two hills’ in the native ‘náhuatl’ language. The island measures 276 square kilometers and it houses two majestic volcanoes connected through a small strip of land.

Ometepe is currently one of the destinations admired by both local and international tourists for its nature, hospitality, beautiful landscapes, the two volcanoes, a rich archeological background, relaxing beaches and its numerous natural reserves and forests with high biodiversity.

The island is currently inhabited by friendly people who love their territory, dedicated to fishing and high-quality agricultural production which is made possible by the fertile soil. More recently, the ometepinos (inhabitants of Ometepe) have started to attend tourists and nowadays the island houses numerous establishments offering lodging, food, tours, and other services that enable tourists from all over the world to visit and explore this paradise.

Available options

Pickup from Ometepe Island

Pick up from Ometepe Island<br/>Pickup included

Pickup from Granada

Pickup from Granada<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bilingual Tour Guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Entrance to atractions mentioned above

Ferry Tickets if coming from Granada

Transportation (Granada-San Jorge Port / Ometepe)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Punta Jesus Maria is the most western point of Ometepe. A narrow strip of sand stretches out into Lake Nicaragua, which can reach as far as 1 kilometer into the lake during the dry season.
You can walk on this strip of sand, with water splashing in from both the left and the right. During the rainy season, however, the water level of the lake rises and this strip of sand can disappear.

Stop 2

The natural reserve Charco Verde is a protected area located between the two volcanoes of Ometepe, at the bottom part of the island. The area encompasses a lagoon, forest, and a beach.

The lagoon is called Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) and it is closed off from the lake by only a thin strip of land. The lagoon provides a shelter place for many birds.

The beach of Charco Verde is one of the best beaches on Ometepe. The quiet and rather private beach called Bancon is perfect for swimming and relaxing. You can hike through the forest to this beach and back to the entrance of the reserve, which will take around one hour if you do not stop at the beach. During the hike, you can enjoy nature and you can also observe the mainland which is visible on the horizon from this side of the island.

Imagine a place where you could relax under the shade of the tropical forest and bathe in volcanic water, sipping coconut water. This amazing place exists in Ometepe and is called the Ojo de Agua! The Ojo de Agua is located in the community of Santo Domingo, in the municipality of Altagracia, Ometepe Island.

The water from this natural pool, known under the name of Ojo de Agua, comes directly from the Concepción Volcano. Because it is volcanic water, it is very rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, and sodium. All those chemical components have properties that help diminishing fever, muscular pain, stress, some allergies, and some people say that they even help rejuvenate!

Embark on a serene journey to Playa Mango, a hidden gem on the breathtaking Ometepe Island. Nestled along the island's tranquil western shore, Playa Mango offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, relaxation, and authentic Nicaraguan culture.

What's not included

Services not listed on the itinerary

Lunch

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Tour Guide Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

What to Bring?

Appropriate Clothing

Proper Shoes

Rain Jacket (On Winter)

Bottle of Water

Sunscreen

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Towel and swimsuit

Important notes

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

About Granada

Granada is a charming colonial city known for its well-preserved Spanish architecture, vibrant culture, and proximity to Lake Nicaragua. It's one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Nicaragua, offering a mix of history, adventure, and relaxation.

Top Attractions

La Merced Church

A stunning colonial church with a beautiful yellow facade and a prominent bell tower. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in Granada.

Historical 30 minutes Free

Lake Nicaragua

The largest lake in Central America, offering a variety of water activities and beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes.

Nature Half day to full day Varies by activity

Masaya Volcano

An active volcano with a crater that can be visited for stunning views and a unique experience.

Nature 2-3 hours USD 10-20

Granada Cathedral

A beautiful colonial cathedral with a distinctive pink facade and a rich history.

Historical 30 minutes Free

Eloy Alfaro Market

A bustling market offering a variety of local products, from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gallo Pinto

A traditional breakfast dish made with rice and beans, often served with eggs, plantains, and tortillas.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Vigorón

A typical dish made with yuca, pork rinds, and cabbage slaw, often served with a spicy sauce.

Lunch Can be made vegetarian

Nacatamales

A traditional dish made with masa (corn dough) filled with pork, potatoes, and vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

Lunch Contains pork

Quesillo

A traditional snack made with a thin tortilla filled with cheese, onions, and a spicy tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Volcano hiking Kayaking Zip-lining Beach relaxation Spas and wellness Café hopping Museum visits Cultural tours

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with sunny days and cool evenings. It's the best time for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO)

Time Zone

CST (UTC-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Granada is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Use reputable taxi companies

Getting there

By air

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport • 50 km from Granada
Granada Airport • 10 km from Granada

By bus

Managua Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are the most common form of public transport in Granada. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: No widely used taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center San Antonio La Calzada

Day trips

Masaya Volcano

15 km • Half day

An active volcano with a crater that can be visited for stunning views and a unique experience.

Ometepe Island

30 km • Full day

A beautiful island in Lake Nicaragua formed by two volcanoes, offering a variety of outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

Apoyo Lagoon

20 km • Half day

A beautiful lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation, offering a variety of water activities and relaxation.

Festivals

Fiesta de San Antonio • June 13 Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asunción • August 15 Granada International Poetry Festival • February

Pro tips

Visit the rooftop bars for stunning views of the city and the volcanoes
Take a boat tour of Lake Nicaragua and visit the nearby islands
Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and handmade crafts
Try traditional Nicaraguan dishes at local restaurants and street food stalls
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals