Ometepe Island 1-day itinerary

Take the early ferry from San Jorge (near Rivas) across Lake Nicaragua to Moyogalpa on Ometepe's western shore. The 1-hour crossing gives you your first view of the twin volcanoes — Concepción's perfect cone rising to 1,610m on the left and the forested dome of Maderas (1,394m) on the right. From Moyogalpa, rent a scooter or take a taxi to Ojo de Agua — a pair of natural spring-fed swimming pools surrounded by tropical gardens. The crystal-clear water is cool, refreshing, and mineral-rich.

Rent a bicycle and ride the road that circles the isthmus connecting the two volcanoes. The flat stretch between Ojo de Agua and the village of Altagracia passes through farmland, banana plantations, and small communities. Stop at the pre-Columbian petroglyph museum in Altagracia where carved stone statues depicting gods and animals line the path of the village park.

Find a spot on the isthmus between the two volcanoes — Playa Santo Domingo is ideal — and watch the sun set over Lake Nicaragua with Concepción's silhouette against the fading sky. The beach is made of dark volcanic sand and the water is warm and calm. Eat dinner at one of the simple beach restaurants — fresh lake fish with plantain and rice.