Nicaragua really is the land of volcanoes, they’re everywhere! Two of the most stunning are found on Isla de Ometepe, an island formed by two volcanoes rising out of the Lake of Nicaragua. The island is a well known stop on the backpacker trail due to its magical beauty and laidback feel.
We went for a few days, travelling south from Granada and catching a ferry across to the island. We got on the ferry just before sunset and were lucky to approach the island under the magical glow of the setting sun.
We went for a few days, travelling south from Granada and catching a ferry across to the island. We got on the ferry just before sunset and were lucky to approach the island under the magical glow of the setting sun.
We stayed at Captain Morgan’s, recommended by Lonely Planet, which turned out to be fantastic. I’m always wary of well known backpacker places, worried that everyone will be on their Gap Yah or worse, but this one turned out to be great. Set in lush gardens and all built in home-made tree house style, we had a romantic double bed in the dorm! They offered a different dinner option each night and had some great advice on things to do around the island.
We hired bikes and set off in search of the famous petroglyphs – ancient rock carvings that are scattered all over the island, dating as far back as 1000 B.C. The island is referred to by archaeologists as the Island of circles and spirals due to the intricate carvings found there.
Unfortunately we set off in the wrong direction – standard, and ended up cycling for 7 hours without seeing very much at all other than the beautiful coast line. On our way back we stopped off at El Ojo de Agua (The Eye of Water), a pool formed by a natural spring. The water was cool and clear, perfect after 7 hours of bike riding hell (Omeptepe has a lot of hills!). We sipped our cervezas and cooled off before getting attacked my mozzies and heading back for some relaxing reading time.
For info on Ometepe click here
SURVIVAL TIP:
Check your bikes thoroughly before setting off (a fellow rider had a lot of trouble with his) and plan your route. Any roads off the main highway are extremely uneven so be prepared to take a long time travelling a small distance.
SURVIVAL TIP:
Check your bikes thoroughly before setting off (a fellow rider had a lot of trouble with his) and plan your route. Any roads off the main highway are extremely uneven so be prepared to take a long time travelling a small distance.
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